Dublin CD recruitment

fuddy1

Was at the dublin civil defence recruitment evening on May 30th....just havent heard anything back since about date for interview/fitness check stuff etc.....anyone who was there hear anything from them yet?

rallye150flyer

post your question on there facebook you might get an answer or ring HQ and ask whats up

limericklad87

didn't know that CD would actually interview and also hold fitness checks....

fuddy1

well at the meeting they spoke about fitness test, especially for AFS would check fitness, heights test and put you in small space to check for claustrophobia. 'Head for heights' will also be checked for rescue section and you also need a certain level of fitness for that too. Then they said everyone would be interviewed (informally) to see will CD suit them.....thats the impression i got anyway

one2one

fuddy1 wrote: »

well at the meeting they spoke about fitness test, especially for AFS would check fitness, heights test and put you in small space to check for claustrophobia. 'Head for heights' will also be checked for rescue section and you also need a certain level of fitness for that too. Then they said everyone would be interviewed (informally) to see will CD suit them.....thats the impression i got anyway

This is correct.

For the Aux. Fire Service you must undergo a fitness test (nothing too intense, if you fail it, you really are not suitable!), a heights test, this is usually done on the training range in the Phoenix Park, along with the enclosed space test. Usually in the tunnels, or a blacked out room, having to find your own way out. It is brilliant to do, and I wish you the best of luck.

Fuinseog

fuddy1 wrote: »

well at the meeting they spoke about fitness test, especially for AFS would check fitness, heights test and put you in small space to check for claustrophobia. 'Head for heights' will also be checked for rescue section and you also need a certain level of fitness for that too. Then they said everyone would be interviewed (informally) to see will CD suit them.....thats the impression i got anyway

if you have a criminal record you cannot join, otherwise anyone over 17 should be able to join. There is something for everyone and in general you do not have to be that fit. AFS would be different, but its not everyones cup of tea.

CD is a hobby at the end of the day and should not be taken too seriously. its a bit of craic.

there are a lot of different branches of the CD so if you cannot climb a ladder you can still join another unit. beware of inter unit rivalry, which results from people taking the thing too seriously.

Fuinseog

Fuinseog wrote: »

CD is a hobby at the end of the day and should not be taken too seriously. its a bit of craic.

Oh disagree with that. This sin't the scouts with ambulances. Civil Defence, in fact any volunteer emergency service is not to be taken lightly. You'll be expected to see blood, guts and death and ignore it while saving lives. If you're on duty you literally have the life of another person in your hands.

Never forget that. It may be fun and games to you, but some will use what they learn in a voluntary later on in a professional emergency service career, and there are times when the professionals will rely on a voluntary being able to do the job properly so they can do theirs.

This is no hobby. We are the Reserve Emergency Services. Called in as back-up when the sh*t really hits the fan.

Fuinseog

Deleted User wrote: »

Oh disagree with that. This sin't the scouts with ambulances. Civil Defence, in fact any volunteer emergency service is not to be taken lightly. You'll be expected to see blood, guts and death and ignore it while saving lives. If you're on duty you literally have the life of another person in your hands.

Never forget that. It may be fun and games to you, but some will use what they learn in a voluntary later on in a professional emergency service career, and there are times when the professionals will rely on a voluntary being able to do the job properly so they can do theirs.

This is no hobby. We are the Reserve Emergency Services. Called in as back-up when the sh*t really hits the fan.

you seem to take it very seriously and maybe that is not a bad thing. I have encountered AFS members, usually around 20 years old who seem to think they are full time firefighters and it just is not impressive.

Can I say that your average CD volunteer is highly trained in first aid, perhaps to paramedic level?

Is Dublin CD really big enough and organised enough to be effective, if as you say when the **** hits the fan?

are CD search and Rescue units highly trained in things like mountain rescue or in the case of a call out, just another body?

maglite

As a member of a Vol ES, it is a hobby.

Some people need to realize we are essentially playing at this I'm going to have to side with Fuinseog.

Ziycon

maglite wrote: »

As a member of a Vol ES, it is a hobby.

Some people need to realize we are essentially playing at this I'm going to have to side with Fuinseog.

It is a hobby yes but it does need to be taken serious cause when it comes down to it your training for the same job that the first line organisations do.

Fuinseog

maglite wrote: »

As a member of a Vol ES, it is a hobby.

Some people need to realize we are essentially playing at this I'm going to have to side with Fuinseog.

i did not quite say playing. You can learn basic first aid (but most CD volunteers are not really train beyond that or are they?), which is useful.

People join CD for different reasons some to socialise and meet new people, others embark on a fantasy venture.

I have my day job and have no illusions that I am a fully trained fireman. The AFS is good for floods, but are at best only semi trained firemen.

I could be wrong, but Order of Malta and Red Cross would have a higher level of training than casulty.

Fuinseog

Ziycon wrote: »

It is a hobby yes but it does need to be taken serious cause when it comes down to it your training for the same job that the first line organisations do.

just for clarification, when you are training you take it seriously, but some people live CD.Is the training and equipment of Dublin CD really to the same standard as full time ES?

I can cut someone out of the car, but what is the likelihood that I will ever be called upon to do it in real life?

Fuinseog

Fuinseog wrote: »

i did not quite say playing. You can learn basic first aid (but most CD volunteers are not really train beyond that or are they?)

What county have you experience of? Most counties' CD members train as far as EFR level, if not EMT. Back before PHECC everyone trained up to Advanced First Aid level, which had only obstetrics and medications absent from what an EMT has.

But then again some counties go for a specialised service based structure, while the majority allow members to train in all different service topics. (Eg Dublin train units in exclusively one discipline, with little experience of the others, while other county units will train in all disciplines as training needs require)

A Civil Defence county that has the majority of members with only basic first aid in my mind is a poor county.

limericklad87

Deleted User wrote: »

You'll be expected to see blood, guts and death and ignore it while saving lives. If you're on duty you literally have the life of another person in your hands.

i'm sorry now but i think you're getting carried away a bit there. Unless your on duty in the middle of the opening sequence of saving private ryan....

This is no hobby. We are the Reserve Emergency Services. Called in as back-up when the sh*t really hits the fan.

You mean when there is a cold snap and we are required to assist the frontline services, maybe transfer from hospital to hospital or assist in basic call outs.

Speaking from my own experience, (10 yrs in a vol) its great thing to be involved in and a lot of people join for that reason but many others join for the social aspect but let us never think that we are on par with frontline services.

Fuinseog

Deleted User wrote: »

What county have you experience of? Most counties' CD members train as far as EFR level, if not EMT. Back before PHECC everyone trained up to Advanced First Aid level, which had only obstetrics and medications absent from what an EMT has.

But then again some counties go for a specialised service based structure, while the majority allow members to train in all different service topics. (Eg Dublin train units in exclusively one discipline, with little experience of the others, while other county units will train in all disciplines as training needs require)

A Civil Defence county that has the majority of members with only basic first aid in my mind is a poor county.

given that this is Dublin CD thread I am talking about Dublin CD and everyone experiences it differently. I gather there was a recruitment campaign earlier this year, but am not sure if many joined which is odd because with the recession people are dying for something to do, especially if it is free. Part of the problem the length of time it takes for them to get back to you.

CaptainSkidmark

Fuinseog wrote: »

CD is a hobby at the end of the day and should not be taken too seriously. its a bit of craic.

Thats ridiculous, and there is a lot of people that would disagree.

Fuinseog

CaptainSkidmark wrote: »

Thats ridiculous, and there is a lot of people that would disagree.

and there are people who would agree. perhaps you could elaborate on your position?

fuddy1

finally got a phone call from Dublin CD. Gonna go for an interview soon. 74 people were at last recruitment meeting so they have a lot of people to get through. Sounds like they take the recruitment process seriously enough, which i think is a good thing. This is a voluntary/spare time thing but i think you need a certain level of commitment. Event orgnisers like Aviva stadium rely on the CD to be organised and commited. I wont be under any illusions that i'm a front line emergency services member but i dont want to feel like i'm 'playing' either. I'm a nurse and i do really want to use my skills to help. I hope i'm picking the right organisation, time will tell!

iceage

With your skills Fuddy1 I'm sure you will be made very welcome.

Tripp

fuddy1 wrote: »

finally got a phone call from Dublin CD. Gonna go for an interview soon. 74 people were at last recruitment meeting so they have a lot of people to get through. Sounds like they take the recruitment process seriously enough, which i think is a good thing. This is a voluntary/spare time thing but i think you need a certain level of commitment. Event orgnisers like Aviva stadium rely on the CD to be organised and commited. I wont be under any illusions that i'm a front line emergency services member but i dont want to feel like i'm 'playing' either. I'm a nurse and i do really want to use my skills to help. I hope i'm picking the right organisation, time will tell!

Your skills and experience will be very welcome within CD. CD is semi serious and abit of fun. Its a mix of both

47

Fuinseog wrote: »

given that this is Dublin CD thread I am talking about Dublin CD and everyone experiences it differently. I gather there was a recruitment campaign earlier this year, but am not sure if many joined which is odd because with the recession people are dying for something to do, especially if it is free. Part of the problem the length of time it takes for them to get back to you.

Many people turned up to the open evening in late janurary.. at least 120 . a basic first aid course was organised for said 120 people only 13 people finished. now they are all waiting to be sent to various classes around Dublin.

Fuinseog

47 wrote: »

Many people turned up to the open evening in late janurary.. at least 120 . a basic first aid course was organised for said 120 people only 13 people finished. now they are all waiting to be sent to various classes around Dublin.

I wonder why so many people dropped out. I would imagine that basic first aid would be interesting and relevant to most people.

47

Most of the said 120 wanted to go AFS, however, They were informed that the chances of them joining an AFS unit were slim.

Seems to me most people join for the AFS alone and the lucky few who do get posted to AFS units tend too not like it and jack it in. :rolleyes: typical.

fuddy1

Yeah 80% of those at meeting were male and 99% of those wanted AFS. They seem to think it may help them get into DFB, although I dont think they are recruiting due to imbargo. I want Rescue or failing that Casualty so there should be lots of room for me!
CD said at last recruitment they asked the 70 or so people to come along to big exercise with Coast Guard to see what CD is really about but only 12 showed up.

Tripp

fuddy1 wrote: »

Yeah 80% of those at meeting were male and 99% of those wanted AFS. They seem to think it may help them get into DFB, although I dont think they are recruiting due to imbargo. I want Rescue or failing that Casualty so there should be lots of room for me!
CD said at last recruitment they asked the 70 or so people to come along to big exercise with Coast Guard to see what CD is really about but only 12 showed up.

You mean the Joint Exercise in Malahide ? I was there aswell but i wasnt one of the 12. I was part of the exercise with CD Rescue.
How did ya find the Exercise ?

fuddy1

Tripp wrote: »

You mean the Joint Exercise in Malahide ? I was there aswell but i wasnt one of the 12. I was part of the exercise with CD Rescue.
How did ya find the Exercise ?

I wasn't involved in the exercise, they just told us about it at recruitment meeting......they were talking about people from the previous recruitment drive. Yr part of CD rescue? Whats it like? Thats the section i'd like to get involved with.

d3exile

Fuinseog wrote: »

if you have a criminal record you cannot join

Not true. each application is processed individually on it's merits. Someone with a shoplifting conviction from 5 years ago probably wont have any problem but at the same time DCD, as with the full time emergency services, have a duty to ensure that the people they are sending into operational areas or searching for missing kids etc, can be relied upon.

There is no blanket rule regarding convictions, but you must divulge any convictions, and at some stage there is every likelihood there will be Garda Vetting.

Bare in mind a lot of decent people out there may have convictions but could be really useful to CD, at the same time CD volunteers can be left alone with vulnerable people, including the elderly, injured and children and need to be trusted.

DublinRescuer

Fuinseog wrote: »

you seem to take it very seriously and maybe that is not a bad thing. I have encountered AFS members, usually around 20 years old who seem to think they are full time firefighters and it just is not impressive.

Can I say that your average CD volunteer is highly trained in first aid, perhaps to paramedic level?

Is Dublin CD really big enough and organised enough to be effective, if as you say when the **** hits the fan?

are CD search and Rescue units highly trained in things like mountain rescue or in the case of a call out, just another body?

Firstly.. As slacker said, CD isnt just something you do in your spare time.. As a member for many years now i can say it is a way of life.. you are expected to perform at your best as you represent not just the emergency services, but the army too so pay attention or there is no place..

Secondly Afs are there own kettle of fish.. Known as DFB wannabes in my own opinion... as much as there MAY be inter unit rivalry, you have to maintain a level head and be willing to work alongside the other units.. dont treat it as a competition.. learn from eachother to better yourself as an individual and a team.. you will have fun, and enjoy it, as long as you put the effort in to learn it.. one cock up and its not just your bad.. its your teams'..

P.s. Fitness tests?? once again.. afs think of it too much.. the training you are either up for it or your not.. but you need the right mentality..

Ghost

civdef

you are expected to perform at your best as you represent not just the emergency services, but the army too so pay attention or there is no place..

How do you reckon that then?

DublinRescuer

Which part?? the army part??? Because Civil Defence is run by the army (defence forces). Allot of people.. in dublin anyway, the older generation are aware that cd is also (hmmm what wording to use..) alongside the army..

d3exile

DublinRescuer wrote: »

Which part?? the army part??? Because Civil Defence is run by the army (defence forces). Allot of people.. in dublin anyway, the older generation are aware that cd is also (hmmm what wording to use..) alongside the army..

Dunno where on earth you got that from, civil defence is a local authority funded state service, it fell under the army back during d'emergency but has f-a to do with it now...

Headquarters is Roscrea, and funded by local authority civic funds, absolutely nothing to do with the army whatsoever

rallye150flyer

Headquarters is Roscrea, and funded by local authority civic funds, absolutely nothing to do with the army whatsoever

that is wrong civil defence is also overseen by the dept of defence,
The Civil Defence Board was established by Order of the Minister for Defence in May 2003, when the Board took over the responsibility of managing and developing the Civil Defence organisation at national level from the Department of Defence. this has however changed again and the dept has taken responsibility again

d3exile

rallye150flyer wrote: »

Headquarters is Roscrea, and funded by local authority civic funds, absolutely nothing to do with the army whatsoever

that is wrong civil defence is also overseen by the dept of defence,
The Civil Defence Board was established by Order of the Minister for Defence in May 2003, when the Board took over the responsibility of managing and developing the Civil Defence organisation at national level from the Department of Defence. this has however changed again and the dept has taken responsibility again

It's not lads, contact your local CDO or city manager etc for clarification... If anything they're making moves to put it under the Dept of the Environment...

The word defence doesn't automatically mean army. Nor does Dept of Defence. The role of Civil Defence has nothing whatsoever to do with the PDF, RDF or anything like that

civdef

Because Civil Defence is run by the army (defence forces). Allot of people.. in dublin anyway, the older generation are aware that cd is also (hmmm what wording to use..) alongside the army..

The Department of Defence and the Army are not one and the same. CD has nothing to do with the army or the defence forces. It's not run by the army, alongside the army or anything else of that nature.

I have to wonder at how little some members seem to know about their own organisation. I say this as one of the "older generation" of CD members, as you put it.

kilburn

The CD is going back into the department of defence if you read the CDs own website you will see that

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056327463

Fuinseog

DublinRescuer wrote: »

Which part?? the army part??? Because Civil Defence is run by the army (defence forces). Allot of people.. in dublin anyway, the older generation are aware that cd is also (hmmm what wording to use..) alongside the army..

CD used to be part of the Dept of Defence and the CDO used to be ex army, but this is no longer the case.
I have never had contact with the army through the CD.

civdef

The CD is going back into the department of defence if you read the CDs own website you will see that

Yes indeed, I'm aware of this and have been for some time.

The key point here is that being under the remit of the DoD (and CD always was, even when the board was in place - incidentally, the board will be around for another year or so, until the new CD bill goes through the oireachtas) in no way means that CD is part of the army, defence forces, or anything of the sort.

DublinRescuer

lads im positive the defence forces are taking care of cd.. it was always the case but they left the board in charge to take care of nitter natter... the act was put in place again to have the defence force take care o it again.. note why people arent sure of the cd role now arising into cd duties and also dublin cdo is due up soon and people arent sure whether the forces will put an ex-army officer in place or if the role be advertised to be filled by another person.. check with the unnofficial cd site for the admin to clear it up.. but to my awareness this is the case..

They do also part fund cd..

DublinRescuer

Arent defence forces the army?? to my knowledge i thought they were??

d3exile

DublinRescuer wrote: »

lads im positive the defence forces are taking care of cd.. it was always the case but they left the board in charge to take care of nitter natter... the act was put in place again to have the defence force take care o it again.. note why people arent sure of the cd role now arising into cd duties and also dublin cdo is due up soon and people arent sure whether the forces will put an ex-army officer in place or if the role be advertised to be filled by another person.. check with the unnofficial cd site for the admin to clear it up.. but to my awareness this is the case..

They do also part fund cd..

Good stuff... Check an unofficial site to get facts

The CDO role in Dublin was filled by ex defence forces staff true but EX defence forces hardly means it's under the remit of the army. Someone can retire from the Gardai and get a job in insurance or similar it does not mean the Gardai are running the insurance company...

It's not under the army, in the army, part of the army or beside the army. Please move on from that fact

Check out www.civildefence.ie (that's an official site btw) which will clarify that it used to be under the remit of the DoD (not army) but was placed under it's own board of governance for all decisions, not just "nitter natter"

I don't see why the Irish army of all organisations should be thought of being in charge of an organisation that actually does a job...

DublinRescuer

Man, i really think you are getting the facts wrong.. the unofficial site has way more activity than the OFFICIAL FORUM, and the unofficial site members are cd vols and officers so if you are looking for answers, why not go there, its likely to be answered by officers who actually know what they're talking about...

With regards ex garda being in insurance not being run by the gards, these are two complete different examples, the facts are, because cd was under dod, the forces placed the acdo there, they have that authority because they have the control... Are you even a member of cd?? because these facts you are bringing up dont even equate.. seriously like.. Ps saying because its an unofficial site it doesn have to mean whats said is wrong.. boards.ie isnt official yet you are on this to check info.. if you want a question on insurance (hint hint) you would go on this to get it checked, to see what the members say.. your argument is weak (in my opinion)

civdef

Dublinrescuer, I'm a CD instructor / vol officer etc etc.

Trust me the army or defence ofrces aren't involved in any way shape or form.

End of.

DublinRescuer

Hmmm apparently im mistaken so.. sorry lads... lol

limericklad87

DublinRescuer wrote: »

you are expected to perform at your best as you represent not just the emergency services, but the army too

ok so the army comment is explained but how can you say that CD represents the emergency services. I'm sure they wouldn't see it in the same light

DublinRescuer

God end my pain lol.. The cd to the emergency services is their backup... we are a valued service and known ... we represent the emergency services when out on duty and on call... simple as

Thepredator

DublinRescuer wrote: »

God end my pain lol.. The cd to the emergency services is their backup... we are a valued service and known ... we represent the emergency services when out on duty and on call... simple as

You represent the organisation, you are VOLUNTEERING with not the emergency services.
Im sorry but it's that kind of attitude that often portrays the vols in a bad way with frontline staff.

miju

d3exile wrote: »

Check out www.civildefence.ie (that's an official site btw) which will clarify that it used to be under the remit of the DoD (not army) but was placed under it's own board of governance for all decisions, not just "nitter natter"

I don't see why the Irish army of all organisations should be thought of being in charge of an organisation that actually does a job...

feel free to correct me here but didnt Alan Shatter announce in July that the CD was now under the Dept of Defence again and thus dissolved the old board and created a new one pretty much filled with DOD staff?

DublinRescuer wrote: »

God end my pain lol.. The cd to the emergency services is their backup... we are a valued service and known ... we represent the emergency services when out on duty and on call... simple as

indeed the CD as does IRC, OMAC & St Johns. While the former are statutory the latter are also mobilised just as much.

civdef

The old board was at the end of its term, and was being changed anyway. The current board will be in place until legislation passes to repeal the necessary parts of the Civil Defence Act (around a year apparently). I will be very surprised if the new DoD arrangements do not include some form of consultative committee with the volunteers, CDOs and external agencies like the board did.

The new board is made up of the same categories of people as previous ones, the DoD always had representation on the Board. Even with the Board in place, the DoD retained responsibilty for and oversight over CD all along.

Going by the names of the new board, some of the new DoD nominees were involved with CD as instructors in the past, so in many ways would be more suitable that some previous nominees who had no other involvement with CD.

limericklad87

Thepredator wrote: »

You represent the organisation, you are VOLUNTEERING with not the emergency services.
Im sorry but it's that kind of attitude that often portrays the vols in a bad way with frontline staff.

+1

Thought i'd give him a shot at digging up.....unfortunately not


ps just wondeing how often is CD in dublin 'on call representing the frontline services'. Are you referring to being on duty?

Fuinseog

limericklad87 wrote: »

+1

Thought i'd give him a shot at digging up.....unfortunately not


ps just wondeing how often is CD in dublin 'on call representing the frontline services'. Are you referring to being on duty?

yes. some people get carried away with the whole thing. I believe Pat short parodied it with his CD sketch.
I have been on frontline duty with the emergency services doing a job, that a monkey could do. I was given orders to do one thing, while security and the guards, with whom I was directly working, were doing the opposite. apparently everyone was given a different briefing but supposed to be working together.

Dave!

Are the CD having another recruitment drive soon?

Like so many others, I want to join the DFB when they start recruiting again, so was hoping the AFS would be good experience for that!

However if the AFS is impossible to get into then I'm open to doing other stuff.

Where do I apply?

Thanks