On the frontline of fire: OMU trains next-generation firefighters, with women on the rise

A total of 67 students, 14 of whom are female, receiving firefighting training in Samsun are preparing for the profession through practical training following their theoretical courses.

Students enrolled in the Civil Defense and Firefighting Program at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Havza Vocational School are completing the final term of their education with field applications within the scope of a collaboration with the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department.

While gaining hands-on experience in many areas such as firefighting, rescue operations, and the use of vehicles and equipment, students also experience that firefighting is a profession requiring not only physical strength but also discipline, endurance, and dedication.

“They are trained to perform all duties, such as firefighting and rescue, in the best possible way”

Eyüp Teke, who serves at the Havza Regional Group Command of the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, told AA that experience is as important as training in firefighting.

Providing information about the students’ training process, Teke said, “Our students receive training at their schools for approximately one and a half years. In their final term, they come to us for four months. Here, they receive training to perform all duties such as firefighting and rescue in the best possible way.”

Pointing out that women have started to become more visible in the profession, Teke added, “Previously, it was a male-dominated field, but in recent years, especially in metropolitan cities, we have begun to see female firefighters in the field. Hopefully, their numbers will continue to increase.”

Students adapt to the profession in the field

Lecturer Halil Yamak, Head of the Civil Defense and Firefighting Program at OMU Havza Vocational School, stated that the number of female students in the program has been increasing each year.

Yamak said, “We have been hosting our students in this program for three years. In our first year, the number of female students was very low, but in recent years, their numbers have been steadily increasing. We are observing this not only in firefighting but also in many other programs.”

Explaining that they shaped the education model according to field needs, Yamak continued:

“We started the process as follows: when we established our program, even before admitting students, we visited the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department. We asked them how our students should be when they come to their doors as employees in the future. They told us that sector experience is indispensable. Based on this, we revised our program and introduced workplace training.”

Emphasizing that students reinforce theoretical knowledge in the field, Yamak said, “They complete most of their theoretical courses in our vocational school over three semesters. In their final semester, under the protocol we signed with the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, students spend the entire term here receiving practical training rather than theoretical instruction.”

“Our profession is difficult and requires strength”

Student Aysel Nur Kalem explained that theoretical knowledge is reinforced through practice during the training process, saying, “We observe what firefighters do here on a daily basis and take part in it. We have daily maintenance tasks, vehicles, and equipment knowledge... In other words, alongside theoretical knowledge, we receive more practical training.”

Emphasizing that she opposes gender discrimination, Kalem said, “Of course, there may be strength differences between men and women, but we can overcome this through success and hard work.”

Student Nazlı Canbaz stated that she chose this field with awareness of its challenges, saying, “Our profession is difficult and requires strength, but I oppose discrimination between men and women. Because if one person can do it, then anyone can.”

Highlighting that she prefers fieldwork over desk work, Canbaz added, “I want to be in the field rather than at a desk. I care more about reaching out to people and helping them.”

Another student, Baran Burak Yılmaz, emphasized the importance of practical training in preparing for the profession, stating, “Firefighting is certainly a difficult profession. You deal with fires and save lives. We want to receive the best possible training here and then move into the field.”