Training and Events

Rural Fire National Training Update Date Posted: Feb 3, 2017

Kia ora

This update we cover five topics:

  1. 2016 Credit consumption reporting results.
  2. 2017 Unit Standard funding list
  3. 2017 NRFA Training Programme application process
  4. GTE Certified Trainer update
  5. Rural Fire learner resource update

1)      2016 Credit consumption reporting results.

The pleasing news is that the GTE is passing on .85 cents of every dollar of earned from the reporting of unit standards.  The costs to administer NRFA training are well below what was estimated which is due, in no small part, to the support that NRFA has received from NZFS, Auckland RFD and the wider Rural Fire sector. This result is particularly pleasing given that overall credit reporting was a little over 60% of what was estimated, and of course the fixed costs remained fixed.

2)      2017 Unit Standard funding list

Every year the GTE must submit a list of unit standards to TEC that they wish report credits on. This list should include unit standards that Trainers report to NZQA ( via the GTE) and unit standards that are completed by external trainers. Examples of these include first aid, chainsaw, off road driving etc. etc. 

Please take time to look over the list (below) and let us know if you think you are likely to wish to claim for any units standards that are not this list. 

We need to submit this list to TEC and amend the ‘back room’ systems this month so can you please let us know if you need any additional unit standards noted by close of business on the 15th February.

3)      2017 NRFA Training Programme application process

This is just to update you on the process for placing personnel on NRFA national programmes in 2017.  We have a proposed calendar and at the moment we are firming up some details of courses, especially those later in the year. 

This year we will produce, and send to you all, a programme of the planned courses along with a new application form.  This information and application form will provide you, and us, a lot more information and we expect that this will provide you with greater ability to manage your applications during the year.  An example is that we will not be having an application close off at the start of the year. Also we will have a process that gives everyone better access to course places (no longer first up, first served).

The programme was developed after inviting the sector (you) to let us know what is required. In addition we are adding a couple of additional courses that we think the sector will appreciate.  We will send the programme information and applications to you all, probably by the end of this month,  and we expect that it also be available on the website.

4)      GTE Certified Trainer update

Those of you that were certified as trainers in 2016 will now know that your certification has been extended to the end of June 2017.  Over the next few months we expect to determine a re-validation process as we head into FENZ. This is likely to involve additional trainer support and some development opportunities.

5)      Rural fire learning resources update

We have received some valuable feedback from you and this is being considered. The next steps are that we will send the next version of resources back out for further comment.  We also have one region who are trailing the new assessment material as we are keen to ensure that the learning resources are useful, relevant and fit for purpose.  All feedback is welcomed.  

2017 is certainly shaping up to be a definitive year in the rural fire capability space and with the amalgamation now clearly on the horizon, a lot of thinking and planning is underway, and the opportunities to continue to improve how we service the sector abound.  Lastly, as always, if there is anything that I can assist you with or if you have any questions please feel free to let me know.

Kä kite ano and regards

Tony Roddan

Rural Fire Training Manager.

______________________________

National Rural Fire Authority
New Zealand Fire Service

Email:        [email protected]

Title

Number

Level

Credits

Unit Standards

Demonstrate knowledge of protection of personal safety at vegetation fires

3285

3

3

Control vegetation fires using dry firefighting techniques

3286

3

3

Suppress vegetation fires with water and with water with additives

3287

3

3

Carry out defensive control of structure and vehicle fire

14555

3

3

Maintain a chainsaw

43

3

10

Demonstrate basic chainsaw operation

6917

2

8

Operate a chainsaw and carryout basic chainsaw maintenance in a commercial forestry situation

23411

3

12

Establish and deliver water supplies for fire fighting

3270

2

2

Operate portable pumps for fire fighting

20386

3

3

Operate light portable pumps in a vegetation fire environment

21417

2

2

Drive fire and rescue vehicle in emergency situations

3267

4

8

Demonstrate knowledge of workplace health and safety requirements

497

1

7

Load water and additives for aerial operations at vegetation fires

3288

3

2

Lead a vegetation fire crew

3291

4

4

Communicate in the outdoors using two-way radio

4573

1

2

Manage first aid in an emergency situation

6400

2

3

Provide first aid

6401

1

2

Provide basic life support

6402

1

1

Demonstrate knowledge of the fire environment on vegetation fire behaviour

14564

4

3

Demonstrate knowledge of the coordinated incident management system (CIMS)

17279

2

2

Apply safe work practices in the workplace

17593

2

4

Provide First Aid for Life Threatening Conditions (expiring 31/12/2019)

26551

2

1

Demonstrate knowledge of Common First Aid Conditions (expiring 31/12/2019)

26552

2

1

Direct external defensive Control operations

14554

5

3

DKO vegetation fire behaviour

4648

5

8

Supervise aerial fire suppression operations at vegetation fires

14563

5

5

Use maps to locate and plan a navigation route to a vegetation fire

14565

3

3

Manage Ground Operations at vegetation fires

20396

5

8

Describe the roles and functions of a CIMS Incident Management Team (IMT) at an incident

22445

4

4

Demonstrate knowledge of legislated responsibilities of Rural Fire Officers and a Rural Fire Authority

20399

3

2

Lead Heavy Machinery Operations for use at vegetation fires

3292

4

3

Demonstrate knowledge of the legislated responsibilities of a Principal Rural Fire Officer

20397

5

8

Manage an Incident Management Team (IMT) response

22449

3

2

Perform the operations management function in an Incident Management Team (IMT)

22447

5

10

Exercise Initial  response, command, and control for Vegetation Fire Operations

3290

5

6

Investigate origin and cause of vegetation Fire Investigation

10615

5

6

Issue fire permits

20398

4

3

Carry out hand-operated ignition at prescribed vegetation burning operations

3289

3

3

Manage air operations at vegetation fires

3297

6

8

Lead ground support for air operations at vegetation fires

3293

4

4

Carry out planning activities at rural fire operations

4650

6

10

Apply Fire Weather Index system data for fire preparedness measures

14556

4

4

Provide Vegetation Fire Support services

3299

4

3

Suppress fire with hand extinguishers and fixed hose real

3271

2

1

DKO Command and control structure of emergency service provide

3278

2

2

Manage ground operations at vegetation fires

3296

5

6

Assess and address the risk with respect to fire

3281

5

8

 Command vegetation fire incident

3300

6

8

 Assess Threats From Vegetation Fires

3304

5

5

Carry out incident ground safety duties

3315

5

7

Principles of fire science

4647

2

1

Demonstrate knowledge of structural fire behaviour

4651

4

4

Demonstrate knowledge of the rules relating to chainsaw use

6916

2

5

DKO tree felling

17763

3

5

Fell trees safely using a chainsaw

17766

3

10

Work safely with aircraft at emergency incidents

20388

3

2

Protect and Preserve Fire Scene

20392

3

4

Demonstrate awareness of rope rescue operation and hazards

20536

2

2

Provide initial response at rope rescue incidents

20537

4

6

Perform the planning/intelligence function in an Incident Management Team (IMT)

22446

5

10

Perform the logistics function in an Incident Management Team (IMT)

22448

5

10

Wear and operate breathing apparatus in general emergencies

3272

3

3

Demonstrate knowledge of personal safety at fire and emergency incidents

3283

2

4

Drive a heavy vehicle in and off-road environment

1738

4

3

Carry out pre-drive vehicle checks on a heavy motor vehicle, start it up, and shut it down

15158

3

4

Carry out a pre-drive vehicle check on a light motor vehicle, and start and shut down the vehicle

17676

2

3

Demonstrate knowledge of operating a light four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle in an off-road environment

17976

3

4

Operate a light four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle in an off-road environment

17978

3

4

Demonstrate knowledge of and skills for driving a light four wheel drive (4WD) vehicle on-road

20848

3

4

Operate self-propelled pumps for fire fighting

20387

4

5

Demonstrate hydraulic knowledge for fire fighting

20385

3

4

Provide first aid for trauma and medical emergency situations

23406

3

5

Demonstrate knowledge of and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

25411

2

1

Use access ladders in emergency situations

26992

2

2

Use rescue ladders in fire and rescue situations

26993

3

2

Use general purpose knots and lines in emergency situations

26994

2

2

Use rescue knots and lines in rescue situation

26995

3

3

Apply knowledge of vegetation fire behaviour for fire management

4649

6

10