In those days learning to ride
an open steamer with horses was an essential skill. Injuries or
fatalities were not unknown if you got thrown off the Steamer.
A similar skill existed even in my early days riding an open fire
appliance, although, by that time, no longer pulled by a pair of
horses
Going out at high speed to a call, was quite hairy but adrenalin
was high and the need for one hand to hang on while dressing in
fire kit was very real.
Coming back to the station would be slower but imagine the sensation
if wet through from a job on a winter call and there was two or
three hours cleaning to look forward to. A quick cup of tea while
servicing and cleaning ready for the next job |