SA Firefighter

My Finger hurts

Mind numbing but strangely amusing.

Thanks Ferretboy another case of this forum helping to dispel entrenched beliefs. After your post I found this.

http://www.rhodia-proban.com/press%20releases/probanfacts.pdf

I am now wiser

Great discussion! Lets just remember to play nice. We don't want harsh words. Please debate the issues but keep it professional and not targeted at the person posting.

Thanks Good Times  

Certainly cleared up my confusion    I always thought the numbers following the station number where appliance type. Clearly that has changed.

I'm not sure about some of the brigades we are discussing but EMA brigades have exactly the numbering you describe and the system does have meaning.

Eg Athelstone station = 94 and it's 24p has 19 designation meaning Pump-Rescue, when communicating with SAMFS they know where it's from and what the capabilities are.

Good to see some pics in the forum!

Just a note if pics are used, please ensure number plates and other identifying marks are obscured in an image editor prior to posting. Otherwise the whole thread will be deleted. And never post any picture which includes injured persons.

Shame about the car

The first National Women in Firefighting Forum is being held on 12th & 13th May 2005, in Sydney.

It is hoped that the forum will:

Recognise and celebrate the contribution of women to firefighting in Australia
Discuss the issues faced by women in firefighting
Develop strategies and support networks
Encourage greater participation of women in all aspects of firefighting and fire management


The forum is aimed at

Frontline Firefighters (volunteer, casual or full-time)
Full and part-time (paid) fire and rescue personnel
Fire Managers & Planners
Incident Managers
Support personnel (volunteer, casual or full-time)


For further information, or bookings, check out

www.ozfirewomen.info

We probably need someone really in the know to dispel any rumors, but I understand that there is now two kinds of gear wild fire and structural. The level 1,2,3 standards may be a thing of the past.

Having tried the Lion gear on - it is excellent! I welcome it's inclusion, there are small issues such as carrying rural gear and structural but a small inconvenience for the correct protection.

Heat stress can happen to anyone due to a very large number of factors the Lion gear cannot be blamed in isolation, all the factors would have to be looked at.  For structural work bulkier gear and more layers is better as it prevents rapid heat logging. Thin gear allows thermal radiation to build up fast and prematurely affect the user.

It depends on what you call high pressure. Please take this as an opinion and not technical advice but I have run them at 800kpa no problems. It may be unwise if you are thinking of trying over a 1000kpa.

It would be worth a call to a stockist to check the specs. Also check the capabilty of the hose you are using some are not rated for high pressure use.

Make sure you check the specs!

I have always been concerned with some CFS appliances. For example the Mitsubishi Canter 14's a capable vehicle and very good for some roles but you just cannot put out fire very well with the choice of pump that was installed.
I have seen a row of 14's trying hard to attack a growing fire but didn't have the volume or pressure output required. I have also been told of injuries caused because a lack of volume and pressure.

Many may feel that a 14 is not for aggresive fire attack, my view is that all appliances should have minimum pumping capabilites. Imagine a standard Canter 14 with a great pump it would be so much more versatile could even be used in a relay.

The 24p are good not great, there is still high shelving which creates a lifting hazard. Not to mention the BFFF, AFFF system. A stainless steel tray with a spike , I wonder if the designers gave much thought to changing foam types mid way through a drum. Especially with the significant health hazards of 3M AFFF.

Tech services need to conduct heavy user surveys and a volunteer design forum to establish what is required by the user in 2005 and beyond.

I am yet to see the new dual cab 34's up close, the roller door lockers are welcome! I'm glad we might be moving away from the fibreglass swing out doors.

There will always be a trade off between affordabilty and design of appliances but CFS should expect equal quality of appliances.

In answer to the original question the hino 24 is starting to get old and a programmed retirement should occur over time. Is the 20 year policy still in vogue?

CFS does need Urban pumpers! There are brigades covering significant infrastructure, urban areas, and industrial developments with rural trucks.
Some brigades can get away with a rural/urban combination while others must have a dedicated pumper set up for the risks  they cover.

Long post - would love to hear others views.

Hi all many will have seen this map but if not take a look it's quite hard to imagine, the scope of this incident.

http://www.safirefighter.com/news.htm

See I don't have the answer

Very good points Kat!

I agree with lots of them. Of course more than just call rate should determine the type and level of emergency services. Risk level is one huge one that should not be overlooked. There are many brigades covering extreme risks with a huge lack in resources.

I find it so easy to post a simple reply on these issues but the issue is so very complex. I guess each case (town) has very different circumstances and my view is based on my experience of mostly urban fringe. There is one town that I have good knowledge of that should not have two services. But I am sure there are places where they are needed.

As for volunteers attending fixed alarms, In my view if we are providing a service then we should go to the great going jobs and also the mundane. The argument  that those guys are paid let them go (fixed alarm) doesn't cut it if you then complain when you don't get a run to one of their good jobs.

It certainly is a difficult topic.