Participants were broken up into small groups and rotated from one learning station to another under the guidance of a firefighter. They learned about the equipment that is stored on a fire engine and how it is used to fight fires and deal with other emergencies. In addition, they got to climb aboard a County EMS ambulance and listen to EMT Matthew Garwood explain how emergency medical equipment is used to assist an injured or ill passenger while en route to the Hospital ER.

Hand-on activities included pulling a fire hose, crawling through an obstacle course, being exposed to smoke and heat inside Decatur Fire & Rescue’s structure fire simulator and use a live fire hose.

Firefighter Brandon Turrentine modeled a complete outfit of turnout gear, identifying each piece of gear and explaining how it used to protect the one who is using it while fighting fires. He said a fire- fighter is expected to be able to gear up in 30 seconds or less and be able to maintain his or her mobility while carrying an extra 90 to 100 pounds of weight.

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