Sunday 14th June saw the gathering of every arm of the emergency services available in the Peak District at a gala exhibition and display at Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens.

The bright sunshine attracted thousands to the show which was free for all see.  Police, fire and ambulance were there in force as were the lesser known and mostly voluntary organisations such as cave rescue, first responders, British Red Cross and St John Ambulance,  the Peak District National Park wardens moorlands fire unit and the Search & Rescue Dog Association.  Buxton Mountain Rescue Team was also there giving several displays throughout the day of crag rescue techniques on a specially constructed scaffolding tower.

The fire service gave spectacular demonstrations of how to, and how not to tackle a kitchen fire and later a display of their cutting equipment to free a trapped road accident victim.   The ambulance service was offering life-saving resuscitation training and our colleagues in Cave Rescue had a “Rickety Mine” for children to explore.  There was something for all the family to get involved with and learn how to stay safe and what the emergency services can do when things go wrong.

The mountain rescue display was interrupted twice for call-outs but thankfully only of a short duration and the team was soon back on the tower.

Throughout the day an inter-services competition was taking place which caused some rivalry in the serious subject of who could get the most tennis balls through a hose pipe and into a bucket.  Unfortunately a call -out prevented the team taking part!

The event was a great day out but it had its serious side and hopefully many local homes and families will now be better aware of how to prevent simple accidents turning into another job for the emergency services.

The Team wishes to express its thanks to High Peak Scaffolding for again supplying the tower free of charge to the team.  H.P.S. has helped the team for great number of years at this event and never charged for the costly supply and erection of the tower.

Photos from the top:  How not put out a fire.  Mayor & Mayoress of High Peak watch a tower demonstration.   A damsel in distress is rescued by team member Peter Parker.     Paramedics teach basic life support to the youngest of students.    Trainee search & rescue dog Zak got a lot of attention.    With thanks to High Peak Scaffolding.