Phoenix Project
Tuesday 14 July 2009
n2k headed to the South West to chat to the lads taking part in the Phoenix Project and got some tips on fire safety. Watch the video!
What to do in a fire
“Try to get to the front door as soon as possible. Close all doors and windows - the last thing you want is oxygen in the fire,” advises Jonathan.
Here are a few more tips:-
- If you can, try to alert everyone to the fire and call 999 as soon as possible.
- Keep as close to the floor as possible. Smoke rises and is extremely poisonous.
- Before you open any doors, make sure there isn’t fire on the other side. Do this by looking for smoke that may be coming from underneath the door, or by feeling the door for heat.
- If there is a fire on the other side then cover with bed linen.
- If you have to escape through a window, then throw cushions, blankets or anything soft on the ground first so that it will break your fall. Lower yourself down from the window instead of jumping out.
- Forget about anything you may have left behind – the main thing is to get to safety.
- As hard as it may be, try not to panic.
What is the project about?
The Phoenix Project gives 13-17 year olds the opportunity to work with the Cornwall County Fire Brigade. Those taking part are put through their paces in a series of mental and physical activities that give them a sense of team spirit and confidence. n2k recently visited the team at the Phoenix Project. Press play!
The aim of the project is to give those who may be suffering from issues such as low confidence, low self-esteem and those who may not be doing so well at school a more positive outlook.
“The Phoenix Project has been run by our fire and rescue service for a few years. It’s a chance for children who are on the verge of being excluded from school to come along and be trained by the Fire Brigade on stuff that they normally wouldn’t get the chance to do,” explains Alec Robertson from Cornwall Council.
Courses
One day
During this one day course participants learn about drills and vehicle rescue techniques - these can be really tiring.
Five day
The five day course looks more closely at life in the Fire Brigade. 14 year old Jonathan says, “Every single day is a different day.”
Students are also taught basic First Aid including how to administer cardio-pulmonary resuscitation or 'CPR'.
At the end of the course, the students take part in a ceremony and prepare speeches on how the course has affected them. “I reckon my behaviour has changed massively since the Phoenix Project. I work as a team better...and I like to listen to other people’s opinions and thoughts before I say mine,” says 13 year old Jack.
Get involved
If you want to take part in The Phoenix Project then drop them an email - they'll send you all the information you need on how to get involved. Watch the video to get a first hand glimpse of what the students get up to.
