Alexandra Firestation

We were all finally out of our feverish phase after hibernating indoors for about 2 weeks collectively.  So decided we deserved a little family outing.  Trotted down to Alexandra Firestation for a station visit so that Asher could get a chance to see fire engines upclose.  It was a simple visit, but fun and fulfilled its intention.  We got to see and sit in most of the vehicles - several types of large fire engines, firefly 2-seater, red rhinos, paramedic motorcycle, etc.  Asher got to help out spraying some trees with the fire hose too :) 

Some little things we learnt were that ambulances and paramedic bikes are also co-located at firestations for quick response, and when the siren sounds the firemen/paramedic team have to leave the station within 1 minute!  It happened that we and several other families were sitting in one of the fire trucks when the siren went off, so we were hurriedly asked to come off while the firemen pulled on their firesuits.  We quickly exchanged places, and they were off in a jiffy!  Quite exciting :)  Asher was particularly pleased when he saw the fire engine come back and park in its original spot.  There was also an ambulance which responded to a call while we were there.  Apparently on average they get about 3-4 calls a day, so we were quite lucky to see the men in action :) 

But that also meant that some of the manpower was tied up, so we didn't get to ride on their rescue cherry-picker, which they sometimes let the public try.  Maybe next time!  I'd love to do that! :) 

The visit is fun for kids, and free!  All SCDF firestations are open to the public every Saturday from 9-11am (except Jurong Island).  Find out more here.  The next one we might check out is the Hill Street Central Firestation, cos that one has a museum with several old-style fire engines that Asher (and us heh heh) can climb into :)  As you can see, I think I'm as much or more of a monkey than my little boy, even with a bulging belly! :O)

Showing us the equipment in the truck

Their latest recruit getting comfy behind the wheel

Responding to a call.  That's the same truck we were just sitting in!

On to the bikes.  This paramedic bike is for quick response, and mainly to provide initial medical care and psychological aid to affected people while waiting for the bigger vehicles to arrive.  Especially useful if there's a high traffic situation. 

A team of 3 kid fire fighters!  Asher, Otto & Bruno :)

Playing with the hose.  The jet is really quite powerful, and at one point the kids pulled the lever too much and the guy had difficulty holding the hose :)

The fireman looks like he's having as much fun as the kids :)

Asher and his new friend Otto

There are actually a few other pics like Asher in the firemen's hat, but I was too lazy to upload everything :)