OPERATIONAL BRIEF
TASMANIAN DEPLOYMENT
February 2016
The NSW RFS continues to coordinate
interstate deployments to Tasmania. To
date, more than 500 firefighters have been
deployed from NSW.
With deployments now expected to last
until at least the end of March, a new
capability is being established to ensure
Tasmania’s requirement for personnel can
be met.
A significant number of the fires in Tasmania have been
burning in remote locations. NSW RFS has deployed,
and will continue to deploy, a large number of Remote
Area Firefighting Team firefighters who can work from
helicopters and be self-sufficient and, as necessary,
work overnight.
However Tasmania has identified a need for firefighters
who can work in arduous conditions. This means
working in isolated areas but not undertaking roles
such as helicopter winching.
Tasks that may be conducted include:
Dry firefighting
Control line construction
Walking moderate distances to access fires
Working within the WH&S requirements of the local
control agency
An Expression of Interest process is being established
for NSW RFS members to establish a ‘Tasmania
Arduous Firefighter’ capability.
Members are invited to apply if:
You are Advanced Firefighter qualified;
You are prepared to undergo a medical assessment;
You are prepared to take part in an arduous pack
test;
Applying for the EOI
Only members with Advanced Firefighter can apply.
Members with AF who also hold Crew Leader are
strongly encouraged to apply.
Anyone applying for the EOI must be prepared to
commit to a 7-day deployment to Tasmania in coming
weeks. You must identify your availability for each
deployment block.
Members who are selected from the EOI must then
undergo a medical assessment. You will be required
to book a medical assessment with a doctor, and the
NSW RFS will reimburse the cost of that assessment.
Members who pass the medical assessment will then
be required to undertake a pack test. Pack tests will be
conducted in numerous locations and at various times
across the state from 20 February 2016.
Those who pass the pack test will then be identified for
deployment to Tasmania during the deployment blocks
you identify. While every effort will be taken to deploy
those who apply through the EOI, conditions may
change and there can be no guarantee of deployment.
You are prepared to commit to a 7-day deployment
(including travel) to Tasmania. These deployments
are likely to occur in blocks between 28 February
and the end of March.
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Steps to apply
EOI opens
Select deployment
blocks you are
available for
You will be notified
if you have been
successful
Undergo medical
assessment,
with NSW RFS
reimbursement
Undergo pack test
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of roles will the ‘Tasmania Arduous
Firefighter’ capacity undertake?
What if I can’t get a medical assessment or don’t pass
the pack test?
Tasks include the use of handtools and dry firefighting
techniques, such as the construction of control lines.
In some cases, there may be a requirement to walk
moderate distances through the bush to access fires.
This will not include helicopter winching or hover entry
and exit.
It’s a requirement to complete the medical assessment
prior to the pack test. Only those who meet these
requirements will be considered for this deployment.
What is the medical?
The medical assessment involves a detailed check-up
by a doctor and assessment of your medical history. If
you’re short-listed through the EOI process, you’ll be
provided with an information pack which explains the
process.
How do I organise a medical?
There’s no need to organise your medical until you’re
advised you’ve been shortlisted in the EOI process. You
can then organise your medical assessment at a time
and location that suits you. The cost of the medical will
then be reimbursed to you by the NSW RFS a short
time later.
What is the arduous pack test and when will they be
held?
This involves a 4.83km walk while carrying a 20.4kg
vest, in less than 45 minutes. Pack tests will be
conducted in a number of different locations. If you
weigh under 68 kilograms, you can use a lighter vest of
16.8 kilograms.
Where will the pack tests be conducted?
Will you get a RAFT qualification from this
programme?
No. RAFT is a separate programme with different
qualifications including helicopter winch skills and
working in a remote environment.
What if I can’t commit to a deployment block to
Tasmania?
Due to the requirement to identify personnel in a timely
manner, if you are unable to commit to a deployment
block, you will not be selected.
Will there be other opportunities for deployment to
Tasmania?
Even if you can’t complete the EOI process, or you are
not available for a 7-day deployment block, there may
be further opportunities for deployments. This depends
on the resource requests from Tasmania.
To apply for the ‘Tasmania Arduous Firefighter’ EOI,
complete the online form at:
https://form.jotform.co/NSWRFS/TasmaniaEOI
EOI closes Sunday 28 February but initial deployments
will require you to complete this EOI sooner.
Rob Rogers AFSM
Deputy Commissioner
Pack tests will be held in a number of locations across
the state, at different times of the day, and on both
weekends and weekdays. You’ll be asked to nominate a
preferred time and location.
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