Cumbria Army Cadet Force
Newsletter Summer 2012 Issue No 1
“ Force Protection” Newsletter
Mr Dean Kirkpatrick( SHEF Coordinator) E-mail caa3 @ cumbriaarmycadets. com Tel: 01228 516231
Inside this Issue
Myth of the Moment – Starting Vehicles in Gear – Safe Seating – Emergency Contact from a Mobile Phone – Obstacle Courses – Menaces on the Training Area – Heat Injuries
Myth of the Moment
The reality We recently read that the traditional party game ' pin the tail on the donkey ' is allegedly under threat because parents consider it a health and safety risk.
Not trusting children with drawing pins seems a little overprotective to us. After all, millions of children have been playing traditional party games like this for years without any problems.
Was this just a marketing ploy to drum up sales of party games?
Starting Vehicles in Gear
As a result of failing to check a vehicle is in neutral before starting the engine, a number of needless injuries and accidents have occurred when vehicles have lurched forward unexpectedly. This has happened outside, on MT parking areas on DTE camps.
This is an issue that comes back to drivers“ basic habits”. What more can be done?
Vehicle commanders should critically comment and pick up their drivers if they fail to prove that the vehicle is safe to start by just waggling the gear stick in neutral – and dipping the clutch.
All drivers are reminded that a vehicle is to be automatically be left in neutral after use!
Safe Seating
The correct fitting of safety vehicles is critical to the safety of Cadets carried in the backs of vehicles. Drivers and commanders absolutely owe it to their passengers to make sure any vehicle carrying this most precious of cargo is safe and fit for purpose.
Drivers and commanders are asked to check seat belts and seating arrangements prior to the commencement of journeys as part of the first parade. Commanders of vehicles are to ensure that all personnel are wearing a seatbelt whilst the vehicle is in operation.
Emergency Contact from a Mobile Phone
When working in a remote location, 112 can be dialed free of charge from a mobile phone to contact the emergency services( Ambulances, Fire & Rescue Services and Police).
Even if you don’ t know where you are, using 112 on your mobile phone will allow the system to pinpoint your exact location within the first 30 seconds of your call to the operator. This will enable the operator to get emergency services to you as soon as possible