With nearly three decades of experience across frontline firefighting, technical rescue, offshore environments, and specialist training, Red One instructor Sam Wake is someone who brings calm professionalism and a wealth of practical knowledge to every course. He’s modest by nature, but his steady approach and ability to put learners at ease have made him a respected member of the Red One team.
Below, Sam shares a look into his journey, his teaching philosophy, and what it means to train people for high-risk rescue work.
Background and Experience
1. What originally drew you to technical rescue after leaving the London Fire Brigade?
I knew I wanted to use the experience I already had, and I always enjoyed the teaching side of the job. Technical rescue felt like the right place to continue growing while helping others do the same.
2. How did your early experiences in the Fire Service shape the instructor you are today?
Working in the London Fire Brigade taught me how to deal with people from every walk of life. It pushed me to think on my feet, adapt quickly, and communicate clearly – skills I still rely on every day.
The training I received back then was exceptional. It gave me a solid technical base and the confidence to operate in challenging environments. Even now, I look back and appreciate just how strong that foundation was.
Daily Responsibilities
3. What does a typical day look like for you as a Red One instructor?
My days are incredibly varied. I could be delivering any of the 25 courses we offer. A few days beforehand, I’ll be prepping setting up the course, checking equipment, and tailoring the material to the needs of the delegates.
Every group is different, and at Red One we take pride in adapting our training to their industries and environments. Within qualification limits, we shape the course to make it as relevant and practical as possible.
If I’m not teaching, I’m managing equipment, helping design new courses, supporting clients who call in for advice, or assisting other parts of the business like the nuclear power station at Hinkley Point or the Devonport Dockyard on training needs or new tasks.
4. How do you balance preparation, teaching, and assessment during a course day?
We constantly adjust the training to suit the abilities in the room. Some delegates come in with higher skill levels, and I’ll look for ways to challenge them while ensuring others master the basics.
Assessment can be the toughest part. Sometimes we have to fail a delegate, and that’s not easy knowing it may affect their livelihood. But we also can’t sign anyone off unless we’re completely confident they’re safe and capable. We take that responsibility seriously.
Water Rescue & the River Dart
5. You’ve mentioned that you really enjoy delivering Water Rescue courses at the River Dart – what makes that location so special?
It’s an outstanding venue with varied training spots throughout the River Dart Country Park. The environment offers genuine challenges that bring out the best in delegates.
The support there is great, the atmosphere is always positive, and students leave feeling like they’ve really achieved something. I’ve genuinely never had a bad day there.
6. What skills do students develop most effectively in that environment?
Confidence. Hazard recognition. Understanding real-world risk and putting the right safety measures in place. They walk away knowing they can apply those skills immediately in their own work environments.
7. Can you share a memorable moment from teaching at the River Dart?
I once taught a delegate who joined a Swift Water Rescue course to overcome a lifelong fear of swimming – his father had thrown him into water when he was five.
He didn’t pass the first time because of anxiety, but we supported him with a development plan, including swimming lessons. He returned, and we ensured he had an instructor working closely with him.
He passed. Watching someone push past something that has held them back their whole life – that’s incredibly rewarding.
Instructor Mindset and Challenges
8. What do you find most rewarding about being an instructor?
Helping someone achieve something they didn’t believe they could do. I’m a teacher at heart, and I enjoy sharing my skills in a way that keeps people motivated and enjoying themselves.
9. What are some of the biggest challenges in teaching high-risk rescue skills?
There’s a lot of content, and it comes fast. We recap constantly to help it stick, but students still need to practise after the course to keep their skills sharp.
We’re signing people off to work in high-risk environments, so we always ask ourselves, “Would I be confident working with this person in a real incident?” If the answer isn’t yes, they aren’t ready.
10. How do you help build confidence in students who are nervous or unsure?
Feedback – lots of it. We highlight what they’re doing well, give specific areas for improvement, and provide the exact steps they need to get there.
Professional Development
11. How do you stay current with the latest rescue techniques?
Rescue 3 provides annual instructor updates that showcase new techniques and equipment. We’re also active in various technical rescue forums.
Becoming an instructor isn’t a one-off achievement – you’re constantly learning. We always review how a course or exercise went, including what didn’t work. Sometimes we realise we’ve over-planned and need to simplify.
12. Are there new qualifications you hope to pursue soon?
Yes – I’m working my way through the rope pathway and will be attending my Rope Rescue Technician Instructor training in February 2026.
I’m also pursuing the Instructor Trainer Pathway, which will eventually allow me to train future instructors in CSRO and RRO. It’ll take one to two years, but it’s important to me to help develop the next generation of Red One instructors.
Personal Side
13. How do you unwind after a demanding training day?
Exercise- sometimes jiu-jitsu. I also ride my dirt bike, often with my son who’s learning to ride. Life is busy with two boys and a wife who teaches as well, but being active keeps me balanced.
At Red One, instructors like Sam play a key role in shaping safe, confident, and competent rescue professionals. With real-world operational experience, ongoing technical development, and a genuine commitment to teaching, our instructors ensure that every learner leaves not only qualified, but prepared for the environments they work in.
Whether it’s confined space, rope rescue, or water rescue, our training is built around practical skills, realistic challenges, and supportive instruction- so delegates can gain the confidence they need to operate safely in high-risk situations.
Red One continues to invest in experienced instructors, modern equipment, and recognised qualifications to ensure the training we deliver remains current, relevant, and industry leading.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]