IT’S not something that anyone likes to think about, but if there comes a time when you need to be cut from the wreckage of a car crash, it’s comforting to know that local Fire and Rescue NSW personnel are experts in the field.
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The crew from Morisset fire station will be displaying their life-saving skills and tools with a mock car crash rescue next Saturday, May 19.
It’s part of the annual NSW Fire and Rescue NSW open day.
It’s when fire stations across the state will open their doors and welcome visitors young and old for a behind-the-scenes look at their local station.
For children, it’s a chance to see a fire truck up close, and maybe even feel the powerful water stream from a firefighting hose.
But there’s a serious side to the day, too.
Daniel Woods, a retained firefighter with 17 years’ experience, said about 130 locals attended the open day at Morisset last year.
He’s expecting a similar roll up next Saturday.
“Mostly it’s families, but we have had quiet a few elderly people turn up to discuss fire safety and smoke alarms battery replacement,” Mr Woods said.
Firefighters at Morisset will be introducing visitors to new smoke alarms that have a battery life span of 10 years.
“We will have some of these smoke alarms on display at the open day, and residents can buy these at Bunnings for around $50,” Mr Woods said.
The open day was often an eye-opener for adults, Mr Woods said.
“I’d say it’s important for people to drop in and see what we actually do. Most people are under the impression that the fire brigades only deal with fires,” he said.
“But as a retained firefighter for the past 17 years, I’ve seen the brigade grow into a variety of different areas such as rescue – whether it be a car accident or a vertical cliff rescue or a swift water rescue in floods.”
Firefighters also assisted ambulance paramedics, and carried out searches for missing persons, he said.
The open day was always a hit with children, Mr Woods said.
“Kids love to come along and hop in the fire trucks and use the hoses as well as watch the members of Morisset ‘chop up a car’ as some children see it.”
The other big hit is the free sausage sizzle, he said.
Visitors on the open day can also learn how to use a fire extinguisher correctly, and to ask questions about fire safety.
“We don’t often get thanks for our job, and the open day is a good way for the community to come along and thank us personally while getting helpful fire safety tips,” Mr Woods said.
The open day activities will be held from 10am to 2pm.
