During my visit to Zhongshan’s Fire and Rescue Training
Center, I had the rare opportunity to spend the day training alongside the
city’s highly skilled firefighting team. This was a unique experience, one that
few people get to have, and it gave me a profound respect for the dedication
and rigorous preparation that these first responders go through.
The day started with an introduction to the team and a tour
of the training facility. Zhongshan’s Fire and Rescue Center is one of the
premier facilities in the region, equipped with state-of-the-art tools and
various simulation environments designed to prepare firefighters for different
emergency scenarios. Right away, I was struck by the professionalism and
youthfulness of the crew. Many of the firefighters were in their 20s,
demonstrating the emphasis on physical fitness and agility required for the job.
One of the first activities I witnessed was the team
performing rappelling exercises from a tall training tower. It was a
synchronized drill where two firefighters rappelled down, secured a simulated
victim, and then ascended back up with incredible speed and precision. This
exercise is critical in urban rescue situations, where they might have to
rescue individuals trapped on upper floors of high-rise buildings. According to
national standards, the goal is to complete these maneuvers in less than three
minutes.
I was given the chance to try climbing the rope myself, and
while I’ve done similar activities in the past, it had been over 20 years.
Climbing with firefighting gear, which includes a heavy protective suit,
helmet, and boots, was a challenge I wasn’t quite prepared for. The gear
itself, while modern and designed for mobility, is still cumbersome and adds
significant weight. I could feel the strain after just a few moments,
underscoring how physically demanding this job is.
The firefighters then demonstrated a full equipment drill,
suiting up and deploying in under 60 seconds—a feat that requires constant
practice and discipline. Their gear included oxygen tanks, helmets, and
specialized gloves, all designed to provide maximum protection in dangerous
environments. As they raced to the trucks, I couldn’t help but admire the
efficiency and teamwork on display. Every action was coordinated, showing just
how well-trained and synchronized these crews are.
Following the outdoor drills, I was invited to join the
firefighters for lunch in their dining hall. The meal was simple yet hearty,
with a focus on nutrition to support their rigorous training. What stood out to
me was how self-sufficient the firehouse is—firefighters here are responsible
for cooking and cleaning, emphasizing the discipline and camaraderie that is
essential to their daily life. The sense of brotherhood was palpable, making it
clear that these men rely on each other both in the kitchen and on the field.
After lunch, I was given a tour of the firefighters’ lounge,
a space where they can relax between shifts. It was surprisingly homey, with
traditional Chinese calligraphy on the walls, a tea set, musical instruments,
and even an arts and crafts area. This space serves as a reminder that while
these individuals are trained to handle high-stress situations, they also need
time to decompress and maintain their mental health.
The next part of the day involved a closer look at the fire
trucks and equipment. I was fascinated by the ladder truck, a massive vehicle
equipped with a hydraulic ladder that can extend up to 45 meters, capable of
reaching the tops of most buildings in Zhongshan. The truck also has a
high-pressure water cannon, designed to tackle fires from a distance. I was
even allowed to ride in the truck and get lifted up, offering a breathtaking
360-degree view of the city. The experience was thrilling, but it also gave me
a glimpse into the kind of work these firefighters do—operating heavy machinery
while balancing on a narrow platform dozens of meters above the ground.
I then participated in a hose deployment exercise, where we
had to unroll and connect the hoses, running them down a simulated fire scene. The
force of the water was light for me, but it gave me a newfound appreciation for
the strength and coordination required to control the stream in an actual fire.
One of the most impressive aspects of the training center
was its array of simulation rooms. These rooms are designed to replicate
various real-life scenarios, including crawl spaces filled with smoke, mock
kitchens with simulated fires, and even a tilted room to mimic the effects of
an earthquake. The earthquake simulation room, built at a 45-degree angle, was
particularly disorienting. It’s designed to prepare firefighters for the chaos
of a collapsed building, teaching them how to navigate unstable environments
while searching for survivors.
The training culminated with a live demonstration of a
high-angle rescue, where one of the firefighters quickly scaled a rope line
between two rooftops. His speed and agility were remarkable, completing the
task in under 20 seconds. Before
wrapping up, I was shown the “Jaws of Life,” a powerful hydraulic rescue tool
used to pry open vehicles involved in accidents.
Reflecting on the day, I was deeply moved by the dedication
and bravery of Zhongshan’s fire and rescue team. Spending time with them,
sharing a meal, and training alongside them was a humbling experience. These
individuals put their lives on the line every day, and yet they remain some of
the most humble and down-to-earth people I’ve ever met. The work they do often
goes unnoticed until an emergency strikes, but it’s clear that they deserve our
utmost respect and gratitude.
My visit gave me a new perspective on the importance of
first responders, not just in China but around the world. Their readiness,
skill, and willingness to sacrifice are what keep our communities safe. I’m
incredibly thankful for the chance to have lived out a childhood fantasy of
becoming a firefighter for a day, and I leave with a renewed appreciation for
these modern-day heroes.
If you ever have the chance to visit a local fire station or see these professionals in action, take a moment to thank them for their service. They truly are the unsung protectors of our cities..
