SA Firefighter

Just how versatile is this system? Does it have the ability to add information regarding specific buildings or areas? Reading from a stored information database or somesuch?

Its good to see things moving toward more information being available, on something thats not just the pager. You've gotta love the computers voice rendition of "House fire, Pumper A, Pumper B"

Although I do like the idea of a station manned with nothing but recruits. 

Jaff, I think the question asked is more to do with members purchasing their own items of equipment and using them, rather than the CFS as a whole purchasing more boots.

To answer your questions though, I'd suggest that 99.9% of brigades and members would have no benefit from bunker boots.

Yeah it can be a tough one. Between the two types of boots I have found that the Structural type zipper boots are much more supportive of the ankle compared to the Bunker style boot. This may differ between brands of bunker boot, especially with boots like the Haix Florian Pro that allege better ankle support.

All of them? Perhaps the silver axe gets the Red helmet? 

Its like we need an "Other government agencies" board, or something...

Interesting discussion so far. I'll bite.

Its probably a little different for my brigade, as we have the Rescue truck, the Urban truck, the Rural truck, etc, all with rather defined roles. eg: The pumper rarely turns out as primary to a scrub fire...

Within this framework, I wear PBI to everything, unless I am on one of our rural appliances that has no BA stowage. As far as PBI +Lvl 1 is concerned, the looks may not be great but its functional and as the CFS dropped the ball on PBI I'm happy to wear 1/2 - 1/2, and preferably, just PBI pants and T-Shirt.

In terms of dropping the ball, CFS had a really great opportunity to introduce a lightweight, long sleeve, cotton work shirt to be worn (a la MFS) with the PBI when the conditions dictate that full kit is not required. This helps to combat heat stress issues and looking mildly retarded in a lvl 1 coat, while still maintaining the level of protection necessary for both rural and rescue incidents.

I believe that the CFS minimum PPE for a rescue job is Lvl 1 turnout gear? Correct? Then, our problem is solved. As long as you are wearing something that meets or exceeds the standard, there is no issue. Its like Splash Suits and Gas Suits. As long as you have the minimum, you are only making a choice to increase the level of protection you have. I don't believe that PBI provides any greater protection specifically at rescue incidents and if anything, I think it's bulkier, heavier, hotter and a general pain in the arse as far as rescue is concerned. At work, 100% cotton pants and shirt (+gloves etc etc) is the minimum for any rescue work, and at MVA's the only person in their full turnout gear is the bloke providing fire cover.

I'm all for firefighter safety, but I really don't really agree that going down the path of 'PBI provides better protection at MVA's' is the right way to go, especially when countered with the heat stress argument. The weather protection it gives is great, and wouldn't be an issue if the CFS made raincoats a standard item that didn't need to be fought tooth and nail for.

That said, I do wear my PBI for rescue work, I find that the pants are more comfortable, more durable and more padded for my abused knees. I try to ditch the turnout coat asap, but hey, bring on the work shirts.

Don't forget that the old L3 nomex, was never a complete L3 outfit. Only the turnout coat had the liner...
(unless you are super special or lived at STC)

Cheers!

What? The boys from Burwood?

I'm not a huge fan of the comps, mainly due to 'real life' and 'competitions' being two very different things in terms of training, speed and process.

I'd love to see a forum of all services with a 'show and tell' of tips and techniques - there is always something for us to learn.

Bittenyakka, you're right on the money. NSWFB has Regions, comprising of Zones, which are a collection of stations.  so really Zones -> CFS Groups.

Katrina, the issue is that to the firies knowledge all paperwork was filled out and correct, yet they then received the infringement notices at home. In these instances they were responding to fire calls. If you break the road rules whilst not responding to an emergency, then you do have to pay the fine - something I totally agree with.

So far it has been put down to an "Administrative Error" that some firies had received the infringement notices. Normally it hits the Zone commanders office, gets fired back to the RTA and pulped. Speeding and blowing red lights  whilst not turning out is another thing altogether.

I would suggest the whole thing is a little bit of a media beat up.

This should be a little bit interesting. I'm sure that members of the group would like to know that they are being recorded.

I assume that much like it used to be 111 and 124 being recorded by the CFS(There are no doubt others, but these were the only ones relevant to Lofty Group) now it would be 150 and the other non simplex SAMFS talkgroups?

21337, the information in the recruitment section of the SAMFS website is pretty obvious as to the proof needed of IT skills.

What evidence will you accept as basic skills in Microsoft Word 2000 ™ and Microsoft Outlook 2000 ™ or later versions?

The MFS will accept a certificate obtained from an employment agency or a registered training provider in basic skills in Microsoft Word 2000™ and Outlook 2000™ or a later version.   Please note:  Certificates obtained and accepted during the 2005 recruitment process will be accepted.

Katrina, most fire services are concerned about theft/dishonesty due to the position of trust that the Fire Brigade has in the community. Playing with matches is in fact a requirement