How many participants can we expect to host?
Our ride along programs are organized for groups of maximum 10 people. There are 8 participants and 2 supervisors in the group
Are all participants in the group coming over firefighters?
All members of the Fire Observers organization must be affiliated with a Fire Department, 911 Dispatch or EMS Service in either Belgium or the Netherlands before being able to participate in our travel programs.
A list of all participants with their rank and specialty will be provided beforehand.
How long will be the group be visiting our Fire Department?
The group will visit for an entire week 24/7.
Is the group visiting only our Fire Department during the entire program?
A Fire Observers program itself consists out of a 2 week trip where in general the first week is comprised out of ride along and training with the hosting fire department. The second week is more about tourism in the region as for many of the participants it will be their first visit to the United States or Canada.
Where will be the group be staying overnight?
All participants and supervisors will stay in the Fire Stations overnight. We kindly ask if the hosting Fire Department can provide bedding (blankets, pillows, …) for the entire stay. These will be returned upon departure. If not possible these items will be purchased when we arrive in the U.S.
Does the entire group stay in the same Fire Station?
No. Ideally our group is split up in the busiest Fire Stations for the ride along period. This can be split up at your convenience with 1 person or more in each Fire Station. We ask to try to assign the appropriate Fire Stations according to the specialty of our participants (e.g. EMT’s in a Fire Station with an EMS unit).
Which apparatus will the group be riding along with?
Preferably our participants will ride along with both Fire and EMS apparatus.
Will there be other activities during your stay at the Fire Department or is this a pure 24/7 ride along program?
Together with the hosting Fire Department, the program supervisors will try to prepare a program schedule that includes activities throughout the ride along week, such as visits to the Fire Academy, the 911 dispatch, Department Logistics, …
Will the group bring their own turn out gear?
No. Due to baggage limits for international flights we do not bring our own turn out gear. All participants will wear their own station uniforms. If the hosting Fire Departments considers allowing our group members to actively participate in training and/or incidents, we kindly ask to provide turn out gear and if required SCBA.
Does the group require transportation means from the Fire Department?
Our group will have 2 rental cars to move around the city and pickup and drop-off the participants in all Fire Stations
