It's been an action packed month for the 18 participants in the Thames-Coromandel Youth in Emergency Services Programme.

The 18 young people, aged between 16 and 25, signed up to learn more about what it means to be a volunteer for the emergency services, and haven't been disappointed.

The 18 young people taking part in the Thames-Coromandel Youth in Emergency Services Programme with Thames Volunteer Fire Fightersand Coromandel MP Scott Simpson. Photos: TCDC

The group recently spent the weekend with the Thames Volunteer Fire Fighters cutting up cars, putting out fires and ‘rescuing' victims from the smoke tent. They even got a chance to show Coromandel MP Scott Simpson how to use a fire extinguisher.

After lunch the team set up a dam and got the portable pump out to test their hose skills before the kitchen fire safety display.

Senior Station Officer Shane Bromley says it wasn't just the young people who enjoyed the weekend.

'It was awesome, even after 35 years of service a day like that makes you feel so humble,” refelects Shane. 'Watching the students become so engaged in supporting their community is what makes this a great programme.

'And hats off to the volunteer fire fighters, their commitment was above and beyond what was asked of them.”

Youth in Emergency Services sees the group participate every week in an introductory training programme, followed by a day of putting those skills into practice.

Already this month the group have learned first aid skills and how to deal with a mass casualty incident with St John.

This week they are off to Thames LandSAR and then Civil Defence before graduating on June 28 after participating in a multi-agency, major emergency event.

To find out more visit the Thames-Coromandel District YES Programme webpage at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/yes