The Wright Stuff: Day in the Life of Myrtle Beach’s Fire Training Captain
Service Beyond Self
In the city of Myrtle Beach, there are unsung heroes who risk their lives daily to keep the community safe. These individuals belong to different professions including nurses, law enforcement officers, EMTs, and firefighters. Their dedication often goes unnoticed until that critical moment comes, and someone makes the 911 call – a call that could save a life. Dedicating themselves to the service of others, they clock in the hard hours only to receive little recognition for their sacrifice.
Meet Captain Dwayne Wright
Among them, Captain Dwayne Wright, a firefighter with the Myrtle Beach Fire Department (MBFD) since 1998, has dedicated almost three decades of his life in service to the citizens of Myrtle Beach. In the last four years, he has played an essential role as the Department Training Captain, ensuring firefighters are equipped with skills beyond firefighting.
A Peek Into Wright’s Day
Firefighter training is not limited to fire suppression techniques; it includes self-care, mental health awareness, and strategies for dealing with work-related stresses, among others. In the early morning, we meet Captain Wright in the hallway of Fire Station #6. The day’s schedule includes a three-hour training session for MBFD personnel, focusing on Cancer Awareness and Mental Health Awareness.
Fighting Fires and Personal Battles
Statistics are alarming, showing that firefighters are significantly more likely to get cancer and have a higher likelihood of dying from it than the general population. Captain Wright’s job goes beyond teaching firefighting techniques; it involves raising awareness for health hazards associated with the job and providing resources to help firefighters stay mentally and physically healthy.
The Psychological Toll of Serving
But the deadly adversities don’t end with physical health risks; firefighters also deal with mental health issues, often resulting from high-stress, traumatic situations. One of the recurring subjects in training is “Compassion Fatigue.” EOF
Assisting in the fight to keep Compassion Fatigue at Bay
This term first came to light in the early 90s and was associated with feelings of helplessness, anger, or lack of emotion plaguing trauma nurses. However, it was soon realized that first responders, including firefighters and EMTs, also suffered from this condition. The city of Myrtle Beach provides therapies and medical intervention for firefighters/EMTs via health insurance plans, ensuring that those putting their lives on the line have adequate tools to deal with the psychological strains of their jobs.
Recognizing Commitment
Next time you hear a siren, or see first responders in action, let it be a reminder of these individuals’ commitment to our community. They might seem like ordinary people, but their extraordinary courage, compassion, and determination make them nothing short of superheroes. Protecting lives involves more than battling blazing infernos; it entails a continuous fight for their physical and mental health.
Sources
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