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The CFA Chief Officer has commenced consultation on reviewing the Chief Officer’s minimum requirements for operational response. VFBV welcomes this opportunity, as the minimum requirements have elicited wide ranging volunteer feedback over the years.
In particular, the Chief has invited VFBV to make submission on the ongoing application of the Chief Officer’s minimum requirements to participate in fire ground operations which are currently:
- General Firefighter (or minimum skills for those who pre-date GFF)
- the annual entrapment drill (SOP 9.32)
- the three yearly tree hazard awareness certification.
Part of this review will also explore whether brigade classification should influence the minimum requirements or their frequency, as well as whether the annual requirements need to be face-to-face or whether remote learning or demonstration be acceptable.
VFBV is seeking brigade, group and individual feedback from all interested volunteers.
The VFBV CEO has also invited District Councils to make submission on behalf of their Districts and have been requested to include discussion on this topic at future District Council meetings.
Volunteers are encouraged to attend these discussions in order to hear the perspectives of those in your local district.
If you would like to make your own submission, VFBV is happy to accept any submissions from individual volunteers, or brigades and groups as a whole. Submissions can be made in writing by sending feedback/comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We have also developed an online survey for those who may not want to make a detailed submission. The survey can be accessed from: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/COMinRequire
For brigades, groups or District Councils who might prefer to walk through the questions during a meeting, or use the questions as prompts for their own written submission, the questions used in the online survey are included below.
Responses are due no later than Monday 12th September, in order to allow VFBV State Council an opportunity to form a VFBV position at their September meeting.
Survey Questions
- At a high level, do you support the ongoing application of the Chief Officer’s minimum requirements for operational response, which are currently General Firefighter (or minimum skills for those who predate GFF); Annual entrapment drill (SOP 9.32) and tree hazard awareness (3 year certification)?
Yes
No
Unsure
With modification (what modifications would you suggest?) - What are your thoughts on the requirement to conduct an annual entrapment drill?
I Support the current annual requirement
I think it should only need to be done every 2 years
I think it should only need to be done every 3 years
I think it should only need to be done every 5 years
I think it should never have to be repeated
Other – please specify - What are your thoughts on the requirement to undergo the online Tree Hazard Awareness Package?
I support the current requirement to do it every 3 years
I think it should be done every year
I think it should be done every 5 years
I think it should never need to be repeated
Other – please specify - Should the requirements and frequency vary depending on the classification of the brigade? (e.g. could smaller quieter Class 1 brigades have the flexibility to conduct them less often for example?)
Yes – requirements and/or frequency should be varied based on their operational activity
No – the requirements should be the same for all brigades regardless of their operational activity - Would you support an option for the entrapment drill refresher to be conducted via an online package similar to the tree hazards awareness package?
Yes
No
Other – please specify - Could there be any improvements or added flexibility that would assist you to undertake the minimum requirements and their refreshers?
- Are there any other matters associated with the Chief Officer’s minimum requirements that you would like to raise?
- Are there any final comments you would like to make?
