On Sunday, June 9th you can spend a full day at Chicago's Quinn Fire Academy! This is truly an experience that you will remember if you aren't a trained firefighter.
I participated in a similar day of training at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy last year. We received instruction, put on the HEAVY gear and used the breathing apparatus. Then we did search and rescue in darkened buildings, used different extinguishers, pulled hoses up flights of stairs, went up in the ladders and more! At the end of the day I was tired, exhilarated and had a new appreciation for the fire service! (That's me on the left in the picture and not too thrilled being up so high from the ground!)
Sunday, June 9th | 8:15 AM - 3:45 PM
In Chicago, you'll learn how NFPA Standards are utilized in the design of personal protective equipment, self contained breathing apparatus, fire apparatus, and fire service training. After being briefed on how the Standard applies, you will receive basic safety instructions, don the equipment and participate in several firefighting evolutions, including:
- exterior fire attack
- advancing a hose line up a staircase
- search and rescue
- fire apparatus overview and use of fire extinguishers for flammable liquid fires
This is your opportunity to experience what firefighters face and how NFPA Standards make a dangerous job safer. Past participants have included: fire protection engineers, architects, plan reviewers, building/code enforcement officials, facility owners/managers, fire protection systems designers, life safety consultants/special experts, and project managers.
The day’s activities comprise 6 firefighting skill evolutions and observing live fire demonstrations. You'll be offered firefighter protective clothing, consisting of fire coat and pants, boots, helmet, protective hood and gloves and it is recommended you wear comfortable work clothing such as jeans and work shirt. You'll be allowed to participate in the evolutions to your level of comfort and safety and can observe any evolution at any time, as opposed to direct participation. This is a rain or shine event. Class size is strictly limited due to hands-on instruction. Departure from McCormick Place at 8:15 am and return at 3:45 pm. Get more registration info.
Inherent in this event is a level of risk and physical exertion. Participants will be required to be properly attired in work clothing, wear firefighter protective gear as offered by the Chicago Fire Department, and sign a waiver holding NFPA harmless from any loss, cost, damage or injury. NFPA may deny participation in appropriate circumstances.
There are still a handful of slots open for Sunday, June 9th. Firefighter for a Day: NFPA Standards at Work.
Experience it with NFPA Technical Staff and City of Chicago Fire Department Staff at Chicago's Quinn Fire Academy!
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