So getting back on topic does anyone really know when to push the button??
Does it really matter if your paid or volunteer as long as the job gets done??
when to push the button ? = When the 'agreed level of emergency response for that incident type' is not met consistently or AIIMS level 3 incident.
Because I am a base volunteer, I am unsure what the response timing is for storm damage. A tree in the yard is no response, tree on roof is higher and tree on road is higher again.
Paid or volunteer CRD staff = does not matter as long as they are trained, supported and funded.
Personally, if they want to pay staff or use volunteers or use a SAAS volunteer/Retained staff model to process 'business as usual' CRD levels, their choice. Paid staff are have better knowedge on the issues than I ever will.
On this issue, it is how staff manage the 'surge' CRD events. Be it multi-fires, storms, flood, explosion, etc.
I know of at least two government Standby multi-seat call centres in Adelaide, as well as technology to direct calls & process data. It is how you activate, fund & staff those centres is a challenge.
I work in a Western suburbs building with approx 2500 staff who operate client company call centres for the public. The staff in the building then process the data from those calls.
It can be very expensive & thus you work with the tools given to you to achieve the best result. Never perfect because you never have the best tools. The multi-billion $$ company I work for cannot fund the best tools (but damn good tools anyway), so how does emergency services do it ?
Victoria's large CRD centre could not cope with the surge, ETSA struggles.....I think it helps to share resources & equipment. We just need to get better at sharing