An event titled “I Am Ready for Fire” was organized by the Üsküdar Üniversitesi Scenario-Based Occupational Health and Safety Club. Supported within the scope of the Ministry of Youth and Sports ÜNİDES projects, the event discussed the causes, spread rates, dangers, and correct intervention techniques of fires with experts in the field.
Academics and students, including Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Faculty of Health Sciences Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan, Occupational Health and Safety Department Deputy Head Dr. Lecturer Sertaç Temur, Üsküdar Üniversitesi Continuous Education Application and Research Center Manager Bengisu Altınten, Fatih Bilgin from Istanbul Fire Department, and Head of Forest Fire Fighting Branch İkram Çelik, attended the event held at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Çarşı Campus Emir Nebi 1 Conference Hall.
The symposium discussed the causes, spread rates, dangers, and correct intervention techniques of fires. The event emphasized the importance of preventive measures, provided information on the selection and use of personal protective equipment, and different types of fires.
Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin: “Our deficiencies appear like a wall before us”
The opening speech of the program was delivered by Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Ertekin said; “Fire is a bad event. We have become a society that has recently experienced many troubles and sorrows, with fires whose timing is unknown. The labor sector has developed greatly, and many smart systems have entered our lives. As all these increase, it is necessary to carry out the required procedures for both their inspection and maintenance. When we have deficiencies in these, unfortunately, they appear like a wall before us. If necessary precautions were taken, perhaps there would not be such great losses of life and financial losses.”
Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan: “All structures need to be reviewed”
Dr. Lecturer Rüştü Uçan, Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department, drew attention to precautionary and security systems by giving examples of fire and explosion incidents from around the world. Uçan stated; “Currently, all structures in Turkey, even if they have occupancy permits, need to be reviewed individually. A re-evaluation should be made from many perspectives such as fire resistance, insulation status, suitability of emergency escape routes, and the presence of guidance systems during power outages. If deemed necessary, the termination of use for some structures should also be on the agenda.”
Dr. Lecturer Sertaç Temur: “A separate field needs to be established for fire safety”
Dr. Lecturer Sertaç Temur, Deputy Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department, also emphasized in his speech that fires should be taken into consideration. Temur said; “Fire is an extremely important and very special issue, different from other disasters. Therefore, a separate field needs to be established for fire safety. Specialization in this area allows for more in-depth expertise. As members of the Occupational Health and Safety Undergraduate program, we only receive a part of fire safety training. Firefighting and protection is a much more comprehensive and expertise-requiring field.”
Fatih Bilgin: “Fire is a physical event, but its effect is psychological”
Fatih Bilgin, Corporate Communication and Development Officer of Istanbul Fire Department, discussed the concept and types of fire by providing examples from the field. Bilgin said; “Fire is a physical event, but its effect is psychological. The deadliest moment of a fire is not when the flames are highest, but when you are caught most unprepared. Fire is like oxygen; its presence is often unnoticed, but its vital importance is understood in times of need. The root of many disasters and emergencies experienced today lies in the failure to take adequate precautions. Therefore, precautions must be taken and preparations made in advance for emergencies. Additionally, a final meeting with the team must be held after each intervention as part of the evaluation and feedback process.”
İkram Çelik: “What we need most is to love the profession”
İkram Çelik, Head of the Forest Fire Fighting Branch, touched upon the fundamental differences between forest fires and urban fires. Çelik stated: “The only common point between forest fires and urban fires is the fire triangle. Our intervention techniques and personal protective equipment are different; almost everything about us is different. However, unfortunately, as in many fields in Turkey, what we still need most in occupational safety is to love the profession. Occupational safety, especially in Turkey, is one of the professions where you can encounter the most difficulties. Therefore, it is necessary to show patience and never give up under any circumstances. As long as you don't give up, you will eventually receive a reward.”
Fire extinguishing simulation was conducted
An applied fire extinguishing simulation was conducted as part of the program. In the simulation carried out with Bengisu Altınten, Manager of the Continuous Education Application and Research Center, students had the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice.
A fire knowledge quiz was also held after the simulation.
At the close of the program, participation certificates were given to the attendees. The event concluded with a group photo.