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Firewomen, a rescue on an iron staircase, WW1
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Firewomen, a rescue on an iron staircase, WW1
A firewoman demonstrating a rescue on an iron staircase using another lady as her prop. Business firms in the West End trained women in the Fire Brigade drill so they could take the place of male staff who had been called up. Date: 1916
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Media ID 14140382
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Demonstration Drill Escape Firewoman Iron Lift Lifting Rescue Rescuing Role Roles Staff Staircase Firemans
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph from 1916, a firewoman demonstrates a daring rescue technique on an iron staircase, with another woman serving as her prop. Amidst the chaos and upheaval of World War I, businesses in the West End of London took it upon themselves to train women in the Fire Brigade drill, preparing them to take the place of male staff who had been called up to the front lines. These brave women, known as "First Aid Girls," played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of civilians during the war. The scene depicted in this image is a demonstration of a rescue using an iron staircase, a common feature in many London buildings at the time. The firewoman, dressed in full protective gear, expertly maneuvers her colleague up the staircase, employing a lifting technique that would have been essential in rescuing individuals from burning buildings. The women's roles in the Fire Brigade during WWI were not only limited to demonstrations; they also responded to fires and emergencies, often working long hours under challenging conditions. Their contributions were invaluable, as they not only filled the gap left by the male workforce but also provided a sense of security and stability for the civilian population during a time of great uncertainty. This historical photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination of women during WWI, who stepped up to the plate and took on roles that were traditionally considered the domain of men. Their courage and dedication to their communities continue to inspire us today.
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