An insight into the training, equipment, roles and working lives of firefighters by Philip Martin and Duncan J. White.
This new book published in the UK is a veritable encyclopaedia that begins with the historical background of the early fire brigades and their primitive equipment right through to today’s modern fire and rescue service.
The book’s principal chapters emphasise the breath and detail of the subject and these include: The modern firefighter; Delivering a professional fire and rescue service; The fire station; Equipment; Fire appliances; Emergency calls; Some major incidents; and Fire investigation.
As may be expected from the two experienced authors who have both held senior officer posts and each served for over 30 years in the UK Fire and Rescue Service, this is an extremely authoritative, yet easy-to-follow book.
From recruitment, realistic training, how a fire station operates, different types of fire and non-fire emergencies; breathing apparatus; protective clothing; communications; different types of fire engines and their equipment to meet all types of emergency incidents attended by firefighters, this book does not disappoint.
It is packed full of information and a host of outstanding illustrations and diagrams that describe and explain the wide technical nature of a firefighter’s role in the community. Many images of actual fires and other major emergencies underline just how dangerous and physically challenging firefighting and rescue can be. For when men, women and children are fleeing from angry flames and smoke, the firefighting teams will be heading into battle at close quarters, often confronting physical conditions that the public just cannot imagine.
Conclusion
Firefighter certainly deserves to be compulsory reading not just for anyone contemplating a career in the fire and rescue service, but as a very readable description of all that goes together to make up a nation’s premier blue light emergency service.
There is no doubt that the most important component of a modern fire and rescue service are the men and women firefighters who guard the public from the danger of fire and other emergencies, together with the protection of the wide ranging assets of a modern economy.
Theirs is indeed a noble profession, and this outstanding book is a testament to every firefighter’s selfless commitment around the clock throughout the year in all weathers, and is thoroughly recommended.
Neil Wallington FIFireE
For more information, go to www.haynes.com
