The Master is allocated an amount of money that they can donate to causes of their choice, one of my donations was to Providence Row, mentioned some months back and another to this excellent Charity. I had hoped to make this visit in my Master’s year, but that proved impossible to organise. (Still only 1 day out).
We were met by Jo, one of the Charity’s events team, who then handed us over to their senior Fire Officer, John, who has worked with this charity for over 28 years and he certainly knows his stuff.
We walked up a long ramp to the Helipad and were suddenly out in the open and realised that it was pretty windy (35 knots) and high up! We were taken out to the Helicopter and then had a fascinating 45 mins or so, hearing about the processes involved in training staff to work in this rather special environment, how a decision is made whether to send the “chopper”, the amazing kit that is stored on it – the Dr, Paramedic and Registrar, could probably cope with almost any medical emergency. Really rather special.
Back down, out of the wind where we got to meet one of two Duty Teams and were shown the gloves that the Glovers have donated in the past – very specific for when they are working in areas perhaps with broken glass, metal fragments…… - they were very appreciative of them and interested in the support that the Glovers receive from David Bennett and Bennett Safetywear Ltd.
I was about to hand over the Cheque, when the Alarm went off. As John got on with his job, he said we could go back up towards the Helipad and watch the helicopter take off. Exciting of course but this wasn’t a drill – someone somewhere (in Acton) needed them. Back down stairs again, to see the team we had just been talking to getting set up to respond to a stabbing, more locally, by Car. The Charity not only runs two helicopters (they need replacing at £7,500,000 each) but also 8 cars for use until recently, dusk to dawn (these helicopters are not allowed to fly at night). The charity is currently experimenting with using the cars in the daytime as well. The cars are fitted out with exactly the same kit as the helicopters and the three person team might find themselves going to a incident by Helicopter or by Car.
Finally an opportunity to hand over a Cheque for £1,000 and say a very warm thank you to Jo and John
A charity definitely worthy our support.
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