WSFRS C.O.G

The water may look inviting but even on a warm day the water will be cold. It doesn’t matter if you are a strong swimmer. ⚠️Jumping into the water to cool off can lead to cold water shock, which can result in drowning. #BeWaterAware

RTC Training today at Storrington. Have a nice and safe weekend.

Training at sunny Midhurst today making improvised showers for decontamination.

Nice day to get off station for some training.

A really positive day today engaging with over 300 students at Brinsbury College for our Road Safety Campaign. A lot of work goes into these events so a huge thanks to CM Gravell & FF Worsfold, the RLO’s, COG, WSFRS volunteers and WM Poole from our safe drive team.

Please, please do not be tempted to swim in open water unless you are completely sure it is safe. Today a group of young people had to be rescued from fast-flowing water near Lindfield. It could so easily have ended in tragedy. Our full statement: bit.ly/3yBjLTN

Yesterday we ran some Breathing Apparatus scenarios at Horsham, including a fire in a domestic property and basement. It’s important we maintain these core skills for when the real call comes in! Many thanks to @Horshamfire for facilitating.

Recent flexibility in crewing has allowed the Watch to get together and organise more comprehensive training sessions both on and off station. So far today we have covered both line rescue and RTC topics involving a scenario where a car had rolled onto its side!

Many thanks to the assessors and RDS staff for supporting.

Today, Adam and Matt successfully passed their 18 month EoP after taking part in a number of scenarios, including pumping water from the open, ladder rescues and breathing apparatus. They now have 6 months of further input and development before their final assessment. Well done!

Adam has now moved on to pitching the “135”, a ladder that provides crews with a stable platform from which to perform rescues at height or fight fire. Additional lines, or ropes, have been used haul various pieces of equipment to the second floor.

A busy day for crews as we spend our day in the drill yard in preparation for end of phase assessments, for our development FF’s Adam and Matt. On Thursday they will take part in an range of scenarios to assess their progress over the last 18 months.

Crews assisting @Station_50 @HenfieldFire. A busy day of fire calls and training with crews taking advantage of the weather by going off station for open water pumping this morning. Pumps, throw lines and life jackets with beautiful surroundings.

COG assisting @Station_50 @HenfieldFire. Today we had the opportunity to use @Horshamfire’s chamber to spend a morning doing some BA drills, allowing us to maintain critical competencies. Later in the day we assisted 53P1 with a fire in the Southwater area.

COG assisting @Station_50 @HenfieldFire. 50P1 has assisted @SECAmbulance with a casualty as well as providing support to our Fire Investigation Officers at the scene of a house fire earlier this morning. Please make sure you test your smoke alarms at least once a week.

Assisting @Station_50 @HenfieldFire @43Midhurst. This week we welcome two new members of the team, Jack Gilbert from Bognor and Ilohna Murphy from Billingshurst. Both have years of experience from their RDS sections and we know they’ll fit in well. It’s great to have you both 👋🏼

Assisting @Station_50 @HenfieldFire @station49fire. CM Buddle organised a scenario where the crew had to relay water from an open source to a fire via the appliance whilst avoiding overrunning the supply. Then it was time to rescue someone who was trapped under a vehicle!

After a further re-inspection of the roof fire we attended last night, the incident is now closed. Following a fire like this, it’s really important we check a few hours later for any hidden hot spots under all the debris. Thanks again to everyone that has been involved.

Crewing @Station_50 @HenfieldFire and @45Petworth. Crews have reinspected the site of a house fire which occurred last night, assisting our Fire Investigation Officer. The owner was alerted to the fire because of smoke alarms, so please make sure you test yours once a week.

The Storrington COG team were kept busy with hazardous materials training, a call to the A24 to assist @Horshamfire with a fuel spill, and then a leaflet drop in the local area to provide advice following a recent fire.