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Helicopter winch training for firefighters in Mudgee
Posted: 08/12/2005NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers will take part in helicopter winch training at Mudgee Airport this weekend (10 to 11 December) as part of the Remote Area Firefighting Team (RAFT) program.
Twenty volunteer firefighters from Mudgee and the Blue Mountains will take part in the training which qualifies them to be winched out of a helicopter. A B212 helicopter will be used in the practical training.
RAFT personnel are specialists who are particularly effective for work in rugged, isolated areas that firefighting tankers can’t access by road. They can then be transported in 4WD before hiking to the fireground, or sometimes winched in by helicopter.
RAFTs are skilled in dry firefighting techniques such as creating firebreaks by cutting mineral earth trails or undertaking backburning work.
The winch training is just one aspect of the RAFT program which also includes a medical examination and fitness test and to ensure crews can cope with this strenuous form of firefighting.
The ‘arduous pack test’ involves walking 4.83km carrying 20kg in 45 minutes or less.
Because they operate a long way from vehicle support, RAFT personnel rely on each other, so teams are made up of people with a good mix of training, good navigational skills, and the ability to carry heavy equipment over long distances.
The team must be self supporting, carrying food, drinking water and basic camping equipment.
Decisions to deploy RAFT are only made after thorough risk assessment with detailed analysis of current and predicted fire behaviour. The safety of crew members is paramount.
The training at Mudgee will involve theory sessions at Mudgee Fire Control Centre on Saturday and a practical session at Mudgee Airport on Sunday.
Media are welcome to take photos on Sunday – please call (02) 98981855.
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