SES Rescue Training
Meetings are held every Tuesday at 7pm, at the SES
headquarters opposite the Hay Gun Club. Anyone
interested in joining the organisation is most welcome to
attend a meeting to find out more.
In the scorching January heat, local SES (State
Emergency Service) volunteers participated in Rescue
Operations (PIRO) training. Volunteer Trainers from
Griffith, The Rock, Wagga and Hay, demonstrated
preparation and use of rescue equipment, discussed risk
assessment and guided members through the rescue of a
trapped casualty and an injured person fallen down a cliff;
completing their PIRO training. A further 3 day training
session over the January long weekend sees the
completion of the requirements to become State Rescue
operators. participants will have their final assessment on
the 9th February in Hay.
It was " full on over the past 2 days from 8.30am till
6.00pm. We even had one of our Hay members come up
both days to cook us a well deserved BBQ. Thank you
must go to all involved, there is a lot of behind the scenes
work that goes into these weekends. If it means that we
now have the skills to help people, when the help is
needed then it's been well worth it." said Di Congdon at
the end of the weekend.
Cheryl Marmont had family commitments over the training
weekend but still found time to cook a BBQ lunch for
volunteer trainees. Shane McLachlan (Region Learning
and Development Officer) travelled from Wagga to train
volunteers in PIRO. In the background Graham Matthews
has returned to Hay SES to help further the training of new
members.
There are many roles that an NSW SES volunteer can
participate in, regardless of age, gender or ability.
Volunteers are trained in many aspects of rescue including
first aid, road crash rescue, vertical rescue, and storm
damage operations and flood rescue operations. Non
operational duties include radio and communications,
administration, computer duties, cleaning and
maintenance and catering. There is a role for everyone
within the organisation.
Anthony Hatch and Brad Palmer (Griffith) , trainers
explaining and demonstrating rescue equipment to Neville
Reid and Barry Scott.
"There is a commitment to training and updating
skills as well as practicing those already gained, but
the friendships that are forged through fellow
volunteers can make this easy. You also receive
nationally accredited competencies as the NSW SES
is a Registered Training Organisation.” From: http://
www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteering/
Called to a training rescue, SES member evaluate the
situation and decide on a course of action.
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