By: Jean Bishop
Nico, 15-year-old SMS, has always been obsessed with fire safety. He loves smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire drills, etc. He often is carrying a fire alarm or smoke detector around with him to demonstrate the alarm for one and all.
Nico traveled from Louisville, KY to Limerick, PA to attend the Limerick Fire Department’s 4th Annual Firefighter Camp for Individuals with Special Needs. This fire safety camp was held on October 8th and had 22 participants. Nico’s friend, Tony Wilcox, found the camp online and planned the special trip knowing that it would be an unforgettable experience for Nico.
The camp was incredible. The event had 7 stations for the campers to learn, review and participate in. The firefighters assisted the campers with pulling a stretcher through a narrow tunnel using a pulley system, assisted the campers with wearing fireproof uniforms, opened a fire hydrant with a turn-key, sprayed the fire hose, extinguished an oven fire, used the jaws of life, reviewed basic First Aid, and were coached on calling 911.
Not only was the day a blast, but the education was tailored to educate the campers on what to expect in an emergency and to decrease common fears during an emergency. They demonstrated how they would look and sound when responding to an emergency or in a fire wearing fire gear and using a Darth Vader-sounding mask. They demonstrated how to easily extinguish a stove fire by safely covering a burning pot with a lid. When using the jaws of life, they showed how loud and destructive the tools were, but described their purpose so the campers would not be as intimidated by them in an emergency. They explained the information that would be important for a 911 responder over the phone.
In an ideal world, all local fire departments would have the means to provide such a powerful experience for local children and adults in the community. Everyone, regardless of abilities, could benefit from an experience like Limerick’s camp. We are grateful to the Limerick Fire Department for truly giving Nico the best day ever!!!
