Matata Fire Brigade
Three medical callouts and one on the fire appliance were our lot for the last month.
The first one, on 30th of July, was a medical callout to an 85-year-old who suffered a
suspected stroke. Our crew were able to check the patient’s vital signs such as pulse
and blood pressure until the ambulance arrived.
The next callout, on the 5th of August, was a fire call to the Fonterra milk factory in
Edgecumbe. An internal fire sensor alarm indicated a problem in a switch room in the
Whey Factory.
Although we had a small crew, consisting of the Fire Chief and his Deputy along
with one of our support people, we set off for Edgecumbe. On the way we realised
that the front runner appliance from Edgecumbe was busy at the Tasman mill in
Kawerau and soon after we heard over the radio that the other Edgecumbe appliance
was proving difficult to start. It looked like we were going to be the first ones there.
By the time we arrived at the factory , they had managed to start their appliance and
beat us and as we approached the gates , realised that we didn’t have a pass card to
open the gate. Once that obstacle was overcome we entered to find out that it was a
false alarm and an electrical motor had overheated.
So off home to Matata we went.
The next callout we went to on the 8th of August, was to a teenager with abdomen
pains. As we got changed and were about to get on to the van, we realised that the
patient had been brought down to the Fire Station. Although this worked out well, as
we were able to apply oxygen early and do an initial survey, as well as take the usual
vital signs, it did take the ambulance a little bit longer to get to the patient, as there
was confusion as to where the patient was. So normally if you call for an ambulance,
stay at the address you have given and we will come to you.
The last callout on the 12th, was another medical, this time to a 71-year-old in quite a
bit of pain. We assisted the patient until the ambulance arrived.
It has been good to see a few people come down and see if they would like to join
up. Some felt it was not quite what they wanted and we were pleased they came for a
look, but a few others have decided to stay on and sign up we look forward to helping
them with their training.
If you would like to come and have a look over one or two of our training nights,
please feel free .
Just come on down on any Monday night at 7 o’clock.
Chief Fire Officer Brian Dobson
3222 118
Deputy Chief Gavin Dennis
322 2253