What is Firebreak?

It aims to:
        - Raise achievement
        - Improve self motivation
        - Increase educational engagement                                                
        - Develop:
                    - practical skills
                    - life skills
                    - communication skills
                    - team work

Who is it aimed at?

The scheme is aimed at students in school years 10 and 11 whose needs are not being fully met in the classroom environment.  The course is suited to young people who have been identified as having an aptitude to practical ‘hands-on’ educational activities and work.  The code of conduct is based upon the high standards of self-discipline expected within the Fire Service. 

Training Phase

The intense ‘training phase’ focuses on practical training in firefighting skills that include:

        - Using firefighting water hoses
        - Operating fire pumps
        - Search and Rescue
        - Climbing fire service ladders
        - Fire safety in the home
        - Health and safety
        - Water safety, survival and lifesaving
        - Use of lines and knots to carry out initiative tasks
 



Continuation Phase
The ‘continuation phase’ (following the Passing Out Parade) focuses on team building and lifeskills activities intended to compliment and enhance the fire service theme.  Available activities are:

        - Basic life support
        - Road safety and roadcraft
        - Kayaking and raft building
        - Caving
        - High ropes course
        - Paintballing

Culmination Phase

The ‘culmination phase’ is based in a residential setting, where Firebreakers from different areas of the County come together for a week-long challenge of adventurous outdoor activities.  This is offered in the summer period following GCSE exams in year 11.

Programme

Courses are based at fire stations local to the participating schools and require each student to be available on a day-release basis for the duration of one complete school term.
 
The students will be treated as junior members of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service and are issued with ‘workwear’ uniform, which they may keep following successful completion of the ‘training phase’, and a firefighting uniform on loan for the ‘training phase’ activities.

Passing Out Parade

The Passing Out Parade is the culmination of the work undertaken by the trainees over the foregoing school term. 

Parents, school representatives and local dignitaries will observe the team demonstrating just some of the new skills they have acquired during the course.