The Miami Herald

HIALEAH, Fla. — Jose Perez has been a firefighter with the Hialeah Fire Department for 23 years. So when he got an opportunity recently to share his experiences and lead a presentation with other veterans, he jumped at it.

"As a kid, you always have questions about the life behind a firefighter or fire truck," Perez said. "I like to take that mystery away from the children by explaining to them how everything works," he said.

Perez led a presentation for about 15 children of department employees at Station One for "Bring Your Child to Work Day" April 24, giving them an eye-opener on the work of firefighters and paramedics.

Playing to the excitement of the young visitors, a fire-rescue paramedic asked for a volunteer to come forward for a vital signs check. Kimberly Carnevale stepped up and was placed on a stretcher with the help of other paramedics.

Fire-rescue personnel connected an EKG machine to Kimberly's legs, arms and chest to show how they measure a patient's heart rate and blood oxygen levels during an emergency.

Another volunteer stepped forward for a demonstration on how to check blood pressure. Another came up toshow the use of a back board and neck immobilizer for when a person has been in an accident and may have suffered a spinal cord injury.

Firefighter Kevin Raller dressed in full gear and explained to the kids the purpose of every part of the suit.

Firefighters described different scenarios they face and the vital roles of their tools. The children were particularly amazed by a tool on a firefighter's suit that flashes and beeps when the firefighter becomes incapacitated and immobile.

The kids were also shown how to use a water hose and got a chance to try it out. They even had a chance to listen to a mock emergency call like one that firefighters would receive from the 911 emergency dispatch.

For Perez, who is a captain in the department, it was a worthwhile exercise.

"Maybe if we keep doing these types of activities with the children, we can have a future firefighter added to our department. This is a career that I have loved for 23 years and I would like to transmit my great experience to the children," he said.

For Kimberly, 13, whose father Anthony is an engineer with the department, it was really no mystery, though.

"I have been around the fire station since I was a little girl and I love everything about it," she said.

Copyright 2008 The Miami Herald