New fire service recruits making progress

The 14 recruits are on week seven of their 26-week foundation training, according to a press statement.

Phase one is in the Emergency Medical Technician intermediate course.

The Fire Service Act was amended in 1996 to require firefighters to become co-responders with the Emergency Room staff of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

As a result of the Fire and Rescue Service’s expanded role, its call volume rose exponentially from 1,200 emergency calls per year in 1999 to 4,167 in 2010.

The Minister of National Security, David Burch said: “This kind of efficient succession planning is exactly what is needed to ensure Bermudians continue in employment and remain marketable in the working world.

“The community can take comfort in knowing that skilled, highly trained, first-responders are at their service.”

With the additional 14 EMT-I certified firefighters on schedule, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service’s capacity will increase, allowing for a more flexible work schedule as well as the continued sustainability of the service.

Upon successful completion of the Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate Course, the recruits will begin phase two of the training programme — fire suppression.