When pediatric patients "transform" into firefighters.

DNO - The hospital space has become a special "classroom" as child patients dress up as firefighters, learning self-defense skills in case of an emergency. Amidst long days of treatment, this activity brings joy, confidence, and motivation to help them overcome their illness.

Children practice using portable fire extinguishers in a simulated fire fighting scenario. Photo: TRUNG ANH

The program "Brave Steps - A Journey of Experiencing Life as a Firefighter" was recently organized by the Heartbeat of Love Club, the Youth Union of Da Nang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, in coordination with the Youth Union of the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department, Da Nang City Police.

Forget the IV drip for a moment, put on your firefighter's uniform.

“When a fire breaks out, what number should you call?” asked the fire and rescue officer, and dozens of small hands quickly went up. “114!” the children answered in unison. From this interactive session, the children moved on to a lesson on escape skills through visual aids, simulated scenarios, and lively practice.

Dressed in firefighter uniforms, 50 child patients with leukemia, thalassemia, and many other young children receiving treatment at Da Nang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital temporarily forgot about IV needles and medication. They enthusiastically operated firefighting robots, practiced using portable fire extinguishers and water hoses under the guidance of firefighters.

Nguyen Cao Gia Han was thrilled to experience controlling the firefighting robot. Photo: TRUNG ANH

Each piece of equipment offered the children a new perspective on the work of firefighters. Many children observed attentively and boldly asked questions. The experience therefore not only brought laughter but also helped the children remember essential safety skills.

After experiencing the firefighting robot, Nguyen Cao Gia Han couldn't hide her excitement. Although she had learned fire safety knowledge at school, Gia Han said the experience at the hospital still left her with many emotions. "I feel less sad during my treatment at the hospital, and I have more motivation," Han expressed.

[ VIDEO ] - Family members and young patients share their feelings about participating in the program "Brave Steps - A Journey to Experience Being a Firefighter":

For Alang Hai Quan (Hung Son commune), the firefighter uniform holds a special meaning. The 8-year-old boy suffers from Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a rare genetic immunodeficiency, requiring years of treatment. Amidst his time in the hospital, being a "junior firefighter" is a way for him to get closer to his dream.

Seeing his daughter's radiant face, Alang A Rat, her father, was moved: "Today she is happy and gets to wear the clothes she likes. I only hope she will always be as radiant and full of energy as she is now."

"Little firefighters" beam with joy during the experience. Photo: TRUNG ANH

Accompanying her child, Ms. Nguyen Thi Bong (39 years old, An Hai ward) said this was the first time her 4-year-old child had participated in such an experiential activity. According to her, the program not only equips children with safety skills but also gives parents the opportunity to supplement their knowledge about fire prevention and control, escape, and initial response in case of an incident.

Developing safety skills

Dr. Tran Van Hoa, Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union of Da Nang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, said that the period leading up to summer also brings increased concerns about fire hazards and domestic accidents. Therefore, the hospital wishes to cooperate with specialized forces to organize a playground that is both beneficial and equips children with fire safety knowledge.

According to Dr. Hoa, most of the participants are pediatric patients undergoing long-term treatment and facing significant pressure. Therefore, these experiential activities help them gain more confidence and resilience to confront their illnesses. "This is considered a 'spiritual medicine' - an effective treatment method alongside medical protocols," Dr. Hoa shared.

[VIDEO] - Sharing from the organizers about their goal of bringing joy, safety skills, and motivation to child patients undergoing treatment at the hospital:

Not only at hospitals, but the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Force of Da Nang City Police has also regularly organized experiential activities for children from preschool to high school.

Lieutenant Tran Van Dung, an officer of the Firefighting and Rescue Team (part of the elite land-based special firefighting unit), said that during the experience, the children usually get to see firefighting equipment, learn escape skills, and what to do first when a fire is detected... After grasping the basic skills, they practice holding the water nozzle and spraying water on a simulated fire.

Experiential activities help children develop self-protection skills in case of emergencies. Photo: TRUNG ANH

According to Lieutenant Tran Van Dung, the most important thing is to help children become less timid and develop calm reflexes when faced with dangerous situations. From these small lessons today, the children can learn how to protect themselves and remind adults to pay more attention to fire safety in their families and communities.

At the event, the Heartbeat of Love Club donated a total of 10 million VND to 50 child patients participating in the program and 5 million VND to 5 child patients with serious illnesses who were bedridden.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/khi-benh-nhi-hoa-than-linh-cuu-hoa-3337514.html