21 July 2006
Dubai: The city's Civil Defence is running a comprehensive summer training course for 10 high school students, including training on fighting fires and performing first aid.
For the first time the annual summer programme includes practical training, and by the time the course is finished the students seven boys and three girls will be qualified fire marshals.
Captain Ali Hasan Al Mutawa, Director of Dubai Civil Defence's Al Ghusais Centre, said the programme would direct the teenagers' time into something useful for them and society, and would enable the youngsters to handle emergency situations until help arrived.
"We chose high school students between the ages of 15 and 18 because their understanding ability is higher and they are the group that needs most attention in their free time," Captain Al Mutawa said.
"This year's summer programme is divided into two parts. In the first part, participants are taught about the Civil Defence, its functions and the various departments, while in the practical part, they get to learn how to use different equipment," Captain Al Mutawa said.
The practical part teaches participants to carry out first aid, use fire extinguishers and evacuation procedures.
"The training will qualify the participants to be fire marshals, who basically guide people to safety spots in case of emergencies," Captain Al Mutawa added.
Quick response
The participants will also get to know the various departments of the civil defence such as the planning and development section, safety licensing section, customer services section, the operations room and other managerial sections.
"When accidents take place, they require fast response, commitment, bravery and taking the right decision at the right time without hesitation because the danger of fire is calculated in seconds and every second is very precious in saving lives and the properties," he said.
New experience
"I discovered many things since I started this training programme," said Khalid Hasan Ahmad, 17, who is participating in a summer programme for the first time.
"I thought civil defence was all about putting out fires, but now I am learning that it is much more than that, as they have a planning and development section and they supervise construction procedures at some sites," Khalid said.
He added that he is considering working for the civil defence after finishing his studies.
"Participating in such training programmes teaches how to deal with emergencies in real life and to feel that you are equipped with skills that can save your life and others as well," said Murad Naji, 15, who lives in Ajman.
He said he had thought civil defence was about pouring water on fires, but after getting to know it better, he became aware of the many jobs that the civil defence does besides firefighting.
By Alia Al Theeb
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
