Life is unpredictable and man is prone to misfortunes of various kinds. We are often taken aback by the disasters that befall us and are always struggling to survive against various odds. Proper training would enable us to avoid accidents and help to save many lives. Though fire is a boon to mankind, one reckless step can lead to devastation of enormous proportion. So it is essential that we realize the importance of firefighters and have some basic knowledge of use of fire fighting equipment.
Firefighters are people who receive special training to douse destructive fires that endanger ordinary civilians and damage property. When required they rescue people from other accidents. They are found in every country and are trained to provide even medical services during emergency.
Why is proper training of firefighters so essential? It is important to understand that in case of an outbreak of fire, several lives and property may be at risk. So involvement of untrained and unskilled firefighters may aggravate the situation instead of controlling it.
Firefighters should be able to work in an organized and co-coordinated manner. Their roles must be properly defined and they should be adept at handling various firefighting instruments. They are trained to be alert and also be physically, mentally and psychologically strong. They work under pressing situations.
Proper training prepares them for any kind of eventuality, even death. Special fire department training programmes prepare the valiant firefighters to accomplish their job efficiently.
Fire training, is essential even for the layman. In case of a big fire, the first step is evacuation, as delay may cause asphyxia. Fire training should include fire drill which trains people to leave the building safely and quickly. It is advisable not to attempt to douse a fire, which is uncontrollable.
Fire extinguishers can be used for small fires and water for non-chemical and non-electrical fire. Running is absolutely forbidden if the clothes catch fire, as it would only help to spread it. One should fall flat on the ground and with the face covered and roll about till the fire is extinguished.
Smoke has a natural tendency to rise. As inhalation of fumes can prove to be fatal one should cover ones face with a cloth and crawl out of the house. If locked inside a room, wet towels should be used to seal off the vents and cracks.
Fire caused by oil in the kitchen can be extinguished with salt or baking powder or by covering it with a lid thereby cutting off the oxygen supply. Most importantly, one should not forget to call for the professional firefighters to take control of the situation.
Fire department equipment, used to douse fire, includes hand tools like ‘halligan bar’, ‘flash light’,’ pike pole’, cutters and chain saws. Fire fighters carry pager, radio and other devices for communication. Apart from these there are the helmets and visors, gloves, boots, ‘personal protective equipment’ like pants, jackets and ‘self-contained breathing apparatus or SCBA.’
Professional companies provide on site training, which enhances the knowledge of use of fire fighting equipment.
