UAE’s first women firefighters talk about their challenges
UAE’S FIRST WOMEN FIREFIGHTERS OPEN UP ABOUT THEIR CHALLENGES
It takes a great deal of selfconfidence and determination to break social taboos regarding women’s roles in the community. For 15 brave UAE national women who have joined the country’s first Women’s Firefighting Unit at Ajman Civil Defence, the opportunity was too good to pass.
Ajman Civil Defence has welcomed their first female firefighters in 43 years who will take on roles usually reserved for men. The group is believed to be the first in the Middle East.
Lt. General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, lauded the women during a ceremony to induct them in the Civil Defence department.
Rigorous standards
The women, who proved their mettle, were recruited to the rigorous standards set by the Ministry of Interior.
“These requirements were strictly adhered to when selecting the members for the women’s firefighting unit, and all are required to be physically fit and of good health,” Lt Gen Shaikh Saif said.
The new members told Gulf News that their passion to help others encouraged them to join the Civil Defence and they are hoping to inspire other young girls and women to break the stereotypes.
The department says they are excited to have them on the team. The women firefighters went through intensive training course at Ajman Civil Defence before entering service.
Gulf News spoke to First officer Maitha Khaled Al Khayyat and the other women firefighters about their challenges and achievements.
These requirements [ rigorous standards] were strictly adhered to when selecting the members for the women’s firefighting unit…”
Lt. General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
■ How was the experience as the only female member at the state level in civil defence, specifically in the firefighting profession?
Working in the firefighting profession is a very unique and interesting experience for women. It is tiring and exhausting, but at the same time challenging and satisfying, and within a short span of time we gained the self- confidence, skills and strength in the work.
■ What challenges and difficulties did you face?
During training we had difficulty in adapting to working in closed spaces that lacked oxygen while fighting fires and accidents, and enduring high temperatures. Also it was tough storming confined and narrow spaces and staying there for long periods of time while fighting the blaze.
It was also tough carrying fire and rescue equipment and survival equipment — from life jackets to oxygen cylinders that were very heavy. We are proud thatwe succeeded in overcoming all these obstacles, and today, thanks to that training, we have greater fitness, skills and self- confidence.
■ What are the difficulties you faced during the firefighting process?
The toughest thing that we faced during any fire and rescue operation is the time factor. We need to evacuate the trapped and injured people in record time, and save the lives. It is a race against time.
■ How do you balance your career and your commitments at home?
Initially it was difficult juggling a tough job in the Civil Defence Department and then managing the affairs of home. But with time we have managed to adapt our lives to the demanding job and the demands at the home front. Now things have become smooth, and they are at its best.
■ Tell us about humanitarian cases that have been dealt with.
“I dealt with a fire accident in an apartment building, and a mother and her two children were stranded in their apartment. The mother was in a state of severe panic and refused the help of firefighters to leave the apartment via the emergency fire escape ladder. After negotiations we persuaded her to cooperate and allow us to help her and the two girls. She handed the two girls over to us and went out through the window, where the hydraulic ladder was connected to the snooker car, designated to rescue the trapped victims in such cases.”