FIREFIGHTERS were confronted with a two-bus crash that caused a rollover and multiple casualties in the one of the largest multi-agency simulations to date.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews played a leading role in the exercise at Lake Macquarie, designed to help firefighters and other first responders fine tune their capabilities in emergency vehicle rescues.
The training exercises are invaluable to emergency services personnel, FRNSW chief superintendent Terrence Farley said.
"When our crews respond to real-life incidents involving buses, they immediately know what to do," he said.
"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."
Building on previous scenarios, the exercise saw agencies working together to foster skill-sharing and efficiencies in a realistic environment.
The simulated bus rollover was staged at bus company CDC NSW's Edgeworth depot at the weekend.
Responders were taught the most efficient methods to cut open access points on the overturned bus using hydraulic cutting equipment.
NW Rural Fire Service volunteers acted as injured commuters and dummies were placed in the wreckage as additional casualties.
The details of the simulated emergency were kept from first responders until they arrived on scene to maintain a realistic environment.
CDC NSW chief executive David Mead said the company was pleased to provide buses for the exercises as well as access to their depot.
"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," he said.
Firefighters from Morisset, Toronto and Lambton worked alongside NSW Ambulance paramedics, aero-medical paramedics, a NSW Police Rescue crew and VRA Rescue NSW.
