Dundee Control Loses Control.

[trajet]

This last week has been a real test for Dundee Control, unfortunately a test that (in my view) they have failed.

This is not a personal attack on the lads and lassies at the sharp end and I would like to put on record that I know they were under a lot of pressure, (as were fire crews).

Elgin left with no cover when a scrapyard was ablaze. and the nearest pumps were 10 miles away.

Inverness had a wildfire unit with no BA or building fire capabilities on standby.

Crews mobilised to standby full time stations when there was standby crews already there.

Crews turned out to postcodes in rural areas where postcodes can cover 25 square miles.

Wick on standby at Fortrose when Fortrose was at the at Golspie. (google maps might help those of you that are not familiar with the Highlands).

Crews working 12+ hour shifts and when a relief crew was required rather than a planned changeover, pagers would be set off at stupid o'clock meaning RDS crews turned up in what they were sleeping in rather than have a chance to attend a pre planned change over in suitable attire.

Multiple pumps passing each other in the opposite direction whilst under blue lights when it would of been quicker to send the nearest pump.

There are other examples, but I think the above will give you a flavour of the issues merging controls has caused.

[SoCo]

also noticed they've been very nippy on the radio over last few days. Yes, I know you maybe busy as are we but please dinna speak to us like that.

[Cj1]

Are we not a scottish fire service now. Is that down to pig headed-ness that help wasn't asked for. Or the leader didn't want to show his service couldn't cope?? Don't know anything about it, but in true fire service style, don't let the truth get in the way of a good story.

[Bud Wiser]

This last week has been a real test for Dundee Control, unfortunately a test that (in my view) they have failed.

This is not a personal attack on the lads and lassies at the sharp end and I would like to put on record that I know they were under a lot of pressure, (as were fire crews).

Each of the 3 Controls has an Incident Support Room (ISR) which is opened up and staffed by ops Flexi-officers (SM and GM) during spate conditions and for large/protracted incidents. Their role is to take over the responsibility from Control of organising standby cover moves and arranging reliefs, freeing up Control staff to deal with calls, radio, etc.

It may not seem like a personal attack Trajet, but very much resembles one!