Virgil Van Der Horst
Cape Town
Summary
Highly motivated Firefighter with in-depth knowledge of safely suppressing fires. Thinks quickly under pressure and remains calm in stressful situations. Offering Number years of experience in efficiently responding to fire and EMS alarms. Proficient performing emergency diagnostic and treatment procedures.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Firefighter
City of Cape Town
Cape Town
05.2007 - Current
- Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
- Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
- Documented emergency calls and equipment maintenance to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
- Educated the local community on fire safety practices through presentations at schools, businesses, and other public venues.
- Participated in community outreach programs to raise awareness of fire prevention and safety measures.
- Collaborated with law enforcement and other emergency services during large-scale emergencies for coordinated response efforts.
- Provided immediate medical attention to victims at emergency scenes, ensuring swift stabilization before hospital transport.
- Reduced property damage from fires with quick and strategic firefighting tactics.
- Reduced risk of fire spread in wildland areas by executing controlled burn procedures.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
- Initiated first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepared victims for transport to medical facilities.
- Improved operational efficiency by helping maintain apparatuses, equipment, and facilities according to established standards.
Aviation Rescue Fire Fighter
Airports Company South Africa
Cape Town
02.2001 - 04.2007
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
- Maintained strong knowledge of firefighting principles and suppression methods, which enabled proper decision-making in emergency situations.
- Mentored new firefighters by sharing knowledge and experience, fostering a supportive learning environment for professional development.
- Increased firefighter skill levels by providing ongoing training sessions on new equipment use, rescue techniques, and hazardous materials handling.
- Inspected apparatus, equipment, grounds, and stations for proper order and condition.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the fire department by adhering to established protocols in both routine activities and emergency situations.
- Enhanced teamwork among crew members through regular training exercises and collaboration in high-pressure situations.
- Developed strong relationships with fellow first responders by participating in joint training exercises and supporting mutual aid agreements.
- Acted quickly to contain hazardous chemicals likely to catch fire, leak, or spill.
- Streamlined communication between firefighters and command staff during incidents with clear radio procedures and incident reporting protocols.
- Improved emergency response times by implementing more efficient dispatch procedures and optimizing fire equipment readiness.
- Participated actively in physical fitness programs aimed at maintaining peak performance levels required for firefighting duties.
- Responded to emergency calls and provided medical assistance to injured individuals.
- Inspected alarms, hydrants, sprinkler systems and standpipe systems for operational use to minimize incidents.
- Laid and connected hoses, held nozzles and directed water streams as part of fire suppression activities at active scenes.
- Diagnosed and located hazardous materials and other sources of fires.
Aviation Security Officer
Airports Company South Africa
Cape Town
04.1996 - 02.2001
- Detected potential threats by utilizing advanced technology such as X-ray machines and explosive trace detectors.
- Supported smooth airport operations by diligently managing passenger flow during peak hours and periods of high traffic volume.
- Reduced risk of security breaches by maintaining a high level of vigilance and awareness in monitoring surveillance systems.
- Enhanced airport security by conducting thorough screenings and inspections of passengers, baggage, and cargo.
- Assisted in the prevention of unauthorized access to restricted areas through effective implementation of access control procedures.
- Conducted random patrols around airport premises, identifying suspicious activities and reporting them promptly to supervisors for further action.
- Improved overall airport safety by promptly addressing any security-related concerns raised by staff or passengers.
- Maintained accurate records of daily activities, incidents, and noteworthy observations for submission to management for review.
- Utilized strong communication skills when interacting with travelers from diverse cultural backgrounds, facilitating a smooth screening process.
- Participated in continuous professional development opportunities to stay updated on industry trends and advancements in security technology.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to respond swiftly to emergencies, ensuring the safety of all passengers and personnel.
- Assisted in coordinating evacuation efforts during emergency situations, ensuring the safe exit of all individuals from affected areas.
- Completed comprehensive training programs on aviation security regulations, principles, and best practices, increasing proficiency in job responsibilities.
- Provided exceptional customer service while enforcing strict adherence to aviation security protocols, earning positive feedback from both passengers and colleagues.
- Prevented unauthorized items from entering secure areas by performing meticulous hand searches on selected luggage pieces when necessary.
- Performed pat-downs to look for unauthorized materials and weapons.
- Developed and maintained positive rapport with passengers and other airport personnel.
- Operated x-ray machines, hand wands, and advanced imaging technology to conduct screening of passengers and baggage.
- Discretely observed behavior and demeanor of travelers and staff to screen for suspicious actions.
- Authenticated boarding passes, identification, and passports to prevent fraudulent travel.
- Completed extensive training in emergency response protocols related to fire safety and hazardous material handling
- Manually screened passengers unable to pass through metal detectors or who triggered alarms.
- Operated scanning equipment to view internal structures of luggage, purses and other bags to check for prohibited items.
Education
Bachelor Of Arts - Social Studies
University of The Western Cape
Cape Town03.1994
Affiliations
Registered with Health Professionals Council of South Africa as a Basic Ambulance Assistant.
Registered with Scouts of South Africa with the goal of evaluating Springbok Scouts.
Certification
Firefighter 1 & 2
Hazmat Awareness
Hazmat Operations
Basic Ambulance Assistant
Pump Operator Driver
4x4 Pump Driver
Advanced Aircraft Firefighter
ARFF Pump Driver
Fire Instructors Course
Air Radio Certificate
Junior Fire Officer Course
Runway Inspection Trsining
Dangerous Goods Awareness Course
International Compressor Operator
IFE Preliminary
Aircraft Marshalling Course
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Afrikaans
Upper intermediate (B2)
Timeline
Firefighter
City of Cape Town
05.2007 - Current
Aviation Rescue Fire Fighter
Airports Company South Africa
02.2001 - 04.2007
Aviation Security Officer
Airports Company South Africa
04.1996 - 02.2001
Firefighter 1 & 2
Hazmat Awareness
Hazmat Operations
Basic Ambulance Assistant
Pump Operator Driver
4x4 Pump Driver
Advanced Aircraft Firefighter
ARFF Pump Driver
Fire Instructors Course
Air Radio Certificate
Junior Fire Officer Course
Runway Inspection Trsining
Dangerous Goods Awareness Course
International Compressor Operator
IFE Preliminary
Aircraft Marshalling Course
Bachelor Of Arts - Social Studies
University of The Western Cape