chunkymunky said:
No you can't. Different systems entirely. The ba kit I use for confined spaces can. Fire systems work on a forced air basis. Water can get in. Rescue system I use sucks to face. But even then it's not for deep water.
Click to expand...

Fire brigade BA is positive pressure. In theory, the worst than can happen is that you get a leak around the face mask and your valuable air ****es out. The demand valves on the old sets used to freeze up if they go water in them, but I think they've got over that problem now. Fire brigade BA does work to a certain extent underwater, but it isn't designed to and it isn't the best underwater BA you can use, lol. (Sometimes it isn't the best above the water BA, either, but that's another story, lol) I know one thing for certain, though, breathing air from a fire brigade BA set, underwater, is a lot better than breathing water! :D
 
Steviecops said:
Fire brigade BA is positive pressure. In theory, the worst than can happen is that you get a leak around the face mask and your valuable air ****es out. The demand valves on the old sets used to freeze up if they go water in them, but I think they've got over that problem now. Fire brigade BA does work to a certain extent underwater, but it isn't designed to and it isn't the best underwater BA you can use, lol. (Sometimes it isn't the best above the water BA, either, but that's another story, lol) I know one thing for certain, though, breathing air from a fire brigade BA set, underwater, is a lot better than breathing water! :D
Click to expand...

Very true.

They have their tanks opposite way round to me too my valves/ regulator are at the bottom because I crawl through pipes on rescues at times.

Here's a couple of pics of me on my training course. I was flipping 17 stone then. Tight fit.

batasa3a.jpg


ese7usyd.jpg
 
Last edited:
chunkymunky said:
Very true.

They have their tanks opposite way round to me too my valves/ regulator are at the bottom because I crawl through pipes on rescues at times.

Here's a couple of pics of me on my training course. I was flipping 17 stone then. Tight fit.

batasa3a.jpg


ese7usyd.jpg
Click to expand...

That looks a tight squeeze. :)

In the LFB, we have our valve group at the bottom of the cylinder and pressure gauge hanging off the chest strap. Pressure gauge these days is integrated with the ADSU, (automatic distress signal unit). All very clever, but too high tech for my liking. You knew where you stood with a proper gauge with a needle on it. :)
 
Bix said:
There was nothing that could be done to free him in time. They tried everything they could, but didn't have the tools. There were cries that they should've cut his leg off to free him. Scuba surgery? Why the hell not? Oh right, he'd have probably bled out before they finished the job or died of infection. The crews weren't equipped for the job, the kit was being rushed across the country, but inevitably came too late. Yes, there was H/S involved, but it was more along the lines of "if you try that you'll kill him or yourself, don't be a daft cock." Not the bubble wrapped "you'll cut your finger if you do that, we can't allow it" everyone imagines when you mention H/S.

The latter part isn't something I know much about, but sounds ludicrous. If that is the sort of people the Coasties hire, it explains a lot. Mostly why a chap I work with (he is RNLI) cannot stand them.

[edit: Something a chap in the local Fire putter outers told me on a joint exercise was they can use their BAs as makeshift scuba equipment, but what they have been told is if they EVER try it, they better pull out the cas alive to a heroes welcome, or they better find a new job. Although officially they should NEVER use their BAs for scuba gear or they'll need a new job regardless.]
Click to expand...

Actually local Travis perkins offered to drop dumpy bags of sand ballast etc across road to make a giant barrier
but they were told it wasn't needed as "we'll have him out of there before your truck can get here." :scratching_chin: slight misjudgement Me thinks..
 
Last edited:
Yeah we have a variety in the industry. Our own kit is integrated gauge and alarm. Digital read out. Also have split feed capability in case of emergency or unit failure.

Been to some mad places that are quite insane scary.
 
Bromsgrove Defender said:
Hmm odd that! Was told couple o years ago by Gloucester4x4 response "we have all the help we need ta" :(

So I tend to potter about and rescue folk as I find em lol

I could really do with a co-pilot or two though, to keep in touch with LZIR and or Volunteer 4x4 Owners Rescue/Recovery :)
Click to expand...

I can be support if required. My Landy isn't tooled to the nines but I have straps and some experience of rescue if needs be and rescue first aid. I would have to prep up a special kit.
 
Steviecops said:
That looks a tight squeeze. :)
Click to expand...

Very. The chamber in there was stuffed with tyres, old drums, rope. Bout a 18inches wider inside but a small hatch before that. Bout 30ft long and graduated. That's the "alternative exit" I had to find on my first test. They wanted to see if the fat guy would panic. We had a team of 4 down. Line of sight scenario practise. High above was tripod and winch. I was supposed to be last man out. They said winch knackered and gassy went off. Shut the hatch on me.

All good fun ;)
 
Some interesting stuff in this thread, just read all 11 pages! I have major respect for anyone who does any sort of 'helping people in distress' fire service, search and rescue, RNLI etc. Keep up the good work!
 
chunkymunky said:
I can be support if required. My Landy isn't tooled to the nines but I have straps and some experience of rescue if needs be and rescue first aid. I would have to prep up a special kit.
Click to expand...

:eek: Actually more along the lines of getting folk out of carparks, up hills and out of the odd ditch, rather than a full on recovery/rescue, however you never know what your going to come across out there do you ;)
 
Dan_Trials said:
Some interesting stuff in this thread, just read all 11 pages! I have major respect for anyone who does any sort of 'helping people in distress' fire service, search and rescue, RNLI etc. Keep up the good work!
Click to expand...

Me too.. It was on this day in 1981 when the Penlee lifeboat went down with all hands and the guys they had rescued :(
Penlee lifeboat disaster - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Big respect to all those who volunteer in helping others in risky situations..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.