MICHAŁ WHO WANTED TO BECOME A FIREFIGHTER

Michał Nita ready for action

Passion, vocation, impulse - reasons are different - that is how young people resolve to become firemen. However inner strength is certainly essential to deal with such a profession.  Cutting-edge and sate-of-the-art equipment are equally necessary. The International Exhibition of Fire Protection and Rescue Technology held in Targi Kielce in June 2016 provides the best opportunity to put on show equipment and technologies cut out for rescue services as well fire protection systems.  Passion and the role of technology in the fire-fighter's work - we talked to Michał Nita - the Mysłowice Janów Voluntary Fire Brigade firefighter.

How did you join the fire department? Was it a teenage-dream, an impulse or pure coincidence?

You could say it was an impulse.  That was the stage when I was seeking to find my walk of life, ideas for the future. Then in conversations with friends a possibility to join the Volunteer Fire Brigade appeared.  I went down to the fire station and talked to its chief, I submitted my registration .... and I developed my liking to voluntary fore services overnight. Today, more than 5 years after joining the service I cannot imagine my life without it.  You were asking about childhood dreams. Fire-service work popped up more often than not. If I look at my godsons I find hard to believe that there is a child who has never dreamed about joining a firebrigade, never enjoyed it.   A voluntary fire brigade depot is a place where you can learn a lot of incredible things, such as composure, regularity and responsibility for yourselves or your partner in action, but also for human life and health. Great responsibility which brings about great satisfaction.

What action have you taken part in?

Dozens or I dare-say hundreds of rescue operations - fire-combat, collisions and road accidents, city safeguarding, support activities for the State Fire Service or at mass events as well as S&R activities. There is a whole array of categories, which shows that volunteer-firefighters need a versatile training.  In addition to activities related to the so-called in-field operations, voluntary fire services are also involved in cultural educational.  We organize various events, training, festivals and actively work with young people. My voluntary fire services responsibilities encompass working with the Youth Fire-fighters Fellowship  (MDP), involve organization of Polish - German Youth Exchange which has continued for 11 years, as well as conducting regular meetings, training courses and journeys for youth brigade.

Is there any particular memory?

It is hard to say that there is any specific memory I have. They differ very much, it is hard to find something most memorable. On the one hand I remember the extensive grass fires. Every spring these are a big challenge for firefighters throughout the country. A bottle of cold water was a real relief just after the action.  On the other hand I remember when the decision-making stage was the biggest burden for me. And although there was little physical effort,  this responsibility burden was huge.  I mean situations where together with other VFS units from my city we were called in to rescue a man whose hands had been crushed by a hydraulic press.  Once we had finished a helicopter took him to hospital. All I was left with were thoughts in the head - what could I do faster, better, what reactions might have been more appropriate.  And although this action went seamlessly thanks to the firefighters proper preparation, specialized hardware our unit has and a fast response, I often wondered what can be improved in such situations, what equipment ought to have been uses and how, what gear could ameliorate these activities.

To what extent is equipment important for a firefighter?

In my opinion the equipment is one of the key elements for firefighters' work.  Priority for rescue and fire-combat is the safety of firefighters. Here we can talk about a wide range of personal protective equipment such as special clothing, i.e. uniforms resistant to extreme conditions, appropriate footwear and a helmets.  Without such basic pieces of equipment hardly any measures aimed to save people's lives and health would be successful - too much risk for volunteer firefighters. Appropriate equipment on boar makes me feel more comfortable, I am convinced that I myself as well as the fighting engine are equipment properly. In the event of emergency will be effective and be able to minimize the time to reach out to those affected, mitigate losses generated by spreading fire. Based upon my observations I can say that the voluntary fire-fighting units are now equipped with a very professional and efficient gear. On the one hand it allows to be effective in action, on the other hand also encourages people to join the Volunteer Brigades Fire organisation.   A unit with reliable equipment, fire engines and refurbished fire station also need proper and reliable people on order to function.  These people must be willing to continue their trains, be aware of continuous development need in order to take effective measures to protect peoples lives.

Thank you for the conversation.

The 9th International Exhibition of Fire and Rescue Technology EDURA is held in Targi Kielce from 9 to 11 June 2016.