Fire_Services_1963-1964 — Page 10

AMBULANCE SERVICE

15. Demand by both the public and medical profession continue to rise at the anticipated rate. The most noticeable feature in 1963-64 has been the increase in the number and severity of traffic accidents requiring attendances by 'Special Service Units' in addition to ambulances.

AIRPORT FIRE CONTINGENT

16. Airport Fire Service personnel had a relatively busy year in dealing with 210 incidents, the most serious of which was a crash landing by a Boeing 720 with 75 persons on board, which providentially did not take fire.

FIRE SERVICE AUXILIARIES

17. Auxiliaries were especially active during the height of the water crisis when personnel performed some 8,500 hours additional duties.

18. A considerable measure of re-organization has taken place providing for Auxiliaries to be posted to Fire Stations nearest to their homes and places of work, thus enabling them to play a more active role in the day to day work of their Professional colleagues.

19. The Defence Secretary attended the 1963 Annual Parade and Competitions at which the tremendous improvements achieved by whole- time Training Officers in the technical proficiency of the Auxiliaries was demonstrated.

MAJOR PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICES

20. Recruiting suitable members to the various grades of the Service is still extremely difficult, and despite propaganda and talks at schools by senior officers, suitable candidates with acceptable cducational standard remain indifferent to offers of employment. At the end of the year the Service was 30% under establishment in subordinate officers.

21. The effect of being unable to recruit experienced drivers has resulted in a record number of accidents Fire Department vehicles and most regrettable of all, injuries to members of the public. New methods are being considered to overcome difficulties, but the prima facie cause, i.e. comparatively low remuneration, long hours of duty and lack of personal freedom, remains.

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