The British fire service has for many years taken an active role in road traffic accidents, where people are trapped in damaged vehicles. The main part of this report is concerned with the equipment carried by, or available to, the fire service for use in road traffic accident situations. Particular attention is given to the hydraulically operated rescue tools which are coming increasingly into use since this was the area, above all, in which brigades believed a useful contribution could be made. A medical mans viewpoint is given by Dr NN at Bath Royal United Hospital. Dr NN has for many years been closely involved in trauma treatment and life saving "accident surgery", often working in close liaison with the fire service.