To raise awareness and equip necessary skills in fire prevention, fighting, and rescue (FPF&R), on the morning of October 31, 2025, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), in collaboration with the Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue Police Department (PC07) of the Ho Chi Minh City Police, organized an FPF&R awareness and skills training program for the university’s faculty and students.
The program was deployed with two core components: providing theoretical knowledge and conducting practical drills for real-life scenarios, attracting nearly 400 newly-enrolled students and faculty members who participated with great enthusiasm and a strong spirit of learning.
Attending and directly leading the program were Captain Huynh Nguyen Ngoc Thang, an officer from the HCMC Police FPF&R Department, and Lieutenant Nguyen Hong Phat, an officer from the Area 10 Firefighting and Rescue Team, PC07.
Representing the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City were Quan Han Xuong, M.A. – Deputy Head of the UEH Infrastructure Management Department and Head of the UEH Fire Prevention and Fighting Team; Phan Ngoc Danh, M.A. – Deputy Head of the UEH Infrastructure Management Department and Deputy Head of the UEH Fire Prevention and Fighting Team; along with representatives from functional units and a large number of UEH students.
Foundational Knowledge of Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue
To start the program, officers from the Area 10 Firefighting and Rescue Team – PC07 shared crucial knowledge about fire prevention, fighting, and rescue in daily life with students. Through vivid, practical examples, students were shown how to identify potential fire and explosion hazards in dormitories, classrooms, and common areas. They also learned about the importance of adhering to safety regulations when using electricity, gas, cooking appliances, and flammable materials.
The program covered initial response procedures upon fire detection, the use of basic firefighting equipment, and principles for safe evacuation.
Beyond simply imparting knowledge, the session also raised students’ awareness of protecting themselves and the community, helping them understand that everyone can contribute to preventing fire risks through small, everyday actions.
Notably, the training also introduced the Heimlich maneuver – a critical first-aid technique for victims choking on a foreign object in their airway. The instructors localized this technique with the memorable Vietnamese phrase “Kéo – Búa – Bao” (resembling “Rock-Paper-Scissors”), making it easier for students to remember and apply when assisting a choking victim.
Rescue methods designed for easy memorization and practical application.
Practical Drills: From Knowledge to Real-World Response Skills
Following the theoretical session, UEH students took part in hands-on drills under the direct supervision of PC07 officers. They had the opportunity to experience using fire extinguishers, practice extinguishing a simulated fire, train in escape techniques from a simulated smoke-filled environment, and perform first aid on smoke inhalation victims while moving them to safety.
In a simulated “Dormitory Fire” scenario, students demonstrated calmness, proactiveness, and effective teamwork.
The drill’s atmosphere was both serious and engaging, helping participants internalize response procedures and develop safety reflexes for real-life incidents.
Spreading the Message: “Live Safely with Fire Prevention”
Concluding the program, a representative from the HCMC Police FPF&R Department encouraged students to continue learning and updating their knowledge on FPF&R through official channels to proactively protect themselves and promote a culture of “Living Safely with Fire Prevention.”
The awareness and training event left a strong positive impression on the UEH student community. Not only did it enhance their understanding of the importance of fire prevention and fighting, but the program also contributed to building a safe, civilized, and proactive campus environment, where every UEH student becomes a fire safety ambassador within their community.