Integration of underage refugees

Since 2014, the Volunteer Fire Department Waldmünchen has had contact with a group of unaccompanied underage refugees living and receiving assistance in the Upper Palatinate town in the Cham district. In November 2015, 20 refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Syria and Somalia visited the fire department and got their first glimpses of work there.

Among other things, the underage refugees got tips on handling fire extinguishers. After watching a demonstration by a firefighter wearing a breathing apparatus, the young people also had the chance to put out the fire. Equipped with helmets, jackets and fire extinguishers, they showed total commitment to their task. The firefighters also demonstrated the use of a rescue spreader and rescue shears, a turntable ladder and fall protection. The young foreigners were ambitious and learned a great deal. Even the process of making an emergency call using the correct number was explained to them.

The enthusiasm for the fire department continued after the visit as well. Five of the young refugees are currently practising with several German colleagues to pass a performance test covering "The Group in Fire Extinguishing Operations". These five refugees show a sustained interest in the fire department sector, and the Volunteer Fire Department Waldmünchen hopes it will soon be able to hold the examination and certify the young people.