Tuesday Topic: FIREFIGHTERS TRAIN ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Across the Pond…

Well, this is a bit of British life we certainly want to imitate here (along with the civilized custom of High Tea, which I totally support.)

Here it is: Essex County in the UK has pioneered a program to teach fire safety skills and awareness to young people and adults with Down syndrome. “So far, 50 adults and young people with Down syndrome have completed the course and graduated with an accredited entry level qualification in fire fighting skills,” reads the article in that link.

It’s a 5-day accredited course, and Donna Finch, the fire service’s children and young people’s manager in Essex, hopes to see the program spread across the UK and beyond. “I think it is the role of fire and rescue services to work with vulnerable groups,” she says. Totally. I hope this wisdom and foresight spreads to the USA.

The article continues, “Essex county fire and rescue service has produced a free Firebreaks training package for other fire services if they are interested in offering the five-day accredited course to young people in their own district.” FREE. I’m betting Donna Finch would offer that same helpful hand to those of us who live across the pond.

Anyone interested?