News 
Issue 14: October 2015
Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV. (Meeting held 30/08/2015)
EMPLOY PERSONAL PROTECTION AT A HAZMAT INCIDENT TRAINING PACKAGE UPDATE
CFA have advised that there are updated Training Materials to reflect the current version of the unit PUAFIR308B – Employ Personal Protection at a hazmat incident. The new packages are all dated June 2015.
In addition to being recognized for the national competency, CFA members will also be awarded the relevant CFA competency; OP SUIT – SPLASH Operate Splash suit, or where members complete the additional optional assessment for the gas suit they will be awarded the CFA competency; OP SUIT – GAS Operate Gas Suit.
It is recognized that some historical records may not record either of the CFA competencies (Splash or Gas) and MTD’s have been requested to identify these members and update their records accordingly.
STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING TRAINING PROGRAM
The structural firefighting training program has been developed to address the requirements of urban/structural firefighting and the Public Safety Training Package unit of competency PUAFIR203B Respond to Urban Fire. Two handover sessions were run in March for Structural Instructors.
All the materials have now been released with the title of “Structural Firefighting” to reflect the task being undertaken, rather than the unit of competency associated with the program. All materials have been mapped to the unit PUAFIR203B Respond to Urban Fire, and therefor successful completion of the program will result in a member achieving this competency.
The Structural Firefighting program consists of 11 sessions and a total delivery time of 7½ days. This includes 4½ days of training, 2 days of practical skill development and 1 day of assessment.
Two delivery options have been established to provide flexible options for brigades to undertake this training.
Option 1: Full Course Delivery – where the course is delivered in its entirety.
Option 2: Modularised/block delivery – where the course can be separated into seven (7) course structure blocks that can be scheduled independently. (Though they must be done sequentially)
Courses have been set-up on TRAIN to support both of these delivery options.
Brigades & Groups are encouraged to discuss with MTD’s which of these two options would best suit your members.
RECRUIT PROGRAM & BUSHFIRE SKILLS PROGRAM
The Chief Officer formally approved the new Recruit Program & Bushfire Skills Program in early August.
CFA has advised following approval, work is now underway on the implementation of the two programs and withdrawal of the current Minimum Skills program and associated materials. A State wide Implementation Plan is currently being drafted.
SIMULATION TRAINING
The Committee has raised its concern with the lack of computer simulation training offered to volunteers, with only two programs being delivered to volunteers so far this year. VFBV has requested CFA develop a proactive delivery plan and budget to provide brigades with greater access to this popular and flexible training option.
