Fire-fighters must be prepared to face risks: Dept
Published on: Sunday, June 30, 2019
By: Ahmad Apong
SIPITANG: The Beaufort Zone Fire and Rescue Department responded to a total of 1,070 cases from January to May this year compared to 841 in the same period last year, said State Fire and Rescue Deputy Director Zuraidah Latif.
The cases involved bush and house fires, rescues and special operations following reports to the department.
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She disclosed this during the Sipitang Fire and Rescue Station monthly gathering, here.
She said it was therefore important for every officer and personnel to have the knowledge and skills in addressing each case as every case has its own different risks.
“Fire-fighters must be prepared to face risks during operations,” she said.
She said to strengthen fire-fighting skills and knowledge, every officer and personnel for special units such as the Water Rescue Unit (PPDA), Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS), Special Tactical Operation Rescue Malaysia (Storm) and Must Team Unit will have to undergo a one-year training.
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Zuraidah also said every personnel also needed to go for tests conducted by senior officers and supervisors, be it in the form of written or oral.
She said this was to ensure each personnel attending to operation is capable of making fast decisions and using the right technique.
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“Putting out a fire also involves fire-fighting equipment which requires high physical strength,” she said.
She said fire-fighters responding to fire emergencies are required to gear up with personal protective equipment (PPE), which alone weighs 2.5kg.
“This means the physical level of each fire-fighter must always be in tip-top condition to ensure they are capable of doing the job. Thus, every fire and rescue station chief should make proper planning such as conducting physical training every morning and evening,” she said.
In addition, programmes such as Fire Fit which involves walking while equipped with a breathing apparatus or a hose should also be done, she said, adding conducting a sports competition is another way to test the physical strength of each personnel.
Zuraida said to ensure the response time key performance index complies with the stipulated standard, officers and personnel need to focus on auxiliary fire-fighters, fire-fighting community team and other fire safety organisation.
“Every officer and personnel should undergo a fire drill at least once a year on premises such as hospital, school, government building or hotel, among others.
The ceremony also saw Zuraidah presenting appreciation letters to two former fire-fighters and pinning of ranks to four secondary school fire and rescue cadets.
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