Two fatal fires at Broken Hill
Recently there were two tragic fatalities in home fires, one involving
a young boy and the other an adult male, both at Broken Hill. These
are the only fatal fires the NSWFB has attended this year, and it
is a sad reminder that winter is not far away and we need to be vigilant
in delivering fire safety messages to the community. Open Day on 28
April is a good opportunity for fire crews to talk to visitors about
what prevention measures they are taking at home and what to do if
there is a fire. Some of your visitors may already be well-versed
in fire safety, so suggest they spread the messages about smoke alarms,
escape plans and ringing 000 to their extended family, friends and
neighbours, including those from diverse backgrounds. Of course, educating
the community continues past Open Day, and I encourage firefighters
to deliver FireED and SABRE, promote the monthly fire safety campaigns
and make links with high risk groups in your communities.
New Minister meets firefighters
The new Emergency Services Minister, Nathan Rees, has been keen to
meet NSWFB firefighters, visiting crews at No. 1 station, Doyalson,
and the NSWFB stand at the Royal Easter Show within the past two weeks.
He has expressed appreciation for the work of firefighters and a desire
to visit as many fire stations as possible. Please make him welcome
when he drops by.
NSWFB wins ADF Reserve Employer Award
On Tuesday, the NSWFB was presented with the State Employer of the
Year Award by the Australian Defence Force Reserves Council. The Award
recognises the support the NSWFB provides reservists in facilitating
military leave, as well as the support provided to one of our employees
injured during a Navy operation, including his return to work and
rehabilitation.
Women and Firefighting Association
There has been considerable interest in an Association to provide
networking and representation for women in the firefighting and emergency
management sector. An Interim Steering Committee has now beenwas formed
and a Constitution drafted for ratification by financial members of
the Association on 1 May 2007. There are membership and associate
options for men and women and you can find out more on the intranet.
Off-duty firefighters use CPR skills to save heart attack
victim
My congratulations to Station Officer Ben Sullivan (36 Crows Nest)
and Senior FF Richard Stevens (13 Alexandria Hazmat), who helped save
the life of a heart attack victim. Both firefighters were off-duty
at the Woollahra Hotel on 23 March 2007 when an elderly man collapsed
onto the floor. Following an appeal from the man?s friends for anybody
who knew first aid to come forward, they intervened and quickly established
there was no pulse or sign of breathing. Using their NSWFB training,
Station Officer Sullivan and Senior FF Stevens administered CPR until
an ambulance arrived and defibrillation equipment could be used. Without
their quick thinking and professionalism, it is likely the man would
have died. I know the family is keen to thank them, and I am pleased
to report they will be considered for an award.
Anzac Day
After attending the Dawn Service at Martin Place with Deputy Commissioner
Benson, I will deliver an oration at the Anzac Day remembrance service
at City of Sydney fire station at 8am next Wednesday. After the service
a contingent of firefighters who have served in the armed forces will
march through the city to join the main parade. Anyone who is eligible
to march is encouraged to join the NSWFB contingent, and all staff
and their families are invited to attend the service. This year the
NSWFB is also assisting the RSL in coordinating the march by providing
an incident management team to manage the dispersal point at Elizabeth
Street. On the day, all flags are to be flow at half-mast at occupied
NSWFB stations and establishments from dawn until 1200 hours.
Good luck for Open Day 2007
With the NSWFB annual Open Day just eight days away, I?d like to
take this opportunity to wish the crews taking part all the best for
a successful event. Hopefully engine bays and yards will be overflowing
with visitors, eager to check out the station and appliances, watch
the demonstrations and pick up fire safety advice. For last minute
tips on staging and promoting your event, including radio community
service advertisements, see the Open Day resources page. Share your
Open Day experiences with other firefighters by sending your stories
and photos from the day to natalie.laharnar@fire.nsw.gov.au for a
wrap-up story on the intranet.
Survey of retained firefighters
By now, all retained firefighters should have received a short questionnaire
developed by La Trobe University as part of a research project to
learn more about the primary employment of retained firefighters.
I encourage all retained firefighters to complete this questionnaire
as soon as possible and return it to La Trobe University. The information
that you provide will assist the NSWFB in addressing challenges currently
being faced in the recruitment and retention of retained firefighters.
No. 10 car bites the dust ? literally
Last week I was on the receiving end of our rapid, professional response
services. Whilst travelling on the M5 motorway at Casula in Sydney?s
south west, a 100kg steel plate dislodged by the truck in front of
me was thrown into and under my car. I can personally attest to the
safety of a Holden Statesman, as despite the car being written off,
I emerged uninjured. It was ?interesting? trying to manoeuvre a car
at 100 kmh with no brakes, limited steering, and trailing petrol due
to a ruptured fuel tank! 31 Busby and Duty Commander SW attended to
deal with the incident. Insp Paul Bailey (with the encouragement of
Insp Kevin Adams at Sydney Comms) suggested at the scene that perhaps
he should suspend me from driving for the remainder of the shift.
Then, when I returned to Head Office, the first question I was asked
was: ?Are the number plates OK?? The good old NSWFB!
Appointment of new Duty Commander for Regional West 3
I am pleased to announce that Inspector Andrew Cozens has been appointed
to the position of Duty Commander, Regional West 3, based in Leeton.
All Area Commander, Zone Commander and Duty Commander positions in
regional NSW have now been filled.
Another successful Easter Show display
Thanks to all the crews who staffed our community safety stand at
the Royal Easter Show. Once again we were a hit with the crowds, especially
the kids. Thousands of youngsters crawled over the mini fire engine.
Visitors left with important fire safety messages, including "get
down low and go go go" and how to draw up a home fire escape
plan.
RUMOUR MILL
Rumour: Is it true that, when the new
Scanias are rolled out, Orange Fire Station will get a current type
four Scania as their new rescue pumper?
Response: We do not advise on appliance allocation
programs through the Rumour Mill. Stations that have inquiries in
relation to appliance allocations should work through their Area Commands
i.e. ask their Inspector who will follow up. Delivery of the next
batch of Class 3 pumpers, which should see the ?retirement? of all
International pumpers, will not commence until late this year, although
prototype appliances are well advanced.
Rumour: Is it true that the NSWFB acronym
will be changed to NSWFS (NSW Fire Service) to be more in line with
the RFS?
Response: No. There is no current plan to change
our name from NSW Fire Brigades. However, as I indicated in our Annual
Report, our name no longer accurately reflects the diversity of our
roles. It is possible that in the future we will look at a name change.
Rumour: Is it true that Randwick Fire Station
is to become a permanent rescue station, taking over from the police?
Response: No. The NSW Police have given no indication
that they intend to withdraw from the rescue role at Zetland.
INCIDENTS
Nitrous oxide leak no laughing matter
EVENTS
Multi-agency weekend getaway and freshwater fishing competition
Victory for Australia at the 2007 World Police and Fire Games
Harmony Day at Helensburgh
NSWFB wins AFL battle
RW2 Staff Selection Course
COMMISH’S CORNER
Commissioner’s e-mail: Commissioner@fire.nsw.gov.au
Cora Sarmiento, Commish’s PA: 9265 2930
PACSU: fax 9265 2882
Commish’s Corner Rumour Mill: 9265 2627
To contribute a story to the intranet, please contact Public
Affairs Officers: (West) 9265 2613, (South) 9265 2802 or
(North) 9265 2631