NSW triumphs in national SES rescue challenge
23rd September 2009Ministerial media release
New South Wales has again defeated rescue crews from around Australia to score its fourth consecutive triumph in the prestigious State Emergency Service National Disaster Rescue Competition.
Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan today congratulated the team of six volunteers from the Waverley-Woollahra SES Unit who represented NSW in the biennial championships.
"This fourth victory for NSW confirms yet again the expertise and experience of our SES volunteers, particularly their high standards of training and equipment and their dedication to serving the community," he said.
"SES rescue crews work hard to continually hone their skills to ensure people trapped in perilous situations can be rapidly, efficiently and safely freed.
"Congratulations to the SES team: Paul McQueen (Team Leader), Lisa Taylor (Deputy Team Leader), Sean Askew, Ann Bartimote, Jost Preis and Allister Bevege."
NSW beat off determined challenges from seven other rescue crews in the gruelling two-day competition, which was staged at the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy in Brisbane.
Competitors were faced with seven realistic rescue scenarios designed to test their skills in Urban Search and Rescue, rescue from heights, lifting and stabilising, first aid, improvised techniques, shoring and mass casualty situations.
Scenarios included releasing a casualty trapped under water, a simulated boat explosion and the rescue of disabled patients from a simulated bus incident.
Mr Whan said the NSW team also had won the National Education and Training Committee's award for displaying the highest standard of team leadership.
SES Commissioner Murray Kear commended the volunteers not only for their victory but also their commitment to helping save people trapped in dangerous and sometimes life-threatening situations.
"I'm proud of the dedication and expertise our team displayed in the competition and of all our SES rescue crews for their ongoing skill and commitment to their vital role."
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