Emergency workers are piloting a new initiative to help support staff following traumatic incidents.

Experts in counselling and support skills at Bradford University are involved in the training of staff from West Yorkshire Police and the county's ambulance service.

The aim is for managers to be able to identify any difficulties staff may have after dealing with incidents - either work-related or personal.

Six delegates were taking part in the pilot course which started today at the ambulance headquarters at Birkenshaw.

Detective Inspector Andy Ritcher, head of management training at West Yorkshire Police, said: "Police and ambulance staff care all highly trained in carrying out their difficult roles, but can still be caught out by some of the traumatic incidents they are called upon to deal with or by events which occur in their personal lives.

"The training to be provided will enable their managers to identify problems more easily and ensure those involved receive the help which they need and deserve.

"As we often deal with incidents side-by-side with our colleagues in the other emergency services, it seemed to make common sense to train together."

John Sutherland, training director for West Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance Service, said: "This is a great opportunity for the two emergency services to work together in the training environment because we work together regularly. Training together can only strengthen that working relationship."

The aim is not to interfere with the role of the existing occupational health services available to staff of both emergency services, but to provide additional support.

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