Firefighters: The Men and Women Who Risk Their Lives to Save Ours

A behind-the-scenes look at the dangerous world of firefighting. The Queensland Fire & Rescue Authority received over 50,000 emergency calls in 2001. That amounts to a call-out every five minutes - and nearly half of those represented false alarms. Drawn from interviews with over 75 Queensland firefighters - from the new recruit on the station-house floor to the area directors managing thousands of hectares of regional Queensland - "Firefighters" takes an unflinching look at what it takes to do the highly dangerous job of a firefighter. These "firies" recount their experiences, from the rigorous recruit training and selection programme, to the demanding rescues of seriously injured victims trapped in motor vehicle accidents, and the extinguishing of house fires accidentally lit by the careless dropping of a cigarette. Often dealing with the traumatic loss of lives, homes and worldly possessions, these firefighters face peril on a daily basis, working to save the lives of others. The professionalism, courage and dedication of the men and women who place their lives on the line every time the alarm bells ring is told frankly in this informative account. Author Gary McKay attended the 12-week firefighting training course and brings an outsider's view of what it is like to be turning out to a fire and attending to road-accident victims. He served in many fire stations from Brisbane to Cairns and remote localities to gain an understanding of the different techniques utilized by firefighters to do their job across the state.