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Research | A Chat with Georgi Black

What’s your name and current job?

My name is Georgi Black, and I am a Competent Fire Fighter.

Why did you want to work in the fire service?

This is a hard question to answer because there are so many reasons I wanted to join the Fire Service. I always wanted to be a Fire Fighter, I’ve been telling my mum since I was 4. She didn’t always believe me though because I hated Fireman Sam! Up until I joined the Fire Service, I had worked in so many different types of working environments doing lots of different jobs. These roles taught me that I hate doing the same thing over and over again, and I definitely didn’t want to work in an office. I knew I always had more potential and something to give. Working with the Fire Service gives me a true purpose. To know that our work can ultimately impact the lives of others is something I take very seriously and will always strive to be the best I can be on each shift. No two days are the same in the Fire Service, as soon as the bell goes off you have no idea what you’re heading into, and I find that really exciting.

As a woman, how have you found working in a role that is perceived as a predominantly male environment?

My time as professional weightlifter saw me training with and coaching men, in what is also considered a male dominated sport. So, to be honest, I’m kind of used to the environment. The Fire Service does cater for women making sure to supply more female suitable including smaller masks and extra padding. At the moment in my station, out of around 45 Fire Fighters there are only 7 women!

Do you have any advise for woman who are looking to move into this area of work?

The Fire Service host Positive Action Days – I would suggest anyone considering working in this line of work attend one. Part of the day is specifically designed to advertise the role to women and give them a true insight into the role itself. It is a male dominated industry, and to be honest I think that is just the way that it is and will be, but I don’t think that should put anyone off! It really is a rewarding role that can be done well by both men and women!

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Talk us through the training process and ongoing development

After your application is processed, there are a few different tests that must be completed and passed before a candidate will be invited to an interview. This ranges from maths tests to situation & judgement tests as well as a full assessment day. On this day there a around 6 different exercises that you must complete including extending ladders and a confined space rat race. All of these are timed to confirm you are fit enough to meet the Fire Service standards.

The first weeks of training include:

• Pumps & Ladder Drills • Breathing Apparatus & Fire Behaviour • Road Traffic Collision • Working at Height • Heavy Rescue • Water Awareness • First Aid • Knots & Lines • Flood Water Response • Urban Search & Rescue

Once you have moved onto the interview stage you are asked questions around the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service values – Safety, Teamwork, Respect and Innovation. If you are successful you then move onto the training programme.

The whole training process last for 33 months, but this is broken down into different stages starting with an intense 14 week training programme.

The style of training throughout the programme is very similar to that of the military. This meant certain standards throughout your time there had to be met. This was thing like presentation of your uniform, standing to attention, addressing superiors as Sir or Madam. This was a brand new world for me, but to have that level of standards throughout the week really instils a level of professionalism in everyone. Trainees are constantly being monitored and tested throughout the programme but week 11 is dedicated specifically to assessments. This is the following by 2 weeks of scenario-based demonstrations of knowledge and skill. The final week of the programme is for any resits that are needed and then finally your passing out parade.

Ongoing training will cover topics such as: • HAZMAT – Chemical • Incident Drills • Updated or New Legislation • Updated or New Ways of Working/Best Practice

The whole process is extremely challenging, but also unbelievably rewarding!

Once you’re in the station though, it’s a completely different ball game! Up until now you’ve learned the basics, but this is real now.

This stage of training is broken down into 3 phases; Red, Amber & Green. Red and Amber phases are a total of 12 months, while the Green phase is 9 months.

The Red phase focuses on everything you learned during the 14 week training programme and putting this into practice. The Amber phase sees you doing combined drills and the Green phase is scenario based. Again, you are constantly being monitored and tested throughout each stage. Time is allowed for extension of each phase if you were to fail any element during testing.