Firebreak Students Pass Out In Harlow

Published on 17 October 2006

A passing out parade was held at Harlow Fire Station on Friday 6 October 2006 to mark the end of the course for Firebreak students. The Firebreak programme aims to promote a culture of safety and citizenship for Key stage 4 children (between the ages of 13 -16 years) by providing a range of vital life skills whilst undertaking the various disciplines of the Fire Service in non-residential course lasting 5 or 7 days.

Proud parents, teachers and friends were treated to a display by the team demonstrating the skills and confidence gained in a relatively short space of time. The skills displayed included students wearing breathing apparatus entering a smoke filled room, simulating a road traffic accident by cutting a dummy out of a car, performing a hosepipe drill and performing a leglock up a ladder – all before the passout parade itself!

The Firebreak course endeavours to:

• Instill a sense of self discipline, self worth, independence and responsibility
• Promote teamwork amongst the attendees
• Encourage trainees to respect the differences between people
• Confirm the benefits of worthwhile and fulfilling relationships
• Urge trainees to play an active and worthwhile role as a member of their community
• Ensure that the trainees make the most of their own and others potential

The Firebreak scheme is run by the Essex Fire and Rescue Service, Harlow and Epping Forest Community Command and is funded in part by the Epping Forest Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

Epping Forest District Council Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder Councillor Mrs Syd Stavrou said: “The Firebreak course has become an extremely useful tool in working with those young people who may not respond well to mainstream education techniques. The programme provides a learning environment that combines practical skills and scenario based training, with classroom centred theory and discussion workshops. During the course, Firebreak students will take part in activities aimed at improving self-esteem, self-discipline and responsibility. This is achieved by employing fundamental Fire Service principals of leadership, teamwork and motivation.”

For more information on the Firebreak project in Epping Forest please contact Caroline Wiggins on 01992 564 616 or by email on cwiggins@eppingforestcvs.org.uk

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