VFBV

Issue 5, 19May 2013

Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV.

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT PACKAGE – WELLBEING STREAM

CFA outline a plan to work within the Volunteer Support Package to develop a Wellbeing Stream, a suite of services and support to volunteers over and above those that currently exist. CFA and VFBV delegates discussed the range of current programs and services available to members and some further options were workshopped to inform the project team of likely avenues for research in terms of designing and building strong wellbeing support services and products.

As part of the discussion the future viability of the current CFA Equal Opportunity Officer network was considered. CFA are indicating that many comparable organisations are dismantling their EO networks, VFBV having a contrary view that albeit not perfect, the EO Officer network is today a product of a lack of support and emphasis by CFA. Some concerns that CIS Peers are being asked to pick up the pieces and work in support of members where Equity and Diversity, bullying and harassment matters are concerned. VFBV is keen to progress the work within the Volunteer Support Package. A refocused and energised network of trained and capable advisors that can support BMT’s and volunteers on matters of wellbeing, relationship management and conflict management is seen as highly desirable as an outcome of this work,. VFBV has offered names of experienced volunteers to act in a reference Group role to assist with the analysis and future directions of this research and program development.

OHS&E OFFICERS

CFA advised the VFBV delegates that CFA has approved the ongoing provisioning for Occupational Health, Safety and Environment Officers to be in place, post the looming 30 June 2013 deadline for the previous OH&S Project Officers funding expiration. VFBV delegates indicated strong support for the ongoing appointment of Field OHS&E Officers and welcome CFA’s decision.

It is understood that 6 personnel will be field based and assigned to provide coverage across Victoria. A Coordinator role plus additional roles designed for Field training Grounds, Environmental and potentially DMO facilities may ultimately exist. VFBV delegates expressed their strong support for these roles to be fully integrated into CFA’s OHS&E networks, with particular emphasis on the development and support to HSE representatives in all brigades and Groups. 

YELLINGBO REHAB UNIT ON SHOW

On show for all CFA and VFBV Joint Committee delegates at CFA Headquarters during the lunchbreak was Yellingbo brigades new support vehicle. Yellingbo Fire Brigade is leading the way to reduce member’s injuries and illnesses when they respond to emergencies. The brigade has built a specialist support vehicle that carries equipment for its specialist role of rehabilitation of fire fighters at long duration incidents, especially where the new structural firefighting clothing is worn in conjunction with breathing apparatus equipment.

Heat related illness occurs when the body’s core temperature rises above normality. A core temperature above 39c is considered dangerous. Symptoms of heat related illness include heat rashes, cramps, headaches, vomiting, exhaustion and left untreated, in severe cases, could even lead to death. To combat this and to lessen the chance of heat related illnesses, specialist appliances like YELLINGBO'S SUPPORT VEHICLE with REHAB MODULE will carry specialist cooling chairs that would be utilised, by providing forearm submersion, to assist in bringing a firefighters core body temperature down. It also carries marquees to provide shade and protect against the elements, a large amount of bottled water and electrolyte satchels to mix with the water to assist in hydration of the firefighters, hot and cold washing facilities, fans, small first aid kits and ration packs.

YELLINGBO SUPPORT with REHAB MODULE is now available for active rehabilitation of firefighters on the fire ground.        Call for YELLINGBO SUPPORT through VICFIRE.