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