Who said Women can't do the job!? Meet SDIS 30

The great thing about being a Firefighter is the extended family that exists once you join that service. And the fire-fighting family does not recognise borders. Whilst in Le Grau Du Roi in the GARD region of France, the Pompiers of SDIS 30 allowed me unrestricted access to one of their shouts.

Fighting compartment fires is bad enough in PPE, but when the standing temp is already 30C+ outside, then heat stress is a real problem. French Female firefighters complete the same entrance tests (Which eliminates the obvious accusations from ignorant Ffs), training and shouts. They are truly treated like equals & not just part of a tick box exercise (Pardon my cynical view of other Fire Service Employers around the world!!).

The SDIS 30 GARD is one of the most well funded fire services in France (56 million Euros a year!!), and you can see that in the kit which is now reflecting the British Standards of PPE.

Many thanks to my French brothers & sisters for allowing me a glimpse in to their procedures and family.