Volume 9, Issue 11, November – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Navigating the Firefighters’ Experiences in

Responding to Fire Incidents: Through Photovoice
Mar Cedric R. Amorcillo1; Raymond R. Jayson 2; Jaymark L. Segovia3;
Bretny Rose C Bongcawil4; Kristal May V. Maldepeña5; Jose F. Cuevas Jr.6
Misamis University College of Criminology

Abstract:- This study explores the challenges faced by themselves safe from fires and protect themselves from heat,
firefighters during fire incidents, focusing on their smoke, and hazardous materials. It has helmets, gloves,
emotional experiences, the impact of negligence, and the boots, and fireproof suits (Smith et al., 2020). Training gives
critical role of preparedness. Conducted with 20 the idea of how they will utilize and understand the correct
firefighters selected through purposive sampling, the usage and maintenance of their equipment, and it is also
research utilized a photovoice methodology to collect critical for firefighters to know what hazards their
data, combining interviews and photographs to capture equipment cannot and will not shield them from (Khan et
the lived experiences of participants. The study identified al., 2020). Firefighters will be able to perform their duties
four key themes: (1) Fear and Responsibility in more safely and effectively, preventing injuries and better-
responding to fire; (2) The Battle Against Negligence; (3) safeguarding people and property by adhering to PPE
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Firefighting; and (4) regulations (Penney et al., 2022).
Failure to Prioritize Personal Protective Equipment. The
findings underscore the need for improved public fire When responding to fire situations, firefighters may
safety education, emotional resilience training for encounter physical harm such as extreme heat, smoke
firefighters, and ongoing investment in proper intake, and the possibility of building collapse. They may
equipment and team coordination. Recommendations also experience much psychological stress because of
include enhancing firefighter training programs, having to make tough choices and seeing traumatic events.
increasing community awareness of fire risks, and Managing intricate construction designs and guaranteeing a
ensuring mental health support for first responders. sufficient water supply pose significant logistical obstacles
These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of (Lagata et al., 2022). Noise, construction materials, and the
the multifaceted challenges of firefighting and the chaotic nature of fire scenes can all hinder effective
strategies that can improve safety and effectiveness in communication, which is why it is so important. Their
the field. already difficult jobs are further complicated by handling
hazardous items and making sure they stay safe while saving
Keywords:- Emotional Resilience, Firefighter Challenges, others (Florentin et al., 2022).
Fire Safety Education, Firefighting Training, Personal
Protective Equipment. The psychological burden of their job is something that
firemen frequently deal with in addition to the logistical and
I. INTRODUCTION physical difficulties. Firefighters who witness the aftermath
of fires, including property destruction and even fatalities,
The purpose of the existence of the Bureau of Fire may experience psychological discomfort and develop post-
Protection is to protect the property and lives of those who traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their mental health may
are in danger of facing fire outbreaks. According to the suffer greatly from the ongoing exposure to terrible
statistical results of Phil Star, throughout the year 2023, experiences and the pressure to perform well in difficult
MANILA, Philippines, there were 15,900 fire occurrences in situations (Guilaran et al., 2021). Additionally, their
2023; the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has noted a 21.1 personal life and relationships may be disrupted by long
percent rise in fire events nationwide. This shows that fire hours and erratic schedules, which can lead to emotional
outbreaks are one of the most destructive phenomena that tiredness and burnout (Houton et al., (2022). Firefighters are
happen within a year. In these situations, the skills and committed to their work despite these obstacles, and they
knowledge of the fire-fighters on how to deal with these frequently turn to peer support, counseling, and resilience
situations at a given time with certainty of their abilities to training to help them handle the pressures of their line of
control the fire from spreading (Urriza 2023). Their role has work (Conway & Waring, 2021)
a significant impact in suppressing and preventing fires in
the community and maintaining the safety and security of This study provided insight into the difficulties and
property and lives (Kumar & Paul, 2023). dangers that firefighters encountered in emergencies. The
study highlighted the psychological and physical challenges
There are equipment or safety measures that every of the work by investigating their experiences. It identified
firefighter must obtain for their safety, like personal the essential abilities and methods that firefighters employed
protective equipment (PPE). Firefighters must obtain and to manage these stressful circumstances. The purpose of the
have personal protective equipment (PPE) to help keep study was also to assess the effectiveness of the safety

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Volume 9, Issue 11, November – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
procedures and training programs in place at the time. The incidents, and being willing to participate in the study.Data
ultimate objective was to offer guidance for improving collection involved interviews guided by theSHOWED
firefighter welfare, performance, and training, as well as framework, a tool used in photovoice to facilitate reflection
safety protocols. on photographs. Participants were asked questions such as,
"What do you see here?", "What is happening here?", and
Despite a wealth of research on firefighting tactics and "What can we do about it?" (Witkowski et al., 2024). The
equipment, there was still a methodological gap regarding interviews allowed participants to explain their photographs
the individual experiences and psychological effects that and connect them to their experiences with PTSD and
firefighters faced during fire incidents, which could be reintegration into society. Open-ended questions were also
effectively explored through the Photo Voice method. used to encourage deeper reflection. The interviews were
Studies that primarily focused on the technical aspects of audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis.Before data
firefighting often overlooked the emotional and mental collection, permission was obtained from the Dean of the
health challenges that firefighters encountered. Research on College of Criminology and the local fire protection agency.
how firefighters' real-world experiences influenced their Informed consent was secured from all participants,
decision-making and teamwork under pressure was also ensuring their voluntary participation and understanding of
scarce. Understanding these factors was essential for the study's objectives. Ethical considerations were strictly
developing more comprehensive training programs and followed, including ensuring privacy and confidentiality in
support systems. compliance with Republic Act No. 10173 (Data Privacy Act
of 2012). Participants were assured that their identities
Conducting this study on the experiences of firefighters would remain confidential and were given the option to
in responding to fire incidents proved significant in withdraw from the study at any time.Data analysis was
enhancing the understanding of the key roles they played in conducted in two stages. First, thematic analysis was
emergency response. It provided valuable insights into the performed using NVivo software to identify recurring
real-life obstacles and decision-making processes that they themes in the interview transcripts and photographs. Second,
encountered. The study highlighted the psychological and the researchers employed a phenomenological analysis
physical challenges faced by the fire service by examining approach, with an external researcher validating the themes
individual firefighter experiences. It also underscored the to ensure they reflected the participants’ lived experiences.
need for extensive support networks and mental health The data analysis followed the five phases of photovoice:
resources. The results emphasized the importance of orientation to photovoice, photography training, theming,
advanced training and readiness, demonstrating how picture-taking, and critical reflection. During critical
situational awareness and experiential knowledge reflection, participants shared the stories behind their
contributed to efficient firefighting and public safety. images, guided by the SHOWEDframework, allowing for a
Policymakers and fire departments greatly benefited from deeper understanding of their experiences with trauma and
the data this study provided, which they used to improve healing (Kim et al., 2021; Younis, 2021).
safety procedures, resource allocation, and emergency
response tactics and enhance the safety of both firefighters III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
and the communities they served.
 Fear and Responsibility in Responding to Fire
II. METHODS Fear and responsibility in responding to fire explore
the emotional complexities firefighters face when balancing
This study employed a phenomenological research their innate fears with the sense of duty that drives their
design using photovoice methodology to explore the actions during fire emergencies. This theme highlights how
experiences of firefighters dealing with Post-Traumatic fear, while a natural response to danger, is often overridden
Stress Disorder (PTSD). Phenomenology, which aims to by the responsibility to protect others and complete their
understand the shared meanings of individuals' lived mission despite personal risks. Participants discussed their
experiences (Williams, 2021), was well-suited for feelings of fear and nervousness when responding to fires.
uncovering the transformative experiences of participants in Participants acknowledge how the unpredictable nature of
their line of duty. Photovoice, a visual research methodology fire incidents can test their emotional resilience. Participant
that uses photographs and narrative to explore people's 1 shared,"When I look at the photograph of used-up wheels,
perceptions, was used to help participants document and it takes me back to my first fire response. That memory is
reflect on their experiences. The three main purposes of tied to a fire at a junk shop, which we suspected started from
photovoice are to document community strengths and embers of a cigarette, though we could not say for sure."
challenges, engage participants in relevant discussions, and Participant 7 stated, "Controlling emotion, I can't fathom
empower them to influence decision-makers (Mukumbang how terrifying it is to go and put out the flames."He
et al., 2020; Simonofski et al., 2021).The study took place in discussed this with certainty in his voice, as he said what he
Misamis Occidental, Philippines, a province in northern experienced was not common and terrifying. He also
Mindanao with several fire-prone areas due to urbanization mentioned that having PPE would be best.
and the presence of flammable materials. The participants
were ten firefighters who were selected through purposive “When I look at the photograph of used-up wheels, it
sampling. Criteria for inclusion included being assigned to takes me back to my first fire response. That memory is tied
urban fire stations, having experience responding to fire to a fire at a junk shop, which we suspected started from

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Volume 9, Issue 11, November – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
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embers of a cigarette, though we couldn’t say for sure. It (Bautista 2020). Firefighters must confront the immediate
made me realize how important it is to restrict smoking in threat of fire, often in unpredictable and life-threatening
areas with easily combustible materials”.(P1) conditions where fear is a natural response to the unknown
risks they face (Sandua, 2024).However, their sense of
responsibility drives them to act swiftly and decisively,
often at great personal risk, knowing that their actions can
mean the difference between life and death for those caught
in the blaze.

This theme underscores the critical role of firefighters

as first responders, balancing courage with the profound
duty to protect others in the face of overwhelming danger.
Firefighters' responsibility is closely linked to the fear they
face in dangerous situations. While they fear the risks of
injury, failure, or not being able to save lives, their sense of
duty pushes them to act despite those fears (Heydari et al.,
2022). This fear makes their responsibility even more
important, as it drives them to work quickly and carefully in
high pressure situations. Over time, firefighters learn to
manage this fear, using it to stay focused and make
decisions that protect others, even when danger is at its
highest. Responding to fires highlights the intense mix of
fear and responsibility that firefighters face(Sørensen et al.,
2024). The fear is not only about the immediate dangers of
fire but also about the possibility of failure failing to save
Fig 1 Used Tires lives, failing to control the fire, or not making it out safely
themselves. However, despite this fear, their sense of
“Fires often happen because of this carelessness. responsibility to others pushes them to act. As one
That’s why we emphasize education through lectures and participant put it, "You go in knowing that you might not
orientations, teaching and guiding communities to be more come back, but you also know that someone else might not
cautious and proactive. For me, controlling my emotions make it if you do not act."
during a fire is one of the hardest parts. The fear and terror
of going into a burning building are unimaginable, but it is This sense of duty keeps them moving forward, even
something I have learned to face.”(P7) when fear tries to hold them back. Over time, firefighters
learn to manage this fear through training, teamwork, and
experience, turning it into focus and motivation rather than
something that stops them. The strong bonds they share with
their fellow firefighters help them stay calm and work
together in dangerous, high-pressure situations(Hudson,
2022). Ultimately, the balance between fear and
responsibility shapes the core of their work, putting others’
safety first, even when facing great personal risk.

 The Battle Against Negligence

The critical issue of negligence is the root cause of
many fire incidents. Participants consistently emphasized
how carelessness often involves everyday objects like phone
chargers, electrical outlets, and cigarettes, leading to
preventable fires. Whether it is leaving phone chargers
unattended or smoking near combustible materials, these
seemingly small actions can have devastating consequences.
Participants pointed out that fires often result from people
not paying attention to potential hazards. For instance,
Participant 3 reflected on a fire caused by an unattended
outlet (see figure 1), noting that “people cannot seem to
remember their electrical belongings and leave them
Fig 2 PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) connected to the outlet, causing accidents." In addition,
participant 6 similarly identifies negligence, saying, “People
The duties of firefighters face the intense fear of ignore their safety and the safety of others sometimes.” as
danger and the heavy responsibility of saving lives, well as participant 8 states, "There was a time that an outlet
protecting property, and preserving the environment. was sparking (see figure 2), and nobody noticed it."

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Volume 9, Issue 11, November – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
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Participant 5 mentioned how carelessness around LPG tanks “Negligence eventually led to flames. As part of the
(see figure 4) could lead to explosions: “Our priority was to BFP, we not only respond to these incidents but also work
turn off the LPG, so it does not explode and cause more proactively by inspecting buildings and establishments. The
damage” Participant 2 mentioned,"Always be in the job itself is nerve-wracking, especially since I often don’t
presence of mind." Several respondents highlighted know exactly what to do until I receive orders from my
negligence as a common cause of fires, specifically related superior. But over time, I’ve learned to adapt. My first fire
to everyday items like outlets, phone chargers (see figure 5), response taught me how exhausting this work can be, both
and cigarettes. He also stated that “people tend to leave their physically and mentally. If I could give advice, it would be
phone chargers unchecked, causing it to overheat.” this: be extra careful. Fires are unpredictable, and safety
should always come first.”(P8)
“People forget or ignore the dangers of leaving
electrical appliances connected to outlets, leading to
accidents and uncontrolled fires. This is connected to my
experiences because I’ve seen firsthand how carelessness
with electrical belongings can lead to disaster. Prevention is
key. We need to teach people how to avoid these situations
before they happen.”(P3)

Fig 5 Outlet (Unattended)

“Fires involving LPG can escalate quickly, and it’s

often due to ignorance. We’re all human, and mistakes
happen, but when it comes to fire safety, we need to be extra
careful. That’s why part of our job is teaching barangays
and establishments about fire safety. We provide essential
information and inspect their fire equipment, like
extinguishers, to ensure everything is in working
Fig 3 Outlet order.”(P5)

“Like many others, happened due to negligence—

people often ignore their own safety and that of others,
leading to avoidable accidents. To address these issues, the
BFP conducts RECOREDA, a program where we hold
lectures in barangays to teach fire safety.”(P6)

Fig 4 Outlet Sparkling Fig 6 LPG

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“People often leave their chargers unattended, causing often negligence leads to fires. Better education and more
them to overheat and start fires. This resonates deeply with people following basic safety rules could prevent many of
me since I’ve personally been part of investigations where these avoidable fires, saving lives and protecting
we traced the cause back to such negligence. That’s the communities.
word I’d use—negligence. To prevent these incidents, I’d
tell people to always stay present and alert.”(P2) The findings highlight the significant role of
negligence in causing preventable fires, particularly through
everyday items like phone chargers, electrical outlets, and
cigarettes (Glauberman& Qureshi, 2021). Firefighters and
participants consistently stressed that these seemingly minor
oversights, such as leaving chargers plugged in or smoking
in unsafe areas, can have catastrophic consequences. Despite
ongoing efforts to educate the public on fire safety, the
frustration among firefighters is palpable, as many fires are a
result of simple, avoidable mistakes (Rafi et al., 2020). This
underscores the need for more effective public education
and greater adherence to basic safety measures, such as
regularly checking electrical devices, being mindful of
potential hazards, and avoiding risky behaviors like smoking
near combustibles (Cvetković et al., 2022). Implementing
consistent fire safety awareness could significantly reduce
the frequency of preventable fires, ultimately saving lives
and safeguarding communities (Holmes, 2020).
Fig 7 Charger
 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Firefighting
“It showed me how unpredictable this job can be. The intense emotional experiences firefighters go
That’s why we always need to be extra cautious—our lives through before, during, and after responding to fire
hang in a delicate balance, 50/50 between living and dying. incidents. Firefighting is not only a physically demanding
The best way to avoid such accidents is through proper job but also an emotionally taxing one, as participants
training. It’s crucial to be prepared and know how to handle described the adrenaline, fear, and eventual relief they feel
risky situations before they happen.One of the most during their work. Participants admitted to feeling a range of
challenging moments I’ve faced was rescuing someone from emotions while responding to fires. Participant 9 described a
inside a building while the fire was spreading. It’s terrifying "mix between fear and excitement, but mostly fear,"
because you don’t know what could happen next.”(P4) showing that while there can be some exhilaration in the
high-stakes nature of firefighting, the underlying emotion is
anxiety.

“I listened closely and followed the orders given by my

ground commander, knowing how critical it was to stay
focused and responsive. My eyesight proved to be one of my
most important assets, especially as visibility near the fire
was challenging due to thick smoke and the danger of
electrical hazards if the power hadn't been turned off yet.
This job isn’t easy—it’s tiring, physically demanding, and
requires unwavering dedication.”(P9)

Fig 8 Outlet

Negligence is a major cause of preventable fires, often

due to small, careless actions that people do not think twice
about (Singer, 2022). Firefighters highlighted risks from
everyday items like phone chargers, electrical outlets, and
cigarettes (Zhang, 2023). Firefighters stressed that many
fires could be avoided if people were more aware of
potential risks, like checking electrical devices or smoking
in safe areas. Staying focused on safety, despite their efforts
to educate the public, firefighters remain frustrated by how Fig 9 Bell Alarm

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Volume 9, Issue 11, November – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
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“What’s more important is helping one another when “That sense of purpose—to save lives and protect
it counts. I’ve often found myself assisting the firefighters, property—helped me manage my emotions in the moment.
yet feeling a sense of helplessness in critical moments After the fire was out, the aftermath stuck with me. Seeing
because I’m just a lineman. But through gradual training the people affected and knowing the minimal damage we
and learning from each experience, I’ve grown. I believe were able to prevent made me proud of what our team
that both experience and knowledge are crucial. They achieved. It proved to me just how effective we can be when
prepare you to act effectively when the moment arises, we work together. The emotions that day were intense—pure
giving you confidence to make the right choices under fear during the fire and immense relief afterward. Knowing
pressure.Aside from the rush of excitement, there’s also we saved lives and prevented further destruction was a huge
fear, worry, and an undeniable physical exhaustion that comfort. That experience gave me a new understanding of
comes with every response.”(P10) what this job truly is.”(P1)

Fig 10 Fire Truck

“For me, controlling my emotions during a fire is one

of the hardest parts. The fear and terror of going into a
burning building are unimaginable, but it is something I
have learned to face. I rely on keeping a presence of mind,
staying calm, and always considering my own safety as I
work. Experience has been my best teacher, and I use what I Fig 12 Used Tires
have learned to guide others and ensure the job gets done
effectively. Responding to a fire comes with mixed The ability to manage emotions, particularly fear, is a
emotions—fear, excitement, nervousness—but I’ve come to key skill for firefighters. They must learn to suppress or
realize that this job is inherently dangerous.”(P7) control their emotions during a crisis to stay focused on the
task at hand. This is critical for ensuring the safety of both
them and those they are helping (Herberg&Torgersen,
2021).

The intensity of the situation forces firefighters to

compartmentalize their emotions, often putting their
personal feelings aside until the job is done (Hudson, 2022).
Relief and Fulfillment: After the fire is extinguished, many
firefighters experience a sense of relief, knowing that lives
were saved and further damage was prevented. However,
this relief is often tempered by sadness when they see the
impact on those affected. Despite the emotional toll, the
fulfillment that comes from saving lives and protecting
property motivates them to keep going.

Firefighting is not just physically demanding but also

emotionally challenging. Firefighters often face a mix of
emotions during and after responding to fires, from fear and
Fig 11 PPE (Personal Protective Equipment anxiety to relief and fulfillment (Sandua, 2024). The ability
to control emotions helps them focus on the job and stay

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Volume 9, Issue 11, November – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
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safe. While the adrenaline can be intense, firefighters must
push aside their personal feelings to handle the crisis at
hand. After the fire is out, there is a sense of relief, but it is
often mixed with sadness when they see the impact on those
affected (Hudson, 2022). Despite the emotional toll, the
satisfaction of saving lives and protecting others keeps them
going. Showing that the emotional ups and downs are part of
the job, but the sense of purpose and accomplishment drives
them forward.

 Failure to Prioritize Personal Protective Equipment

Preparedness, both in terms of personal protective
equipment (PPE) and continuous training, is crucial in
ensuring firefighters' safety and effectiveness during fire
incidents. Firefighters know that their ability to respond to
emergencies hinges on their readiness and the tools at their
disposal. Participants discussed the vital role that proper
equipment, particularly PPE, plays in protecting them from
harm while on the job (Nazara et al., 2024).

Participant 7 shared how PPE gives them a sense of

safety: “The PPE reminded me of how much safety it can
provide. For example, if debris falls on you, you will be safe
because you are wearing a PPE.” (see Figure 7) Similarly,
Participant 6 mentioned the importance of wearing PPE to Fig 13 Roof
get close to a fire without putting oneself in immediate
danger. Beyond equipment, continuous training is critical in “The rush of excitement, there’s also fear, worry, and
ensuring firefighters are ready for any situation. Training not an undeniable physical exhaustion that comes with every
only helps them navigate dangerous environments but also response. But through it all, I realized something
equips them with the techniques needed to extinguish fires profound—I truly want to be part of the Bureau of Fire
(Grabowski, 2021) efficiently. Protection (BFP). It’s not just a dream; it’s something I’m
committed to pursuing.And if there’s one piece of advice I
Participant 6 stated: “We need techniques and could give: always keep the BFP's hotline number on hand.
knowledge to be able to put out the flames,” while It’s a small step that could make all the difference in an
Participant 4 emphasized the life-saving importance of emergency.”(P10)
training: “Training is important; it can save your life.”
Participant 10 reflected on this, saying, “Experience and
knowledge are effective because you will know what to do
when the time comes.” “Even with the best training,
however, unpredictable situations arise, requiring us to
always be aware of the situations we are in. Plus, the
infrastructure of buildings is different, so we can’t always
navigate our way through.”In addition to their preparedness,
firefighters rely heavily on their team’s coordination to
ensure everyone’s safety (Romain, 2023). Firefighters also
stressed how real-world experience complements formal
training. Over time, their experiences responding to different
fire incidents sharpen their ability to handle emergencies
(Cahill, 2023). Participant 7 said, “Experience and
teamwork are what get the job done.” Having a well-trained
team not only makes their job easier but also ensures that
each person can come home safely at the end of the day(Lin
et al., 2023).

“Responding to a fire comes with mixed emotions fear,

excitement, nervousness but I’ve come to realize that this job
is inherently dangerous. You never truly know what will Fig 14 Fire Truck
happen when you’re on the scene, but that unpredictability
is part of the work. My advice is simple: work hard. This job “It’s terrifying because you don’t know what could
requires everything you’ve got, but it’s worth it when you happen next. In those moments, I rely heavily on teamwork.
know you’re making a difference.”(P7) Trusting one another and working together is the only way

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ISSN No:-2456-2165
to ensure success. If everyone on the team gets to go home This emphasis on teamwork and real-world experience
unharmed after a mission, that’s when I know our efforts highlights how firefighting is not just about individual skill
were effective. I won’t lie—fear is always present during fire but about relying on the collective strength of the team.
incidents. We can’t predict what’s going to happen to us. While formal training provides the necessary knowledge and
But despite the fear, I’ve realized how much this job means techniques, it is the hands-on experience gained from
to me. It’s incredibly risky, but I’m willing to face the responding to a variety of incidents that truly sharpens a
challenges to save lives.”(P4) firefighter’s judgment and ability to react under pressure
(Grabowski, 2021). The importance of coordination cannot
be overstated, as each firefighter must trust that their
teammates are fully prepared to handle their specific
responsibilities, whether it is controlling the fire, rescuing
victims, or ensuring safety at the scene (Romain, 2023). The
ability to work seamlessly together, often in chaotic and
dangerous environments, directly impacts not only the
success of the mission but also the safety of everyone
involved. This collaboration ensures that, no matter how
intense the emergency, the team can rely on each other to
mitigate risks and overcome challenges (Cahill, 2023).

Preparedness is key to firefighter safety and

effectiveness, with both proper equipment and ongoing
training playing a vital role. Personal protective equipment
(PPE) is crucial for keeping firefighters safe from hazards
like falling debris or burns. However, having the right gear
is only part of the equation. Continuous training helps
firefighters stay ready for any situation by teaching them the
skills and techniques needed to put out fires and navigate
Fig 15 Outlet (Unattended) dangerous environments (Grabowski, 2021).

“Every fire incident is a tough experience, and just Real-world experience also sharpens their ability to
being there in person is already a challenge. It’s natural to handle unexpected challenges. Beyond individual skills,
feel nervous, especially during fires or vehicular incidents, teamwork is essential; firefighters rely on each other for
but nerves can’t get in the way—it’s our responsibility to get support, knowing that good coordination can make all the
the job done. There’s no room for hesitation.After the fire is difference in an emergency. When firefighters work well
out, there’s always a mix of emotions. We feel relief and together, they can safely manage the risks of the job and
happiness knowing we’ve done our job, but seeing the ensure everyone makes it home safely at the end of the day
citizens crying over their losses is heartbreaking. Still, we (Heydari et al., 2022).
find comfort in knowing they’re alive, and that’s what
matters most in the end.”(P6) IV. CONCLUSION

The study concludes that firefighters balance fear with

responsibility, facing life-threatening situations with courage
and a deep commitment to safeguarding others. Their ability
to manage fear relies on intensive training, hands-on
experience, and teamwork, which empower them to act
decisively in emergencies. Negligence is identified as a key
factor in preventable fires, emphasizing the critical need for
public education on fire safety and vigilance to reduce
hazards and save lives. The emotional demands of
firefighting—fear, anxiety, and relief—are part of the job.
Firefighters' resilience and dedication stem from their sense
of duty and fulfillment in saving lives. Finally, effective
firefighting relies not just on protective gear but also on
continuous skill development. A well-trained firefighter,
armed with proper equipment and team support, is better
prepared for emergency responses, ensuring both personal
safety and the protection of the community.

Fig 16 Outlet (Sparkling)

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ISSN No:-2456-2165
RECOMMENDATIONS [3]. Cahill, B. (2023). The school of flames. Knowledge
retention models for recruit firefighters (Doctoral
The study offers several key recommendations to dissertation, Dublin City University). Retrieved on:
improve firefighter well-being and safety. First, firefighter October 27, 2024 from: https://doras.dcu.ie/29300/
training should focus on emotional resilience, stress [4]. Florentin, K. M., Onuki, M., Esteban, M.,
management, and teamwork to enhance decision-making Valenzuela, V. P., Paterno, M. C., Akpedonu, E., ...
and safety under pressure. Additionally, integrating fire &Garciano, L. (2022). Implementing a Pre‐disaster
safety education into community outreach programs is vital Recovery Workshop in Intramuros, Manila,
for raising awareness about risks like improper use of Philippines: lessons for disaster risk assessment,
electrical outlets and chargers, which can help prevent fires. response, and recovery for cultural heritage.
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