EnviroMatters-Aut-Win-2021_WEB

Teamwork that saves lives in our natural areas

It takes physical and mental fortitude to rescue someone from remote or rugged terrain. Thankfully Ipswich has volunteers in the State Emergency Service (SES) who are trained and ready to assist this difficult task. Ipswich Local Controller Emilea Salonen said two of Ipswich’s most popular hiking destinations – Flinders Peak and White Rock – provided the most frequent calls for extraction. The SES work with agencies such as Police or Ambulance in finding bushwalkers. It can be a challenging task, with volunteers needing the physical ability to cover difficult terrain while potentially carrying a stretcher and patient, first aid kit and other supplies.

“Aside from being physically able to do the task, we need members to be mentally prepared to face the task, and to work well as a team,” Ms Salonen said. “All the technical training in the world would be pointless without a team that is willing and able to work together for a common goal. In the SES, it all starts and ends with team work. “Training for an extraction can be quite intensive. Skills we need in these situations can include land search principles, maps and navigation, first aid, communications and even four wheel drive training.” For SES assistance call 132 500 – but remember to call 000 first in a life-threatening emergency.

Top tip for bushwalking safely – be prepared: � Research your trails and expected hike times � Ensure someone knows where you are and your expected return time � Take sufficient water and food

� Take a first aid kit � Check the weather before you go out � Have some way to stay in contact � Stay on the tracks.

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