Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have recently welcomed their latest firefighter recruits as they embark on a 16 week training programme which if successful, will see them graduate at a pass out parade in December.

A total of 17 trainees have joined the Service, made up of 12 men and 5 women. There's a broad age range among the latest recruits, with the youngest being 18 and the eldest in their 40's. They've come from a variety of backgrounds from students, former Police Officers, trades, as well as a few who have already served as on call firefighters. There are also some who have existing family connections, which is quite common within the Service.

Training covers a number of modules including firecraft, breathing apparatus usage, road traffic collision (RTC) rescue, trauma care and advanced first aid, dealing with hazardous materials and decontamination procedures. Recruits also receive familiarisation training on various specialist skills such as rope rescue and animal rescue as well as the use of specialist appliances.

The trainees were recently visited by Cllr Ajanta Hilton, Executive Member for Public Health and Community Safety at Hertfordshire County Council and her Deputy Cllr Allison Wren, who were able to see them carrying out their training first hand. One they've graduated, the new firefighters will serve communities across Hertfordshire and join stations around the county where they will continue to develop their skills as part of an operational crew.

Cllr Ajanta Hilton, Executive Member for Public Health and Community Safety at Hertfordshire County Council said: "This was the first time I've had the opportunity to meet our new trainee fire fighters and see them in action. I was really impressed by their commitment and the skills they have already learnt and I'm sure they'll all be great additions to Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service when they have completed their training."

Alex Woodman, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer said: "Protecting our communities is both challenging and rewarding. By December, all trainees will be equipped with the knowledge and resilience to serve the people of Hertfordshire, and I look forward to seeing their careers flourish."

To find out more about the jobs available at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service visit: Jobs at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service | Hertfordshire County Council

The 16 week training programme covers the following modules in detail:

• Firecraft - hose running, pump operating, ladder pitching/climbing, knot tying.
• Breathing Apparatus - involving irrespirable atmosphere, no visibility, having to use new skills to safely search a room, casualty handling, making rescue from inside compartments.
• Fire Behaviour training - knowledge of fire behaviour, upper and lower limits of flammability, fire phenomena such as backdraft, flashover, fire gas explosions and tactical ventilation.
• Road Traffic Collision – cutting/rescue techniques, safe systems of work, vehicle hazards.
• Immediate Emergency Care – trauma training, basic life support (CPR) haemorrhage control.
• Technical rescue – including safe working at height and water rescue.