Enhanced training

Efforts are afoot to ensure that the job description of firefighters of the Barbados Fire Service is in accordance with international firefighting requirements.

In this regard, as part of the training of new fire officers, they will now be required to become Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Chief Fire officer, Errol Maynard made that revelation yesterday after a service at the Bethel Methodist Church, Bay Street, The City to mark Fire Service Week.

“Every firefighter internationally, as a matter of fact, the requirements for firefighting in the industry is that all firefighters should actually be EMTs and we are building out that making sure that we can function at the international level. So, we are now making sure we bridge that gap,” Maynard said.

The introduction of EMT courses, which commenced several years ago, is an ongoing initiative designed to increase emergency response capabilities. This is in addition to a search and rescue and water rescue that all recruits undertake as part of their initial programme. Maynard’s comments were supported by Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams, who while speaking at the same event, noted that as a major tourist destination it was important to ensure that the highest level of fire and lifesaving service, similar to what is expected in the homeland of the tourists, is present in Barbados.

The current path of training, Abrahams noted, would also serve to mediate the need for the spiralling demand for pre-hospital care on the island.

He continued: “What this means is if you have an emergency and the ambulance can’t get to you and the Fire Service can, a number of our fire officers . . . the aim is for all, can actually render the same service that the ambulance personnel render to stabilize you, to ensure that you get to the hospital in as good shape as you can and possibly to save your life. All of this is facilitated through the recruiting programme, which in a few months will see an additional 20 recruits passing out with that level of certification.

“As best practices evolve worldwide, it is my view that the service has to keep up-to-date, whether it be emergency medical technician or another area of activity, opportunities for continuous professional development must continue to be made available to all members of the Barbados Fire Service if the organisation is to become and to remain world-class. I challenge you to seek to develop some of the best practices for other countries to emulate, let us be the premier fire service not only in the Caribbean but in this hemisphere,” Abrahams maintained.

Fire Service Week is this year recognised under the theme: “Resilience, Renewal, Reconnecting and Retooling” and will be celebrated with a series of scaled-down events including a medal presentation to 84 officers on Friday, visits throughout the community during the week and climaxes with a resilience fair in Bush Hall, St. Michael.

Referencing the theme, the Minister reiterated the service’s focus on improved infrastructure, human resources and professional development, complemented by a similar focus on physical resources. He also gave an update on the work that has started on the ultramodern complex which will house the Barbados fire station, the fire service and emergency ambulance service headquarters, it will also be the home of the state-of-the-art dispatch centre and the fire prevention and code enforcement unit of the Barbados Fire Service. Additionally, he noted the Service had embarked on a fleet replacement programme to ensure that the current ageing fleet of vehicles were systematically and strategically replaced and they were currently pursuing phase 3 of the construction of a modern mechanical workshop to service and maintain the fleet of vehicles to a state of readiness.

On top of that, work was ongoing at the Barbados Port to complete housing for the port side station. This will allow the fire service to more effectively manage and respond to the impact of the diverse hazards and risks associated with the port activities either onshore or onboard vessels. Furthermore, Abrahams underscored the importance of having such a facility as Barbados’ port currently handles cargo and cruise passengers. And he revealed that it was in the pipeline to increase the use of the port for home porting activities which would mean increased traffic. He contended that having a station at the port will also provide the opportunity to monitor the safety of patrons in the nearby swimming areas.

“In order to ensure successful operations, enhanced stakeholder engagements, building of relationships, fostering cooperation and cross-agency training, these things will be necessary,” Abrahams added.
(KC)