The National Fire Authority (NFA) commenced the Rescue Techniques follow-up training for the firefighters at the NFA headquarters in Suva today.

The training is organized by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and will be conducted by the Osaka Fire Department and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kansai Training Centre officials.

Seventeen firefighters will be attending the four days of follow-up Rescue Techniques training.

Speaking at the official opening of the Rescue Techniques follow-up training, JICA Fiji Office Resident Representative Hiroyuki Sawada said the training is very important for firefighters.

“The training will further enhance firefighters competencies in rescue and disaster management.

During the four days of intensive training, firefighters will be trained on Road Accident Rescue, High Angle Rescue, Low Angle Rescue and taught various means of rescue techniques.

Mr Sawada added that JICA is proud of their close collaboration with NFA over the years in assisting the firefighters to undergo training courses in Japan and this follow-up training complements the training held in Japan.

“This is the first in-country training conducted by Osaka Municipal Fire Department in Fiji.

“I would like to acknowledge the long and cordial relationship between the NFA and Municipal Fire Departments from Osaka, Matsusaka and Kitakyushu,”Mr Sawada said.

“Under this partnership, JICA has supported NFA through various schemes such as provision of training for firefighters in Japan and in Fiji, dispatch of experts to conduct training in Fiji, development of training manuals and provision of equipment for flood rescue, road accidents and emergency medical training.”

Meanwhile, NFA Board Member Mr John O’Connor thanked JICA for their continued support for NFA. “Such training is very important in the development of our firefighters and we thank JICA and the Government of Japan for their continued support over the years for the enhancement of our firefighters’ technical knowledge and skills in rescue operations.