SAMFS & Chainsaws

[chook]

Had a visit from some metro boys yesterday & one of the things they told me was that fire appliances were being fitted with winches.
Also they were being issued chainsaws & doing lots of training.
Any truth in the above, if so why? more duplication!
cheers

[safireservice]

Had a visit from some metro boys yesterday & one of the things they told me was that fire appliances were being fitted with winches.
Also they were being issued chainsaws & doing lots of training.
Any truth in the above, if so why? more duplication!
cheers

As i understood it from someone in the MFS, when they took over the paging for the SES they saw it as an opportunity to increase their call rates (more calls = more $$). Until then not all appliances had chainsaws (mainly "9" appliances) but i beleive they do now. Its called cutting your lunch, like it or not.

[uniden]

Some MFS appliances were fitted with winches when they were built. Some of the 9`s and I think 204 also. Some carry tirfor winches that can be used away from the appliance also. Remember some MFS stations are primary rescue (RCR) for their area, Port Augusta, Whyalla and of course the metro area. Such winches could be used for RCR or any other rescue incidents. Chainsaws are carried on many appliances for when they are required. Dont think that MFS are trying to take over SES...

[uniden]

The winch is under the yellow cover

[chook]

Thanks guys, I can't say too much we carry extinguishers, fire pumps and a couple of branches so there you go.
At the end of the day, they do have full time crews so they need to justify the expense. Now where did I put that slip on? :wink:
cheers

[Cameron Yelland]

I understand you concern chook but be realistic, if a large storm moved through the riverland or adelaide etc the local SES would not be able to handle the job.  Therefore the local MFS can stand up and help because they have a chainsaw.

As far as MFS responding to tree downs in the city, its merely a case of the comm centre has determined a certain amount of life risk is involved therefore a quick response is required.  Therefore an MFS appliance is responded to deal with the situation until the SES arrive to minimise the chance of a civilian being injured/killed.

I see no problem with this as it is the community we are serving not our cut lunches!

[F.B.R.T]

Don't see the big deal really!! :?
Our 1 pump has had a chainsaw on it as long as I have been in the job (15 years) and I believe from reliable sources that there was one on there long before the local SES was formed, so I don't really think there is a duplication issue.

[chook]

No dramas - just checking its not a new thing. Interesting that winches are fitted though, ours don't come fitted! Only the light 4x4's sometimes have a winch.
If it was a a new idea from SAMFS then my question is why? If however its an old idea that someone has just noticed, great.
By the way we have done and do use CFS & SAMFS during big events - trained and disciplined crews so why not! And you guys have big pumps good for flooding :-D
Anyway just checking the facts - you know there is so many rumours around :-D
cheers

[6739264]

Don't want to get your nose out of joint as per usual chook, but I hope it doesn;t come as a shock that winches and chainsaw have more applications that just for the SES ;)

Especially chainsaws and structure fires... :)

[chook]

No not at all - are you suggesting I over react :-D
As I said previously, was just checking to see if it was a new thing as it was hinted it was. This would surprise me coming from a service that is broke :wink:
However as was previously indicated SAMFS has had this gear for years - great!
And I acknowledge that yep you can use chainsaws other stuff - I use my one at home to fill up a space in the shed :-D
but thanks for the additional info as it could come in handy :wink:
cheers

[SA Firey]

Have to laugh a MFS crew comes to a job says "Yes we have a chainsaw but havent been shown how to use it :-P

[bittenyakka]

well apparently the MFS truck that east torrens worked with at brown hill creek didn't have on as the CFS boys got theirs out.

[RescueHazmat]

Have to laugh a MFS crew comes to a job says "Yes we have a chainsaw but havent been shown how to use it :-P

Im sure they laugh at plenty as well..

[SA Firey]

Just make sure that the ones felling trees have the appropriate ticket :wink:

[chook]

Now isn't that so stupid "here is a new bit of kit, but you can't use it because you haven't been shown" - Where is SAFEWORK SA?
Were they issued the correct PPE as well?
And all of the support gear - tools etc
What a waste!
If the guy who gave them the chainsaw was a qualified trainer on said tool, they could have shown them the basics so they could at least use it & not hurt themselves.
Or like we did with the Stabfast - you got them once your unit did a session on them - not before!
What a rock show!
cheers