A new training course has proved its worth for a second time by delivering ladder platform training that can take up to 6 months in just four weeks.
Practice siting in Ballarat CBD
Throughout October/November 2018 Ballarat City Fire Station conducted its second 37m Bronto Ladder Platform training course for the year.
The training course was conducted over 4 weeks totalling 16 days with 4 firefighters completing the training under the instruction of two LFF course instructors.
The course covered all aspects of the Ladder Platform teaching firefighters full stabiliser and ladder operations.
Different training sites throughout Ballarat were utilised which gave candidates exposure to numerous scenarios including CBD siting with multi storey access, rescue operations including below ground and water tower operations.
Water operations at Lake Wendouree
The last two weeks of the course also incorporated twilight training drills allowing the firefighters to use their newly acquired skills in night time set-ups.
Course 2 particpants with instructors. From left to right FF Dan Stewart, FF Zoe Wathen, LFF Tony Dundas, FF Josh McDermot, FF Alex Gunning & LFF Peter Cooper
By the end of the 4 weeks 177 sites had been marked out and 94 sites flown which would have taken up to 6 months to achieve on shift.
The off shift training program has allowed Ballarat City to increment 10 new firefighters in 6 months greatly increasing its Ladder Platform capability and firefighter development.
Below ground access at Yarrowee Creek
Each firefighter will continue with a 6 month development plan once on shift to allow for continued skill acquisition.
Training in narrow space
Author: Zoe Wathen