SA Firefighter

I think if everybody takes a step back and look and some broader issues one service to provide all emergency services in this state wouldn't be that difficult.

There is a significant replication of services provided in all MFS, CFS and SES. Not only in primary response roles, but in operational and non operational roles. This includes Staff like VSO, Regional Officers and Training officers.

A one service for all doesn't mean that to be in the, lets say civil response (SES) that you'd have to be fire trained, vica versa, to be in the fire service you have to have training in Search and Rescue, USAR and Flood Mitigation. If you look closely, in a lot of areas throughout SA a lot of people already volunteer in colocated SES/CFS brigades/unit. Most members at Yankalilla already carry out both role, I believe this is also the case in Strathalbyn and many other areas.

It would be an easy transition and the money saved for no longer replicating staff role and equipment could be placed easily back to the volunteers, with improved equipment, training, support, etc.

I don't see whats so hard about it!

I think a number of the Aeromedical Consultant would be up in arms about the Helicopters being used to transport Major Crash to incident. It's not a life saving thing to get investigators there ASAP, which is an unfortunate thing in this situation when you've got volunteers waiting on the road side to extricate these people! I'm sure fixed wing would be a better option though. Don't know if SAPOL still have aircraft in their Police Air Wing, but surely hiring a plane would be more suited in about 75% of the state!

Working with Special Operations Team next week, so will endevour to find out. I know 51 has range of about 600km, but 52 is significantly shorter. It also depends heavily on the configurations, payload and number of occupant.

Also by December this year the contract will be changing to Australia Helicopters, from CHC. This will see 3 helicopter being run from West Beach Airport. The line up will be a BK-117 (Primarily for Sapol), a EC-130 (Bigger than current 52 but smaller than 51) Primarily for Medivac (with rear barn door strectcher access), and I think a Bell 412, same as 51 for rescue role. I think all will be winch capable.

I think if you have a look at the AFAC website you'll find publications about classifications or urban pumpers which has figures on pumping ability, stowage, cab/chassis and engine options (power to weight ratios etc). I read it some time ago but still might be current!

What's the standard cfs rescue gear? Didn't think there was a standard!

Having been a RARTO/RCRTO I been exposed to Holmatro, Hurst and Lucas gear and found they really are much of a muchness between all of them. I started with some really old Holmatro Series 1 gear at Yankalilla, which was classed as Heavy Rescue Gear and used to have to just use a hand pump until we got the petrol pump in about 1993.

I'd have to say though that I've found the weight balance of the Holmatro gear to be about right, with most of the tools giving an equal weight in both hands in most working positions. The Hurst Spreaders I've found to be a bit awkward with the tool handle thumb switch combination and they are a bit short from butt to tip.

I'd like to see all services go to a standard supply though so gears is easily interchangable at incidents and we could end up with a significant reserve of equipment in the state for replacement during time of service and repair!

Sorry about the size of the images, was trying to fit a few in as the Gallery size for upload is a bit small! There's some bigger files here now!

Right on 3400mm, doesn't sound that much, but when your sitting in them it's tall, adn takes a bit to climb into!

Alex I think you'll find a roll off from Mills Tui in QLD of 3 URP appliances. They are now at
Bridgewater (Pumper), Waikerie (Pumper), and Nuri (24P). There's pictures also on the Mills Tui Oz web site!

The Coro appliance was a proto and the other came after testing, and probably should have been continued as a standard appliance. I would say in a couple of years you'll see appliances of a similar build up, but maybe without the crew deck area being produed again.

Might be heading back to previous discussions about number of service providers for similar roles under SAFECOMM currently! One service could surely cover SASES, SACFS and SAMFS. Cut out a lot of the reciprocated management and operation staff (ie HR and Call receipt and dispatch!) save some money for better equipment on the road!

As for my example above MART's have been organised for both USAR and HAZMAT/CBR, i believe!

409 or 439 (Christies) I'd say if it was west of coro station. I can't see the MFS saying no they won't respond to a RCR in CFS area, it's really a duty of care situation.

When I was a Yankalilla in 1993 we called for MFS assistance with a rescue at Myponga Beach, grader rollover from bridge and had to call for heavier rescue equipment. Response time was a bit long, but they still got there and did the job. It was 204 from the City then in the pod format!

Well written Alex,

I think the RCR rescource directory will be re written or editted in this situation as Eden has St Mary's 409 (heavy rescue) down the hill and Blackwood up the hill from them.

I think someone somewhere is auditing what's where and what's need! Whether this is a formal or informal process I'm not too sure, but envisage some more changes around alot of areas as SAFECOMM is assessing things!

Sorry about the typos earlier. now fixed! Yes the LFB and LAS are well experienced with explosive incidents. IRA have kept them on their toes before and is the reason why there's no rubbish bins in public places in London and other Cities in the UK.