One for every truck – Thermal imaging cameras to improve safety Community warning system overhauled Fun for kids at Royal Melbourne Show Jack Riewoldt gets BBQ safety lesson
November 2012
FIREMARK
News from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Melbourne Australia
From the CEO We are not immune, however, to what is happening in the external environment and must continue to operate more efficiently and constrain, where practical, cost increases to the business. You can read more about the Strategic and Business Plan for 2012-13 on the MFB website <LINK>. The theme of this year’s annual report – partnerships – highlights the established and growing number of partnerships MFB has with other government organisations and sister agencies. These partnerships are essential as we are able to share knowledge, resources and work together at incidents and during training exercises. Some of MFB’s accomplishments outlined in this year’s report include: • MFB contained 90.6 per cent of structural fires to the room of origin, well ahead of the state-wide target of 70 per cent; • MFB firefighters saved eleven lives, responding to 3,591 medical emergencies – almost 70 per cent more than the 10-year average and 12 per cent above 2010/11; • A financial result, including achievement of budget projections and income of $366.2 million, an increase of seven per cent on the previous year. The operational surplus of $9.6 million will be reinvested in service infrastructure. The annual report, available to read now on the MFB webpage, accurately reflects and showcases our organisation as one with trained firefighters, state-of-the-art equipment, community spirit and strong behind-the-scenes support.
In an ever-changing emergency service environment, MFB needs to become agile in order to continue to operate effectively and efficiently. In the past two months, MFB has published two important documents - the Strategic and Business Plan for 2012 – 2013 and the Annual Report 2011/12. The purpose of the Strategic and Business Plan is to provide a clear, evidence-based direction for the business activities of MFB. Despite ongoing challenges, including the emergency service sector reform, a tight fiscal environment and a new shift towards community resilience building, MFB will continue to deliver a high quality service to Victorian communities. Some key challenges include: • An ageing workforce, with a significant proportion of the operational workforce eligible for retirement within the next five years, taking with them a large proportion of the organisation’s experience; • A change in community expectations in relation to emergency warnings; and • An increasing population density within the Metropolitan District. In the past financial year, MFB has increased the number of firefighters, maintained our Nick Easy response times and continued to deliver a high standard of service to the community. I believe MFB has a well-equipped and welltrained operational workforce, well supported by our corporate and administrative staff, of whom the community can be justly proud. We will continue to grow our capacity and capability to meet the changing needs of the community.
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Heat cam improves safety Every MFB appliance will receive a state-of-the-art thermal imaging camera to improve firefighter safety and reduce the time it takes to find people trapped in fires. In an innovative joint procurement initiative, MFB and CFA have combined their purchasing power to attain 122 new cameras from Drager. The UCF9000 model has thermal imaging and digital camera capabilities all-in-one. It will allow firefighters to quickly determine the source of a fire by seeing through the smoke and detecting hot spots. This will also increase our ability to find anyone who may be trapped and will reduce possible water, smoke and fire damage. MFB Chief Officer Shane Wright said the cameras would enable incident controllers to make better decisions. “Visibility is often difficult inside a smoke filled room. A firefighter could be metres away from an unconscious person and not see them,” Mr Wright said. “The thermal image cameras cut through the smoke and provide an amazingly accurate image of what is happening. They’re potential life savers.
MFB CEO Nick Easy said the thermal imaging project was another display of interoperability between the two fire agencies.
“The cameras will also improve evidence available for fire investigation.”
“By combining this project between MFB and CFA, we have greater purchasing power,” Mr Easy said.
New York firefighter Bob Athanas visited MFB’s Burnley Training Complex to demonstrate how to use the thermal imaging cameras to MFB and CFA firefighters. He has more than 30 years firefighting experience and has worked with hundreds of fire departments around the world.
“MFB and CFA will continue to look for other joint procurement projects.” MFB will receive 87 of the cameras and CFA has purchased 35, which will be dispatched to selected brigades across the state. Following training for MFB and CFA personnel, it is anticipated the majority of these cameras will be page 3 on the trucks by December 2012.
New community warning tool The community warning system used by MFB has been overhauled, with the introduction of the One Source One Message (OSOM) warning and advice tool. The transition from the MFB Web Warning system to OSOM comes after months of hard work from many people across the Victorian Fire Agencies and in line with the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission (VBRC - 2009) recommendations.
The information sent out is designed to be informative and practical. Alerts give residents advice on whether they should watch and act, shelter in place, or in extreme circumstances whether they should consider evacuating. There is also advice on road closures and potential air quality concerns, urging people to close all windows and turn off air conditioning if necessary.
When incident controllers deem the incident under control, an â&#x20AC;&#x153;all clearâ&#x20AC;? message is sent out so people know when it is safe to go about OSOM is a web-based system, until just recently normal activities. used by both CFA and DSE. Recommendations from the VBRC included delivery of timely and Some examples of when the OSOM system accurate information to communities, media has been successfully used during an incident and emergency management teams, at the include the Laverton factory fire (August 3) and the Collingwood chemical leak (August 15). same time and from the same source. The new system sees OSOM alerts published With the Collingwood incident, the OSOM web on the MFB website and promoted via our Twitter warning not only doubled the normal hits on the MFB website, but when reported via ABC account, which has almost 5000 followers. 774 and then through their Twitter account, a However, they are also sent out to media outlets further 100,000 re-tweets spread the message who have signed the emergency broadcast to members of the public to avoid the area. Memorandum of Understanding, including ABC, SEN, Gold 104, 3AW, Nova FM and Sky OSOM will be a very usual tool for MFB and further improves interoperability between News. emergency service organisations in ensuring Depending on the severity of the incident, the the community receives cohesive information outlets can update every half-hour during news about incidents that may be affecting them. broadcasts and promote public information via their own social media channels.
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Collingwood chemical leak A chemical leak in Collingwood closed a busy shopping strip in the lead-up to peak hour in Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inner-north, causing traffic mayhem. Emergency service crews were called to a demolition site in Johnston Street just before 2pm on August 15 where five people were affected after breathing in fumes. A construction vehicle at the site, which will be the new home of Circus Oz, had ruptured a cylinder containing an unidentified chemical.
Firefighters in fully encapsulated suits took photographs of the cylinder and took readings, which were analysed by the MFB Scientific Officer on scene. The scientific officer determined the substance was most likely argon, a substance used by welders (not surprising as the site used to be home to the former Collingwood TAFE). Heavy rain and wind helped to dissipate the fumes and crews began to pack up the scene just before 6pm.
Three women from the site office were taken to hospital with irritated throats, coughs and lightheadedness. Crews from Eastern Hill, Richmond and South Melbourne fire stations attended the scene and quickly established a HAZMAT area and cordoned off the hot zone. A community warning was published using the new One Source One Message (OSOM) system just after 3.30pm and police door-knocked local residents to warn them to close windows and doors until further notice. Police also closed Johnston Street in both directions between Wellington and Smith streets, causing major traffic disruptions in the area as the incident stretched well into peak hour. Meanwhile, firefighters worked to contain the leak and dispose of the large, unlabelled cylinder.
Top: Firefighters take all precautions when entering the worksite where the unidentified chemical leaked. Right: Commander Peter Egan gives Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, VicRoads and local council staff an update.
50,000 steps and still smiling
He was told he was crazy, but he defied all the non-believers when Scott McGraw completed his Everest Challenge last month.
The 39-year-old South Melbourne firey embarked on the epic challenge to help promote the upcoming Eureka Stair Climb, which raises money and awareness for Whitelion and Interplast.
Arriving at the Eureka Tower just after 5am to do an interview or 3AW, Scott kicked off his challenge just after 6am during a Today Show live weather cross.
About half-way through Scott began to feel the pain but battled through to complete the task in just over 11 hours.
Throughout the day MFB corporate staff and firefighters isited the Eureka Tower to show their support and cheer Scotty on. Several firefighters also completed laps of the ower with him, which he said helped to spur him on.
At the end, a group of school children formed a guard of honour for Scott to run through as he crossed the finish ne. Every major television network also broadcast the ending of the challenge.
Pic source: Herald Sun
It’s been amazing and a lot of fun,” Scott said the following day.
Thank you very much to everyone who supported me during the event. It definitely helped me get over the line.”
Scott said he wasn’t feeling too much pain the following day and was looking forward to retreating from the media potlight and going back on shift.
More than 50 MFB staff will take part in the Eureka Stair Climb on November 18, including a senior command team of Chief Officer Shane Wright, Deputy Chief Officers Paul Stacchino and Peter Rau, and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Peter Thomas.
THE STATS
88 storeys, 31 times
1642 steps, 31 times
284m = the height
= 2728 storeys = 50,902 steps
of the Eureka Towe r 8800m = the height of Mount Everest 38 seconds = desc ent time in elevator 11 hours, 16 minut es, 27 seconds = time to complete Ev erest Challenge
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Firefighter top career choice for boys
Firefighter is in the top three career choices for boys, a new study has shown. In a recent study published by the Herald Sun, it was revealed 4.6% of boys and 0.6% of girls surveyed wanted to be fireys. For boys, this was the third most popular career choice behind sportsman (32.3%) and policeman (12%). For girls, firefighter was the 11th most popular choice, with teacher, vet and doctor taking out the top three spots. The study, by the UK Centre of Longitudinal Studies, involved 11,000 children who were asked: “When you grow up, what would you like to be?” University of Queensland’s Dr Mary McMahon told the Herald Sun children were influenced by what they saw on television and by the people around them.
“We tend to think career is something thought about in adolescence and adulthood, but in fact children are beginning to think about it from a very young age,” she said.
“A lot of the kids are totally consumed with it, but the first time they actually stand beside a fire truck they are totally overwhelmed by the sheer size of it,” he said.
Eastern Hill Station Officer Scott Mathews said the Friday displays held at the stations throughout the districts were often the first up-close encounter young children had with the fire brigade.
“That’s why the Friday displays are so beneficial. It’s a way of introducing them to what we do and giving them a positive impression of the fire brigade from a young age.”
“You see the kids wearing their Fireman Sam uniforms and all they want to be is a firefighter,” he said. “A recent development has been a lot more girls are talking about it too, which is nice.” Scott said parents at the displays would often talk to the MFB fireys about their child’s “obsession” with becoming a firefighter.
Pic source: Herald Sun. Jack in an MFB junior chief uniform with Grace, Tahlia and Will.
Firey tests core strength and stability Do MFB firefighters have the core strength and toned muscles of an AFL footballer? We sent Windsor Leading Firefighter Mick Wilson (along with four other “every day people”) to find out. Using the newest development by DorsiVi called ViPerform, the pioneering sensor technology accurately measures the movement of muscle activity of the lower back and pelvis. Richmond Football Club, the Western Bulldogs and Manchester United are among the first sporting clubs in the world to use the technology to identify debilitating back and soft tissue injuries that can cripple the performance of players.
The table below breaks down players at Richmond Football Club, with those in the top quarter (12 players) achieving a score of nine or 10 out of 10, and so on. Mick scored a perfect 10/10.
In a recent test, Mick, an active swimmer and competitive jiu jitsu grappler, went through a By comparison, Mick also out-ranked a yoga series of different movements while wearing instructor (9/10), nurse (7/10), journalist (6/10) the sensors affixed to his back. and electrician (5/10) - all of whom underwent The test was not one of strength or fitness, the same testing. rather, one’s ability to maintain core stability “I exercise regularly both on and off shift. This through a range of movements. includes weight training, circuit training, Jiu A computer records the results and identifies Jitsu, swimming and cycling,” Mick said. areas at risk of injury and gives participants a “Being fit gives me confidence in my ability final score out of 10. to carry out tasks on the fireground (from a The result? Mick’s core strength is as good, if physical point of view). not better, than most players from the Richmond “It also enables me to be a part of shift Football Club. This puts him at less risk of soft camaraderie as we often work out together and tissue injury. prepare healthy lunches together.” Richmond FC + score out of 10* Best (9-10) Good (8) Average (7) Poor (6) Less than 6
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Player list ranked
MFB firey
Yoga instructor
1-12
10
9
13-24 25-36 37-46 Not ranked
Nurse Journalist
Tradie
7 6 5
* Richmond Football Club players were ranked from 1-46 after completing the ViPerform testing. The highest score you can achieve is a 10. The top 12 players achieved a score of 9 or 10/10, those ranked 13-24 achieved a score of 8/10, and so on. This gives a benchmark to compare our “every day people”.
Hot rods & motorbikes on show For Rob Dean, restoring classic cars “Cam and I bought it from Channel Ten and is a passion that’s brought him and his pretty much restored the whole car, fitting a 360 cu in V8 in place of the 318 V8 as the son closer together.
car had fallen into disrepair in the rear lot at The Commander currently owns a 1967 Channel Ten.” Buick Skylark convertible, which he imported Other attractions at the event will include a from California two years ago. performance by the firefighters’ band RED The gorgeous white convertible will be one of RED RED, SmokeBUSter, a jumping castle, many on display at next month’s MFB Charity face painting, BBQ, coffee vendor, and Fire Running Club’s Classic Car and Motorbike Brigade Museum Fire engines. day. “The idea for the day came about primarily because I was aware of the great number • The MFB Charity Running Club’s of firefighters who have a classic car or Classic Car and Motorbike Day motorbike,” he said. is on Sunday November 25 “There’s also a great number who don’t have classics but are interested in these types of vehicles. I thought it would be an opportunity for fireys to show off their pride and joy, while raising money for charity at the same time.”
at the Burnley Complex from 9.30am to 2.30pm. Entry is by gold coin donation.
This year, the annual event supports SANDS, a small group that support families who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death. “They are a small support group who do great work in this area; my family had contact with them some years ago,” Rob said. Rob has owned various classic cars and he has passed on his passion to his son Cam. “Cam has a 1968 VE Valiant ute which was in the soap Neighbours for many years,” Rob said. page 9
From top: MFB’s new KidZone website was popular with families; smiling faces visiting the emergency services stands; SSO David Sinnamon with Pamela Carey; brothers Damon, 4, Anden, 8, and Kavlin; Sienna, 4, writes her name on an MFB placemat.
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In an emergency you have to call 000 and say you want the fire brigade. Dad taught us our address so the fire truck knows where to go – Anden (8)
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Royal Melbourne Show Moving the MFB stand from the government pavilion to a special children’s area at the Royal Melbourne Show proved a hit with families. The decision to turn the Victorian Government pavilion into a fresh food exhibition building meant emergency services stands had to be relocated at this year’s event. Housed inside the Kidzone Pavilion, MFB, DSE, CFA and ESTA this year had a combined stand under the banner “Working Together to Keep Victoria Safe”. Victoria Police, SES and Life Saving Victoria added to the Emergency Services display. “We were all located side-by-side, making it easy to promote safety messages to the thousands of people pouring through the doors,” Leading Firefighter Garry Connolly said. The MFB stand was also given a new look compared to previous years, with SmokeBUSter no longer a feature. Instead a Mark-5 pumper was transformed into a walk-through experience, allowing people the opportunity to sit in the back of a Big Red Truck. All of the roller doors were perspexed (like the old Tupperware truck) so people could see the many tools and equipment pieces stowed onboard a fire truck. The stand was organised and manned by staff from Community Resilience, with assistance from administrative staff from across the organisation. “This year we laminated 11,300 fire safety placemats and more than 20,000 people went through our MK 5 Pumper,” LFF Connolly said. “Hosting a stand at the Show is a valuable tool for Community Resilience, as it gives us an opportunity to survey people about their home fire safety regarding smoke alarms, home escape plans and how they are linking into the media and social networking.”
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Ex-chief shares It’s been more than 30 years since Neville Van Every went to a fire, but the sprightly former Chief Officer had plenty of stories to share when he visited Oakleigh Fire Station last month. He was known as hard but fair, having accomplished a distinguished naval career before joining MFB in 1947, not long after the war. It was a very different time, and he can recall “We could hear someone saying, ‘not here mate, being sent into fires without breathing apparatus next door’, but the house was clearly alight,” he or any other protective gear. said. He also fondly remembers driving the deputy “Turns out it was a cockatoo that had been chief to fires and having to “chase the carriage” training to send away door-knockers.” (long before the MFB fleet of tankers was introduced, firefighters would respond to fires in Neville was the first chief not to live on station full time, refusing to move his family. So for horse-drawn carriages). three years he spent four nights at Eastern Hill He married Shirley Aldridge, the daughter of Fire Station and three nights at home. former MFB Chief Officer Bill Aldridge. Shirley was born at Hawthorn Fire Station and grew up “Living in quarters you never really got a break at West Melbourne Fire Station. Neville joked from the job,” he said. that sometimes she’d hear the bells before him All that aside, Neville said he loved his time as and have to wake him up. a firefighter. And was honoured to have been One night, Neville said they turned out to a structure fire in Fitzroy at a single-storey property. Smoke was billowing from the windows but they could hear a voice so they entered to attempt a rescue.
invited to Oakleigh to share his stories with current fireys. “We had a lot of fun back in those days and I’m sure you all still do,” he said.
As Chief... During his time as Deputy Chief and then Chief Fire Officer (from 1975 to 1979 when he retired), Neville introduced many changes to the organisation: • He was an early advocate for the 10/14 hour shift roster; • Introduced the 18-metre combination ladder (which wasn’t very popular); • Oversaw equal pay status for female clerical staff; • Opened the Wheelers Hill, Laverton, and the new Eastern Hill fire stations, as well as the Training College in Abbotsford; • Was chief when MFB decided to remove all street fire alarms in 1977.
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Top: Neville with now senior firefighters that were just starting in the brigade when he was chief; above: Neville as Chief Officer (left) and today (right).
Fallen firefighter honoured He will be remembered as a man of honour and integrity, taken too soon. Earlier this year Leading Firefighter Mick Busst lost his battle with cancer. Last month a special ceremony was held in Mick’s honour` and a truck bearing his name was unveiled. The brigade Awards and Honours Committee chooses worthy candidates who demonstrate years of exceptional service to both MFB and community to be honoured with a truck bearing their name. Mick joined MFB on April 20 1989, on recruit course 73, going on to work at Pascoe Vale, Broadmeadows, Brunswick, Northcote and West Melbourne fire stations.
From left: FF Nick Busst, Cara Bu Amanda Busst and Ken Busst w presented with Mick’s helmet, axe and k
“He was always a hard worker and a great firefighter to have on your team,” Deputy Chief Officer Paul Stacchino said. “He was a great asset for any officer as he required little or no instruction and was a loyal friend and colleague for whom nothing was too much trouble.” Mr Stacchino said Mick was highly regarded by his friends, colleagues and officers for his work ethic and professionalism. “He dealt with his illness with dignity, bravery and very little fanfare, he never once complained nor asked to be treated any differently,” he said. “He was the most honest, selfless, generous and genuine person who influenced all that new him.” Mick’s name lives on with the naming of P13 and with his son Nick now part of the MFB family, having graduated from Recruit Course 106 earlier this year. Mick’s wife Amanda, son Nick, daughter Cara, brother Gary and father Ken attended the truck naming ceremony at Thomastown Fire Station on September 1. The truck bearing Mick’s name will be based at Northcote.
Steak house blaze
A Caulfield steak house has been damaged by fire. Duct work to the second floor area and roof space was also damaged by fire. extensively damaged by fire. MFB received numerous calls to attend a blaze at Limors Restaurant in Kooyong Road, Caulfield North, about 7.36am on Sunday September 30.
Other areas of the restaurant have been damaged by heat and smoke.
Exposures on the northern and southern ends of the building were threatened at the height of On arrival, firefighters were confronted with a the blaze. fire in a two-storey brick building. There were 28 firefighters on scene, and the fire The fire originated in the kitchen on the ground was under control in 60 minutes. floor before spreading to the second floor then MFB Fire Investigation Unit will attend to penetrating through the roof. Kitchen area, establish a cause. The fire has caused an including the contents, has been extensively estimated $300,000 damage.
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Firey learns the ropes on Canadian exchange
It has been a busy summer for exchange The summer has been extremely hot, and firey Tim Fryer, currently working in Tim said he was looking forward to the cooler weather on the way. Canada.
Tim said he had enjoyed working with his crew at The MFB Station Officer is half-way through Station 1, and had also recently completed high a year working abroad and is enjoying every angle rescue and swift water rescue training. moment of it. “In my opinion the level of high angle rescue Stationed at the Cambridge Fire Department, here is at a level that is not even close to the Tim has thrown himself into the deep end, with standard that we have in MFB,” he said. a different working environment and scope of “However, with swift water rescue they excel. calls to respond to. They have a large air boat that is driven by a “It seems that they are a lot busier here than in two-metre fan. Melbourne,” he said. “It can go on water and ice and is towed behind “The medical calls are much more frequent and the responding fire appliance; however it does it is normal for fire crews to jump in the back of no have any fire fighting capability and is strictly an ambulance to assist the paramedics on the for rescue or transporting firefighters to an way to the hospital.” incident on a river or lake in the district.” Tim said the way the services interact was also very different. He recently attended a call where a man had badly injured his arm chopping down a tree. “The injury was not life threatening and we soon had the patient stabilised and in good spirits, waiting for the ambulance to arrive,” he said. “All the ambulances were extremely busy and after a 20-minute wait, a police car turned up and offered to transport the patient to the emergency department at the hospital – I could never see this happening in Melbourne!”
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Top left: Cambridge Fire Department Fire Chief Bill Chesney, Mayor of Cambridge Doug Craig, Andrea, Tim and their daughter Ella.
A life-saving day at the footy It was a last-minute decision with life He’s since undergone a quadruple bypass and is now recovering well. changing consequences. On the spur of the moment, Station Officer Dean Gould (from Deer Park Fire Station) decided to head to the footy with his cousin on Saturday July 23.
Last month Doug and his wife Rosemary met with Dean, Chris and the paramedics that helped save his life.
“I am determined to do CPR training when He watched his beloved Western Bulldogs) I recover so one day I can repay the favour,” unfortunately lose and was walking back to his Doug said. car to go to his daughter’s netball game when “There is no doubt that without these men I he saw a man (Doug Baylis) collapsed on the wouldn’t be here today.” ground. Dean and Chris were both presented “His son James was on the phone to 000 and with Ambulance Victoria Certificates of a woman, who we initially thought was a nurse, Commendation and Dean has been nominated was sitting with Doug,” he said. for a Chief’s Commendation. “She thought he’d had a seizure, but it didn’t “We do attend a lot of Emergency Medical seem right to me. Then the woman said she Response (EMR) calls and it’s really heartening wasn’t a nurse, but a chef, so I took over and to walk away with a victory,” Dean said. began CPR.” Dean’s instincts proved life saving. Doug had suffered cardiac arrest, was unconscious and not breathing. Dean was soon joined by Army Sergeant Chris Smith (another Bulldogs fan leaving the game) who performed mouth-to-mouth. The pair kept Doug alive until firefighters from West Melbourne Fire Station and Ambulance Victoria arrived on scene and took over.
Above: Doug Baylis and his two saviours Army Sergeant Chris Smith (middle) and SO Dean Gould at Etihad Stadium.
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Blast from the past
These days it can take years to get into the brigade. But before structured recruit courses were introduced in the 1970s, the intake system was very different. Men could apply to stations that needed extra firefighters and start working on station doing odd jobs and learning skills until they were officially made a firefighter. This photograph published in the Melbourne Fire Brigade New Review September-October 1970 edition, shows the recruits undertaking training under the new system of group intakes. One of the men photographed is Norm Henderson, who still works for the MFB in the Fire Services Communication Centre (FSCC). Today, the application process is very extensive. MFB receives more than 1000 applications each year and only a fraction of these make it through to the recruit training process. Since 2007, MFB has received more than 8000 applications for recruit firefighters and has employed 407. Recruitment is a continuous process; last year, four sets of recruits were trained. MFB recruits people from a wide range of backgrounds, including trades, office workers, people from the medical profession, former police officers and paramedics, teachers and more. page 16
Melbourne Fire Brigade News Review, September - October, 1970, edition.
Promoting firefighting to female footy players
Trench rescue Firefighters had to work quickly to rescue a tradie trapped in a cold, wet trench more than two metres deep. CFA crews responded initially about 9am on Saturday August 11, before MFB was called to assist. Ambulance Victoria paramedics were also on scene to assist with patient care. On arrival at the Pakenham building site, the man was found trapped from the waist down in a two-metre deep trench. He was conscious, but in pain and very cold. Conditions were very muddy with large volumes of surface water adjacent. One end of the trench had collapsed and enveloped his legs up to midpelvis. Southern District Operations Commander Marcus Baker said MFB personnel were put at the disposal of the CFA Controller and specialists from Hallam and Dandenong CFA. “Some initial shoring work was done but the arrival of the Heavy Rescue Pod from Richmond Fire Station containing specialised shoring equipment allowed the extrication to commence in earnest,” he said. “Firefighters from both agencies worked seamlessly together, and at 10.45am the man was lifted out of the trench.” He was able to walk the short distance to the stretcher, with some effort due to the extreme cold. Crews then jointly packed up and cleaned the equipment off before enjoying a cup of tea together. “It was a pretty straight forward job using some quick shoring to provide safe access and soil excavation,” Commander Baker said.
An innovative initiative to encourage more women to become firefighters was showcased at the recent Victorian Women’s Football League (VWFL) Grand final. MFB has a three-year memorandum of understanding with the VWFL to promote firefighting as a fantastic career choice for women. Melbourne Football Club is the league’s major sponsor. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Rob Purcell and Central District Multicultural Liaison Officer Steve O’Malley represented MFB at the final on Saturday August 25. Rob presented the Premier Reserve Premiership trophy to the Victoria University St Albans Spurs coach Kate Jennings and captain Shannessy Adams after a hard fought win against the Eastern Devils. Leading Firefighter Sarah Hammond ably represented herself with the Darebin Falcons in the Premier Division, but unfortunately couldn’t bring home the prize with Diamond Creek winning the cup for the first time. “MFB continues to encourage the growth of diversity in our workforce,” Rob said. From left: ACFO Rob Purcell, Spurs captain Shannessy Adams, Mitch Clarke (Melbourne FC), Spurs coach Kate Jennings, Jamie Bennell (Melbourne FC).
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Fire safety presentation saves refugee family
A Laverton house fire has highlighted the value of educating new Australian residents about fire safety.
Last month a Burmese family who recently moved to the suburb became aware their home was on fire thanks to a smoke alarm. The blaze was caused by an electrical fault at the property. Lor Na fled Burma for Australia seven years ago and speaks only a little English. In the middle of the night, she heard the home’s “After the talk she went home and tested her fire alarm sound and helped her elderly parents smoke alarm, then replaced the battery,” Colin said. and two children to leave the house. Fire crews who arrived at the emergency scene “She then discussed with her elderly parents found the group waiting for them beside the and two children what to do if they ever had a letterbox. Lor knew what to do in the case of a fire. When the crews arrived, the woman and her fire because she had attended a presentation family were standing at the letter box ‘waiting for given by MFB Multicultural Liaison Officer Colin the fireman to come’.” Above: SO Trevor Hackett, Lor Na Campbell weeks earlier. and LFF Neal Harrington.
Fire prevention for young people
Dealing with children who are fascinated SSO Talbot said. with fire is a difficult task that takes training The Victorian JFAIP program is governed by a quality assurance process and is well-respected and experience.
around the country. MFB, in conjunction with CFA, deliver the Juvenile Fire Awareness and Intervention Program (JFAIP), Eight firefighters from the ACT Fire and Rescue which has been working with young people in this Service have now completed the training, which was conducted in July and August at ACT’s Forest category for 24 years. Fire Station. The program covered various topics, Recently, JFAIP State Co-ordinator MFB Senior including ACT program history, best practice in Station Officer Murray Talbot was approached to program structure, behavioural change principals, share his knowledge and provide training to ACT interview techniques, burn management; fireys about the highly successful Victorian JFAIP incendiary devices, juvenile behaviours, home Program. safety, interactive role play sessions and case The program is aimed at children and young people study discussions. who have a fire play or fire-setting behaviour and “This training was an excellent opportunity to aims to develop within the young person a greater build networks not only with the ACT Fire Rescue respect for fire and awareness of consequences departments but also with other ACT services of its misuse. Importantly, at the same time, the and agencies and other juvenile fire awareness benefits of fire are explained and the young person programs for future growth and support,” SSO is taught that fire is a “tool, not a toy”. Talbot said. “We really reinforced to program participants “These relationships and knowledge sharing will during the training that their role as a JFAIP ensure a young person receives the best help and practitioner is demanding and challenging, and new trends and practices are shared and mitigated requires constant learning to increase their ability early.” to work with and support a young person’s (their families and the community) fire risk behaviour,” page 16 page 18
Tiger gets a lesson in BBQ safety Richmond footy player Jack Riewoldt got a about to enter the peak period for barbecue fires. lesson in barbecue safety in the lead-up to In September, MFB attended several barbecuerelated fires, including: the AFL grand final last month. Grand Final day is often the first time many people will use their barbecues since the previous summer, so it is vital to check that the gas cylinder, hose and connections are working properly.
• a 17-year-old male who received burns to his forehead and wrist after using petrol from a plastic oil container to speed up the process of heating a barbecue;
MFB Chief Officer Shane Wright urged all footy fans to ensure their LP gas barbecues were in good working order before firing them up.
• a fire caused by petrol igniting in fuel container next to barbecue; and
“Barbecues are a great way to get together with friends and family but they can cause serious injury or even death if the hose has perished, the connections are loose or the cylinder has been damaged,” Mr Wright said. “You can check the hose and regulator connections are safe by spraying them with soapy water. Bubbles will form if gas is escaping. If you’ve got any doubts about the connections, turn off the gas and contact a licensed gasfitter. “You should leak-test the connection to the gas cylinder every time you connect it. And remember, a barbecue should not be left unattended.” Statistics from the past financial year show we are
• food left unattended cooking on low heat on barbecue causing a fat fire. MFB Director of Community Resilience, Rob Taylor said firefighters often saw first-hand the damage and trauma that could be caused by faulty gas barbecues. “Firefighters are often called to attend barbecuerelated incidents when people celebrate major events, but most of these could be avoided if a little more care was taken with the use and maintenance of gas barbecues,” he said. Above: Jack Riewoldt with Leading Firefighter Mark Crowe.
page 19
Firefighter ambassador to the UN As a Ringwood firefighter, Brett Cowcher never imagined he would be working for the same organisation as Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman and Celine Dion. But the Senior Station Officer was pleasantly surprised when he was selected by AusAID and UN Geneva to become one of eight Australian members of the United Nations Disaster Assessment Coordination (UNDAC) team six years ago. The role means Brett is trained for, and has responded to, an international disaster as well as being required to spend time overseas at various conferences, courses and training exercises.
Brett attended as an UNDAC team member for Australia. He is now qualified to be a United Nations Civil-Military coordinator. “The aim of the course is to improve the effectiveness of international relief operations and promote effective humanitarian-military relationships by raising mutual awareness and understanding of the roles of military and humanitarian actors in emergencies,” Brett explained. “I am keen to provide this knowledge to assist in MFB projects or policy development.”
On a personal level Brett said the experience had given him the opportunity to meet and work with some very experienced emergency managers, some very experienced international USAR Since becoming a member of the UNDAC team team leaders, and developed some strong he has attended four earthquake response networks within the international humanitarian exercises in The Philippines, New Zealand, and search and rescue community. Nepal and India. The exercises tests the host countries whole of government response to “I always look forward to any of the events with a disaster and is very useful in the country’s the United Nations and UNDAC as they are always well run and challenging,” he said. preparation. On his most recent trip, Brett attended the “The interaction with the UN always involves 117th United Nations Humanitarian Civil- working with very experienced emergency Military Coordination Course at the German managers and the end result is always a federal office of Civil Protection and Disaster positive personal and professional development Assistance located in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, opportunity/experience. Germany. “I know that it may sound strange but I most The five-day course was attended by 27 look forward to assisting in another disaster in participants, half of which were senior military the UNDAC team, as we are well trained and I officers (various countries) and the other believe that the team makes a huge difference half experienced international humanitarian in the early stages of the emergency.” and/or United Nations Disaster Assessment Coordination (UNDAC) team members. page 20
Family loses everything
A family of nine was left homeless after went to check if there was anyone still in the their house was destroyed by fire last house. Mr Brewster had to escape after someone month. Vicki Dotas was at home with her four-year-old twins at the time. Her five other children were out. Vicki managed to evacuate with her daughter after hearing the smoke alarms sounding, but four-year-old George was trapped in the smokefilled Mulgrave home.
opened the back door and the flames reared up.
MFB firefighters arrived on scene at 2.44pm on September 17 to find the house engulfed in flames. The cause of the blaze was determined as faulty wiring in the roof.
Luckily, a good Samaritan, Garry Brewster, was passing the house and saw her screaming in the street and jumped through a smashed window to save him.
Sadly, the house and contents were destroyed, leaving the uninsured family with nothing.
“I knew there was a kid in there so I thought I wasn’t going to just stand around,’’ Mr Brewster said.
“I’m just grateful that my son got out alive,’’ Mrs Dotas said.
Parents Konstadinos and Vicki Dotas praised the man who saved their son.
The Rowville man said pulled George out from under the bed, passed him out the window, and
Above: firefighters douse the flames; right: the Dotas family. Pics: Leader Newspapers.
page 21
Swanston Street hazmat scare A Swanston Street apartment block was evacuated and trams stopped after the discovery of a suspicious package last month.
Officers from Victoria Police.
The package was safely removed in a sealed drum (pictured above) and taken for examination. No one exposed to the substance, however AV crews remained on MFB was called to the scene shortly after standby. 11.20am when a suspicious package was discovered in the mailroom of the university Traffic on Swanston Street, including pedestrian access, between Queensberry and student accommodation. Grattan streets was blocked for several hours. Crews in hazmat gear entered the apartment with a team of Disaster Victim Identification
November 2012
FIREMARK
News from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Melbourne Australia
Next edition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; December 2012 FireMark is the bi-monthly magazine from the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board. Editorial enquiries and feedback - firemark@mfb.vic.gov.au Subscribe now: If you would like to subscribe to FireMark, please email your name, position, company and email address to firemark@mfb.vic.gov.au. Please visit www.mfb.vic.gov.au for further information about the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Your Privacy: Please be assured your details will not be shared for any other purposes. Your email address is safe with us!