Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have played a pioneering role in a multi-agency bus crash exercise at Lake Macquarie.
Building on previous scenarios, this exercise was the largest to date involving more agencies and organizations working together to foster skill-sharing and efficiencies in a realistic environment.
Firefighters and first responders
The simulated bus rollover was staged at the Edgeworth depot of bus company, CDC NSW, to allow firefighters and other first responders to fine tune their capabilities in emergency vehicle rescues. According to the weekend mock scenario, two busses collided with two cars causing a rollover with multiple casualties.
Firefighters from Morisset, Toronto, and Lambton, working alongside NSW Ambulance paramedics, NSW Ambulance Aero Medical paramedics, a NSW Police Rescue crew, and VRA Rescue NSW, were taught the most efficient methods to cut open access points on the overturned bus, using hydraulic cutting equipment.
NSW Rural Fire Service
NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers acted as injured commuters and dummies were placed in the wreckage
NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers acted as injured commuters and dummies were placed in the wreckage as additional casualties.
Exercise co-ordinators kept the details of the simulated emergency from the first responders, until they arrived on scene, to maintain a realistic environment. FRNSW Chief Superintendent, Terrence Farley, said these types of training exercises are invaluable for emergency services personnel.
Other’s operating procedures
“When our crews respond to real-life incidents involving buses, they immediately know what to do,” said Chief Superintendent - Terrence Farley.
He adds, “Training side-by-side with ambulance and police crews provides the opportunity to better understand each other’s operating procedures, communications and equipment. It allows crews to formulate plans and work collaboratively to provide positive outcomes for potential patients.”
Skills in a realistic environment
CDC NSW CEO, David Mead, said the company was pleased to provide buses for the exercises, as well as access to their depot.
He adds, “This training is extremely valuable for first responders, and CDC NSW is happy to support FRNSW, to enhance and share skills in a realistic environment.”
