SWASFT open day rolls out fun and first aid for all ages

Get ready to 'rescue' your Saturday plans as the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) invites you to their free open day at Staverton Ambulance Station.

People of all ages to join them on Saturday, July 13. The event will run from 10am – 3pm and will provide people with the opportunity to meet their local ambulance crews.

SWASFT will be offering event goers the chance to climb on board one of their emergency ambulances and learn about the life-saving equipment that it carries. Other emergency vehicles from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service and Gloucestershire Constabulary will also be there on the day.

Kevin Dickens, community first responder officer, at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone to Staverton Ambulance Station! We hope it will be a fun and informative day out for all the family.

“It will be a great opportunity for people to view our collection of 999 emergency vehicles and to speak to our frontline crews.

“Our volunteer Community First Responders, who play a key role in the service we provide to patients, will also be there to talk to people about the invaluable work they do for SWASFT. These are our patient-facing volunteers who help the region’s ambulance service respond to 999 calls and deliver emergency care to patients, often ahead of an ambulance arriving on scene.”

SWASFT staff will also be providing free training on how to perform lifesaving CPR and they will be teaching basic first aid skills, including how to bandage a wound. The team will also be offering free blood pressure checks to anybody over the age of 18-years-old.

There will also be activities for children at the event, including face painting and summer games, and there will be hot and cold refreshments available to purchase.

The region’s ambulance service and St. John Ambulance will be hosting a recruitment stand at the event, where people can learn more about job opportunities available within the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. For current vacancies you can also visit SWASFT Join Us.

The event will be held at Staverton Ambulance Station, Ashville Business Park, Churchdown, Gloucester GL2 9QJ.