SAFETY OF RESCUE ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS IN THE ASPECT OF TRAINING OF VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE FIREFIGHTERS IMPLEMENTED IN THE “FLORIAN” HARBOUR FIRE SERVICE LTD. IN GDANSK
Authors: Chmiel Michał , Popielarczyk Tomasz , Majka Ilona , Iwańska Marta 
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to discuss the training system and forms of improving rescueskills of members of volunteer fire brigades, as well as to present training topics and programmesimplemented by the Training and Improvement Centre of the “FLORIAN” Harbour Fire Servicein Gdansk. The article also addresses the impact of volunteer fire brigade (VFB) firefighter trainingon the safety of their rescue activities and rescue operations.Introduction: One of the ways in which the state fulfils its obligations to its citizens is by providinga well-functioning security system, which comprises entities and non-governmental organisationsresponsible for countering threats to civilization and the environment (Zwęgliński, Radkowski,2020). Such organisations include volunteer fire brigades (Zając, 2018). Owing to the progressof civilization, volunteer fire brigades play an increasingly important role in the national internalsecurity system. The scope of their activities continues to grow. It is worth noting that over the pastfew years the nature of rescue operations carried out by volunteer fire brigades and the assistancethey provide has changed. Presently, there are fewer fires, while the number of road accidents andlocal dangers, such as local flooding, floods, broken/collapsed trees and damaged buildings hasincreased. In addition to fighting fires and battling natural disasters, members of the volunteer firebrigades also carry out technical, medical, chemical or environmental rescue tasks (Forjas, 2020).In particular, a key role is played by VFB units comprised by the national rescue and firefightingsystem, which must meet a number of requirements among other things in terms of having thenecessary equipment at disposal, remaining ready to undertake rescue operations, as well ascompleted training (Marjański, 2017, pp. 137–138). The participation of authorised VFB membersin a wide range of rescue operations requires that they be properly trained, which can be achievedthrough a system of training and forms of improving rescue skills.Methodology: The article has been drafted on the basis of principles developed by the NationalHeadquarters of the State Fire Service for the preparation of volunteer firefighters to participate inrescue operations, training programmes for VFB rescue firefighters and available literature on the subject. The paper also draws on the training materials of the Training and Improvement Centreof the “FLORIAN” Harbour Fire Service in Gdansk and the authors’ experience.Conclusions: The growing range of rescue operations carried out by volunteer fire brigadesrequires that its members be properly trained and that their rescue skills be continuously improved.Training in simulators makes it possible to perform a simulation of a real fire and demonstrate thecharacteristic phenomena accompanying it. It also has a significant impact on raising awarenessamong trainees of the fire hazards of working in a fire environment. One of the centres providingsuch training in Poland is the Training and Improvement Centre of the Harbour Fire Service in Gdansk.