SA Firefighter

It doesn't matter what is provided...there is always access to burn out pads and speedways but it's not the same as them speeding on the roads...

I am a big fan of the new hoon laws..wonder if it's making much impact on the accident stats..

you guys are right though...if someone wants to speed..they can make even the oldest Datsun 120Y go faster than it was built for! 

I unfortunately agree with raising the age limit..I was raised on a farm and was driving from the time I could reach the pedals and see over the steering wheel but city kids dont' have that exposure.

In today's society there is too much emphasis put on to their rights and not responsibilities..they are very much more immature in their decision making processes these days and as a result, not mature enough to be on the roads.

I look at the hoons who roar around the town..nearly ALL are P platers...

I also think that new drivers (of ANY age)should be made to do the defensive driving course.  I would consider myself a confident driver and hold a HC licence (semi) and have driven trucks etc but what the guy taught us in 1 day has saved me on a couple of occasions already.

hello fellow firies..

I've just been given a new appearance date of May 8 in Adelaide...not sure if it's in the coroner's court or the Federal yet.

I doubt that it will be then but maybe a week later...I will keep you all posted as soon as I know.

rescue...tell your mate he doesn't have very good sources for his info...not as good as yours anyway..

Quote from: rescue5271 on April 16, 2006, 07:02:12 PM

How can you force people to wear PPE/PPC when those at the top will not enforce those brigade's that show up at jobs with out the gear on???

As a brigade officer it easy "You volunteered to join and follow the rules, if thats no longer the case, theres your bike, sod off!"

As an officer I'd prefer have to work harder as we had less crew than front the corroner when one of my crew is injured or worse due to inappropriate PPE!

Unfortunately thats part of being an officer - taking responsability for your crews - it's and easy decision, not a popularity contest

I agree completely..that's why they think I'm a picky bitch!  BUT I know where my responsibilties lie and won't compromise and risk crew safety...I'm already facing the coroner for something that wasn't my fault!

One interesting approach we had was for the officer to restrict people to sitting in the appliance when they didn't have all their PPC on and then to request support due to insufficient crew! YES we looked like total idiots at the time, however it only happened once and the crews concerned we hounded by everyone else from the brigade and across the group - peer group pressure and humiliation worked back then and the story is still told now, some eight years later

Unfortunately, oz fire, we sometimes struggle with crew numbers to begin with...we are a rural brigade..I think I will just have to continue being a nag...my guys aren't that bad..it's the rest of the group that have lost the plot...needs some poking from above I think!

Do other brigades and more importantly officers have a constant uphill battle to get vollies to wear all of their PPC??


We went to a fire on Monday pm and I spent more time asking crew to don helmets that giving instruction on tasks....and more to the point, many other brigades were as slack..

I don't understand why there is such reluctance to wear the gear...it's for their own safety!!!!!!!   

finger pointing is very destructive for sure, it will be alot harder for brigades to attract and retain members if they're going too cop a rap for trying too help.
or next big fire send out those lawyers and inquirie people and tell em to put it out.

We have already taken a couple on a controlled burn (mind you they were our lawyers) and now they want to be vollies....

Most of it is too complex for them to understand and we are spending a lot of time trying to explain how we work to them!

thats how much one hot day can cost. Good luck captcom!

Yeah, you're right but they've already been here for 14 weeks...= 98 days...which equals $5.6million...that would mean a few bad fires in our budget 

thanks guys, it all helps to know that I have a huge support group behind me..even though I will be out of my own territory..

the coroner's court is apparently on Carrington St...near King William...don't know if that's anywhere near the Hilton...but they will definitely have to be paying for the whole holiday..

the waiting will be the killer (as if it hasn't already!) I was due to appear on 15th Dec...last year..hopefully, when they get me over there it won't result in too much more waiting...might pack my golf clubs..

Contact the VFBA as they are the one's that are there for the Volunteer members.Do you still get paid for being on the stand??? I wish you all the  best be strong and tell it as you did see it on that day/night....

Thanks Rescue...I am in constant contact with Wendy and she is doing a fantastic job...I will still be paid to be on the stand but they are trying to make me take Personal leave which is deducted from my sick leave...

The process is one that I wouldn't wish on any firefighter...it looks like I will be appearing in Adelaide so, if anyone wants to come and watch, they are most welcome. It's not a pretty sight though..

thanks Firefrog...one on the way back to you ...

Mmmmm and the permit burning season has started down here in the SE.  It's the silly season, smoke everywhere and hot as filtered.  Hope everyone does the right thing.  I am not too keen on chasing rekindles.

The permit season is our busiest time...and the permit holders often aren't diligent with their notifications...hence much wasted time responding to a controlled burn off..a simple phone call is helpful!

Unfortunately, Medevac, I know where you are coming from....I NEVER drive my own ute anywhere without a seatbelt but find that I'm busy getting radios, batteries, tabards etc organised and often don't wear a seatbelt.

I didn't think that it was mandatory for the others to wear them...but I imagine that this might change or be recommended...especially in the back crew cab.