What it takes to be as fit as a fireman

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: What it takes to be as fit as a fireman The UAE’s brave firefighters left us in no doubt about their ability after their heroics and professionalism helped avert a human disaster at the Address Hotel Downtown on New Year’s Eve. The dramatic incident hit the headlines and 24-hour newsfeeds worldwide, yet despite the 63-floor hotel going up in minutes, zero fatalities were reported following the blaze. That was thanks in large part to the response time and efforts of the fire team. Mohammed Hassan Al Ahmedi is a former fire officer and CEO of 911 Challenge, the company which is behind the World Firefighter Challenge, an annual two-day event which tests the fitness, skills, stamina and mental strength of professionals. The spectacular contest, which is supported and supervised by the Civil Defence General Command, this year takes place at ADNEC on March 15-17 with representatives from over 20 different countries battling it out. Al Ahmedi explains the thinking behind the event. He told 7DAYS: “I was a fire officer in Civil Defence from 2000 until 2005, I was in charge of one of the fire stations and when I used to go to an incident, I would have to take my crew with me inside the building. I am worried about them and I wanted to make sure that they are fit so they can do the job and go out safely - this was my concern always.” Here’s a video of Walid Yari training: Al Ahmedi tried to create a new culture among his colleagues. “I was implementing new rules in my fire station where fitness was compulsory and everyone should be fit. I was responsible and I wanted to make sure that my people would be fit enough to rescue and also get out safely. “I wouldn’t want to put another life in danger.” According to Al Ahmedi, the Civil Defence has created a system of smart station locations whereby all incidents should have no more than a six-minute wait for firefighting crews. And crews themselves aim to be ready in less than 30 seconds. Preparation is vital. But the importance of personal fitness should never be underestimated. Al Ahmedi explains: “A firefighter must think clearly and focus, you see how fast a fire spreads - the Address caught fire in two to three minutes, so a firefighter might have seconds to reach and save a person. You have to be fit to think fast.” The World Firefighter Challenge, organised by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the UAE-based 911 Firefighting Group, offers the professionals a real test. Here’s a breakdown of the fitness challenge faced by firefighters from 20 countries at ADNEC from March 15-17, known as ‘the toughest two minutes in sport’… 1 – The Stair Climb Firefighters will have to climb a six-storey tower as fast as possible with a 20kg high rise pack. 2 – The Hose Hoist The challengers have to then hoist up a 20kg hose from the top of the tower. 3 – Force Entry Unit Contestants then have to simulate forcible entry by moving a hydraulic beam with a mallet. 4 – Running The competitors must then race around specifically placed hydrants for 43m. 5 – Pulling the hose The penultimate challenge will see the firefighters advance a hose at full pressure for 23m while ensuring the jetstream hits a target. 6 – The rescue The final and most gruelling section of the challenge sees the firefighters simulating victim rescue by dragging an 80kg mannequin for 30m. chris.fraser@7days.ae Read the original story at: What it takes to be as fit as a fireman