I guess its because the protocols aren't fully understood or policed by all. And there a faults on all sides - have plenty of incidents where fire (non rescue) SAAS & SAPOL have gone to jobs yet we were not called. When asked why, "The response was didn't think you guys were needed". However everytime we roll to an MVA I ensure fire is called.
Had a recent out of town job near a hamlet called Lyrup - day time page said cleanup only. For us it a 15 - 20 minute drive (if you don't take the ferry). Got there no fire cover, called up Adelaide fire who responded the next closest CFS brigade (which was not the closest resource), still no response called again & finally Berri MFS arrived. I explained to the crew what we had done to make the vehicle safe & why I insisted on fire cover (protocol). They were happy & they agreed to take over the scene - (Explained that I had a meeting at nine & after all they get paid
). We have an understanding that we take turns on who stays and who stands down
(Helps with inter service relationships too). Another job Bdouble on its side responded straight to the scene. There were two female ambos dragging this rather large truckie out through the windscreen (broken obviously).Asked if there were any others, the response was "we only called you guys cause we thought there was a car under it" - there wasn't thankfully. Fuel everywhere no fire cover, however it was called and arrived.
Until these protocols are taught to, reinforced & policed by ALL emergency responders then this will continue to occur. As was told to me by someone who trains SAAS people - the new ones can be a little bit "Rescue Dumb" this is not having a shot at anyone but if your not aware of the resources in the area how do you know who does what?
It was interesting the comment made about SES's relationship with the ambo's down there, as we have the opposite issue with new paramedics up here i.e. fire does everthing! Anyway as long as everyone plays by the rules, the situation should improve. cheers