SUKOHARJO – The Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), organized a Fire Emergency Response Training in collaboration with the Sukoharjo Fire and Rescue Department on May 10, 2026. The program was designed to equip students with fundamental knowledge and practical skills in responding to fire emergencies as part of occupational safety and health (OSH) education.
The training began with a classroom session led by professional firefighters from the Sukoharjo Fire and Rescue Department. During the session, students learned the essential first steps to take in the event of a fire, including how to remain calm, assess the situation, initiate safe evacuation procedures, and promptly report emergencies to the appropriate authorities.
Participants were also introduced to various types of Portable Fire Extinguishers (PFEs), commonly known as Fire Extinguishers, and the classification of fires based on their sources. The instructors explained the characteristics of each fire class and the appropriate extinguishing agents to be used, enabling students to identify the most effective and safest response for different fire scenarios.
Following the theoretical session, the program continued with hands-on practical training under the direct supervision of experienced firefighters. Students practiced extinguishing several types of small fires using different methods, including portable fire extinguishers, wet towels for suitable fire situations, and water where appropriate according to the type of fire.
The practical exercises provided students with firsthand experience in operating fire extinguishers correctly, from removing the safety pin and aiming the nozzle at the base of the fire to applying the proper extinguishing technique. The simulation also strengthened students’ emergency preparedness, decision-making skills, teamwork, and confidence in responding to fire incidents safely and effectively.
This training forms part of the Department of Public Health UMS’s commitment to strengthening students’ competencies in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). By combining theoretical knowledge with real-life emergency simulations, students are better prepared to manage occupational hazards and respond appropriately to emergency situations during field practice and in their future professional careers.
Through its collaboration with the Sukoharjo Fire and Rescue Department, the Department of Public Health UMS continues to promote experiential learning that bridges classroom education with practical application. Such initiatives support the department’s mission to produce competent public health graduates who are not only academically excellent but also equipped with essential emergency response skills and a strong commitment to workplace and community safety.
