Team work at RAF Valley

On Wednesday 18 November 2015, 13 students from Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi (Holyhead High School), visited RAF Valley as part of their Blue Skies teamwork Level 1 programme.

The day started with the usual coach journey along the A55 to RAF Valley whilst being buffeted by the wind. As the rain swept in, followed by storm-force winds, the students ran across the car park to the safety of the gym. Here they were met by the Sargent who was running the day’s session.

After the introductory brief it was time to brave the elements again and board another coach to travel around to the far side of the airfield to SARTU. This is where Search And Rescue Training is conducted and provided the ideal environment for a demonstration on team work and its importance in almost everything we do. The role of the various aircraft in the hangar was explained then it was time for a demonstration of team work in the form of 2 personnel currently serving on SARTU performing a simulated rescue of a casualty.

With the real body of an old aircraft fitted with a fully operable winch, the personnel demonstrated how they would rescue a casualty on a mountainside. Verbal and non verbal communication was explained and demonstrated. Plenty of questions were asked by the students who then all took it in turns to be winched.

Upon the students’ return to the gym, it was time to get back to work. Various team work activities were planned for the afternoon and they all consisted of the students solving various problems while using the equipment provided. In all activities, the focus was on team work and the importance of communication.

After a full and successful day the students returned to school having learnt a great deal about themselves and some of the key points of working as a team.