A&SSAR attend Casualty in Holby City
‘Same energy levels but no real crushing!’ The Director of Casualty, BBC’s Saturday night medical drama spoke clearly to the 100 extras in the nightclub. Dotted amongst them and shielding the main actors were members of Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue.
A&SSAR has had a long standing relationship with Casualty, filmed in and around Bristol, they have called upon the expertise of the organisation many times. For this particular episode a surging crowd leads to crush injuries. To ensure there was no real crush, strategically placed team members were in the crowd to call a halt to proceedings should anyone trip or the situation get out of hand.
Expecting to be concealed in the large crowd, some team members found themselves having to do proper acting as they
were the first line of defence, shielding the main actors and in full view of the cameras. The real value of asking A&SSAR members to help in scenes like this, where no technical skill was required, is the existing level of trust built up through training and call-outs. Thorough planning and rehearsals, supported by a team with strong mutual trust, ensured the days filming went smoothly.
Although characterised by being slightly taller and in most cases twenty years older than the ‘nightclub-goers’ the members blended
in well. The episode is due to be screened on November 6th. Fees for the day will go towards supporting the on-going costs of Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue.
Posted on 12 / 07 / 2010
Yoghurt helps A&S Search And Rescue
21/06/10 A yoghurt company has set up a ‘fighting fund’ for a lifesaving community service after it helped rescue three employees.
Blagdon-based dairy business Yeo Valley and its farming operation Holt Farms will give financial support to Avon & Somerset Search & Rescue (A&S SAR) after experiencing its ‘invaluable’ work.
Read the full story here
Posted on 21 / 06 / 2010
Official Thanks for Voluntary Response
09/06/10 Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue includes members who help people in other voluntary capacities. Praise is always gratefully received in our role as volunteers. Duncan Massey, alongside being Chair of A&SSAR is also a Community First Responder with the Great Western Ambulance Service. He received this letter of thanks in praise of his actions in resuscitating a member of the public in Chew Magna.
Posted on 09 / 06 / 2010
Police Mounted and Dog Section Open Day 13/06/10
02/06/10 Avon and Somerset Police’s mounted and dog section at Bower Ashton is opening its stable and kennel doors to the public in June for people to have a sneak peak behind the scenes.
The event is taking place on Sunday, June 13 10am – 4pm, and will give members of the public the opportunity to see the force’s horses and dogs in action, take a look round the site and chat to officers.
Throughout the day there will be displays – repeated in the morning and afternoon – public order demonstrations and tours round the stables. There will also be face-painting, a colouring competition, a treasure-hunt and plenty of opportunities to get up close to the animals.
The force’s latest four-legged recruits – its four month old German Shepherd puppies and Harry Patch – Avon and Somerset’s newly named police horse – will also be around to meet the public.
Entry to the event is free and any money raised from the day will be donated to charity. Donations made on the day will be given to help the Starlight Children’s Charity and Devon Horse and Pony Sanctuary.
For more details about the event click here
Posted on 02 / 06 / 2010
Successful Night and Day Search
28/05/10 Following a protracted search spanning two days including a very wet night and a very hot day. Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue, who have been working seamlessly together with and alongside Police Officers from both the South Bristol District and from many of the Specialist Operational Sections of Avon & Somerset Constabulary. Shortly after the successful location of the casualty the following commendation was received by A&S SAR from Sergeant Mac Macgregor, Avon and Somerset Constabulary,
‘Can I express my thanks to Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue for the tremendous efforts both yesterday and today.
This was the first time that I have worked with your team on such an enquiry, and I was more than impressed with the professionalism displayed by all of the unit.
The conditions were difficult, working on a steep hillside in very warm conditions.
I entered this investigation late on day 2 when most of you had been on it from the start, but the positive attitudes shone through, and as a result of the hard work it was one of your teams who indeed located the lady safe and well.
I feel confident that had she not been found quickly, that her condition could have deteriorated rapidly through dehydration. She is now receiving medical attention, but will no doubt make a full recovery.
Many thanks, well done to you all, and I look forward to working with you all again in the future.’
A&S SAR also received this formal letter of thanks from Acting Chief Inspector Caroline Bullen:NON RESTRICTED A&SSAR Dundry Search and Rescue
For more details please refer to Callout Archive 27/05/10 ASC Log No 372
Posted on 28 / 05 / 2010