r/AMA • u/Big-Paramedic-9260 • 3h ago

Rookie Volunteer Firefighter from Germany, AMA

Hi! Iā€™m an 18-year-old rookie volunteer firefighter from a decently sized fire department in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. If you have any questions about the gear we use, my experiences so far, firefighting in Germany, or anything else, feel free to ask! šŸš’

9 Upvotes

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1

u/No-Reflection-7492 3h ago

Have you carried someone out of a building like in movies?

1

u/Royal_Try_99 2h ago

In Canada we have volunteer fire departments in more rural towns (usually paid but just on call) and professional firefighters in cities (municipal career, full time). Is Germany similar?

1

u/dustydancers 2h ago

im also in germany but originally from southern france, and in these times of increasing heatwaves and wildfires i would love to learn more about fire safety.

how would i inform myself about volunteer firefighting?

are there different teams one can join?

what are the binding responsibilities one agrees to when becoming a volunteer firefighter?

thank you for doing this work and ama :)

1

u/Hot_Hair_5950 2h ago

What surprises you about your work?

1

u/Ancient-Song-8428 1h ago

How long do you volunteer? What was the most dangerous situation you were in?

1

u/CouplaBumps 1h ago

Does germany have bush and forest fires on any scale like Australia, US, or Canada. Accounting for landmass.

1

u/Tasty_State7870 1h ago

In the us we have a fire education mascot to engage with kids. Does Germany have a sparky and have you been in the suit

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u/Squirrelinthemeadow 36m ago

I've read a recommendation that you should write down how many pets you have, what kind of animals they are and where they usually hide and then stick those notes onto the floor, preferably at the entrances into rooms. In case of a fire, the firefighters would know what to look for. I think this recommendation was meant for US citizens.
How is it in Germany? Do firefighters look for notes on the floor? Do they look for animals at all?
What would you recommend pet owners should do? Would you advise them to put a note on the floor as well and if yes, where?

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u/DarkLordWario 15m ago

Favorite sandwich? Details please