4 x 4 driving is a sport that is considered to be exhilarating and adventurous. Many use it as a way to blow off steam or as a way to show off their skills.
For the Randfontein Fire Department, though, being a 4 x 4 driver could mean saving lives in emergency situations. This is why Selby Madlopha, senior fireman spends some of his time on duty giving 4 x 4 vehicle training to fellow firemen.
Once every two years Selby recruits enthusiastic firemen from fire departments across the West Rand for the 4 x 4 enrichment program.
On Thursday, 14 July, Selby climbed into the Fire Departments’ 4 x 4 Land Cruiser and drove to the Droogheuwel 4 x 4 track. Three of his men, one who had yet to drive the course, joined him.
The Land Cruiser is usually used to assist in veld fires, because the larger fire truck cannot manage the tough terrain. The 4 x 4 vehicle is able to assist in any off-road or difficult-to-reach emergency call-outs.
During his short training programme, Selby teaches his fellow firemen which gear to use in different types of terrain. He explains that the worst thing a driver can do while driving up a hill or into a mud puddle is to step on the clutch. “When you drive off-road, stepping on the clutch can make the vehicle slip or make its rear end swerve from side to side,” Selby said.
He also teaches them different techniques for manoeuvering through deep pools of mud without getting stuck. The Land Cruiser is equipped with a diff lock, anti-slip tyres and controlled acceleration, all aimed at preventing the vehicle from sinking into the mud. “During an emergency call-out, we cannot afford to get stuck or experience a vehicle breakdown.” Selby points out. “In an emergency, every second can feel like an hour if help is not received.”
Selby said he also teaches his colleagues how to control the vehicle while ascending or descending a steep hill. “When a driver is not able to reach the top of an ascending hill, he cannot stop in the middle, change gears and retry. He needs to do a controlled descent in reverse gear, and try to ascend from a distance again.”
Firemen who have already undergone the 4 x 4 emergency training, use the training time to review their skills. Mashaba Malatji, a fireman who completed the program two years ago, did his skill review training on this day. He completed the course within an hour and because of his excellent show of skills will receive a certificate to prove he is trained as a 4 x 4 emergency rescue driver.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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