Safety in all areas of life will once again be the theme of this year’s Crucial Crew event staged at the Isle of Man College from June 27 to July 1. Crucial Crew began in 1992 and every year since then primary school pupils from across the Island have learned about road safety, first aid and safety in the home - among many other useful topics. How and when to dial 999 to request help from the emergency services has always been a part of Crucial Crew workshops and this year will be a particular focus following a recent incident outside one of the Island’s schools. Sergeant Wendy Barker said that a pupil had been injured in a road traffic collision outside a school and some of the injured girl’s classmates rushed to help as she lay in the road. The children comforted their friend but while they had the awareness to call her parents on their mobile phones, they didn’t phone 999. Fortunately, the girl was not seriously hurt, but Sergeant Barker says that the incident highlights the importance of making sure children have the knowledge and confidence to dial 999 in such situations. She said that it may have been the children feared they would get into trouble if they called the emergency services - so this year’s Crucial Crew will once again emphasise the message that children can and should call 999 if they see someone in need of help. Manx Telecom will be providing a workshop advising children how they can stay safe online and when using their mobiles. They will learn how to use social networks safely and the warning signs that they should report to adults or teachers while online. The Manx Telecom presentation will also give advice on combating cyber bullying and on how to prevent mobile phones from being stolen. Emma Walker, Manx Telecom Training and Development Co-ordinator, said: “Crucial Crew provides children with many useful tips and skills to help them stay safe and reinforces lessons they learn at home and in the classroom. We are proud to continue Manx Telecom’s association with Crucial Crew and use our expertise to give children the information they need to stay safe while using the internet and mobile phones.” Around 800 Year 6 pupils from schools across the Island will attend Crucial Crew this year. Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service will teach children about fire safety and hazard identification in the home while St John Ambulance will teach the youngsters basic first aid and what to do if they find someone who is injured. Other presentations will include a road safety workshop in which children will learn about the meanings of different hazard warning signs plus the Coastguard providing essential safety tips for people living in coastal areas, including the dangers of climbing cliffs, boating and general marine safety, as well as endorsing the message about 999 calls The Manx Electricity Authority - supported by Manx Gas and school nurses - will perform a pantomime about home safety with the main character - Dame Dizzy Aster - showing some of the dangers children need to be aware of. - ENDS -