Ambulance crews get kids wrapped up in the work of 999 services
FUN Team leader John Ayling treats pupil Olivia Gage, five. Pictures: Allan Hutchings (120174-013)
THEY were bandaged and strapped up, shown how to check temperatures and blood pressure and got to test the ambulance sirens and lights.
Pupils from Wicor Primary School, in Hatherley Crescent, Portchester, were visited by paramedic John Ayling, who showed them a range of medical equipment.
The Year 1 children were shown how to check blood pressure, take temperatures and use stethoscopes.
They were shown how to put on an oxygen mask and bandages.
The visit formed part of a module in which the children learned about different types of transport and the different services to help people in need.
Teacher Holly Evans said: ‘Ambulances are only used when needed and could be used by the children’s brothers or sisters, or even themselves.
‘So this is a good way for them to get familiar with the ambulance and explore the equipment.
‘Hopefully this means they would be less frightened should they ever need to use an ambulance.
‘Children see the emergency vehicle, but don’t understand what they quite do.
‘But after a visit from John, who is an expert, they have a better understanding.
‘It gives children aspirations for the future.’
Afterwards the class went outside and got to take a look inside the ambulance.
They were also able to try out the vehicle’s sirens and lights.
Grace Richards, five, said: ‘I enjoyed putting on an oxygen mask and seeing the little pink ball go up and down as I breathed.
‘I have been in an ambulance before when I broke my leg when I was younger. I was scared then.
‘But after seeing the ambulance and what everything does, I’m not scared any more.’
Niamh Midgley, five, said: ‘We learnt about ambulances and what paramedics do to make you feel better. I enjoyed looking at all the different things and had a lot of fun.’
Mr Ayling, a team leader who works for South Central Ambulance Service, has been a paramedic for eight years.
He has been visiting the school for four years.
He said: ‘I’m aware of the fact we use a lot of this equipment and we don’t want the children to be frightened.
‘Hopefully this visit filled children with confidence in the ambulance service and the work we do.
‘It’s not usually in the best circumstances that children meet ambulance staff, but we’re trying to show them there’s nothing to be frightened of.’
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Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 25 May 2012
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Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
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Niel
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11:37 AMGood, and perhaps lessons learnt about the proper use will help prevent abuse in the future too!
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