I have also noticed **Not bagging briagdes with RIV** that they dont actually do that many rescues either (some do some dont). What risks do you determine to get it on...Bridgewater has the Freeway, Seaford with...? etc
Seaford received their gear because of the Southern Expressway, the final stage is in CFS area and the response plan is that MFS go to the Beach road exit and CFS go to Old Noarlunga exit. That way whichever direction the traffic is travelling you will still get an appliance to the job. With the Seaford MFS appliance going to be a Rescue vehicle this will negate the need for Seaford to carry the R.I.V gear anymore.
Edster, if you dont want to get shot down, PLEASE READ BEFORE you POST
To add my point of view to this debate,
I love the concept of RIV. As previously said by FireFrog "A combi tool with a telescopic ram and there's not too much you can't do." and I think he is 100% correct there. There are only a few situations I can imagine our Holmatro Combi-tool & Ram to be inappropriate, eg. Third door conversion, Floor Pan Flap, Cross Ramming, COMPLEX Dash Lifts and Rollovers and Heavy vehicles/vehicles with roll cages (due to cutting limitations). But for most RCR jobs where the overall outcome is either a roof flapped (or off) or a door popped, or a full side out,
I think it is more than capable.
Another benefit of RIV gear is that it is physically smaller and lighter. Meaning it can be used in situations where it is not possible to get an appliance close by. It also can make the equipment much more user friendly if working at heights (ie. door removal with vehicle on its side)
I wont go into my views on the training side of it, as I would be here typing all day.
With the above in mind, often acting as an officer at MVA's, I WOULD NEVER PICK RIV AND CREW OVER FULLY EQUIPPED RCR AND CREW IF GIVEN THE OPTION, Most of the incidents I attend, MFS are the Rescue Brigade and (no offence to anyone in CFS) but I regard their skills, TRAINING and experience much higher than ours when it comes to RCR.