As Greater Victoria students enjoy their spring break, nine Esquimalt teens are spending their week learning the ropes of firefighting during the third annual Youth Fire Academy, held by Esquimalt Fire Rescue Services.
The students, between Grades 10 and 12, were immersed in hands-on training in areas like hose and nozzle techniques, search and rescue operations, auto-extrication and CPR.
“Over the course of the week, these students will undergo the same rigorous training that our recruit firefighters experience. They’ll learn critical skills in areas such as search and rescue, auto-extrication, and fire suppression techniques – skills that could save lives. We want them to leave with a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a first responder, as well as a greater appreciation for community safety," said Fire Chief Matt Furlot in a news release.
The program also aims to help spark an interest in careers in emergency services and provides the students with an opportunity to experience the challenges and rewards of the profession. Throughout the week, they will wear full firefighter gear, ride fire trucks and train at various locations around Esquimalt.
“My hope is that by the end of the week, these students will not only have gained life-saving skills such as CPR but also recognize the incredible impact they can have in their community,” noted Furlot in the release. “If this experience resonates with them, I want them to know that a career in the fire service is one of the most rewarding ways to serve others.”
