We firstly boarded the coach, where the children were all safely strapped in and ready for their very first class trip!
When the coach arrived at the Fire Station, we pulled into the yard and were greeted by Neil, one of the full-time Firefighters at Ipswich East. We all sensibly got off the coach and gathered in the truck bay, where we split into 2 groups.
One group went into the mess area, where 2 Firemen (Neil and Aaron) spoke to us about what their job involves, such as the types of incident they have to attend and some of the things they have to do at the scene. They also showed us and talked us through all the different items of uniform they have to wear and how it all protects them. Aaron told us that they have to have EVERY part of their skin covered to protect it from the fire and heat. Neil and Aaron also spoke to us about smoke alarms and how important it is to have them in our houses.
The second group had stayed in the truck bay to look at the Fire Engines and the equipment they use, which Pete and Stuart. They talked us through some of their equipment they use at different incidents, such as the different hoses, ladders, lights and 'jaws of life'. They also sat in the back of the Fire Engine, and went out into the yard to stand in the 'cage' of the Alp (Aerial Ladder Platform), before watching it move up rather high in the air....this is what the Fire Service use to rescue people in tall buildings.
The 2 groups then swapped over. We later rejoined as one group and all had the opportunity to have a go with the hose and squirt some water!
The FireFighters have given all the children the task of finding out if they have a smoke alarm(s) in their house and where they are located.
If you do not currently have a smoke alarm fitted in your home....then please call 01473 260588 to ask about the Fire Service coming to fit one for you.
OR....speak to Miss Rushbrooke who can speak to her partner Adam, who is also a Firefighter.
We have been very lucky with today's visit....as a rule, schools don't usually visit Fire Stations (Fire Services go to the schools) but Miss Rushbrooke's partner Adam, was able to organise a visit for us!
Thank you Adam!
We all REALLY enjoyed our visit to the Fire Station this morning, and would like to say a big THANK YOU to all the crew at Ipswich East Station....(as we did with the Police Service, we will be making a Thank you card to give to them).
We would also like to thank both Lucas' Mum and Alexis' Mum for volunteering to help.
.....and a final WELL DONE to all the children for being on their best behaviour, and showing great listening skills! we were very impressed and very proud....as were the Firefighters!
Take a look at the photos from our morning....