Guardians of Flame:

A Case Study on Tallakulam

Firefighters, Madurai
Group Members
1. Arunaa Devi M (21soc008)
2. Fathima Aamina S (21soc011)
3. Fiza Fathima A (21soc012)
4. Halimathu Zaheera S (21soc016)
5. Jeya Sakthi Parvathy S (21soc024)
6. Pavithra S K (21soc040)
7. Porkalaiselvi M (21soc043)
 INTRODUCTION
Firefighting personnel have to deal on a daily basis with major strains, including life-threatening
missions, exposure to emotional and physical trauma, adverse weather conditions (heat, cold, and noise)
and hazardous materials.

• In India the Fire Services activities with fire engines were drawn by horses in Bombay (1803).

• In Tamilnadu the Madras Fire service was established by the Municipal Corporation of Madras (1908).

• In the Constitution of India under the 12th schedule, under the provisions of Article 243W the
performance of functions of firefighters are listed.

Qualification and training of firefighters.

Age - 18-26 years
Educational qualification - Must have passed 10th class and Tamil as a subject in the class
 INTRODUCTION
CHALLENGES OF FIREFIGHTERS
1.Emotional and Psychological Strain
2.Sleep Disruption
3.Exposure to Hazardous Materials
4.Maintaining Work-Life Balance
5.Physical Demands and Health Risks
6.Changing Nature of Fires
7.Water-Related Incidents
8.Budget Constraints and Resource
Limitations
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Mohamad, M et al. (2018) The study explained that the contributing factors to occupational stress are high job
demands, poor work conditions and low job control, lack of organizational support, lack of social support,
career development burden, coworker conflict, long working hours, lack of sleep or sleep disturbance and the
impact of traumatic events at work.

Yu, Y et al. (2022) The study results indicated that work-family conflicts among Chinese firefighters
presented a significant association with worse depressive symptoms.

Park, S et al. (2023) The study found that higher resilience and empathy were associated with higher job
satisfaction, while higher job stress was associated with lower job satisfaction.

Peifer & Wolters (2021) The study stated that various workplace stressors and resources reportedly affect
team flow experience on an individual level in different ways.

Heydari, A et al. (2022) The study found that the most important factors that affect the firefighters
occupational resilience include mental health, physical health, manager’s performance, incidence,
environment, community and family related factors and mental health issues like stress affect their mental
resilience.
 METHODOLOGY
Objectives:
• To identify the influence of occupational stress on job satisfaction.
• To investigate the balance between work and personal life of firefighters.
• To find the resilience levels of firefighters.
• To examine the group dynamics of firefighters.
• To verify whether firefighting is the most satisfying job.

Variables:
• Occupational Stress
• Work - Life Balance
• Resilience
• Group Dynamics
• Job Satisfaction
 METHODOLOGY
OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS:
• Occupational Stress - The level of perceived strain and pressure experienced by firefighters in response
to job demands, emergency situations, and the overall demands of their profession.

• Work - Life Balance - The equilibrium between the professional responsibilities and personal life of
firefighters, indicating the extent to which they can manage and integrate work and personal activities.

• Resilience - The ability of firefighters to bounce back and adapt positively to challenges, setbacks, and
stressful situations in the line of duty.

• Group Dynamics - The patterns of interaction, cooperation, and communication among firefighters while
working together, influencing team cohesion and effectiveness.

• Job Satisfaction - The overall contentment and fulfillment experienced by firefighters in relation to their
work, encompassing aspects such as job tasks, relationships, and organizational support.
 METHODOLOGY
Method:
• Mixed Method - Quantitative & Qualitative Method

Data Collection Tools:

• Interview
• Scales:
Adult Resilience Scale (ARM- R)
Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS)

Population: 32 Firefighters (Tallakulam)

Sample: 7 Firefighters (Tallakulam)

Sampling Technique:
• Convenient Sampling
 METHODOLOGY
Findings of Need Analysis:
• Firefighters deal with a variety of challenges, such as limited family time, prank calls, damaged
equipment, and unrealistic expectations from the public. They expressed a need for support
organizations to handle stress.

• High-pressure situations can be handled with the support of knowledge and strategies, as well as
strong relationships with family and friends.

• Due to the demanding nature of work, firefighters find it difficult to strike a balance between
work and personal life, particularly during the summer and during festivals.

• In order for firefighters to be efficient in their work, problems among themselves must be
resolved. Teamwork is crucial to attend emergency situations.

• Firefighters find satisfaction and motivation in, receiving gratitude from people they helped,
completing all their tasks, and having their team's achievements recognized.
 PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS
1. Fire Safety Awareness programme in Lady Doak College.

2. Honoring the Tallakulam firefighters.

3. Arranging refreshing session for firefighters such as Meditation, Yoga, Volleyball.

4. Thanksgiving - Token of Gratitude, Potluck lunch.

5. Family Get together / Family day.

If aprroved,
1. Arranging a Special Counselling session for firefighters.

2. CM Petition - Training Center in South Tamilnadu and Weekly off.

 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
Research on firefighters concerning variables like Occupational Stress, Resilience,
Job Satisfaction, Group Dynamics, and Work-life balance can yield several benefits:

1.Improving Firefighter Well-being.

2. Enhancing Resilience and Coping Mechanisms.

3. Boosting Job Satisfaction and Performance.

4. Optimizing Group Dynamics.

5. Balancing Work and Family Life.

6. Policy and Training Development.

 TIME BUDGET (2023)

Month Week Work

Fire Service Community Rapport building and Sri Meenakshi college -

September 2nd week
Fire Safety Awareness Programme

October 2nd week Fire service community rapport building

3rd & 4th

October Outline for draft proposal
week

3rd & 4th Fire Service Community - Need analysis visits and Proposal
November
week preparation

December 3rd week Data Collection

 TIME BUDGET (2024)

Month Week Work

3rd & 4th

January Interventions execution
week

February All weeks Consolidation of all chapter

March 1st week Viva preperation

THANK YOU