Fire Explorers Learn What it Takes to be a Firefighter

Submitted by the Hudson Fire Department:

It takes a special person to walk into a burning building, jump into a frozen lake, pull someone from a wrecked auto or just lend a hand to someone who needs help with a water problem or an animal in a tree. It’s exceptional when you are a teenager and instead of hanging out on a Saturday night with your friends you put yourself through a long 24 hours of housework, cooking, training and emergency calls. When you are a Hudson Fire Explorer that is what you do. These kids recognize the precarious glow of danger and move toward it instead of taking a step back. Dictated not by the glamour or recognition but by the rare and more extraordinary desire to lend a hand. Being a Firefighter is not for everyone, but for these kids it’s a perfect fit.

The Explorer Program is a division of the Boy Scouts of America. Explorer curriculums are nationally recognized as rudimentary programs that prepare teenagers for careers in emergency response.

The Hudson Fire Explorer Program is made up of 20 local teenagers from Hudson, Nashua and Londonderry. Once they are eligible to join the program at age 14, these Explorers work closely with the active Firefighters and are able to execute essential roles at the station and at times emergency scenes.

Each year during the first weekend of winter school vacation, the Explorers and Firefighter advisors gather at Robinson Road Fire Station for a “Day in the Life of a Firefighter.” This day puts the Explorers in the roles of Fire Officers and Firefighters working in a firehouse. They make everyone run, train and respond to simulated calls set up by the advisors.

Their day begins with truck checks and house chores knowing at anytime the bell could ring. And although these two chores are the less glamorous parts of firefighting, they are essential. During the day the training is non-ending. Each Explorer Officer prepares a half hour fire service related drill which is then completed by the group. Post advisors also provide a large-scale drill each year. This year the drill was ice rescue. The drill began with classroom training then moved to Robinson Pond where the Explorers donned ice rescue suits and jumped into the bone chilling water to rescue a victim. They were also instructed in self-rescue techniques.

Fire Chief Buxton is very supportive of the program. He provides the firehouse, engine and whatever equipment is needed to make the day a success. Another benefit of the day is that the firehouse on Robinson Road is manned and the Firefighter/advisors will respond to calls as needed.

The greatest thrill the Explorers experience during this day’s program is the simulated emergency calls. The group is assigned to complete the duties of engine, ladder, rescue and ambulance companies. The advisors set up emergency scene scenarios as close as possible to the real conditions Firefighters experience. Although there is no live fire a smoke machine provides zero visibility, an experience faced in a real fire. On this day, they responded to medical calls, service calls and even ventured into the forest in deep snow to carry two injured hikers to safety; all this done within the firehouse or surrounding property.

While cooking their dinner, several simulated calls were received. When they returned to the kitchen they found burnt spaghetti which was stuck together and cold. As true Firefighters, they swallowed it down. Another area that hits home is the middle of the night responses. Throughout the night calls continue to come in requiring them to respond. On this night at 1 AM heavy smoke was showing from a building. They stretched hose lines and placed ladders to rescue a trapped occupant from a second floor window. At 3 AM they were performing CPR on a training manikin trying to restore a heartbeat.

In training, these teenagers hold themselves together under pressure situations. They have to perfect their abilities in areas such as providing medical care, going into buildings blackened by smoke and rescuing victims all while learning what it takes to be a Firefighter. In many cases, the Explorer Program does much more than promote firefighting and fire safety – it influences career choices.

The Hudson Fire Explorers hold their meetings at the Leonard A. Smith Central Fire Station every other Thursday. If you would like more information, please contact Captain David Morin at 886-6021.