backdraft

Arsonists may enjoy the 'eloquence, movement and sound' of the flame, but for those who live with the reality of extinguishing the associated pain, things are not quite so simplistic.

From a personal perspective I have seen the damage of the flame both externally and internally. It bores into the soul of each and every firefighter across the planet. They are unique and are united in an understanding that we in general, cannot hope to understand. Irrespective of the circumstance they bludgeon their way through adversity knowing it is quite simply a 'part of the job' over which they have no control, and ultimately they acknowledge that there is little recognition. But in the UK they are also responsible for RTA's (road traffic accidents) which can be gruesome to say the least - imagine cutting your wife and child out of a car that was crushed by the driver of an articulated lorry who fell asleep at the wheel- and yes that is a reality, one that was suffered by the colleague of a friend of mine.

Imagine hauling a bloated dead body from a canal, or scraping together the remnants of a human being after a bomb explostion. Hmm - not nice. Imagine that as part of your job remit!!

In life it is all too easy to bypass the everyday attrocities that are faced by those who take it as just part of their job. This can be those at war or those who are left to clear up the carnage of a bomb explosion in a civilian area.

All too often the heroism of the firefighters is negated.

Along with Fire Rescue, they are trained in CPR, RT rescue, chemical 'spillages' with the philosophy 'To Serve and Protect' - they stand above most. The pressures put upon them by the bureaucracy of governments is nullified by red tape - and it stinks.

When you go to work perhaps you systematically switch on your pc, upload information, dictate proposals and look for recognition in one form or another. THINK! Think beyond the boundaries.

There are those out there who wait for the sound of a klaxon, knowing that the call out may be their last. Sounds dramatic? Perhaps but it is very real. Every day repeats itself for these guys on every shift they run. Each and every firefighter faces this every time the 'bells go down'. They face it every day and not just once a day but every time that klaxon sounds. Think about it, - who else would put their life on the line not knowing you!?

The media platform in the UK has been extremely detrimental to the UK Firefighters...they deserve better. So much better!

The job takes so much more than guts - to each and every one of them - I salute and respect you.

For Larry and Foxy - H