Friday, 22 June 2007, saw the inauguration of the Anglesey First Response Scheme’s Mobile Information Centre or ‘Road Show’ as it is familiarly called.

The event took place at RAF Valley where one of the Scheme’s eight teams is located.  Local dignitaries, including the M.P. for Anglesey, Albert Owen, along with representatives from companies and societies that have either sponsored the Scheme or made donations in the form of equipment or complete kits, gathered for the official launch.

Following the initial welcome by OC Operations Wing, Wg Cdr Rich. Jacob, Babcock Defence Services Contract Manager, Roger Siswick, spoke about how important it is for local firms to support community based organisations such as the AFRS and the fact that RAF Valley had a team that was comprised of BDS personnel was proof of that.

The Scheme’s Co-ordinator and founder, Duncan Williams, then related the need for such an organisation locally and this was reiterated by Eirwyn Roberts of the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust.  Both speakers stated the importance that was put upon the Scheme to have willing volunteers without whom the Scheme would not exist and this, in turn, will put extra pressure on the ambulance service.

Following the speeches, Albert Owen M.P. cut the ribbon and officially launched the Road Show.  In his speech, Mr Owen reaffirmed his support for the Scheme, the progress of which he has followed since it’s inception in 2004.  He went on to say that one of the purposes of the Road Show is to raise the visibility of the Scheme and, hopefully, to encourage other people on living on Anglesey to become a member.

Representatives from Wylfa power station then donated six complete kits to the Scheme, which were received on it’s behalf by Mrs Ann Jones, who was the first casualty to be resuscitated by members of the Scheme using a defibrillator.

A demonstration on First Response practice followed, including the use of a defibrillator and oxygen therapy, was given by two members of the Scheme and this in turn was followed by a reception sponsored by BDS for invited guests.