The Fire Service working with Air Ambulance, Police and Paramedics

Fire crews were called at 16.29 when a microlight crashed in a field near Sandy on Sunday 21st March.

Two fire engines, from Sandy and Kempston, and the Specialist Rescue Unit were sent to the scene. There firefighters, crews from the Air Ambulance, police and paramedics worked together to aid the two people involved in the accident and make the scene safe.

Fire and Rescue supports biker safety

As members of the Casualty Reduction Partnership, Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service ask all motorcyclists to read Bedfordshire Biker magazine.

The new feature-led local magazine for motorcyclists, with an emphasis on safety, follows the success of a pilot edition last year, launched by biking champion Carl Fogarty, that was welcomed and supported by the local motorcycling community.

The magazine is produced by the Bedfordshire and Luton Casualty Reduction Partnership as part of its Motorcycle Training Matters programme to promote rider training and skills development.

Bedfordshire Biker 2 has a distinctly local flavour, featuring:

• a “Masterclass” on defensive commuting by Tony Clark from Herts and Beds Advanced Motorcyclists as well as features on pillion riding and safe riding through roadworks

• advice from Sgt Tony Richardson of Bedfordshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit on how to stay safe and on the right side of the law

• what to do if you’re first at the scene of a crash scene, explained by local paramedic Stephen Thomas

• a special feature for female riders and women’s protective clothing

• an in-depth feature on the work of East Anglian Air Ambulance, a local charity much-loved and supported by motorcyclists

• news about the “Wheels to Work” scheme run by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity

• a round-up of local clubs and groups in the area

The magazine is available free of charge from council road safety teams, at motorcycle shops and other outlets throughout the county. To subscribe to this and future editions, visit www.bedfordshire-biker.org or call 01234 716333.

In 2009, one in four fatal or serious injury collisions in the county involved a motorcyclist, despite representing around 3% of traffic. Bedfordshire Police casualty records show that the number of people killed and seriously injured in road traffic collisions has decreased by 35% over the last ten years, however, the number of motorcyclist casualties has not decreased at all.

Firefighters in car wash fundraiser

Firefighters will be raising money for charity on March 20th by washing cars at stations in Bedford, Kempston, Stopsley (near Luton), Potton and Sandy.

Between about 10 am - 2 pm, you will be able to have your vehicle polished up to a shine by fire crews who are collecting for the national Fire Fighters’ Charity which helps those injured during their service.

Group Commander Andy Peckham said : “This charity relies on firefighters raising money to help colleagues injured in the line of duty. At the car wash we ask only for donations - and it’s a good excuse for people to visit a Fire Station with the family on board.

“And while we have the public in our grasp we like to give them a pep talk about home fire and road safety.

“Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service conducts FREE home fire safety checks for those who want to ensure they are not putting themselves at unnecessary risk. Road Safety is a key priority for BLFRS so we like to remind people about driving with care too.”

For a FREE home fire safety check call 0800 043 5042 or go to www.bedsfire.com

* Harrold will be having their car wash a week later on March 28th 10 - 12 noon

Volunteer scheme is a first for BLFRS

The first team of Community Fire Safety Volunteers was welcomed by the Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS).

Volunteers carry out activities aimed at reducing accidental and deliberate fires across the county. Working alongside local firefighters they help to promote community safety by giving advice to members of the public at community safety events and carrying out home fire safety checks.

The volunteers are given training on guidance on how they can help the public keep safe at home and on the road. They offer their time to support valuable work in the community by BLFRS.

Tony Rogers, Area Commander North, said:

“We want to recognise your commitment and achievements as the first group of volunteers for BLFRS. This is a positive move for BLFRS, for the community and for you as volunteers.”

Chief Fire Officer, Paul Fuller, who presented volunteers with certificates of achievement, added:“Our firefighters have increasing demands on their time. We want them to be able to use their time for training and responding to incidents. We work in partnership with police and local councils to make people safer in their homes and neighbourhoods and these volunteers will be part of that activity.

The team of CFS volunteers all have stories to tell:

Gary McConnell, aged 30 from Cotton End, has always been interested in the Fire Service. His dad was a firefighter for 26 years and started his career at Kempston Station.

He says: “As Operations Director of a Security Company, I am able to work flexibly so that I have time to volunteer. I am committed to this work and want to get involved in working in the community to get the safety messages across.”

Rose Donaghey, aged 28 from Gt Barford, wanted to do some voluntary work in the community and looked at website www.vol.org where she saw that BLFRS wanted volunteers.

She says: “I've always been interested in the emergency services and so glad I have joined.

“So far I've worked in the community on electrical fire safety of blankets and Christmas lights and in promoting fire safety at various events. I like meeting people and am rewarded with their smiles.”

Adam Dearman, aged 21 from Kempston, has wanted to be a firefighter since he was a boy after growing up in the shadow of Kempston Fire Station and seeing and hearing fire engineers respond to incidents.

He says: “A family friend is a firefighter and encouraged me to join as a volunteer. I am delighted to be helping BLFRS and have already attended a number of events and enjoyed talking to people and seeing their response to the service we offer.”

Eileen Swaisland, aged 44 of Bedford, found out about the volunteer scheme while supermarket shopping.

She explained:
“Thanks to the Fire and Rescue Service my family were rescued from a house fire and I wanted to pay something back. I want to advise people of fire safety so that they do not have to face the consequences of fire.

“Working part time at a middle school, I am able to give some time to working voluntarily. I've already worked with children in the community advising on fire safety and I'm really enjoying it.”

Philip Morton, aged 25 of Gt Barford, had been looking for a voluntary role whilst between jobs and knew he wanted to put something back into the community. Voluntary work with the Fire and Rescue Service fits the bill.

He said: “I have been working in the community doing fire safety checks and leaflet dropping. My aim is to minimise fires and that has to be worthwhile.”

Peter Downing, aged 69 of Ampthill, explained that BLFRS had asked for volunteers at the Ampthill Community Safety Group and he decided to step up to the mark.

Now retired as Building Services Manager for a national company, Peter knows how important it is to prevent fire from buildings and homes. He had previously worked with the Fire Service who advised on fitting fire prevention and alarm systems to buildings.

He said: “I am keen to get out into the community and offer advice about fire prevention and have already been working with firefighters from Ampthill Fire Station at various community events in the area.”

This volunteer scheme is a first for Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service.

Spring Cycling Safety

Special cycling courses are being staged this Spring on local fire stations.

Bikeability training, the modern cycling proficiency, is being held on the March weekends of 13th & 14th and 20th & 21st in morning or afternoon sessions.

Candidates have to be nine years old or over, and able to ride a bike, but in need of road skills to keep them safe. Firefighters have been specially trained to run these Bikeability courses, which are organised in conjunction with Bedford Borough Council.

Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service Northern Area Commander Tony Rogers said: “This is a great project. It means the Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging young people to be sensible road users. We hope they will learn some lessons that will stay with them for life - especially when they become car drivers. We are also keen to be seen as role models for fitness activity - and cycling safely is a great route to health."

Contact Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service Youth Development Officer Vicky Allen on (01234) 351081 ex 5526

www.bikeability.org.uk