Exercise proves valuable for emergency personnel

In all aspects of life, the more we rehearse our responses and roles, the better prepared we will be to act when a real emergency arises, according to Capel shire emergency and ranger services manager Dean'''''' Freeman.

In order to prepare for an emergency, Capel Shire Council staff and emergency services volunteers conducted an exercise on Friday to prepare for a real life incident.

Forty-five volunteers and 20 council staff took part in a scenario involving casualties in a crash between a car and a truck carrying hazardous chemicals.

The simulated crash involved a bushfire and required the injured people to be attended to.

Council emergency and ranger services manager Dean'''''' Freeman said the four casualties sustained a variety of injuries to test the way emergency services identified and responded to the injuries.

“During a real emergency, it is essential that both the responding agencies and local government are well prepared to fill their roles,” Mr Freeman said.

“The exercise also provided an opportunity to look at local incident management structures, communication between the various agencies, as well as communication and welfare support by the shire staff.”

He said it was important local government staff were equipped and able to handle a coordinated response to protect the community.

The exercise also tested emergency services workers’ time management skills and highlighted areas for improvement, Mr Freeman said.

More photos from the emergency exercise: