The fireman is… a woman

In this sweltering heat of March when the concrete roads shimmer, weather-battered trike drivers would seek to the shade.

But in the open grounds of the PMI in Taloto, not minding the aggravating air from Tagbilaran Bay, teams of fire fighters in hoods haul in rolled fire hoses, manhandle a sack of sand and carry it about 15 meters, and roll the victim on a spine board in a controlled choreography that projects emergency.

A few meters off, an umpire raises a flaglet and the action explodes.

Somebody unrolls a fire hose, runs and latches it to another hose, and then a couple of fire fighters in heavy fire coat runs to the end of the connected hoses, screws in the nozzle.

As the umpire waves the flag, the fire truck engine a hundred meters away revs and the force of the water, wriggles the hoses and staggers the fire fighters who aim the spray to a simulated base of fire.

Fire-fighting has always been manly.

In fact, one of the requirements for being one is a physicality that is demanded of the job.

This helps them in fire suppression and rescue operations, emergency medical response (EMS) where they handle victims, disaster response and evacuation, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling and fire prevention, inspections, and community education.

But here, in the grounds, step close.

Shielded by the hood, in their multi-colored sublimation printed rash guards, the fire men are…women.

In fact, in a profession dominated by males, females are often shrugged off.

Facilities and equipment at fire stations are largely designed for men, something that is now slowly looked into.

Women in the service however has proven to be an added value for the fire services.

Women often excel in communication and de-escalation. This is especially valuable in emergency medical calls, assisting victims in distress, and coordinating with teams and the public.

Women too have relatively higher emotional intelligence when they demonstrate strong empathy and emotional awareness, which helps in comforting victims during traumatic incidents, handling sensitive situations (children, elderly, vulnerable individuals) and thus supports team morale.

Meticulousness in women also helps in showing careful attention to procedures and safety protocols, which is critical in fire prevention inspections, equipment checks and incident documentation.

And whatever women usually lack in physical strength, they fill with technique, endurance and agility.