VCAL/Headstart News

VCAL Fire Safety Training

Over the first 5 weeks of the school year, our VCAL students have been taking a course in Public Safety (Firefighting), delivered by Magenta Safety Training. Our students have been learning how to communicate effectively, follow procedures and regulations, manage emergency scenarios – and will soon be doing First Aid training to round out their qualifications. This course is delivered by experienced firefighters – so there are plenty of interesting stories and examples for our students to hear.

While it hasn’t been obvious this year, many EDSC students live in fire-prone areas. On top of this, all workplaces should have emergency management plans in place for fire scenarios. Our students are now well placed to take this knowledge into their current and future employment.

This course has involved both theoretical and hands-on components, with students having to show their knowledge and competency to be awarded the qualification.

By completing this course, students have extra qualification to add to their resumes (some Fire Warden training, First Aid, etc).

Some pretty spectacular demonstrations take place. This week students used various fire extinguishers to put out controlled fires. Our instructor also demonstrated what happens when you attempt to put out an oil fire with water. (For your reference: put the lid on the pot to kill the flames, turn it off and let it cool completely. Don’t attempt to take it outside as you may drop it because it will be hot – and this will mean an even bigger potential fire).

Kelly Kingham

VCAL/Headstart Coordinator