Discovering a future in hearth providers was the main target at Hearth Station 1 on Wednesday, as a gaggle of feminine college students from College District 22 (Vernon) obtained a firsthand take a look at what it is wish to work as a firefighter.
The hands-on coaching was led by long-time Vernon Hearth Rescue Providers (VFRS) member, Lieutenant Allyson Reich, who touched on all facets of the firefighting occupation.
“We wish these college students to assume exterior the field the place a occupation is worried, or to realize the boldness to pursue one thing they’re actually keen about,” mentioned Lt. Reich. “The aim of this present day is to show to the scholars that firefighting is a viable occupation for females.”
Throughout the day-long occasion, the scholars heard from visitor speaker Deputy Hearth Chief Sandra Follack of Kelowna Hearth Rescue about what it takes to get into hearth faculty and the way one would get hold of the pre-employment {qualifications} to be employed after hearth faculty.
The scholars discovered about particular parts of the job, comparable to first medical response, HAZMAT, auto extrication, confined house, over-the-bank rope rescue, structural firefighting, city interface forest firefighting, public schooling, hearth inspection, and hearth investigation.
College students additionally hung out performing firefighting duties, comparable to donning/doffing Self-Contained Respiration Equipment (SCBA), placing on turnout gear, experiencing an elevated waterway within the aerial ladder, and an auto extrication expertise.
“Immediately was actually a once-in-a-lifetime expertise,” mentioned pupil Ivy Jensen. “I hope to be a firefighter when I’m older, and as we speak, I used to be capable of show to myself that I could be a firefighter, and that I can do the job. Immediately’s coaching is strictly what I needed. I’m now much more desirous to get began.”
The scholars have been chosen for the day of coaching after expressing curiosity in a profession in hearth providers via a written essay.
“We’re so grateful to Lt. Reich and Vernon Hearth Rescue Providers for offering this chance to our college students in SD22,” mentioned Corinne McWhinney, Principal of Profession Packages, vLern, & Academies. “At present, feminine firefighters are underrepresented in Canada, and this supplies the chance for our feminine youth to see themselves on this profession. The Feminine Firefighter for a Day program supplies a hands-on expertise and leaves college students feeling proud and impressed via the challenges they face.”
That is the second yr VFRS has hosted the Feminine Firefighter for a Day coaching occasion. Lt. Reich is an 18-year veteran of VFRS and Vernon’s first feminine skilled firefighter.
“I wish to say to the scholars that ‘you may be, what you may see,’ and I’m residing proof {that a} profession in firefighting is a actuality for girls.”