MobileKids: Hello Ms Hellmann, do you remember your first mission with the fire brigade?
Tanja Hellmann: Yes. My very first shift started with an oil slick on the road – rather unspectacular, but important for road safety. Shortly afterwards, I had my first house fire. The stairwell was completely dark, you couldn't see anything, only hear the fire. At that moment, I realised how important good training is. I was well prepared and therefore not surprised.
MobileKids: How did you join the fire brigade? Was this always a childhood dream?
Tanja Hellmann: I joined the youth fire brigade in my village when I was 14 – I really enjoyed it very much. We did lots of exciting things there as a group, for example rolling out hoses or attaching a hose nozzle. That shaped me because it was a lot about teamwork: achieving a goal together and doing something practical at the same time – both indoors and outdoors. Later, I did a commercial apprenticeship but realised that purely office work wasn't for me. I eventually found my way to the fire brigade by training as a paramedic.
MobileKids: What fascinates you most about your job?
Tanja Hellmann: The meaningfulness and the variety. I go to the station and don't know what will happen for the next 24 hours. But it doesn't matter whether it's a large or small mission: It is always important for those affected. There is no traditional working day, no public holidays, no fixed rhythm. Our fire brigade has been on duty around the clock for over 100 years – something to be proud of.
MobileKids: I'm sure many people are interested: How do you handle an alarm at the station? In children's books, the fire brigade sits down to eat – then the emergency call comes and everyone slides down the pole. Is that really the case?
Tanja Hellmann: Yes, the sliding pole still exists. When an emergency call is received, the dispatcher decides which vehicles are needed. Only the emergency services assigned to this task are alerted – with a light and a signal tone. Then you drop everything, slide down the pole, put on your turnout gear and are in the vehicle within 90 seconds. At night, too, only those affected are woken up. As soon as the light in the room goes on, you are immediately wide awake – that's what firefighters are trained to do.
Tanja Hellmann has worked for the Dortmund fire brigade since 2005. After her time in the youth fire brigade, the 41-year-old initially trained as an office communications clerk. Her training as a paramedic eventually led her to the professional fire brigade. At the station in Dortmund, she now heads the technical rescue special unit, which is trained to use cutting equipment and spreaders to free trapped people from vehicles involved in accidents.
MobileKids: How do you explain to children why your work is so important?
Tanja Hellmann: We always come when people – including children – don't know what to do and can't help themselves without putting themselves in danger. In the event of fire, injury or medical emergencies you can call 112 at any time. We are well trained, have the right equipment and are usually on site very quickly, in most cases within a few minutes.
MobileKids: What should children do if they see an accident or fire? And what can they do to enable you to help more quickly in road traffic?
Tanja Hellmann: The most important thing is not to put yourself in danger, for example by not running into the street. If possible, speak to an adult. If nobody is there, call 112, describe the situation and stay on the line. Adults should also form a rescue corridor. If everyone reacts attentively, we can get to the scene more quickly – and that can save lives.
MobileKids: What tips do you give children who find themselves in an emergency situation?
Tanja Hellmann: As difficult as it is: stay calm and consider whether and how you can get yourself to safety. For example, leave the room and close the door if there is a fire. Then get help, call the fire brigade or inform an adult.
MobileKids: What would you like to pass on to children who are considering becoming firefighters themselves?
Tanja Hellmann: The fire brigade is much more than just putting out fires. There are many different areas of responsibility, from the emergency services to the control centre and special units. If you want to join the fire brigade, you should be physically fit and make an effort at school. And the most important thing of all: Ability to work in a team. The job is very challenging – but one that makes you incredibly happy.