Llantwit Major Open Day
The sun shone on visitors at Llantwit Major Emergency Services Station Open Day, held on Friday 26th July.
“This is the third open day we have held at Llantwit Major, and it’s fantastic to see everyone enjoying themselves,” explained Watch Manager, Rob Grapes.
“It’s good for the community to know who we are and what we do, and these types of events help raise the community spirit,” he continued.
Organised by South Wales Police (SWP) and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS), the event was also attended by the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (WAST) and HM Coastguard, who all operate from the former Llantwit Major Fire and Rescue Station.
Emergency services equipment and vehicles including Ely Fire Station’s Rescue Tender, a police motorbike and riot van, and a boat from Barry Fire Station were available for visitors to look around, and take photographs with.
Held in the first week of the school summer holidays, the open day provided a welcome, fee-free event for parents and families attending.
Georgina Phelps, a member of the local community who attended the event, said: “It’s great to have something like this on locally to be able to take the children to, particularly in the summer holidays. My two children, Toby and Sullivan, have enjoyed seeing all the different emergency service vehicles, especially the water boat equipment.”
Three year-old son Toby presented a drawing he had created to the Fire Service as a way to express his thanks for the day. Georgina added: “It’s been such a good day. Toby is very interested in the Fire Service and he said he wanted to give them something to thank them for today.” She added.
Members of Vale of Glamorgan Council, Neighbourhood Watch, and SWFRS Community Safety and Recruitment departments were also on hand to provide a selection of merchandise and information, including crime prevention and recruitment advice.
Jo Sutton, Patient Experience and Communities Involvement, WAST, demonstrated life-saving skills session to groups of children throughout the day.
“I’ve been demonstrating CPR – in particular the process of how to check breathing and compression,” explained Sutton.
“I’ve also been teaching the signs to look out for in case of cardiac arrest and other methods of how people can help when waiting for an ambulance.
“These types of events are great for helping to build resilience in the community, but also help build relationships with uniformed personnel, so that it’s not such a shock if they come across us as part of a real-life emergency situation.” She concluded.
Two road traffic collision demonstrations took place, walking and talking enthralled crowds through the process of rescue from a Fire Service perspective.
“It’s important to show the extrication of a casualty in a safe and controlled manner,” continued Watch Manager Grapes.
“We explain why we use certain equipment and methods, and I think it’s important for members of the public to see and meet crews from their local Stations. Recognising the individuals that are assisting can help provide extra reassurance if they are ever in the unfortunate situation of needing to be rescued.” He concluded.
From a police perspective, children were able to have their fingerprints taken to be inserted into keyring fobs as mementos, and get ‘hands on’ specialist crime scene kit and equipment.
Co-organiser of the event, Safety Officer Sergeant Chris Thomas, explained:
“Good partnership working is vital for the emergency services – it makes life easier for everyone and helps us provide a better service to the public. These events also help us improve our relationships with the community, which in turn helps prevent and reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour.
“Today’s event is for people from all walks of life, and it’s been really good to see so many enjoying themselves.”
The day finished on a high for fans of SWFRS’ mascot, Sparc, who narrowly beat police mascot Billy Blue in a foot race. Billy unfortunately lost his balance, toppling over as the pair approached the finish line, much to the delight of the cheering crowds.
