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Need for recovery vehicles
Page 158
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How well Mr. Jackson writes his letter, "Lifting-tackle need" (CM January 3). How well he describes the situation confronting firemen at a serious road accident.
How well I know, from experience, that there is not one whit of exaggeration in what he says.
How well I know that Fire Brigades have to rely on civilian operators for heavy lifting tackle when they are faced with the harrowing task of rescue from crashed vehicles.
But, it should be realized that there are vast stretches of the country where this lifting tackle is not available, or, is not available with the same speed as fire appliances, or, is not available at all times of day or night, Christmas day, Easter Sunday, and so on.
No, Mr. Jackson, your first alternative is the right one. Fire Brigades should be equipped with the tackle to carry out the task they are called upon to do. The cost would not be vast, about £2m, to equip Brigades with the right type of recovery vehicles. The larger cost would probably come from the effect of taking on the additional responsibilities for rescues at road crashes, for these responsibilities should be reflected in the establishments of Brigades, the training of personnel, and, by no means least, in the salaries of those who have the task, always thankless, of extricating the victims.
Obviously the whole scheme would have to be reinforced by arrangements with the civilian operators of recovery vehicles, but, it should be emphasized, the scheme must be operated by the service who should be responsible. I suggest this is the Fire Brigade.
J. G. FRENCH, Chief Officer, City and County
Council of Norwich Fire Br iga d e