New flood suits and equipment for working safely in water

Fire and Emergency learned some valuable lessons during the responses to the severe water events of early 2023.

One such lesson was that the organisation lacked appropriate protection for firefighters working in and around contaminated water. We moved quickly to identify a suitable (for operational use) flood suit to protect our firefighters expected to work in water contaminated by chemical, biological, or pathogenic contaminants.

Charlie Lott, National Manager Equipment and Logistics, said the Ionic flood suit was identified as offering a good level of protection.

‘The Ionic flood suit is of two piece ‘bib’ design and consists of waterproof salopettes (trousers) and a waterproof over jacket. It is in widespread worldwide use, notably with the Scotland fire-rescue agencies.

‘We have procured 200 flood suits and have deployed 40 to our five E&L Service Centres for distribution to firefighters responding to serious water events. A training package is being designed to enable the suits to be used to their full potential.

‘These flood suits will help provide part of an intermediate response level which will sit between the working safely around water training and equipment and the specialist water response teams.’

We now have 62 personnel trained to swift water technical level across the motu (country) with others waiting in the wings for courses to be scheduled.

Hamiora Taite, National Advisor for Working Safely in Water said new equipment has arrived and some more was on its way.

‘We will be supplying our Specialist Water Response Teams with PPE and equipment including rafts, personal flotation devices, boots, thermal undergarments, and line rescue/rigging.

‘Each team will have at least two non-motorised inflatable watercraft for flood evacuation and as a technical rescue option.’

Hami said this equipment will allow the teams to deal with a wide range of flood and water-based incidents.

‘The feedback from the teams will help inform the ongoing equipment and training requirements for inclusion in the longer-term business case and procurement planning process for any national rollout.’