Commons:Category:Firefighting
Firefighting is the act of extinguishing fires. A firefighter suppresses and extinguishes fires to protect lives, property and the environment. Firefighters typically undergo a high degree of technical training. This involves structural firefighting and wildfire suppression, along with providing emergency medical services.
History[edit | edit source]
Firefighting has a long history dating back to the ancient Roman times. In the Roman Empire, Augustus established a force known as the Vigiles to fight fires using bucket chains and pumps, as well as poles, hooks and even ballistae to tear down buildings in advance of a fire to prevent its spread.
Firefighting methods[edit | edit source]
Firefighting operations are typically carried out by firefighters using various tools and techniques. Some of the main firefighting methods include:
- Fire extinguishers: Portable devices used to put out small fires.
- Fire hoses: High-pressure hoses that carry water or other fire retardant to a fire to extinguish it.
- Fire hydrants: A connection point by which firefighters can tap into a water supply.
- Fire engines: A vehicle designed for firefighting operations.
Firefighting worldwide[edit | edit source]
Firefighting services vary around the world, but usually include urban firefighting services, which may be paid, volunteer or a combination, and wildland firefighting crews, which can be paid or volunteer.
Firefighting and health[edit | edit source]
Firefighting is a highly stressful job that can have a significant impact on a firefighter's physical and mental health. Firefighters are exposed to a variety of hazardous conditions including heat, smoke, and dangerous chemicals. This can lead to a variety of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
See also[edit | edit source]
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD