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With over two decades of service volunteering with the Country Fire Authority, Dr Greg McIntyre of McIntyre’s Veterinary Surgery in Kyneton, Victoria, has risen to the rank of captain.
“I’ve been a member of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) for 23 years and a captain of the Kyneton Fire Brigade for four years. Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world and central Victoria, where my surgery is located, is one of the most risky parts of Victoria.
“Each year, my brigade responds to around 200 call-outs that can include bushfires, structure fires, car fires and haystack fires. We’re also trained in medical response as an adjunct to the ambulance service. Ambulances in rural areas are often stretched thin so we can respond and start with advanced first aid to improve outcomes for cardiac related incidents.
“New members of the CFA start with the recruit course which is basic fire behaviour, fire suppression techniques and safety. That’s required training before anyone can respond to an incident. Training is ongoing with a mix of online and face-to-face work. I’m an endorsed trainer and assessor for CFA, teaching the basic recruit course, Hazmat Awareness, Class A Foam, Thermal Imaging and Structural Firefighting.
“All types of people volunteer with the CFA. In our brigade, we have people in technical and mechanical jobs, students, professional people and IT experts. The safety of the team is our main priority. Our primary goal is to protect life and then property. We train hard to avoid and minimise risks. Volunteering in the CFA can be confronting and take an emotional toll. The organisation offers extensive support resources. Anyone struggling can make a phone call and immediately be put in touch with a psychologist, chaplain or counsellor.
“Being in the fire brigade is a bit like being a vet. We’re in the privileged position of being able to help people because of the background work we’ve done to prepare. For vets, you have to put in years of study and practice to be in a position where you can help. Many people think that as soon as a fire breaks out, they can go along and volunteer but they can’t. The preparation needed to fight a fire takes time, effort and training.
“I’m lucky I’m a business owner with staff who are willing to step up when I’m needed with the CFA. Likewise, our clients are very understanding when they have to wait because our volunteer firefighters are out on a job.
“I’ve been part of the CFA for over two decades because I like the challenge of learning something new while meeting new people and forming new friendships. The main reason, however, is that like being a vet, it offers an opportunity to help people who are experiencing their worst day ever.”
