RESCUE operators from across the north west region of the state have recently completed a workshop and assessment in 'Industrial and Domestic Rescue' operations and ‘Urban Search and Rescue’ operations.
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All NSW rescue operators, registered with the State Rescue Board, have to undertake these new units of competency which cover a broad range of topics, to ensure that are up to date with best practice and familiar with new equipment and techniques.
A variety of rescue situations were covered in the training including fingers stuck in rings, bearings, bathroom plugs and toys; providing access into domestic dwellings for Ambulance Paramedics; persons trapped in lifts or toes or shoes caught in an escalator; industrial rescue situations and persons trapped in agricultural machinery.
Rescue operators from Glen Innes, Deepwater, Moree and Bingara had to sit a written exam and then demonstrate releasing a person impaled on an iron reinforcing (REO) bar; releasing a person with their hand drawn into industrial rollers and extricating a person who has had their arm pulled into a rotating auger.
Glen Innes SES Unit Deputy Controller Sarah White congratulated the local operators for taking part and passing their assessment.
“These new skills will help us keep our community safer and in turn make sure we are safe in the process”, she said.
“Having the opportunity to host this workshop for our North West colleagues also shows that the Glen Innes SES unit has indeed something to offer.
“The facilities we have here in Glen Innes and the fun we now have in training has caused a membership influx, but we can always do with more members.”
Ms White said NSW SES provides basic training upon joining and further training in all specialised roles.
“All the training is nationally recognised as the NSW SES is a Registered Training Organisation, so qualifications are transferrable to employers,” she said.
“You do not have to be a rescue operator like the members who did the training on the weekend and you can choose to do any or all including administration, planning, training, community engagement, response and rescue operations, communications, logistics, media and other support roles.
“Opportunities exist for people from diverse backgrounds and abilities, you can do as much or as little as you want, we have a role for everyone in the SES.”
For more information on volunteering phone the membership hot line on 1800 201 000.
