More volunteer firefighters are needed in Langdon to help cover daytime calls, said Wouter van Eck, senior firefighter for Langdon Station 111.
In 2010 the station responded to more than 200 emergencies. That number grew to 265 in 2011 and 270 to-date this year, or an average of 25 per month.
Currently, the department has 23 volunteer firefighters. Van Eck, senior firefighter, said that’s a strong number for the area and the problem lies in volunteers’ availability.
“Most of our firefighters work in Calgary and typically work a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. day,” said van Eck, adding it leaves few people to cover emergency calls during the day.
Firefighters respond to fires, motor-vehicle collisions and medical calls. Van Eck hopes to tap into a population of the community that may be more likely to be at home during the day; women.
“I think women assume it’s a more macho role because of shows and movies that portray it as a rough life. That is not the case,” said van Eck, adding he has heard this feedback from women when the department hosts open houses. He hopes that attitude can change.
“It’s about the community and the love of the community,” he said of why people should become firefighters.
He said the equipment and gear is heavy but with the right training, any able-bodied person can manage.
“We have a wide variety of people with a variety of skills,” he said, explaining that everyone has a different set of skills.
Currently, there is only one female firefighter on Langdon’s team. There were two other women who worked as paramedics in the past but both have moved away.
“It’s a huge benefit to have both men and women on the department,” said Tracey Mullins, who has been a volunteer firefighter in Langdon since 2007. Because she works shifts, she is able to take day-time calls when she’s not working.
Mullins said particularly when firefighters respond to medical calls, it can be a benefit for a female patient to speak with another woman.
Mullins used the example of a woman going into labour.
“I think they’re a little more at ease when a woman is there,” she said, adding being the only woman on the department has been a positive experience.
She said the department has always welcomed her.
“It can be a challenge and I’ve had to work a little bit harder sometimes to prove myself or show myself as an equal,” she said of the training.
“The training is intense but the guys are like family and will take you under their wing. It may mean extra one-on-one practice but they’re always up for that.”
To become a firefighter in Langdon, a volunteer must complete the National Fire Protection Association training course 1001-2 which provides of firefighting skills recognized throughout North America. Additional training is offered and volunteers learn skills for fire, rescue, medical, motor-vehicle extrication and ice water rescue.
Anyone interested in joining the force can attend a practise on the first and fifth Thursday of the month starting at 7 p.m., email [email protected] or look for Langdon Fire Services on Facebook.
