Dublin Fire Brigade are urging women to consider joining the organisation as trainee firefighters and paramedics in a new recruitment campaign.
Firefighters spoke at DFB’s Training Centre on Malahide Road about their experience within the organisation. There are currently only 56 female firefighters working for the service despite its large presence citywide, and the small percentage of women working within the fire brigade means very few end up working together on a routine basis.
Barbara Cahill, a third officer within Dublin Fire Brigade, spoke about her experience working there since the late 1990s. She said women need to put themselves forward for the work to defy outdated stereotypes.
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She said: “I’d like to see more females join our ranks than males, because we’re not only good, we excel in the service. We really need a diverse range of skills and people from a range of backgrounds to come join us We need your compassion, your skills and your intelligence.”
The event itself was organised by local councillor Alison Gilliland, who applauded the three female firefighters who spoke at the event and said their testimony would have made her consider joining the service if she was younger. The speakers also discouraged the audience from joining their ranks based on the stereotypical depictions of firefighting in the media.
Barbara told attendees that firefighters rarely tackle the dramatic blazes seen on television. Additionally, rescuing cats from trees is discouraged as it risks staff becoming injured and unable to tackle more serious emergencies.
The speakers explained that the shift pattern within the service works out at seven days and seven nights worked per month. Applicants will receive full training in a range of areas including swift water rescue technique and medical training.
The recruitment process itself involves a combination of aptitude tests and in person interviews. Candidates are encouraged to submit their expressions of interest before the deadline of November 18 to be part of the next recruiting class.
Further information is available here.
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