SA Firefighter

Is it really that critical to tell SHQ prior to 7 minutes? 7 minutes is not very long. Maybe the crew got dressed and got going knowing a radio operator was on their way who would make the call? Maybe they did make the call straight away. Maybe lots of things really
Anyway I'd be thrilled if, as the rescue response, we were called with in 7 minutes of the fire response Brigade. Bit better than what we normally get!

But do we really know the circumstances under which these things happen?

I mean we see the page and hear the scanner but maybe (as an example) they were at the station for a working bee and the local copper came across the road and said, "can you go to this?"

Just an example but I think it's a dangerous and unproductive exercise to second guess other Brigade's movements based on some overheard (over read) information.

Now, having said crews should be self sufficient I'll give you my theories why feeding fireground crews is critical for more than nutritional reasons!

For one it ensures crews actually stop and have a rest. Also if, as is the case on many, many strike teams, you have not seen much action, the shift is long and boring and the "meal break" aids subtanstially in breaking up the shift.

Also in a lot of cases a meal break, whether on the firegound or at a staging area provides a chance to socialise ("network") with other crews which sometimes results in unexpected and useful operational information changing hands.

If the meal break is back at a staging area other resources can be available - even just someone from another crew who can assist with minor repairs can be invaluable.

Another factor I consider very important (which you may think is trivial) is the fact that the crews actually feel like someone knows and cares that they are there when a meal is organised for them. On Sunday at Ngarkat there were crews calling in regarding meals repeatedly over several hours. I'm sure the increasing frustration with which they requested was as much due to this "care" factor as hunger.

Thinking on Ash Wednesday: Currently we have better aerial support,our appliances are better and better maintained, our crews better trained and our organisational structures and incident management skills better.

All in all I'd reckon it's an educated guess that despite the rare and extreme circumstances of Ash Wednesday we, as a service, and as a community would fare better with those same fires if encountered today.

Something like a third of the CFS fleet did not arrive at the fires on Ash Wednesday due to mechanical failures.

To be honest there have been issues with keys not being returned and ending up in the wrong hands. We do use the reigstered u shape do not copy deals but there are a list of key holders and the rest of the Brigade normally do not  require access except during training and incidents.

Heard a crew on Friday sitting in their station car park waiting for the crew member who had a key. There was a fair time delay.

A few 14's (and yeah, technically I mean QAV's - a tojo with 400l) would have been damn handy at Cambrai.

Just don't have any our neck of the woods.

"16:29:44 11-01-06 SHQ: *CFSRES: ETTRICK, JERVOIS, MYPOLONGA, MONARTO & MURRAY BRIDGE RESPOND STRIKE TEAM REQUIRED FOR CAMBRAI FIRE....."

Mmm, we're part of that Group now. Our page came at 1647. One of the initially paged units was in for service.

Still out there, can't get hold of them by phone. Hope they're actually doing something.

Try referring it through the Region to the committee and see how you go.

I'd be very interested to hear!

Welcome Smallflame and thanks for your contribution

Yes, would take longer to read

But the input of those 58% of members who have never posted would really enrich our forum experience!

The necessity for RCR reacred is actually fairly new. Most of our guys did the course before there was a competency period. Then at some point it was introduced (and it is only a CFS service requirement not a national thing) and after a fair period we were done. Then no reacred has been made available to us since. Under these circumstances we do not have to do the full course again. Now reacreds are up and running we booked one that was cancelled. We made sure all the people attending had done the pre req (now) BFF1 Units Prevent Injury and Respond to a Road Crash but a couple of members First Aid showed up on system as non current and therefore were not going to be allowed to reacredit. Including a member who has done his first aid 6 times and been a rescue operator with us for 16 years. If I was trapped I would want this guy at the tool, believe me, but anyway his first aid wasn't current on the system so he wasn't going to be allowed to upskill. Not even on the understanding that the first aid issue would be resolved ASAP and reacred status put onto the system at that point. You may have guessed this makes me pretty frustrated and we have just about lost this guy as an operational member due to this and other similar incidents. So if Euan thinks the young people can't be bothered volunteering maybe he should investigate the lack of respect and understanding the service sometimes gives to long term dedicated, skilled, experienced people with another 20 years service in them in an attempt to try and retain them!

Could rant on about this issue for much longer but climbing off soap box now.

Good point Ozfire.

ROFL