Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) relies on On-Call Firefighters to protect the communities it serves, with 75% of Fire Stations crewed entirely by On-Call Firefighters.
As well as the commitment and dedication of On-Call Firefighters, the Service also relies on a variety of employers that allow On-Call Firefighters to leave their main employment to attend emergency calls.
One such employer is Winncare UK, which has a site in Presteigne in Powys. On-Call Crew Manager Rob Williams balances his roles with Winncare UK and with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS).
During a recent visit to Winncare UK’s site in Presteigne, MAWWFRS personnel were given an insightful guided tour of the site and the manufacturing processes of some of its products. As well as supporting the Fire and Rescue Service by allowing On-Call Firefighters to respond to emergency calls, Winncare UK also manufactures equipment used by Firefighters at some incidents, such as the Mangar Elk Lifting Cushion.
Debbie Jones of Winncare UK said:
“As a manufacturer of equipment designed to support the most vulnerable in our communities, it’s both a privilege and a responsibility to stand alongside the Fire and Rescue Service.
Knowing that some of our own employees are able to respond to emergency incidents via an alerter is something we’re incredibly proud of, it reflects the values we hold close: service, care, and community connection. What makes it even more meaningful is when they return and share that they’ve used one of the very pieces of equipment we produce, the Mangar Elk Lifting Cushion, to make a difference in someone’s life. Moments like that remind us why we do what we do.”
Station Manager Oli Tziros presenting Debbie Jones of Winncare with the Employer Appreciation Plaque.
On-Call Crew Manager Rob Williams from Presteigne Fire Station (FRS and Winncare Employee) with Debbie Jones of Winncare.
Steven Jarvis, Medical Response Officer, attended to observe the manufacturing process of the Mangar Elk and to reinforce its operational relevance in Falls Response deployments.