North East Brigades To Benefit
The CFA has purchased additional defibrillators for their brigades across the state which will include those in the North East.
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Thanks to the donations, the CFA and Brigades Donations Trust is allocating $1.04m to purchase this important life-saving equipment which improves the safety of both firefighters and community members at incidents.
The new 426 defibrillators will bring CFA’s total to more than 1,700 across the state, ensuring every group vehicle has a defibrillator and every brigade has at least one vehicle with a defibrillator.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it’s important our members are prepared if a cardiac emergency occurs.
Four CFA brigades are the first in Australia to receive cutting-edge, battery-operated road rescue equipment.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan with Nar Nar Goon volunteer Geoff Bramley
Nar Nar Goon, Langwarrin, Dromana and Werribee brigades will each receive the three new tools which include a cutter, spreader and hydraulic ram.
The battery-operated tools don’t require an external power source and are waterproof allowing greater access to road crash victims, including in drains and waterways.
The twelve new tools were jointly funded by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and CFA, at a total investment of $214,000.
While all CFA brigades respond to motor vehicle accidents, CFA has 21 Road Crash Rescue Principal Providers across the state which have specialised equipment to perform rescues.
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Cold snap brings heating fire warning
As Victorians reach for their heaters to ward off the cold snap this weekend and single-digit overnight temperatures next week, firefighters are urging people to be aware of the fire risks inside their homes.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said autumn and winter are the highest-risk periods for residential fires in Victoria due in part to the increased use of home heating.
Home heating includes open fires, wood heaters, fixed electrical and gas-powered appliances and portable electrical heaters or those that use gas or kerosene.
“Many residential fires that result in fatalities or serious injuries start in lounge and sleeping areas,” he said.
CFA's new Chief officer Jason Heffernan last week spent three days on the road visiting volunteer members and staff across its South West Region. During.