‘Flying Fox' exercise at Fire Dept
By Dk Suria Rina PHA

Empire Hotel staff slides down the 'Flying Fox'

Trainee readies herself for a soft landing

The Fire Services Department has been actively conducting courses and exercises to train people how to act in the event of a fire. The training is essential for any individual, as it could help avoid any unnecessary mishaps. A total of 20 staff members from the Empire Hotel were recently trained by the Special Squad Team on how to tackle the situation in the event of a fire. Pg Hj Saharuddin, the Commanding Officer of the Special Squad Team revealed that they taught them the fastest means of evacuation when a fire occurs. The 'Flying Fox' was one of the means taught, whereby evacuees would slide down from a building by abseiling.

Pg Hj Saharuddin added that once they completed the Flying Fox course they will conduct another course called the Fire Drill exercise. Personnel from several government departments, the private sector, and associations, as well as students have attended such courses. Pg Hj Saharuddin also said that they trained them how to use the hose reel, and various kinds of portable fire extinguishers. The trainees were also made aware of the different classifications of fire.

These courses taught the staff to evacuate from a building before they gather at the assembly point, after which they would be notified by the fire rescuers on how many are still left in the building. The staff were also taught how to assist guests during a fire by moving them out of the building safely.

According to the Empire Hotel personnel, more than 400 staff members have signed up to attend these courses. The courses began last month and will end June 2003. The course is run weekly, with three sessions per week.

Currently, the Fire Services Department provides "Rescue Chutes/Rescue Life Packs" throughout the country. According to the department, the Rescue Life Pack is the latest practical means of rescue.

Those interested in attending the course may call the Fire Services Department at 2380402.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin