Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter
Local students taking part in Try the Trades with Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services. November 16, 2022. (Photo: City of Lethbridge/ LFES)

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services host Try the Trades for students

Nov 26, 2022 | 7:43 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Earlier this November, the Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) welcomed a handful of high school students to try their hand in a first responder role.

As part of the Try the Trades program put on by the Lethbridge School District, students were able to experience numerous adrenaline-pumping activities supervised by the LFES.

The group of teens followed experienced firefighters and paramedics for an evening of tasks in EMT and rescue training.

Deputy Chief of Training and Safety for LFES, Gerrit Sinke said, “This is the first time our department has participated in this event. We were excited to showcase what we do and were also able to work it into our own training, having our 10 new recruits lead the program.”

Students rotated through a few different scenarios that included a forced door entry using specialized tools, a vehicle extraction working with the Jaws of Life, and navigating a smoke-filled building in full firefighting gear.

“We wanted to show a good cross-section of what we do,” said Sinke. “We had them participate in some rescue activities and both fire and medical scenarios. They were carefully supervised to keep everyone safe but we also didn’t shy away from giving them some real-life experiences.”

He went on, “I really hope the students walked away with an appreciation for what it takes to be a firefighter and paramedic, and for some, I also hope that we maybe sparked that passion for public service. This is a rewarding and exciting career.”

The Try the Trades program included nearly 30 occupations, offering students a variety of real-world experiences.

According to the school district, approximately 300 kids took part in the Try the Trades program this year, with the next event planned for Spring 2023.

Read more Lethbridge News Now.