Our Sixth Day in Le Havre

The sixth day of our mobility in Le Havre was slightly different from our usual daily programme. This time, we did not begin the day at the gym—which some participants regretted—but instead travelled by bus to another part of the city, where we were welcomed by the Le Havre Fire and Rescue Service.

It was a great honour for us that the fire chief personally introduced the station to our group. During the visit, we gained detailed insight into how the institution operates. We toured the building and visited the central control room, the briefing room—where a professional training session was taking place at the time—the recreation room, the gym, and the large hall where the equipment and fire engines are stored.

We also received a detailed presentation about the fire engines and the various types of specialised equipment. We were able to examine them up close and even try out some of the equipment ourselves. The visit was particularly useful because the participants gained an understanding not only of the firefighters’ everyday work, but also of the level of responsibility, organisation and technical infrastructure required for a public service institution to operate in France.

One of the most exciting parts of the visit was the drone demonstration. We were shown how effectively drones can be used to monitor fires, assess emergency sites and support rescue operations. The presentation clearly demonstrated the important role modern technology plays in public safety and disaster management.

In the afternoon, we also had the opportunity to enjoy a brief cultural experience, as a Japanese anime event was being held in the city. This allowed us to gain an insight into French cosplay culture and provided an interesting additional experience alongside the professional programme.

In the evening, we visited the seaside once more. Although the wind was strong and cold, it was important for us to experience the special atmosphere of the coast one last time and to bring our days in Le Havre to a shared conclusion.

The day was particularly valuable because it helped our participants gain a better understanding of how public service institutions operate, the complexity of rescue and disaster management tasks, and the role of modern technological solutions in maintaining public safety.

Accredited Adult Education Project – 2024-1-HU01-KA121-ADU-000195887