US, UK train future responders

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shanice Williams-Jones
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Liberty Wing volunteers joined local first responders to educate children on a variety of survival skills and safety issues March 7-8 at Mildenhall Stadium, England.

The 22nd annual Crucial Crew event allowed more than 500 year-six students from schools across Forest Heath District to work through emergency scenarios with certified community first responders and police community support officers.

“I am here to show you how to preserve life and how to react when you find someone that is hurt,” said Mary Marshall, a mildenhall community first responder. “More importantly, I want to show you how to prevent yourself from getting hurt.”

The first responders shared life-saving advice by simulating eight dangerous situations. Internet safety, situational awareness exercises and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were among the vital lessons taught to the youngsters.

“Knowing exactly what to do when you find someone unresponsive on the pavement, could be the difference between life and death,” said Marshall.

Airmen chaperoned the children through the Fire Experience Unit and played the part of offenders in burglary scenarios.

“I wanted to volunteer for this to give back to the local community,” said Senior Airman Joseph M. Blessing, a security forces member assigned to the 48th Security Forces Squadron. “I think of how the kids will share what they are learning with others to continue the cycle of safety awareness.”

The fun and interactive scenarios were tailored to challenge the critical-thinking skills of the young attendees, while highlighting real life situations.

“The hands-on experience the children get at the event is more effective than classroom briefings,” said an aircrew flight equipment technician assigned to the 48th Operations Support Squadron.

According to Staff. Sgt. Aaron F. Scofield, company fire officer assigned to the 48th Civil Engineer Squadron, it’s great to have a partnership with the Liberty Wing’s British counterparts and collaborating with them on initiatives that concern children’s safety is second nature.

“We are excited to get volunteers from RAF Lakenheath because the base is a part of our community,” said Wanda Betts, vice chair of the Forest Heath Crime Prevention Panel. “If one child takes what they’ve learned here and is able to apply it in the future, we have succeeded”.