fire ops 101

Random Blog Post: Fire Ops 101

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Warning this post is a bit random and does not have anything to do with the usual themes on my blog.

Monday I participated in the Fire Ops 101 program that my boss along with members were putting on.  I was asked if I wanted to participate as well and jumped at the chance; I work for firefighters so it only seemed natural that I should I should walk a day in their shoes-literally and figuratively.

The Fire Ops program is for elected and appointed officials as well as members of the media.  This daylong program includes hands-on fire fighting and rescue operations under controlled supervision of  professional fire fighters and paramedics.  Participants learn exactly how challenging it is to keep our communities safe. This workshop demonstrates many aspects of fire and emergency medical service operations, from suiting up in the proper protective gear to putting out fires.  Each of the four scenarios will give participants the opportunity to do what fire fighters and paramedics face on a day-to-day basis.  Each participant learns how to use self contained breathing apparatus, essential to breathing in heavy smoke.  Participants also learn to battle a live fire and be given instruction on how to respond to anticipated events of fire behavior such as flashover.

This was one of the best experiences of my life- I have found a job I love and have even more appreciation for the people I work for. I hope that this was interesting you-I will be back to my normal blogging tomorrow. For now here are a few photos from my experience.

Coming out of the burn building

Hydrating-the gear weighs so much and being a fire fighter is exhausting

EMT station

using the big tools (that weighed a ton my arms are killing me)