Billy,
Yes you have a point. Now what you must understand is that no one on this forum has ever said there is a quick fix to the issue of using or not using guide lines. If you trawl back through the threads you will see that mine and other threads are simply saying that we should be looking at improving the tools we have available.
II wont go through each point, not because I don’t have example of each but simply because this is becoming boring now. But if we take tactical ventilation. If used offensively, those that have witnessed it all agree that it is the way forward. Not only does it make conditions for fire fighters much improved, but it provides an environment that has never been seen before at compartment fires, on any scale.
Because of this fact, and of those that have seen it in operation will tell you, it simply is the biggest thing since sliced bread. OK so if we look at its history and we see that it not at all that new. It has been used for a number of years in the US, however there have been problems as not enough was understood of the danger of incorrect use of offensive tactical ventilation and the resulting consequences where a significant amount of FF’s lost their lives.
This can not be said about the UK FRS, as it has been acknowledged that research must be carried out to prevent similar occurring over in the UK. So, UK FRS have been for the last 6 years at least been trailing PPV. Firstly with defensive operations, and now some are starting to use it offensively, with fantastic results.
Now if we consider something that Andy said, that training with the equipment we use allows us to have confidence in the equipment we use, quite right Andy, this is fact, and from such a virginal FF this is quite profound. We have all sent how equipemtn works in training and this provides FF’s with the confidence in its abilities to the job.
On the other side of the coin. Guide Lines have in themselves been their own worst enemy. They do not breed confidence and they simply do not make a FF feel safe in the environment they are entering, which is unique for the kit that is carried on wagons in this day and age.
The simple fact is that we should rely on our instincts and equipment that has demonstrated to protect in dangerous situations. FF;s should not rely on a length of string to do this.
I ask the question Billy. If you were not trying to market this product would you not agree. Surely you can see the issues here. You may of given statistics that say that FF’s would prefer this than the current GL, but this is not true in context. I bet if they read this forum they would be of a different opinion.
Paul
