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Projects
January 2007
January saw a team of four Australians and two American firefighters join together for a 2 week training academy in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia.
The Americans were from our partner organisation, OESP, who also had a number of paramedics running training there .
Over the 2 weeks we trained twenty-five Cambodians in a number of areas of firefighting including Breathing Apparatus, Ladder Use, Wildfire Awareness, Structure Fire Behaviour and Attack, and Urban Search and Rescue Awareness.
A lot of time was also spent looking at other ways we can help improve the service that the Cambodian Fire Police provide to the community. Over 100kg of equipment was donated from Australia which was much needed and was greatly appreciated.
Our members also spent time visiting remote communities and providing food and looking at the need for wells to provide fresh water to many families. We also visited a number of other organisations assisting the people of Cambodia and talked to them about how our organisation could assist them.
The trip was very successful, with all members finding it very rewarding. Many friendships were formed, and we saw enthusiasm and appreciation from all the Cambodians we worked with.
May 2007
A number of AFIRE members returned to Cambodia to review the training held in January and assist in implementation of these skills. A lot of time was spent meeting with officials to discuss how we can further assist to develop their fire service and possible future projects. The members also spent some time visiting some of the more provincial cities in Cambodia and looking at the fire stations in these areas.
The trip was very successful with a lot of information gathered that will assist us in the future. The team also had some opportunities to train the firefighters in the operation of some new appliances donated by the Chinese Government. Time was also spent developing Instruction manuals for these trucks and having them translated to Khmer to be distributed to the areas we could not get to this time.
Over the 4 week period the team spent time at 7 fire stations within Cambodia, and developed many new contacts and strengthened old friendship, which will assist us in future trips.
October 2007
Two AFIRE members ventured to Columbia to assist OESP in delivering training. This is an ongoing project of OESP which was a great opportunity for us to see how they work in other countries.
Over a 10 day period we delivered training in Wildfire to approximately 30 Columbian firefighters. This training was very successful, as we spent a number of days doing controlled burns which was a great chance to demonstrate skills that had been learnt in the classroom. We also participated in some major training exercises where students got the opportunity to combine medical and firefighting skills in a realistic environment.
We were also privileged to be guests at a world record attempt by the Columbian firefighters to relay pump water over a 5km distance using 28 engines.
The AFIRE members had a fantastic time learning a little about Columbian culture and making new friend and they even attempted a little Spanish!
Paul and Travis were greatly honoured to be awarded the highest honour in the Columbian Fire Service, the Knight of Fire Medal.
On there return from Columbia, time was spent in Cambodia touching base with some of our contacts and spending some time planning for February 2008.
December 2007
The AFIRE Team got together on Australian turf for a major fundraiser event, providing fire cover for the Falls Festival at Lorne over the New Years Eve period.
A group of 25 AFIRE volunteers provided 24 hour coverage for the 4 days of the event, as well as providing other services to the event organisers. The Team looked very professional and did a great job, attending a number of incidents over the event. All that attended had a fantastic time.
February 2008
7 AFIRE members headed to Cambodia and provided a 2 week training program for the Cambodian National Fire Police and the Airport fire services. This year, one week was spent training in Phnom Penh, and the second week training in Siem Reap, where in total we trained over 60 Cambodian Firefighters.
A big part of this program included the introduction of Road Accident Rescue to the Cambodian National Fire Police. This involved repairs of unserviceable equipment and an intense training program into both operation of equipment and care and maintenance.
All members on the trip had a fantastic time and made many lifelong friends. There was many opportunities to experience the Khmer culture, including the privilege of visiting people homes, and meeting families of the firefighters we were working with.
AFIRE was also able to equip many firefighters with much needed protective clothing, as well as assist the Cambodians to sort through equipment that had been donated in the past and was sitting in storage. Many of the relationships previously developed by AFIRE were strengthened, and the work that we have been doing over the previous 18 months is starting to show clear results.
Future Projects
June 2008
A small group of AFIRE members will once be heading to Cambodia to provide assistance in stowing firefighting appliances with the National Fire Police. Time will also be spent helping the firefighters develop maintenance programs for the fire stations.
November 2008
Preparation is being made for AFIRE members to possible provide another training program this year to further develop the firefighters of Cambodia.
Ongoing Projects
Protective Clothing
AFIRE is aiming to provide every firefighter within Cambodia with protective clothing within the next 12 months. Along with the prevision of PPC, we are also working to educate the firefighters on the use of this equipment for personal safety, and how to care and maintain this equipment.
A number of AFIRE members are currently preparing some ongoing projects for development of the Fire Service within Cambodia. These projects will be listed in the near future.
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