大象传媒

Big thick fire-proof suits, breathing apparatus, smoke and toxic fumes, not to mention over 300 degree heat from flames licking up around you and often working in pitch-black conditions - being an operational duties firefighter is one of the toughest jobs in the world.

It's also a role which has changed immeasurably over the last decade, and Sean Ormesby with over 20 years of experience is a testament to this.

Having worked for many years on the front line, he's now bringing his expertise to the Fire Brigade's Fire Engineering Division.

However, it's the operational side he recalls most fondly.

"It's changed an awful lot, it's not just about fires any more. We deal with alot of incidents now like road traffic accidents and people trapped in lifts. It's very wide the scope of operations we perform.

"The satisfaction of helping people, it's fair to say. You do a lot of training, but afterwards you get a real good feeling.

"You'll find that there are a lot of different personalities on a shift and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

Strain

Firefighters see some traumatic sights in their work and this can have a real impact on their lives.

Sean is grateful to his colleagues for the emotional support they provide in those situations.

"Across the years I've come across death and injury - it makes you feel like you don't ever want to see that again.

"You want to try and make a difference next time, even if it's not your fault.

"It's something that you'll overcome with the camaraderie on your shift and together you'll come out a bit stronger."

To hear more from Sean click on the links above.