Potential recruits fired up for tests
Potential firefighters had a chance to drag hoses, climb ladders and simulate a patient rescue as part of an open day to encourage more people into the profession.
Nelson Fire Service station officer Dick Lyall said the open day gave people a practical insight into the service. ‘‘It’s a great opportunity for people to see if they want to be a firefighter.’’
Nelson’s Anthea Shearer was one who tested her skills. The mother of three said she had been looking to get back into work.
Her last job was in logistics and freight forwarding, but she said she wanted a career that made a difference in the community and was ‘‘a bit more meaningful’’.
‘‘I feel like work needs to tick more boxes than just bringing home a paycheque.’’
Shearer said her husband was a firefighter, and seeing the enjoyment he got from the job inspired her to consider it.
She was one of 17 potential recruits who got to drag fire hoses, climb a ladder while harnessed, and do a stair climb wearing breathing apparatus that weighed 18kg, with another 20kg added.
Each person also had a chance to practise a ‘‘dummy drag’’, simulating a patient rescue with a 90kg dummy.
Shearer said the exercises were physically challenging, with the requirements the same regardless of gender.
‘‘Whether you are 100kg or 50kg, you still have to drag a 90kg dummy, so it does require, if you are a female particularly, a good level of strength and fitness.’’
She said she didn’t really like heights but found the ladder climb easier than expected. ‘‘I thought it would be the biggest mental thing for me to talk myself through.’’
While most firefighters in the region are volunteers, Nelson is also home to about 50 fulltime professional staff, including 40 operational firefighters.
With several senior firefighters set to retire in the next year, opportunities for new recruits in Nelson are on the horizon. Paid firefighter jobs in the region have traditionally been hard to get, with long waiting lists due to low staff turnover.
There are two intakes for firefighters, in July and September, and it takes around a year for a new recruit to be fully operational.
After the open day, those interested in becoming a firefighter needed to formally apply. They would then be shortlisted and undergo cognitive and physical testing before an interview process.
‘‘It’s a great opportunity.’’ Nelson Fire Service station officer Dick Lyall