Ready before the call

Passing lessons on

As veteran firefighters share lessons learned in the field, younger rescuers are being asked to master increasingly complex equipment and take on demanding technical and command roles.

Among them is Migmar Tsering, a technical officer with the Shigatse fire and rescue mobile brigade in the Xizang autonomous region. Born in the 2000s, he represents a younger generation preparing to lead rescue operations under extreme pressure.

One of the greatest challenges in responding to a large-scale disaster is the expertise required of commanders, according to Migmar Tsering. They must quickly formulate rescue plans, organize personnel and allocate equipment, often with little time and incomplete information.

"Modern fire and rescue operations involve thousands of pieces of equipment," he said. "Commanders must understand how every type of equipment works, what it can do and how it performs."

"It is a tremendous test of command capability," he added.

Technical knowledge alone, however, is not enough. Migmar Tsering said frontline rescuers must also remain calm as conditions change around them.

During a forest fire, for example, a sudden shift in wind direction can carry embers downhill and cause the flames to spread back uphill toward firefighters.

"Without solid professional skills and psychological resilience, panic can quickly worsen physical exhaustion. In steep mountain terrain, that can be extremely dangerous," he said, adding that prolonged exposure to intense heat can also put firefighters at risk of severe dehydration.

Even after the last survivor is brought to safety, the work is far from over.

During the initial emergency response, firefighters focus on rescuing trapped residents. Once everyone has been evacuated, they may spend another six or seven days searching through debris for personal belongings and helping families recover as much property as possible.

"Floods, forest fires and other major natural disasters are all high-intensity, high-risk missions," he noted. "They demand perseverance, discipline and resilience. Those qualities are essential to carrying out rescue operations safely and effectively."

Despite the hardships, Migmar Tsering said he has never regretted choosing the profession.

"You have to truly love this job," he said. "Our mission is simple: serve the people, stand with them and always put their needs first."

As he became more deeply involved with the team, Migmar Tsering said, he gradually developed a strong sense of belonging and pride in its unity, traditions and achievements.