Over the past six months the children attending on Mondays and Wednesdays have shown a strong interest in the emergency services. We would like to thank the blue watch from the Manukau fire station who visited HECC twice and to Sue from St Johns Ambulance who came three times with her miniature ambulance Ambi .
These visits have enabled the children to gain experience in the roles these officers perform, the equipment they use and vehicles they drive. The children were allowed to climb up high into the cab of the fire engine and put on the seat belts. They were able to explore the equipment the firefighters use like the hoses, the oxygen tanks and push the buttons to release the water.
Sue the ambulance officer also showed the children the oxygen tank and the children could feel the vapour coming out of the oxygen mask.
This learning has enabled the children to feel confident in the presence of these services through experiencing first hand the equipment, new sounds and uniforms.
The children have continued to engage in ongoing role play of emergency situations they have initiated. Cats have been rescued from high trees, breakdowns have been radioed through to the fire department, medical services have been called upon to give oxygen and fires have been put out.
A photo of the children and the mini ambulance
