Gaps in readiness: Andre Nel examines challenges in responder safety from training gaps to equipment misuse
Iain Hoey
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By Andre Nel, Director, LLMA Consultants (Pty) LTD
Many fire departments face significant challenges regarding unsafe acts and the readiness of first responders on the fireground.
This issue has become increasingly evident due to various reasons and factors. This article highlights these challenges and proposes possible solutions.
Operations are an everyday occurrence for first responders, which often sets the stage for injuries and unsafe conditions.
These unsafe situations can occur before, during, and after an incident.
Equipment: The incorrect use of equipment underscores the importance of mastering the tools being used.
First responders may adopt habits from seasoned colleagues and overlook critical aspects of proper equipment usage.
Lack of appropriate training: This appears to be the main culprit leading to injuries and incidents.
Insufficient knowledge during procurement may result in acquiring incorrect equipment to save costs, which can cause unsafe acts and conditions.
Consequently, first responders may be forced to improvise with these inferior types of equipment.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): A basic necessity for any fire operation or incident, PPE becomes a challenge, especially when it is shared or there is a shortage due to financial restraints.
Age group: No specific age group is immune to injuries and incidents on the fireground for first responders, which is a major concern for many reasons.
Improper scene assessment and incident command may create a recipe for disaster, leading to first responders being injured due to a lack of information.
Furthermore, when various agencies respond using different radio and communication frequency platforms, it can hinder effective communication.
Unknown hazards and risks contribute to unsafe acts and conditions for first responders.
Conducting a proper size-up is part of standard operational procedures and involves taking certain actions to protect first responders.
Recommendations
These recommendations are derived from training manuals and proposed changes.
Implementing them is crucial for ensuring safety at scenes from the outset (it is also important to recognize that incident hazards and risks may change at any time).
Proper training of all first responders should be part of their regular regimen and should be continuous.
An emergency and incident command system should always be a joint and collaborative process and never done in isolation.
It is imperative that a senior, qualified first responder is present in procurement and financial meetings with budgets and pre-planned budgets to ensure that the correct equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) are procured.
About the IFSJ Influencer
(Prof) Dr Andre Nel is an experienced Firefighter (Fire Chief) and an occupational health and Safety practitioner with over 40 years’ experience in the emergency planning, risk assessment, training and health and Safety investigations.
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