Cadet training with firefighters

[ftstn]

TFS runs there cadets slightly different, 12-16 they are considerd junior members, they train at a seperate time for about an hour on the regular brigade training night ( at least thats my brigade), they get do everything bar BA, driving (obviously) and a couple of other specialist skills, after they turn 16 they become cadets and are allowed to attend regular brigade training and participate in drills and other training apart from BA and driving,

This seems to work well as they get two years of training in with the operational memebers and by the time they are 18 everyone has a good handle on them and there abilitys, also they can earn there ticket to ride so to speak and can then go to calls once they turn 18 and get a pager, not 100% sure ages mentioned are right but pretty close

maffu

[Dusty]

In my brigade once you are 16 you can attend calls but not RCR's and MVA's.
Once you are 18 you can attend RCR'S and MVA'S.

When you turn 16 you get a pager and gear but it is kept in the same place as the cadets gear until you turn 18.

 

[Baxter]

We've kept it pretty simple come along and try for the first three months but be a regular attender. We train as one group as we can all share something but once you turn 16 you can consider becoming a fire fighter and once you are 18 you need to make up your mind.

What we insist upon is that all members in the 16 to 18 years write a letter of application to become a brigade fire fighter and get it cosigned with a care giver.

This seems to be working as we are sorting out the pretenders and real deals and it also makes the parents see that it a safe environment

[Dusty]

Thanks guys!

With attending calls is it that the new firefighter is allowed to decide weather or not they go on the truck or do radio.

Or is it that if they get there as one of the first then that means that they are on the truck???

 

[Mike]

Things like that are very dependent on the brigade/group Dusty...
It could easily go both ways, however a bit of discussion with the captain wouldnt go astray.

[fridgemagnet]

I hope the call is still up to the individual as they know what they feel comfortable with and dare I say it some of us do become accustomed to the dangers (an that a  )

If you turn up and a FF then I can't see any problems as some of us older farts can sit bit and let the young ones gain some experience but as mike said it is up to the OIC at the station at that that time as sometimes they have your best interests at heart even though it hard to see.