On February 5th, the Avondale Fire Company was invited to be a part of the ‘After the Bell’ program at Kennett Middle School along with the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department’s School Resource Officer, Mario Raimato. Volunteer and career, Avondale Fire Company members took time out of their day to teach students about firefighting, fire safety, emergency medical services, when and how to dial 9-1-1 and the information that is needed by the 9-1-1 dispatcher and how police officers, firefighters and ambulance crews work together to help people during emergencies.

Firefighters described some of the techniques and tools used to fight fires. They talked about different methods to extinguishing fire and the many tools that are on a fire engine including the Halligan bar, axe, thermal imaging cameras, gas meters and a variety of water supply hoses. Students learned about the protective gear worn by firefighters including air tanks and masks, also known as Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and were shown how the SCBA operates. Students also learned how and when to change the batteries in their smoke detectors at home.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) introduced some of the methods and tools used to treat patients. Students learned about an EMT's medical bag and the tools and supplies stored in it, as well as the stretcher that is used to transport patients to the ambulance. Students were also shown how to take a patient's blood pressure, check blood-oxygen levels and apply a tourniquet to stop bleeding.

Lastly, students learned about the steps to take to pursue a career in the field of emergency services. Whether interested in a full-time career or just volunteering to help your community, volunteering with your local volunteer fire department is a great way to start that journey. Students 14 years or older with a signed worker’s permit are eligible to apply to become a volunteer at Avondale Fire Company.

The Avondale Fire Company would like to thank Kennett Middle School and Officer Raimato for the opportunity to present to the students.