Injuries to firemen

Press, 10 May 1979, Page 16

Injuries to firemen

Sir, — After many fires have raged in Christchurch, I frequently see in the associated news coverage, reports of injured firemen. In a recent fire at the Kirby Carriers building, six firemen were apparently injured. Although I agree that there are dangers inherent in firefighting (smoke, flame, unstable structures, water), I cannot allow that six firemen should be injured at one blaze. What percentage was this of firemen attending the fire, and what was the nature of their injuries? Does the Fire Service think that the occurrence of these injuries could, or should, be reduced? — Yours, etc.,

JOHN BRITTEN. April 26, 1979. [Mr P. K. Weeks, Area Commander for the New Zealand Fire Service, replies: “I thank your correspondent for his inquiry and acknowledgement of the hazardous nature of a firefighter’s occupation. The Fire Service is, itself, very conscious of the dangers that its personnel face and undertakes extensive training in all aspects to ensure that unnecessary risks are not taken. Because of the likelihood of contamination, injuries received during fire-fighting are viewed seriously and personnel are sent for medical treatment promptly. At the incident referred to the injuries included severe bruising, foreign particles in eyes, minor cuts and burns. All were treated and discharged and only one person was placed off duty for one day. For whatever it is worth the proportion was approximately 15 per cent of the staff involved but few in-

cidents are similar in nature and the percentage is not necessarily typical. The Fire Service over all has a good safety record considering the nature of the service.”]