0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:03 > 0:00:05- We take them for granted.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- We don't appreciate them - until we need them.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12- They endanger their lives - for others.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14- On this programme...
0:00:14 > 0:00:19- ..how answering medical calls saves - lives in our rural communities.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22- But for the two firemen, - she wouldn't be here.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25- That's the situation - in the countryside.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- And a fire lit deliberately - has been left to burn.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33- The fire can spread - to the trees and the grass.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- There should be someone here.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- A family in Llandeilo - tries to rebuild their lives...
0:00:41 > 0:00:43- ..after a disastrous night.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- It was silly - to go through the fire...
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- ..but the children's well-being - came first.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54- Covering 12,000 square kilometres - and home to around 900,000 people...
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- ..we'll get to know - some of the characters...
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- ..who look after the largest area - of Wales and England.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- This is the Mid and West Wales - Fire and Rescue Service.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- Across the country...
0:01:32 > 0:01:36- ..fire and rescue crews are working - day and night to protect us...
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- ..either full-time from the station - or on call from their homes.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45- Despite the unsocial hours - and the horrific scenes...
0:01:45 > 0:01:50- ..the community is the focal point - of the entire service.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- It's 7.30pm and the Swansea Central - and Morriston crews...
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- ..have been called - to a fire in a kitchen.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- The flames have been put out - before the crew arrives.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10- But because of the dangers of smoke, - everyone else must be kept away.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- Couple of indicators.
0:02:18 > 0:02:24- If you look at the fluorescent tube, - there's charring on one side.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- When the lady threw the chip pan - into the sink...
0:02:28 > 0:02:33- ..fat and oil got mixed - a little - fireball across the ceiling.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38- As it's passed, it's hit - the fluorescent tube on one side.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44- It hasn't damaged the cooker. It - would've been contained to the pan.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- The smoke alarm was actuated, - a neighbour's come in...
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- ..and did the worst thing you can do - - put it in the sink with water.
0:02:51 > 0:02:58- Luckily, she's not hurt worse - than she is. It's gone up and over.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00- She's been saved from the worst.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- The homeowner in Swansea - was fortunate this time.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- But it was a different story - in Penybanc last November.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- The Harries family...
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- ..have farmed this land on the - outskirts of Llandeilo for years.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- But on the morning - of 17 November 2016...
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- ..the father, Maldwyn Harries...
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- ..went to do the milking - as he did every day...
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- ..leaving his wife, seven children - and his grandson asleep in bed.
0:03:44 > 0:03:45- But that morning...
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- ..the electricity in the parlour - went off and he went to investigate.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- I walked towards the house...
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- ..and saw the front window - full of white smoke.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- I thought maybe the kettle - had boiled.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- But I came around here - and saw flames coming out the house.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08- I went through the other door, - through the fire, upstairs...
0:04:08 > 0:04:10- ..and got the three sons out of bed.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- My wife went into the extension...
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- ..to get the four girls and grandson - down.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- I tried to put the light on - and I couldn't.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- I ran back - and used the torch on my phone.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- My mum was screaming, - "Get out! Fire!"
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- Mark, one of Maldwyn's sons, - had just returned from New Zealand.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- It was his first night - back on the farm with his family.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40- I couldn't see anything - so I followed the banister down.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- I found Tomos sitting on the stairs - so I brought him down with me.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48- I was the one that dialled 999.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- I rung them at 3.08am.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- As we were making our way - to the cars, my mother was saying...
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- .."Get away from the house, get - in your cars," the windows smashed.
0:05:00 > 0:05:01- It was a horrible noise.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- Every member of the family - had to go to hospital.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- But with farm work to do, - they couldn't abandon it.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- We had to go back to do the work. - We had to carry on as usual.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- It was silly - to go through the fire...
0:05:20 > 0:05:23- ..but the children's well-being - came first.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28- It is hard but I have to face - the fact that life goes on.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- One day, the house will be renovated - and we'll be happy.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- A tumble dryer caused the fire.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- But with work on the house - already started...
0:05:38 > 0:05:43- ..the Harries family hope - they'll be home this Christmas.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- It's on-call crews - that are in rural areas like this.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- The crews give their time on top - of their normal working hours.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- But training is equally important - to these crews...
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- ..especially - with the new responsibilities...
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- ..in dealing - with medical emergencies.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- Today, the Llandysul, - Carmarthen and Pontardawe crews...
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- ..are training in one - of the area's wind turbine sites.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- The co-responder vehicle - is called out to ambulance calls...
0:06:18 > 0:06:19- ..the red calls.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25- We live in a rural area so it takes - time for the ambulance to get here.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30- If we can get there first - and give basic support, it helps.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- We're in Alltwalis - on the Statkraft farm.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- There are ten wind turbines here.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- We're here today - for a training session...
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- ..to see how we'd respond - as a fire service...
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- ..if anyone had an accident - working on a wind turbine.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- It isn't a comfortable place - to work. It's hot and confined.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- You have to bend over - when doing a lot of the work.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- It isn't comfortable.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- They look very solid...
0:07:04 > 0:07:09- ..but when you stand in them - when it's windy, they do move a bit.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- OK, casualty's now - going to be coming out.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- During training - or in an emergency...
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- ..it takes the crews 20 minutes - to get up the turbine.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- The greatest challenge is to bring - the patient down safely.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- The car's been out many times...
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- ..for people - who've suffered a heart attack.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- It's worthwhile - it saves lives.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- One family aware of the value of the - fire service's medical vehicles...
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- ..is Delyth Davies's family - from Cenarth in the Teifi Valley.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- Delyth still finds it hard - to talk about the incident...
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- ..but for her husband, Huw, - the memories are vivid.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02- It happened at Cenarth Eisteddfod - in January 2014.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- The recitation party competition - was taking place.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- Merched Cenarth were competing.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- They'd been reciting for two minutes - when I heard a noise.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- Someone had fallen.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- I realized it was Delyth.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- She hit her head.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27- After the incident, - one of those present phoned 999.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- Gethin Davies was one of the two - who responded...
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- ..from Newcastle Emlyn fire station.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- We had a call to go to Cenarth.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- When we got there, - a crowd had gathered outside.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- When Daryl and I walked in, - I didn't realize it was Delyth.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- When I turned to see her daughter, - Gwawr, and Huw...
0:08:52 > 0:08:57- ..it struck me that it was Delyth - lying on the floor.
0:08:58 > 0:09:04- Two girls who happened - to be in the audience came forward.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09- They performed CPR on Delyth - immediately.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- In about nine minutes after - the girls had been working hard...
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- ..the two men from Newcastle Emlyn - fire brigade arrived...
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- ..the co-responders, - Gethin and Daryl.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27- They set to work immediately - to continue CPR.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- That didn't work - so they shocked her.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- After the first shock, - nothing happened.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- I didn't know what was happening - at that point.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- She'd turned blue - - her lips and ears.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- People were gathering around - trying to comfort me.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- They could see it looked bleak.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- But after the second shock...
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- ..they got her round, - they got her back.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04- I'm certain - that but for those two girls...
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- ..and the two firemen...
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- ..who did their work so well...
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- ..she wouldn't be with us today.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- The ambulance arrived - after 45 minutes.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- It would've been hopeless - but for the firemen.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- That's the situation - in the countryside.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- The ambulance was elsewhere.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- The paramedic from Lampeter - came after 20 minutes.
0:10:30 > 0:10:36- As I said, but for the two firemen, - who did the CPR and shocking...
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- ..she wouldn't be here.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43- .
0:10:46 > 0:10:46- Subtitles
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- Across Mid and West Wales...
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- ..the main focus of every fire - and rescue service is the community.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04- The crews take every opportunity - to raise money for charities...
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- ..that are close to the heart - of people local to the station.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13- This year, at the Tenby Carnival, - organized by the local station...
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- ..the money's being raised - for The Fire Fighters Charity.- - https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- I was here this morning - around 7.30am to set up...
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- ..and to try and stop the rain.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- Once it was all ready, we open - the doors and people come in.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- We do a lot for the town - and the town helps us a lot.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42- We arrange an open day - with the station.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- Everyone enjoys themselves.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- We raise a lot of money - for the fire brigade charity.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- Five, four, three, two, one.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- We have a good crew at the station.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- We enjoy helping each other. - We're like a family.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- It's a good opportunity - to showcase the work of the service.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- One popular activity - is meeting Celt...
0:12:18 > 0:12:23- ..one of the service's rescue dogs - who's trained by Kevin Hughes.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- We've always come down - to support the lads here.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- It's a good carnival - so it's important to support them.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- If Celt finds somebody, - how do I know Celt's found somebody?
0:12:36 > 0:12:37- He'll bark.
0:12:37 > 0:12:38- He'll bark.- - He'll bark.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- It's nice for children and parents - to have a photo with him.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- He'll be around people and noise.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- So it's not a bad thing that - he's around people all the time.
0:12:53 > 0:12:54- Pops and bangs.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- The carnival attracts officers - from across the service...
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- ..including Illtyd Protheroe...
0:13:01 > 0:13:06- ..the Chaplain at the Mid and West - Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- I remember coming here - as a child on holiday...
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- ..when I was about eight years old.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- I remember this day.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- It's a day when people - can come into the station...
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- ..to see what goes on.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28- The people here - can talk to the Tenby locals.
0:13:29 > 0:13:30- It's also holiday season.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- There are people here - from all over the country.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40- A day like today raises - so much money for a great cause.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- Firefighters get injured...
0:13:44 > 0:13:50- ..and there are places - for them to receive treatment.
0:13:50 > 0:13:55- In the town centre are Gareth Jones - and a special fire engine...
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- ..a favourite with many of - the young visitors to the carnival.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- People come from all over - because of the carnival...
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- ..to go to the station - and to ride on the fire engine.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- Hundreds of children have been here.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- Thousands of people - have visited today.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- I don't allow them - to sit in the driver's seat...
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- ..because small fingers - can go everywhere.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- We have colouring activities - for them to take home.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- In a place like this, - many are holidaymakers.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- They tell me...
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- .."They'll be quiet in the caravan - tonight as they'll be colouring!"
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- The Fire Service - is constantly developing.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- The next generation is paramount.
0:14:47 > 0:14:52- As the service's - medical responsibilities expand...
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- ..the relationship - between the services becomes closer.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- In Carmarthen, - the next generation of paramedics...
0:15:00 > 0:15:05- ..is learning about the dangers - of responding to car accidents.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- The new recruits - were with the paramedics.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- They wanted to know - what the dangers were...
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- ..when responding to a car accident.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- Sometimes, - when we come to help someone...
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- ..it's nice - that we know each other.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- We know how to work together then.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- They've been with us for six weeks.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33- But they haven't seen - a road traffic accident.
0:15:33 > 0:15:34- Today...
0:15:34 > 0:15:40- ..we've been discussing issues - with the fire brigade in Carmarthen.
0:15:40 > 0:15:46- We're learning how to get people out - of a car involved in an accident.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- Three, two, one.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- We're demonstrating the dangers - of working with airbags.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- If the battery - has not been removed...
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- ..the airbags can explode.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- There's a chance - they can injure the paramedics.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- We put steering wheel covers on...
0:16:08 > 0:16:14- ..to stop it from hitting the person - in the car and the paramedics.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- There's a standard procedure - to get people out of cars.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- These have to learn that procedure.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- They'll work with people - they haven't met before...
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- ..so we have to work as a team.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- It's something we call - "simultaneous activity".
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- We work at the same time.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- They can get on - with what they're doing...
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- ..and we can do what we want to do.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- The crews prepare - for all sorts of calls.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- But sometimes, there are things - we can do to help them...
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- ..and avoid calling them out, - like the next call to Carmarthen.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06- We've had a call to say that smoke - is going into a house...
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- ..located near the fire.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- We're going to find out - what's burning...
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- ..and if there's anyone - in charge of the fire.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- If you want to come down, there's - hardstanding all the way down.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- You'll see a telephone box.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- There's no-one at home on the farm.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- So I've asked the lads - to put water on the bonfire.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- I hope that someone - will come home soon.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- There should be someone - watching the fire.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- Sometimes, the fire spreads - to the trees and the grass.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- There should be someone here - to supervise bonfires.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Someone should keep watch on fires.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- The boys have put an auto pump - into the lake...
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- ..because we want to throw - plenty of water on the fire.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- Rather than using the fire engine, - we use the auto pump.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- There's plenty of water in the lake - to put out the fire.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- We don't want the fire - re-kindling tonight...
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- ..and someone making another call - to report it.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- Stop message - from incident commander.
0:18:21 > 0:18:27- One bonfire consisting of a quantity - of rubbish, white goods...
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- ..and caravan chassis.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- The owner of the property - is still not in attendance.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- It's been a remarkable year - for Chris Jones.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- Not only has he been appointed the - manager of the Carmarthen crew...
0:18:48 > 0:18:53- ..but he's about to marry Emma, - his partner of 20 years.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- Today's the last day - before I go to the wedding.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01- There's one day - to make last-minute arrangements.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- I haven't finished my speech yet. - I've got that to do tonight.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- As Chris Jones's last shift before - his wedding comes to an end...
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- ..the celebrations continue - in Tenby...
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- ..as the community - and the firefighters...
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- ..celebrate the pinnacle - of the carnival - the parade.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- It's a special day for everyone. - The crew in Tenby really enjoy it.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- We gladly give up a day's work - to put all this together.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- The community gets right behind us.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- It's a great spectacle - for holidaymakers and tourists.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52- There aren't many places left - where a carnival is still held.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- But as you can see, - everyone's enjoying themselves.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01- If it rains, it rains! - But everyone enjoys themselves.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- We're a retained station, - only on duty when we get a call-out.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11- We do two hours training a week and - everything else, we just put it in.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- It's tradition, - it's certainly not for money.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- It's for the love of the event, - the town and the community.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25- There's no way to escape the - challenges of their duties often...
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- ..but today, some of the Carmarthen - crew are in Newcastle Emlyn...
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- ..to celebrate the wedding - of Chris Jones.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- I, Christopher Martell Jones, - take you, Emma Jane Parsons...
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- ..to be my wedded wife.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- I, Emma Jane Parsons...
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- ..take you, Christopher Martell - Jones, to be my wedded husband.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- To see everyone here, - especially work colleagues...
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- ..friends from Cardigan, Carmarthen, - Cardiff and England...
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- ..it's incredible.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12- It gives me pleasure to declare - that you are now husband and wife.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- It's probably hard - being a firefighter's wife.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- We're called out in - the middle of the night sometimes.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- I wake the children, - wake Emma maybe.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- But that's what comes with the job.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- These things happen - and someone has to rescue people.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42- It's tough on the family, - but it's what I signed up to do.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- It's a big family.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51- It's your firefighter family, - and I do think of them as family.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- We are so, so close - and I love them all to bits.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- They are fantastic. I love them all.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02- It's obvious that firefighters' role - is much more than the job title.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- It's a way of life - for them and their families.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- The passion to respond and rescue - an integral part of their character.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- But despite the challenges...
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- ..the crews across Mid and West - Wales work tirelessly...
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- ..to battle flames - and to rescue from emergencies...
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- ..all for our sake...
0:22:27 > 0:22:28- ..the community.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- Hello, Fire and Rescue Service.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:54 > 0:23:55- .