What’s been happening this month at Avon? There’s always lots going on in Avon – in this new area you’ll find out more about events and news from the service.

Phrasebooks

Phrasebooks containing translations and symbols of basic phrases which will aid fire crews to communicate with non-English speakers in an emergency, are now on board all of Avon’s pumping appliances.

With 40 languages covered in the book it is hoped that crews will be able to access to vital information sooner, such as if anyone is inside a building or if hazardous materials are involved.

Multi agency safety day for Staple Hill residents

Shoppers in Staple Hill High Street were given advice on a range of safety issues when firefighters, police, council staff and paramedics gathered in the area to dispense advice.

The Avonsafe event aimed to highlight the dangers of burns and scalds following accidents in the home. For their part, crews from Green Watch Kingswood (10) talked to shoppers about barbeque safety and used the chip pan demonstration unit to mock up a barbeque fire, showing how quickly they can get out of hand.

Avonsafe South Gloucestershire is made up of representatives from Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS), South Gloucestershire District Council, Avon and Somerset Constabulary and North Bristol Primary Care Trust.

Temple crew join celebrations at Rawnsley House fun day

Youngsters from Easton were delighted to see a pump from Temple at Rawnsley House Community Fun Day recently.

Firefighters from Red Watch were joined by staff from Community Safety at the event which was organised by Easton Community Partnership. 

Parents were given information on fire safety while their children were treated to Francis the Firefly and Sparks books.

New trauma pack goes on the run at Paulton

Paulton is the first station to become fully trained on the new trauma packs which will soon be on all pumping appliances.

The packs contain new oxygen therapy sets and resuscitation equipment as well as collars in a range of sizes. They will also be used to house existing trauma equipment currently contained on pumps – meaning crews will be able to carrying the full range of equipment to casualties, rather than having to take pieces separately.

As a first aid trauma care instructor and firefighter at Paulton and Blue Watch Bath, James Collier was ideally placed to train his colleagues.

He said: “Paulton’s firefighters were keen to learn more about the new kit and willing to give up their time to take part in the training.”

The day-long course focuses on retraining and updating skills in first aid including CPR, air way management and spinal care as well as using the equipment such as defibrillators and oxygen therapy.