Hundreds of people were given a demonstration of the skills, professionalism and equipment of our emergency services at an open day at Wells Fire Station on Saturday. Fire crews showed how they work closely with paramedics to cut their way into a badly smashed up vehicle whilst casualties are being treated and stabilised in situ. The demonstration showed the incredible teamwork amongst our fire fighters and ambulance crews as they work in very close proximity and in a very dangerous environment.
Also at the open day, the crowds were able to get their hands on the equipment, clamber over both modern and more vintage fire appliances and speak to the first responders about the challenges of their jobs.
Avon and Somerset Police’s Speed Awareness Campaign was also represented with an excellent stand promoting safety on Somerset’s roads. Alongside footage of some road accidents and reckless driving was a car that was half safe and half dangerous. Members of the public were encouraged to see how many of the dangerous faults they could identify.
Prospective MP for Wells, James Heappey, watched the demonstrations with great interest before meeting some of the emergency services involved.
“Days like today are so important in our community” said James. “We hope we’ll never need to be cut out of our car or pulled from a burning house and so we perhaps don’t think enough about the bravery, professionalism and dedication of those who are stood by to help us when disaster strikes. I was really impressed not only by the teamwork and skill on display today but also the appreciation and admiration that was so clearly on the faces of the public who came to watch.”