06 March 2014 - A team from the elite and world-renowned fire fighters of Paris was at the Philippine Embassy to provide a special fire safety seminar to Embassy officials and staff on February 27.
The seminar was conducted in line with the Department of Foreign Affairs’ mandate of ensuring that its Foreign Service personnel are knowledgeable in various safety regulations of their host countries. Led and conducted by Fire Chief Christophe Musial of the Centre d’Incendie et de Secours de Paris Auteuil (Center for Fire and Emergency Service Paris – Auteuil), the fire fighters gave a meaningful presentation on fire safety and security.
Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Deena Joy D. Amatong welcomed the fire fighters and expressed gratitude for their time and for the fire safety tips they would impart. She noted that it is very important for all Filipinos, especially those who are living abroad, to be cognizant of ways on how to prevent fire as well as of important steps to take in case of fire emergencies. Fire Chief Musial expressed gratitude for the initiative of the Embassy to invite them and to give a seminar. He likewise said that this was the first fire safety seminar that they have ever given to a diplomatic mission in Paris.
The team of six fire fighters gave a presentation on the basics of fire safety at work and at home. They answered different questions prepared by the personnel which ranged from proper use of heaters at home, first aid questions on burns, prevention of fire-related accidents, and more. Fire Chief Musial also gave Embassy officials a list of important French laws and regulations pertaining to fire safety.
The fire fighters also showed Embassy personnel a brand new and state-of-the-art fire truck in Paris that they brought with them. The fire truck, which has a digital and all automatic control system, is not only capable of putting out fires but also serves as an ambulance that is equipped with life saving equipment. After the presentation, the fire fighters gave the Embassy a first-aid kit, several Early Warning Devices for vehicles, smoke detectors and other tokens from the Fire Center. In return, CDA Amatong gave a coffee table book on Philippine Architecture to the fire fighters. Embassy personnel and the fire fighters shared a Filipino merienda after the presentation. END