Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters, specialising in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), have taken part in a major global exercise testing their preparedness to respond to a catastrophic earthquake.
The Asia Pacific Earthquake Response Exercise (APERE), held in Brisbane this week, has involved a mock scenario in which a severe earthquake causes significant loss of life and collapsed buildings.
Australia's preparedness for a disaster
Experts have been evaluating Australia's preparedness for a disaster of this scale and severity
FRNSW crews, alongside their frontline partners from across Australia and 30 other countries, responded to the tabletop exercise as if it was the 'real deal'.
Experts have been evaluating Australia's preparedness for a disaster of this scale and severity, and identifying lessons which will strengthen national coordination and set the path for continuous improvement.
FRNSW representatives
APERE was jointly hosted by the National Emergency Management Agency, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue NSW, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The FRNSW representatives at this event also formed part of Australia's USAR team, which responded to earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria earlier this year.
important for emergency services
FRNSW and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) are constantly ready to respond to disasters
FRNSW and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) are constantly ready to respond to disasters, such as earthquakes, as members of the United Nations' International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).
NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said it was important for emergency services involved in this exercise to prepare for disasters.
International experts in Brisbane
“Preparedness for any natural disaster is key, and simulation exercises like this will help us better plan a response in the event of an earthquake, particularly in terms of inter-jurisdictional cooperation."
“Having international experts here in Brisbane will give us the global insights to be better prepared. I’m proud of the role Fire and Rescue NSW is playing in this exercise.”
Skilled and experienced USAR experts
Megan Stiffler, said the professionalism of the firefighters was shining through at the event
FRNSW Deputy Commissioner - Strategic Capability, Megan Stiffler, said the professionalism of the firefighters was shining through at the event. "We have among the world's most highly skilled and experienced USAR experts, and training exercises like this one ensure we maintain our readiness to respond in times of disaster."
"FRNSW experts are also able to share our experiences and knowledge with our Asia-Pacific partner agencies as they develop their capabilities to respond to humanitarian and natural disasters."
Invaluable experience
FRNSW Station Officer Scott Hanley is among those taking part in the exercise and says it has been an invaluable experience for all involved.
"This event helps us ensure that we're not only ready to respond when incidents happen, but to also grow relationships, ensure all teams can work effectively together, and share knowledge," Station Officer Hanley said.
"While this earthquake is not visually right in front of us, all the processes, forms and information flow are the same as what we had to navigate in Türkiye, bringing a sense of realism to this event."
