THE off-duty firefighter who administered first aid to a basketball player at a match last year, saving his life, says had he given up after initially failing his firefighting examinations he would not have had the skills needed on that fateful day.

Mikhail Smith shared that the incident, which occurred during the Arise Basketball League game at Montego Bay Cricket Club in St James, further impressed upon him the importance of first-aid training in Jamaica. As such, he now spends his free time training fire wardens — who are responsible for maintaining and implementing fire safety procedures within a building or organisation — with the necessary skills needed to save a life.

It was reported last year that Smith was at the basketball match when security officer Wayne Lawrence — who was playing for his team All Tours — fell hard after colliding with another player. Lawrence began to exhibit seizure-like movements so Smith intervened and provided first aid, which saved Lawrence’s life.

As he reflected on the incident four months later Smith said had he not been persistent in his quest to become a firefighter, he would not have been able to save Lawrence.

Smith shared that he was working in the hospitality industry as a front desk employee in 2011 when he became captivated by the work his friend did as a firefighter. He shared that his friend encouraged him to apply to the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and he did.

“I sat the initial exam, which I was successful in, and after being successful I went through the other processes. I went to the interview, the physical, but I wasn’t successful for the immediate intake,” said Smith.

“I didn’t get through in terms of the first try [at] going to training school. It was actually [on] my second time around [that] they called me — when they were doing the second intake — and asked if I was still interested and I said, ‘Yes,’ ” he recounted.

Smith shared that he was successful in all his examinations and training, and graduated in November 2012. He reported for duty in February of 2013.

“They always say certain things that you really want in life are not gonna come very easy so you have to try and try again, and that’s what I did. Even before they actually called me after the training was complete, I called them and asked if they were gonna be having training any time soon and they said, yes, they would call me,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

With 12 years of service under his belt Smith said he is proud to be among a group of individuals who have chosen to put service about self.

As the world observes International Firefighters’ Day, which celebrates the service members annually on May 4 for their bravery and commitment, he urged other service members to share their skills and training with civilians.

Smith said that while trying to save Lawrence’s life he noticed that many spectators present were not aware of the proper procedure when someone is having a seizure, and that is something that can be changed through education and training.

“When I was doing the exercise with the young man at the basketball court, a lot of people were giving me advice on what to do and it was totally wrong — everything they were saying. Being there, I realised that a lot of people around don’t know the proper procedures. I believe that we should be the ones to educate persons as it relates to firefighting, and first aid, and stuff like those, so they can have the knowledge to protect their homes, kids, and save a life wherever they are,” he said.

“What I’m doing is trying to assist everyone, because it will help us as the Jamaica Fire Brigade. We’re not gonna be able to reach everybody as a group so as individuals we can go out there and impart knowledge — and I think that’s a big plus,” he added.

He also urged firefighters to take advantage of the various emergency medicine courses or training opportunities that may come up, in order to better equip themselves to save lives.

“We have made the decision to be a part of the service. I believe that all the knowledge that is required of you to be very impactful or an impactful firefighter, you should take on that [training] in terms of different classes, courses, as it relates to firefighters and first aid. I believe that once given the opportunity, you should take it because it’s gonna help you as an individual, not only for self-development but also for you to impart to others for their self-development,” reasoned Smith.

“It lessens the work of a firefighter or the risk of persons out there losing their life or their property, which is basically our motto: ‘Protecting lives, saving property’,” he pointed out.

Firefighter Mikhail Smith (left) and security officer Wayne Lawrence share a light moment. Smith helped Lawrence with a medical emergency last year, during a basketball game.