They say that just two or three breaths of toxic smoke could leave you unconscious, so when escaping a fire, time is of the essence.

This month, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has been stressing the importance of households having a pre-planned escape routes and making sure it is kept clear.

Reporter Hana Carter was sent down to Watford Fire Station to experience a smoke-filled environment in the shoes of a firefighter.

I have to confess that I am not the biggest fan of tight spaces and total darkness, but I knew I had to get a grip and focus as the team prepared me for my training.

Watford Observer:

Hana Carter gets ready to head into the smoke-filled building

Our task was to head into the building and rescue a casualty. After the briefing I was given a uniform and a gas cylinder was strapped to my back, nerves slowly turned to excitement.

I also felt incredibly safe in the watch of experienced firefighters, Roy Steadman and Jake Sadler. As the door of the windowless building opened I realised they were not exaggerating when they told me just how dark and smoky it was going to be.

I may as well of had my eyes closed. I was told to sweep the floor with my feet and wave my arm in front of my face to avoid trip hazards, this helped us navigate our way around furniture and doorways.

Watford Observer:

The team at Watford Fire Station prepared Hana Carter for the exercise

After climbing two flights of stairs in the billowing smoke, we found the casualty slumped on a sofa.

The sight of the body turned my stomach, what if this was a family member? How would I react in this situation?

We carried the body back down the stairs, and even though I had been stumbling through there just moments ago, the building felt totally different, it was as if the layout had changed.

As we burst through the doors into daylight, carrying the dead-weight dummy body, I felt a huge sense of relief and adrenaline.

I had an urge to do a lap of the station just for making it out without falling into something, or tripping over the hose, but managed to refrain.

After the aesthetic smoke had cleared and the light streamed through the doorway, the firefighters showed me inside the building.

Doorways that I remembered and filing cabinets that I had felt my way around were not in the places that I pictured them.

It was almost impossible to believe that just moments ago I was in the same building. It really hit home just how disorientated you can become in these kind of situations.

I was then invited into the station where I was greeted by a plastic CPR mannequin that bought memories of girl guides flooding back. Russell Ward, the fire service instructor for Watford, gave me a crash course on the vital skill.

The crew found it amusing that I remembered to pump the heart to the beat of 'Nelly the Elephant' - but I got the nod of approval from Russell who smirked as I sang it.

Watford Observer:

Russell Ward went through the stages of CPR

Mr Ward said: “In Europe, if someone drops down in the street with cardiac arrest they have a 44 per cent success rate of keeping the oxygen flowing to the brain.

"In the UK, our success rate is between seven to 10 per cent. Which is why we need to incorporate CPR in schools."

Something that I didn't realise is that it is very rare that you will bring someone back from CPR when they are in cardiac arrest, but by pumping the heart, you will keep the brain alive until the emergency services arrive.

The station are offering free CPR training to schools, clubs and organisations. They have also been visiting schools and teaching students and teachers. This is part of a pilot scheme that the crew hope will spread from Watford throughout Hertfordshire.

Alongside educating children in the importance of CPR, the crew will also be offering advice to parents on what to do if their children are ever in a situation where they are at risk of drowning or choking.

If like me, you would know little about fire escape planning, CPR, choking or drowning prevention you can book a home fire safety visit to receive advice on smoke alarms and escape route. Bookings can be made online via: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/firesafety or by calling 0300 123 4046.