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RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Standup photo Grade six student, Zola Desjarlais, shows her surprise of the weight of a oxygen tank worn by firefighters while trying on gear along with her classmates from Hedge Middle School, at Number 11 Fire Station Thursday. The outing was in honour of the International Day of the Girl which was being recognized by the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) partnered with the Government of Manitoba’s Status of Women which hosted groups of Winnipeg girls at four WFPS locations in Winnipeg. The purpose of these visits was to ensure young girls know that careers in the Fire and Paramedic Service are within their grasp. More Info below: Approximately 100 sixth grade girls from four Winnipeg schools had the opportunity to participate in WFPS station tours, ask questions to female responders and try their hand at a variety of drills and demonstrations, including learning about CPR, trying on firefighter turn out gear and learning stretcher and hose handling skills. “Today is International Day of the Girl, and this year’s theme centres around preparing girls for the workforce,” said Manitoba Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for the status of women. “This event reminds us that no career goal is off limits for girls, including the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service. I hope the girls participating today have fun, make new friends and come away with greater confidence in their abilities.” Currently, within the WFPS firefighting ranks, approximately five per cent of staff identify as female. Within EMS, that number jumps to approximately 35 per cent. Research states that many young people start leaning towards their particular career interests by approximately 12 years old, which is why today’s event is aimed at girls of this age. Standup photo October 11, 2018