Comments on fire volunteers / fire trucks / emergencies

[gillian]

hi,

apologize for the late response. there are a couple of volunteer groups near your area like the ones in pasay. i'm not sure thought how the application process goes as it varies from one department to another.

about your question, I really wouldnt say that we are immune to prosecution in case of accidents when responding to a fire. We are just like ordinary citizens, we dont have special access or immunities to the rules of the road. what we have are special abilities to help others. on runs we, our trucks, us volunteers are very much responsible just like everyone else. our department had an accident once while on our way to a big fire, we aborted our response instead of fleeing the scene. but, there are some instances though that we need to do things drastically.

good evening firemedic 11,

thank you very much for your concise and well explanations about my query. i give my two thumbs up to all volunteers like you.

[FIREMEDIC11]

I have respect for real fire volunteers (and not those loonies we see running around pretending to be one just so they can get ahead of traffic) as what they have been doing is a real community service that saves lives and property. But still, I long to see our government really improve in beefing up the equipment, training and salaries of the Bureau of Fire Protection (tama ba?) so as that one day citizens do not really need to rely on our own ranks to fill in the void. Parang NAMFREL, they're trying to help guard the electoral process but they long for the day that there is no need for their efforts anymore (meaning our elections are indeed clean and honest).

wait no more dear sir. during the last quarter of 2008 the new Fire Code of the Philippines was signed by PGMA. This took effect on the first quarter of 09. It constituted the modernization of our BFP. Just last year a Pierce Aerial platform was acquired (this unit is now with QCFD). Along with this equipments are also being modernized to comply with recent standards. Training of future firemen are also being modernized (fire science) under the Fire National Training Institute. Fire stations are now being renovated bit by bit (case in point are the fire stations in libis, pasay (in front of t3, some manila fire stations). Its actually just a matter of time that the public will notice all the changes to our country's fire service.

Being a firefigter or fireman is not something that can be taken for granted. Even us volunteers (which by the way is already provisioned within the new fire code) would need to undergo the same training professional ff's do. We need to study the dynamics of a fire, its components, tactical aspects, modes or transfer, and many many many more.

[FIREMEDIC11]

good evening firemedic 11,

thank you very much for your concise and well explanations about my query. i give my two thumbs up to all volunteers like you.

Thank you sir, no worries, keep the questions/suggestions/comments/reactions coming and i will answer them to very best of my ability.

[FIREMEDIC11]

What does a Volunteer Firefighter do? If you think its as easy as a point and shoot thing? (meaning you hop on a truck, drag a hose and squirt water on a fire) then you're wrong.
Volunteer Firefighters undergo the same training as our government counterparts (in fact, as stipulated on the New Fire Code of the Philippines, all volunteer fire department/s and members would have to be certified by the BFP).

Gruelling training hours under the heat of the sun, endless lectures, countless demonstrations and drills are just a few things one needs to expect. Lectures about how fire evolves, its components, characteristics and a lot more are things that we study before we even tackling the parts of the Fire Truck. This is just a pinpoint tip of the tip of the ice berg. Depending on the capability of your chosen Fire Department, you might also end up training for Techincal Rescue (this is the part where you rappel and stuff), Fireground Search and Rescue (the part where you put on an SCBA and search a building), HAZMAT (Dealing with chemical spills), Vehicle Extrication (where you use a spreader and cutter or otherwise known as the Jaws of Life to free someone from a wreck), EMS (Emergency Medical Service, which pretty much explains itself) and all other aspects of mergency services. Again, its just a mall part of the things that you'll learn. (This may sound too much, right? not really, volunteer departments augments the staff of the BFP in case of shortage of manpower.)

My point is that you have to be ready for all these challenges. Both mental and physical requirements are essential. Again, this all depends on what your intended Fire Departments capability is. Other groups screens thier applicants. Other would allow you to join and would guage you based on how fast you absorb the lessons taught.

Lemme tell you a personal story. Ive been a volunteer since 1998. Started out with an auxilliary group for the 505 Search and Rescue Squadron PAF then to Firefighting. If its really your intention to help out, you will not mind all the hardships of training. Personally, I've passed out countless of times due to exhaustion, took the same test over again because I failed the first time and subject of criticism because of how fat I am (hehe). But still, I've pushed through with it. If you really put your heart into being a volunteer then no matter what the cost (sometimes literally speaking) you will go through with it. After all, our common goal is to save lives and properties.

For those individuals who are interested in being a Fire Volunteer, here's a list of Volunteer Fire Departments currently under the Association of Philippine Volunteer Fire Brigades. There's supposed be contact numbers but I have removed them for the sole purpose of those interested parties to appear in person to the Fire Department they wish to join and actually interact with someone.
LIST OF VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Brixton Hills Fire Prevention Unit
#8 Concepcion St., Brixton Hills, Quezon City

Biñan Volunteer Fire Brigade, Inc.
P. Paterno Street, Biñan Laguna
Johnny Dumadag: 0927-6815170
Central Quiapo Fil-Chi Volunteer Fire Brigade, Inc.
Carlos Palanca Sr. St. Corner Orosco St., Quiapo, Manila William Lee: 0920-9203183

Divisoria Allied Fire Prevention Association, Inc.
Amaro Ello: 0927-7970323
Headquarters: (632) 309-6304

East Binondo Volunteer Fire Brigade
650 Ongpin St., Binondo, Manila

Ever Gotesco Properties Group Volunteer Fire Brigade
Rizal Ave. Extension, Caloocan City

Fil-Chinese Paco Volunteer Search & Rescue Brigade
650 Ongpin St., Binondo, Manila
Fil-Chinese Youth Volunteer Fire Department
Cardinal Santos Medical Center Comp. San Juan

Manila DJ Volunteer Fire Brigade
1070 Doroteo Jose St., Sta. Cruz, Manila

New Market Merchants' Assn., Inc. & Fire Prevention Unit
1068 Albuquerque St., Tondo, Manila

New Village Volunteer Fire Prevention Unit, Inc.
#4 Gen. Tinio St., Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City

Novaliches Volunteer Fire Brigade, Inc.
Km29, Quirino Hi-way, Banker's Village, Quezon City

Pasay Volunteer Fire Brigade
2301 Leveriza St., Pasay City

Phil. Ling Nam Athletic Association Fire & Rescue Volunteer
1632 V. Fugoso St., cor. Oroquieta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila

San Juan Eagles Volunteer Fire Brigade, Inc.
#8 Benavidez St., San Juan

Soler Volunteer Fire Prevention Center
Soler St./Gandara St., Sta. Cruz, Manila

South San Nicolas Volunteer Fire Brigade, Inc.
Plaza Del Conde, San Fernando, Binondo, Manila

Tutuban Fire Volunteer Association
Tutuban Center, Recto Avenue, Manila

Tutuban Prime Fire & Rescue Volunteer Association, Inc.
PS-03 G/F Parking Tower Tutuban Center, CM Recto Ave., Manila

Valenzuela Fil-Chinese Fire Fighters Volunteer Association, Inc.
San Guillermo St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela

[Bogan]

Hi guys, I'm a volunteer as well. With the San Juan Falcon fire brigade.

I will admit, I have lights and sirens on my car. With paperwork however I hardly use it because 99% of the time I drive the fire truck anyway. The only time I really use it is if I need to get to the station ASAP because I would be the nearest person to the station who can drive the truck or if it's a big fire where I would drive to the area to substitute for one of our fighters.

I agree, madami din volunteer 'kuno' in the sense that they just wanted to put sirens and lights on their cars. Some havent even held the fire hose ever. Even worse, sometimes it's because of them pa we almost get into accidents. Kasi kung mag drive daig pa truck kung makisingit.

I know some people see volunteers in a bad light kasi some people be it volunteer or paid, nag nanakaw when inside a house. Which creates a bad image for everyone who firefights.

people tend to give way to our POV's when we respond to a fire naman. I'm guessing because we use the sirens differently to those who have no real use for them.

If you notice yung mga wala naman talagang pupuntahan na important, they jackrabbit the button for the siren. Pa pindot pindot lang. Whereas when its a legitimate fire and volunteer/paid fighters are responding its tuloy tuloy and usually accompanied by a truck. (or because we dont use the ugly china ones hehe.)

btw firemedic11, which brigade are you in sir? thanks. It's my dream to get into the 505th however I'm more than sure I'm far from fit enough to pass. That and I dont like deep water as I drowned as a child haha!

[dadz]

505th and a RASS (Reserve Airlift Support Squadron) and PAF Search and rescue and noong buo pa DND search and rescue, a long time ago i join when i was young hehehehhehehehehe mga bro's im telling you this is one part of my life that im really proud off.

The angel badge is the one thing that i hold on until now and siyempre my wing's hehehehehhehehe

[Bogan]

505th and a RASS (Reserve Airlift Support Squadron) and PAF Search and rescue and noong buo pa DND search and rescue, a long time ago i join when i was young hehehehhehehehehe mga bro's im telling you this is one part of my life that im really proud off.

The angel badge is the one thing that i hold on until now and siyempre my wing's hehehehehhehehe

What training was involved sir? Baka kasi bumagsak lang ako eh lol takot pa naman ako malunod

[dadz]

Dati ang training ground namin is yung bagong airport but first we did a lecture, then practical land recue - Rappeling from heli and building single and with a rescue victim siyempre Basic life support training, tapos lecture ulit then practical water rescue hindi ko lang alam kung saan na nila ginagawa kasi kami dati sa villa mor tapos sa cavite, heli jump, water rescue, ladder climb to heli, and alot more. After we finish with it we under go a Jungle survival Training and Sea survival Training. Bro kayang kaya yan, sabi nga diba "We serve so that other may live"

[Bogan]

Sige sir thanks. :D I have to conquer my fear of deep water hahaha. Sana may training pa

[FIREMEDIC11]

I'm with 5052nd SAR Squadron. This group is based in Mactan, Cebu. Trained under the 505 2nd back in 1998.

[FIREMEDIC11]

What training was involved sir? Baka kasi bumagsak lang ako eh lol takot pa naman ako malunod

Well back then our training went from water survival to water rescue, jungle survival to map reading including coordinates plotting, ground to air rescue (helicopter aided rescue with hoist and rapelling) helicopter rescue operations (Helicopter loads, aircraft marshalling, distress calls, emergency landing procedures)

So far yun lang natatandaan ko.

[Bogan]

May general alarm daw this morning ah. 10-0 lagi mga sir. :D

btw my whelen 295sl is for sale. PM me nalang. RFS I bought the whelen hhs2200 kasi.

[falken]

I'm not a volunteer, but I know lots of em', Just want to let you guys know that what you're doing is greatly appreciated and more power to all of you. God Bless you All!

[FIREMEDIC11]

* Bogan and Falken

Thank you sir, its much appreciated.

Keep safe din po kayo

[babyishcare]

For Verona volunteer and board of directors member Anne Lynch, that remark has been particularly hard to stomach. A volunteer EMT since 1999, her family's made up of three generations of volunteer firefighters, including a 16-year-old daughter.
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