SES and RFS joint training keeps volunteers’ skills sharp

VOLUNTEER emergency services personnel gathered for a joint training exercise held at Booral Rural Fire Service (RFS) station on Tuesday 30 September for a training exercise.

Stroud SES volunteers were joined by Booral and Girvan RFS Brigade volunteer members to tackle an overturned motor vehicle wreck, using real-time practices and co-ordination.

“Practical learning experiences get members on the tools to see what really happens, and twice a year Stroud SES gets together with other RFS brigades to practice,” Stroud SES Deputy Commander Greg Snape told News Of The Area.

“This is to allow you to use the skills and equipment that you already have,” Greg told the attendees.

“The best exercises are taken from experiences you’ve had and worked out [in] a better way.”

“Generally, the RFS is first on-site as there are more Brigades in the area than SES units, the SES then arrives and gets briefed by RFS with sitrep and radio calls,” Greg explained.

“The police are actually in charge of an accident scene, unless there is a fire, while SES performs rescues for the police, [also] unless there is a fire, which is handed to the RFS or Fire and Rescue.”

“Ambos are often already inside the wreck attempting to save lives, so SES will help them do their job, such as cutting into the car, [removing] obstacles to egress, help get them out, and avoid surprises by calling clear situational awareness indicators.”

The training focused on safety and the quick recognition of live power lines.

Crews kept an eight-metre distance until Essential Energy confirmed the area was safe.

SES and RFS volunteers ran a night-time crash rescue drill and completed the operation in 21.5 minutes.

Volunteers practised teamwork, tool use and safety procedures like a real emergency.

Each responder took responsibility for their own safety and only carried out tasks they were trained to do.

The teams are now seeking vehicle donations for future training exercises.

By Thomas O’KEEFE