Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
When the Hinsdale Fire Department launched its first citizens fire academy this spring, it was designed as a fantasy camp for anyone whoever wondered what it’s like to be a firefighter/paramedic.
Over six weeks, the participants learned the skills firefighters and paramedics use, as well as got a behind the scenes look at life in the firehouse.
They practiced life-saving techniques, such as inserting an IV into dummies with arms., and had to put nuts and bolts together while wearing gloves to see how their dexterity was reduced.
On the final evening, firefighters filled the training tower with theatrical smoke and let the participants practice the way they enter a smoke-filled room. They could use a thermal imaging camera to find firefighters inside. Without the camera, the men were invisible through the smoke, although they were standing just a few feet away.
Participants used different extinguishers to put out fires that firefighters started for demonstration. They also learned and practiced cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Firefighters hope to run the citizens fire academy again, but another session has not been scheduled yet.
thanks Dan
