By Fatima Saka
The Acting Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) Samson Karebo, says fire fighters are exposed to Post Traumatic Disorder Syndrome (PTDS) due to their experiences on the job.
Karebo said this at news conference on Thursday, in Abuja.
The controller said that the personnel across the country are exposed to high hazards as first responders to fire emergencies.
“The degree to which our men are exposed to hazard on a daily basis each time they combat fire or are out on a rescue operation is phenomenal, however from the field, we have had reports of exposures of our men to what can trigger PTDS,” he said.
“In some cases, they get away with serious respiratory challenges, near death explosions of gas cylinders among others,” he said.
The Ag.CGF said that the hazards do not only affect efficiency but destroys productivity, hence the need to improve staff welfare, according to him, for a fireman to risk his life, stay up round the clock attending to life threatening situations without a commensurate reward, means the system is flawed.
He advised citizens to desist from buying petrol in gallons, storing in cars and homes, as this could lead to fire outbreak.
“Nigerians know the hazards attached to fuel storage so they should buy the fuel quantity ready for immediate use and need,” he said.
