Fire Training wrap-up

OK, as promised here is a further wrap up of the fire training. Day one was a heap of theory, followed by learning how to use a fire extinguisher most effectively. Then we moved on to confined space entry and rescue, and the next step was learning how to use the breathing apparatus (BA). Putting the BA on for the first time was quite a weird experience, you basically have to think about how to breathe.

Tony checking his BA

The first exercise in the BA gear was to go through a building full of smoke - but it was only "disco" smoke, so if anyone wasn't comfortable in the gear could take it off without actually dying!

Entering the BA trainer

Once everyone made it through the trainer, and everyone was comfortable using their BA, we entered a building with real fire and smoke and had a bit of a wander around to get used to the heat. It was a very interesting day.

The next day (day 4) was back in the classroom, learning about hazardous materials (HAZMAT) procedures. All of this was the lead up to days 5 & 6, which were 2 days of scenarios. The pyros (oops, i meant instructors!) spent all day lighting fires, and we spent all day putting them out.

Day 5 started at 9am, and finished at 10pm, to see how we would go when we all got tired and grumpy, and also when it got dark. In all, we got through 12 scenarios on day 5, which was a record for the Antarctic Division fire teams.

During the early evening, the instructors and our station leader made the decision on who would be the fire chiefs. Glen M was chosen as Fire Chief, and Matt and I were chosen as Deputy Fire Chiefs.

Deputy Fire Chief Matt looking very intelligent

Day 6 was a continuation of the scenarios, and one of these was a HAZMAT incident, which involved one of the team (we all voted for Matt) getting into their BA gear, and then inside a gas-tight suit to contain the chemicals involved. Once the threat was contained, we then had to decontaminate Matt.

That's me hosing Matt down

The last scenario we did ended up being four different fires (two structural, two vehicle) at once. It was quite a challenge, but by then everyone knew what they had to do, so it went relatively smoothly.

Preparing to enter the first fire

Paul running the pump

The end of day 6 and all of day 7 was only for the fire management team, looking at fire investigation and also maintenance and testing of all the gear. In all, the fire training was probably the most interesting - and fun - training that I have done so far.

I am currently at home (Cranbourne) for pre-departure leave, before the ship leaves on (or about) the 5th of December. I fly back to Hobart on Tuesday night, after getting in a little bit of poker!