Being a firefighter for the day
Posted on March 19th, 2007 in Community, Edinburgh, Leadership, Personal awareness, Scotland |
On Saturday I spent the day with Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service in Edinburgh. This opportunity had come my way as a gift from my husband! As we had 2 spaces on the course my 20 year old son joined me and we both agree that it was one of the most amazing days we have ever had.
Let me tell you right from the outset this was for real. We were assured by the course director Kenny Munro that the training we underwent that day was the same as for trainee firefighters. We learned about what causes fire, searching in smoke, using water to put out fires, rescuing casualties, and using breathing apparatus.. amongst so much more.In teams - supported by an instructor - we then tackled a real fire and used what we had learned to find the casualties ( dummies in this case - thankfully) and get them to safety.
I have to admit that putting the face mask on and connecting to the air was the part that I felt I might not be able to do but I fought my fear and got on with it. I am so glad I did.
What my son and I learned about fire safety is invaluable. What we learned about ourselves and how we worked in teams was very interesting. What we learned about the firefighters themselves - most of whom had given their free time to be there - was very impressive.
The leadership, professionalism and care - along with the ability to communicate ( accurately, briefly and clearly!) is something we could all learn from.
Big thanks to the team….and if you live in the Edinburgh area I urge you to contact your local fire station to take up the offer of a fire safety check on your home. Prevention is far better than dealing with the situation and the aftermath.
One Response
[...] Last year I trained with our local Fire and Rescue service. Wearing full protective clothing and breathing apparatus we went into a burning building. The blackness of the smoke meant that for much of the time there was zero visibility and we worked round the room using the tips and techniques the firefighters had trained us in. Believe me - there can be nothing darker than a room full of smoke. So if you ever find yourself in that situation knowing your environment well enough to locate an exit would be critical. So by taking part in the drill you will have that information stored in your memory. [...]