Sure:
Good point
- it showed when a person had completed a training course, although this was also known by the brigade members.
Point (neither good or bad)
- when the sticker was issued depended on when the equipment officer (sticker custodian) was present,
- was not reliable as a number (more senior) saw it as wank factor, they knew they had the skills and didn't want to waer a badge to prove it
- could not be seen at any distance, either day or night (just as the name on the rear of the helmet can't
- Other brigades still refered requests for crew/equipment/assistance to the OIC (as they should have)
- Deciding what skills - we have a number that require specialiset skills for equipment - First Aid, O2, BA, RCR, Chainsaw, Hazmat
Bad
- Did not allow for competency periods
- Needs to be policed by someone, and then fairly, and against CFS standards, not a brigade interpritation
- Promoted elitism - people who had the time to do the training or maybe those who pushed hardest to get on the training (might also be an issue with the nomination process of the brigade)
- Two sets required for those who opted for a rural helmet as well (which was 1 or 2)
- My helmet looked like a touring caravan window, not like that of a fire fighter
As for making a differance - I was around in the days of skills badging and that made little if any differance, again often people look at the person and speak to them face to face first, not the sleave first to check qualifications.
I have friends interstate where thay have used and removed and trialled a number of methods (NSWFB and QFRS) and the majority of them think that it is overkill and a waste of time, stickers and looks stupid - not to the f/s but to everyone else staning around. They believe all that is required is a rank marking