Greg Leach

In this episode, we talk to Greg Leach. The interview was recorded in November 2019 just prior to Greg taking up his new post as Commissioner of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. Greg has worked in emergency management for over 33 years. He commenced his career with the Country Fire Authority and then moved to Ambulance Victoria and most recently served with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Ask questions or share your feedback  Comment on the show notes Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome) Visit the contact page  Connect with me  Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Android Join the Facebook Page

<p>In this episode, we talk to Greg Leach. The interview was recorded in November 2019 just prior to Greg taking up his new post as Commissioner of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.</p> <p>Greg has worked in emergency management for over 33 years. He commenced his career with the Country Fire Authority and then moved to Ambulance Victoria and most recently served with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.</p> <h3>Ask questions or share your feedback</h3> <ul> <li>Comment on the show notes</li> <li>Email <a href="mailto:feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com">feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com</a> (audio files welcome)</li> <li>Visit the <a href="https://emergencymanagementpodcast.com/contact/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">contact page</a></li> </ul> <h3>Connect with me</h3> <ul> <li>Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-emergency-management-podcast/id1331153195?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or Android</li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/emergencymanagementpodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join the Facebook Page</a></li></ul>

Commissioner Greg Leach QFES

David Baker

In this episode of the Emergency Management Podcast, we interview Deputy Chief Officer David Baker from the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES). The VICSES  is the control agency for flood, storm, tsunami earthquake and landslide in Victoria (Australia).  In this episode, we discuss: What do SES volunteers do? The volunteers at VICSES have a range of emergency management responsibilities. Volunteers respond to natural disasters including:  flood, storm, earthquake, tsunami and landslide.  SES volunteers also provide road rescue services. VICSES also assist the Victoria Police in search and rescue operations. Are all SES volunteers? In 2018 VICSES  had approximately:  3,547 Operational volunteers 910 Support Volunteers 80 Permanent operational staff 120 Permanent support staff  VicSES Values In 2017, VICSES started a process to define its values. VICSES values include:  We pride ourselves on our credibility We are part of our community Safety drives our decisions Focused and adaptable Together we are VICSES  VICSES Operational Capability Strategy The aim of the Operational Capability Strategy is to explain both the rationale and the underpinning principles for the development and maintenance of operational capability of VICSES.  Emergency Services Infrastructure Authority The aim of the Emergency Services Infrastructure Authority (ESIA) is to improve the delivery of emergency services infrastructure in Victoria. Currently, ESIA is delivering infrastructure for the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), and Life Saving Victoria (LSV) built infrastructure projects and Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) sector vessels. We work as one The ethos of “We work as one” is a shared goal identified by Emergency Management Victoria. “We work as one” places a priority on both government and agencies working together cooperatively to enable a flexible and networked response that supports the community. The best piece of advice Mark Crosweller, AFSM – “‘imagine the unimaginable’ and act accordingly” – Improving our capability to better plan for, respond to, and recover from severe-to-catastrophic level disasters by Mark Crosweller   Richard de Crespigny (Captain of QF32) – At the beginning of the Singapore/Sydney leg of flight QF32, one of four engines exploded. The damage to the aircraft was extensive.   What is the SES phone number in Victoria? For emergencies how do you call SES? In Victoria, you can call 132 500 for flood, storm, tsunami and earthquake emergency. For life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000). Victoria Head Office 168 Sturt StreetSouthbank, Victoria 3006 Phone: (03) 9256 9000International: +613 9256 9000 Ask questions or share your feedback  Comment on the show notes Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome) Visit the contact page  Connect with me    Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Android Join the Facebook Page   

<p>In this episode of the Emergency Management Podcast, we interview Deputy Chief Officer David Baker from the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES). The VICSES  is the control agency for flood, storm, tsunami earthquake and landslide in Victoria (Australia).</p> <p></p> <h3>In this episode, we discuss:</h3> <h4>What do SES volunteers do?</h4> <p>The volunteers at VICSES have a range of emergency management responsibilities. Volunteers respond to natural disasters including:</p> <ul> <li>flood,</li> <li>storm,</li> <li>earthquake,</li> <li>tsunami and</li> <li>landslide.</li> </ul> <p>SES volunteers also provide road rescue services.</p> <p>VICSES also assist the Victoria Police in search and rescue operations.</p> <h4>Are all SES volunteers?</h4> <p>In 2018 VICSES  had approximately:</p> <ul> <li>3,547 Operational volunteers</li> <li>910 Support Volunteers</li> <li>80 Permanent operational staff</li> <li>120 Permanent support staff</li> </ul> <h4>VicSES Values</h4> <p>In 2017, VICSES started a process to define its values. <a href="https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/-/introducing-our-new-values" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">VICSES values</a> include:</p> <ul> <li>We pride ourselves on our credibility</li> <li>We are part of our community</li> <li>Safety drives our decisions</li> <li>Focused and adaptable</li> <li>Together we are VICSES</li> </ul> <h4>VICSES Operational Capability Strategy</h4> <p>The aim of the <a href="https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/documents/112015/137179/VICSES%20-%20Operational%20Capability%20Strategy%202017-2022.pdf/02716447-6b9f-3cd6-951b-4dc1e817a284" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Operational Capability Strategy</a> is to explain both the rationale and the underpinning principles for the development and maintenance of operational capability of VICSES. </p> <h4>Emergency Services Infrastructure Authority</h4> <p>The aim of the <a href="https://esia.vic.gov.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Emergency Services Infrastructure Authority (</a>ESIA) is to improve the delivery of emergency services infrastructure in Victoria. Currently, <a href="https://esia.vic.gov.au/infrastructure-projects/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">ESIA is delivering infrastructure for the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES)</a>, and Life Saving Victoria (LSV) built infrastructure projects and Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) sector vessels.</p> <h4>We work as one</h4> <p>The ethos of “We work as one” is a shared goal identified by Emergency Management Victoria. “We work as one” places a priority on both government and agencies working together cooperatively to enable a flexible and networked response that supports the community.</p> <h4>The best piece of advice</h4> <p>Mark Crosweller, AFSM – “‘imagine the unimaginable’ and act accordingly” – <a href="https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/ajem-oct-2015-improving-our-capability-to-better-plan-for-respond-to-and-recover-from-severe-to-catastrophic-level-disasters/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Improving our capability to better plan for, respond to, and recover from severe-to-catastrophic level disasters</a> by Mark Crosweller</p> <p> </p> <p>Richard de Crespigny (Captain of QF32) – At the beginning of the Singapore/Sydney leg of flight QF32, one of four engines exploded. The damage to the aircraft was extensive.</p> <h3> </h3> <h3>What is the SES phone number in Victoria?</h3> <h4>For emergencies how do you call SES?</h4> <p>In Victoria, you can call <strong>132 500</strong> for flood, storm, tsunami and earthquake emergency.</p> <p>For life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (<strong>000</strong>).</p> <h4>Victoria Head Office</h4> <p>168 Sturt Street<br/>Southbank, Victoria 3006</p> <p>Phone: (03) 9256 9000<br/>International: +613 9256 9000</p> <h3>Ask questions or share your feedback</h3> <ul> <li>Comment on the show notes</li> <li>Email <a href="mailto:feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com">feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com</a> (audio files welcome)</li> <li>Visit the <a href="https://emergencymanagementpodcast.com/contact/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">contact page</a></li> </ul> <h3>Connect with me</h3> <ul> <li> <ul> <li>Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-emergency-management-podcast/id1331153195?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or Android</li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/emergencymanagementpodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join the Facebook Page</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul>

Victoria State Emergency Service – David Baker

Andrew Smith

In this episode of the Emergency Management Podcast, we discuss burn injury prevention with Senior Station Officer Andrew Smith from the Country Fire Authority, located in Victoria, Australia. Here are some links that you might like to read for further information:  The Royal Children’s Hospital – Guideline – Burns/management of burn wounds Trauma Victoria – Paediatric Burns Sub Guideline Alfred Hospital – Burns Management Guidelines     Ask questions or share your feedback  Comment on the show notes Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome) Visit the contact page  Connect with me  Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Android Join the Facebook Page

<p>In this episode of the Emergency Management Podcast, we discuss burn injury prevention with Senior Station Officer Andrew Smith from the Country Fire Authority, located in Victoria, Australia.</p> <h3>Here are some links that you might like to read for further information:</h3> <ul> <li>The Royal Children’s Hospital – Guideline – <a href="https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/Burns/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burns/management of burn wounds</a></li> <li>Trauma Victoria – <a href="http://trauma.reach.vic.gov.au/guidelines/paediatric-trauma/paediatric-burns-sub-guideline#overview" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paediatric Burns Sub Guideline</a></li> <li>Alfred Hospital – <a href="https://www.vicburns.org.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Burns Management Guidelines</a></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p></p> <h3>Ask questions or share your feedback</h3> <ul> <li>Comment on the show notes</li> <li>Email <a href="mailto:feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com">feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com</a> (audio files welcome)</li> <li>Visit the <a href="https://emergencymanagementpodcast.com/contact/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">contact page</a></li> </ul> <h3>Connect with me</h3> <ul> <li>Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-emergency-management-podcast/id1331153195?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or Android</li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/emergencymanagementpodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join the Facebook Page</a></li></ul>

Burn Injury Prevention – Andrew Smith

Brian Keenum

What does the American Red Cross do with data? What does the American Red Cross do with data? The answer is plenty. Indeed, data driven decision making informs their entire approach to managing emergencies. In this episode, we talk with Senior Director of Business Infrastructure for the American Red Cross Brian Keenum, who recently provided the keynote address at the Australian Esri User Conference. During our conversation, Brian shares his organisation’s experience using world-class technology to enable more accurate, safe and effective decision making in the face of a crisis.Senior Director of Business Infrastructure for the American Red Cross Brian KeenumData-Driven Decision Making Software Data-driven decision making involves making decisions that are backed by verifiable facts rather than making decisions that are intuitive or based on observation alone. The American Red Cross uses data-driven software to boost effective emergency management across the spectrum of prevention, response and recovery. RC View During the interview, Brian discusses RC View which is a custom-made application that uses that uses Esri’s GIS technology. RC View informs the way that Red Cross responds to emergencies by:  Providing the organisation’s volunteers and staff with real-time situational awareness Identifying and understanding the potential impact a crisis may bring Helping to inform who will be affected the worst Guiding the way that Red Cross should respond Providing the ability for Red Cross to focus their resources in real-time  RC View brings together Federal, State and local data sources into one dynamic picture that informs the decisions and actions of the Red Cross workforce. RC View has improved the efficiency of workflow during large-scale national disaster relief operations, as well as everyday response to house fires and preparedness efforts within communities.  Here are some links that you might like to read/watch for further information:  Read The GIS solution that’s changing traditional emergency response and recovery – Mark Wallace Manager, Business Development (QLD, NT &amp; PNG)– Esri Australia, Brisbane Read A business case for agency interoperability during large-scale crises Mark Wallace Manager, Business Development (QLD, NT &amp; PNG)– Esri Australia, Brisbane Read A best-practice open data framework – Mark Wallace Manager, Business Development (QLD, NT &amp; PNG)– Esri Australia, Brisbane Watch American Red Cross – Connecting and Helping Volunteers, Partners and Citizens in Need    Ask questions or share your feedback  Comment on the show notes Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome) Visit the contact page  Connect with me  Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Android Join the Facebook Page

<h3>What does the American Red Cross do with data?</h3> <p>What does the American Red Cross do with data? The answer is plenty. Indeed, data driven decision making informs their entire approach to managing emergencies.</p> <p>In this episode, we talk with Senior Director of Business Infrastructure for the American Red Cross Brian Keenum, who recently provided the keynote address at the Australian Esri User Conference. During our conversation, Brian shares his organisation’s experience using world-class technology to enable more accurate, safe and effective decision making in the face of a crisis.</p>Senior Director of Business Infrastructure for the American Red Cross Brian Keenum<br><h3>Data-Driven Decision Making Software</h3> <p>Data-driven decision making involves making decisions that are backed by verifiable facts rather than making decisions that are intuitive or based on observation alone.</p> <p>The American Red Cross uses data-driven software to boost effective emergency management across the spectrum of prevention, response and recovery.</p> <h3>RC View</h3> <p>During the interview, Brian discusses RC View which is a custom-made application that uses that uses Esri’s GIS technology.</p> <p>RC View informs the way that Red Cross responds to emergencies by:</p> <ul> <li>Providing the organisation’s volunteers and staff with real-time situational awareness</li> <li>Identifying and understanding the potential impact a crisis may bring</li> <li>Helping to inform who will be affected the worst</li> <li>Guiding the way that Red Cross should respond</li> <li>Providing the ability for Red Cross to focus their resources in real-time</li> </ul> <p>RC View brings together Federal, State and local data sources into one dynamic picture that informs the decisions and actions of the Red Cross workforce. RC View has improved the efficiency of workflow during large-scale national disaster relief operations, as well as everyday response to house fires and preparedness efforts within communities.</p> <p></p> <h3>Here are some links that you might like to read/watch for further information:</h3> <ul> <li>Read <a href="https://esriaustralia.com.au/esri-australia-blog/the-gis-solution-thats-changing-traditional-emergency-response-and-recovery-blg-154" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The GIS solution that’s changing traditional emergency response and recovery</a> – Mark Wallace Manager, Business Development (QLD, NT &amp; PNG)– Esri Australia, Brisbane</li> <li>Read <a href="https://esriaustralia.com.au/esri-australia-blog/a-business-case-for-agency-interoperability-during-large-scale-crises-blg-161" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A business case for agency interoperability during large-scale crises</a> Mark Wallace Manager, Business Development (QLD, NT &amp; PNG)– Esri Australia, Brisbane</li> <li>Read <a href="https://esriaustralia.com.au/esri-australia-blog/a-business-case-for-agency-interoperability-during-large-scale-crises-blg-164" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A best-practice open data framework</a> – Mark Wallace Manager, Business Development (QLD, NT &amp; PNG)– Esri Australia, Brisbane</li> <li>Watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aowTmUI8lgM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Red Cross – Connecting and Helping Volunteers, Partners and Citizens in Need </a> </li> </ul> <h3>Ask questions or share your feedback</h3> <ul> <li>Comment on the show notes</li> <li>Email <a href="mailto:feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com">feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com</a> (audio files welcome)</li> <li>Visit the <a href="http://emergencymanagementpodcast.com/contact/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">contact page</a></li> </ul> <h3>Connect with me</h3> <ul> <li>Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-emergency-management-podcast/id1331153195?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or Android</li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/emergencymanagementpodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join the Facebook Page</a></li></ul>

What does the American Red Cross do with data? – Brian Keenum – EMP11

Ken Brown

Ken Brown (AFSM) is currently the Acting Deputy Chief Officer and Acting Executive Director Operational Preparedness with the Metropolitan Fire &amp; Emergency Services Board (MFB) located in Victoria, Australia. His Command and Control experience is extensive and he is well known for creating mentoring opportunities for his personnel. Ken joined the MFB in 1983. During his 35 years of service, 29 years have been spent in the officer ranks which also includes 6 years at an executive level as an Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) and acting Deputy Chief Officer (ADCO).  Ken’s substantive position is ACFO of the MFB’s Technical Operations Department. Ken is married (wife Rhonda) and has 6 children and 13 grandchildren…so far).  ADCO Ken Browns Awards and Commendations  Australian Fire Service Medal National Emergency Medal National Medal  MFB Long and Good Service Medal   Chief Officer Commendation – Middle Park Fire Chief Officer Commendation – Hall Street Yarraville Fire  SKM Coolaroo Recycling Plant Fire The fire at the SKM Coolaroo Recycling Plant (the Coolaroo fire) occurred on 13 July 2017 and burned for 11 days. As a result, the smoke plumes from the fire were observed across Melbourne for several days. There were numerous challenges and nearby residents and business were urged to evacuate due to concerns about the impact of air quality on human health. The Inspector General for Emergency Management completed a post-incident analysis the fire titled: Review of SKM Coolaroo Recycling Plant Fire. SKM Coolaroo Recycling Plant Fire Press Conference 14 July https://youtu.be/YgZaltC0QtM   Ask your questions or share your feedback  Comment on the show notes Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome) Visit the contact page  Connect with me  Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Android Join the Facebook Page

<p>Ken Brown (AFSM) is currently the Acting Deputy Chief Officer and Acting Executive Director Operational Preparedness with the Metropolitan Fire &amp; Emergency Services Board (<a href="http://www.mfb.vic.gov.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">MFB</a>) located in Victoria, Australia.</p> <p>His Command and Control experience is extensive and he is well known for creating mentoring opportunities for his personnel.</p> <p>Ken joined the MFB in 1983. During his 35 years of service, 29 years have been spent in the officer ranks which also includes 6 years at an executive level as an Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) and acting Deputy Chief Officer (ADCO). </p> <p>Ken’s substantive position is ACFO of the MFB’s Technical Operations Department. Ken is married (wife Rhonda) and has 6 children and 13 grandchildren…so far).</p> <p></p> <h3><b>ADCO Ken Browns Awards and Commendations</b></h3> <ul> <li>Australian Fire Service Medal</li> <li>National Emergency Medal</li> <li>National Medal </li> <li>MFB Long and Good Service Medal  </li> <li>Chief Officer Commendation – Middle Park Fire</li> <li>Chief Officer Commendation – Hall Street Yarraville Fire</li> </ul> <h3>SKM Coolaroo Recycling Plant Fire</h3> <p>The fire at the SKM Coolaroo Recycling Plant (the Coolaroo fire) occurred on 13 July 2017 and burned for 11 days. As a result, the smoke plumes from the fire were observed across Melbourne for several days.</p> <p>There were numerous challenges and nearby residents and business were urged to evacuate due to concerns about the impact of air quality on human health. The Inspector General for Emergency Management completed a post-incident analysis the fire titled: <a href="https://www.igem.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/embridge_cache/emshare/original/public/2017/12/3d/2d4984440/Review_of_SKM_Coolaroo_Recycling_Plant_fire_2017.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Review of SKM Coolaroo Recycling Plant Fire.</a></p> <h3>SKM Coolaroo Recycling Plant Fire Press Conference 14 July</h3> <p><a href="https://youtu.be/YgZaltC0QtM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/YgZaltC0QtM</a></p> <p> </p> <h3>Ask your questions or share your feedback</h3> <ul> <li>Comment on the show notes</li> <li>Email <a href="mailto:feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com">feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com</a> (audio files welcome)</li> <li>Visit the <a href="http://emergencymanagementpodcast.com/contact/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">contact page</a></li> </ul> <h3>Connect with me</h3> <ul> <li>Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-emergency-management-podcast/id1331153195?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or Android</li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/emergencymanagementpodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join the Facebook Page</a></li></ul>

Creating order from disorder through command – Ken Brown – EMP 10

Wayne Rigg

Helicopter firefighting at night Nighttime firebombing aircraft are only a recent addition to the tools available to firefighters in Victoria, Australia. In the past, firebombing aircraft in Australia only worked during daylight hours. However, in 2018, Emergency Management Victoria led Australia’s first trial in the use of firebombing aircraft to contain and extinguish wildfires at night. During the trial, pilots wore night-vision goggles, which are used to detect and boost light. Do water bombers work at night? In Victoria, water-bombing helicopters can work at night. In this episode, Commander Wayne Rigg talks about his role to carry out an Australian first trial in the use of helicopters in nighttime firefighting. The trial was a success and resulted in approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulatory to conduct night fire suppression activities using night vision goggles. About Wayne Rigg Wayne joined the CFA as a volunteer at the Eildon Fire Brigade in 1994 and then became a career firefighter in 1995. He was initially stationed at Ballarat City Fire Station and was then promoted through the ranks to Commander.Operations Officer Wayne RiggWayne trained as an Air Attack Supervisor in 2005 and has been involved in aerial firebombing since. He is now considered one of the leading subject matter experts within aerial firefighting in Australia. Wayne is also an air observer and air operations manager and performs many aviation coordination roles at Regional and State level. Before his work with Emergency Management Victoria, Wayne held the position of CFA Aviation Officer for six years. During this time he brought about significant changes in aerial firefighting and capability. These changes have resulted in improved service delivery and protection to ground crews and communities. Some of the projects that Wayne has been involved in include:  Predetermined dispatch of firefighting aircraft. This means firebombing aircraft are responded to fires via an alert system at the same time as fire trucks are responded. Large firefighting Air Tankers. Airborne Information Gathering. Air Attack Supervisor rosters. Fleet changes and a range of other projects.  Ask your questions or share your feedback  Comment on the show notes Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome) Visit the contact page  Connect with me  Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Android Join the Facebook Page

<h3>Helicopter firefighting at night</h3> <p>Nighttime firebombing aircraft are only a recent addition to the tools available to firefighters in Victoria, Australia. In the past, firebombing aircraft in Australia only worked during daylight hours. However, in 2018, <a href="https://www.emv.vic.gov.au" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Emergency Management Victoria</a> led Australia’s first trial in the use of firebombing aircraft to contain and extinguish wildfires at night.</p> <p>During the trial, pilots wore night-vision goggles, which are used to detect and boost light.</p> <h3>Do water bombers work at night?</h3> <p>In Victoria, water-bombing helicopters can work at night.</p> <p>In this episode, Commander Wayne Rigg talks about his role to carry out an Australian first trial in the use of helicopters in nighttime firefighting. The trial was a success and resulted in approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulatory to conduct night fire suppression activities using night vision goggles.</p> <h3>About Wayne Rigg</h3> <p>Wayne joined the CFA as a volunteer at the Eildon Fire Brigade in 1994 and then became a career firefighter in 1995. He was initially stationed at Ballarat City Fire Station and was then promoted through the ranks to Commander.</p>Operations Officer Wayne Rigg<br><p>Wayne trained as an Air Attack Supervisor in 2005 and has been involved in aerial firebombing since. He is now considered one of the leading subject matter experts within aerial firefighting in Australia.</p> <p>Wayne is also an air observer and air operations manager and performs many aviation coordination roles at Regional and State level.</p> <p>Before his work with Emergency Management Victoria, Wayne held the position of CFA Aviation Officer for six years. During this time he brought about significant changes in aerial firefighting and capability. These changes have resulted in improved service delivery and protection to ground crews and communities.</p> <p>Some of the projects that Wayne has been involved in include:</p> <ul> <li>Predetermined dispatch of firefighting aircraft. This means firebombing aircraft are responded to fires via an alert system at the same time as fire trucks are responded.</li> <li>Large firefighting Air Tankers.</li> <li>Airborne Information Gathering.</li> <li>Air Attack Supervisor rosters.</li> <li>Fleet changes and a range of other projects.</li> </ul> <h3>Ask your questions or share your feedback</h3> <ul> <li>Comment on the show notes</li> <li>Email <a href="mailto:feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com">feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com</a> (audio files welcome)</li> <li>Visit the <a href="http://emergencymanagementpodcast.com/contact/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">contact page</a></li> </ul> <h3>Connect with me</h3> <ul> <li>Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-emergency-management-podcast/id1331153195?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or Android</li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/emergencymanagementpodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join the Facebook Page</a></li></ul>

Nighttime Firebombing Aircraft – Wayne Rigg – EMP9

Operations Manager Tony O’Day is head of the Country Fire Authority’s (CFA) Emergency Medical Response (EMR) and Wellbeing team. In this episode, Tony explains the role of EMR and the wellbeing programs that CFA has introduced to manage the health and well-being of first responders and other CFA members.Operations Manager Tony O’DayTony has held a variety of state and field-based positions during his career, including a stint as the Victorian Fire Services Liaison Officer for Victoria Police in the Counter-Terrorism Coordination and Emergency Management Department. What is Emergency Medical Response? When an EMR event occurs, both Ambulance Victoria (AV) and CFA resources are dispatched to the Emergency.  These emergencies are classified as Priority Zero events, which in the main involves people who are suffering potential cardiac arrest. According to CFA the “The primary aim of the EMR program is to reduce response time to cardiac arrest patients with a longer-term aim of improving survival outcomes“. EMR means that patients can get access to early CPR and early defibrillation which increases survivability. When did Emergency Medical Response start in Victoria? The Metropolitan Fire Brigade began EMR in 2001. CFA commenced EMR in 2008 as part of a trial involving five volunteer brigades. The program has since been extended to CFA’s Integrated brigades. CFAs Mental Health Programs The introduction of EMR has caused CFA to have a greater focus on managing mental health. CFA members have access to a range of mental health services including:  Peer Program- psychological first aid (PFA) and personal support provided by trained CFA peers for personal or CFA-related issues. Chaplaincy Program- On-site and off-site non-denominational pastoral care support through an external provider. Member Assistance Program- Professional, confidential counselling through an external provider for personal or CFA-related issues.  External Mental Health Service:  Lifeline  13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au Beyondblue 1300 22 4636 or www.beyondblue.org.au Black Dog Institute  www.blackdoginstitute.org.au  Bystander training CFA has recently introduced bystander training to help EMR first responders manage and assist people who may be present at an incident scene. Ask your questions or share your feedback  Comment on the show notes Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome) Visit the contact page  Connect with me  Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Android Join the Facebook Page

<p>Operations Manager Tony O’Day is head of the Country Fire Authority’s (CFA) Emergency Medical Response (EMR) and Wellbeing team. In this episode, Tony explains the role of EMR and the wellbeing programs that CFA has introduced to manage the health and well-being of first responders and other CFA members.</p>Operations Manager Tony O’Day<br><p>Tony has held a variety of state and field-based positions during his career, including a stint as the Victorian Fire Services Liaison Officer for Victoria Police in the Counter-Terrorism Coordination and Emergency Management Department.</p> <h3>What is Emergency Medical Response?</h3> <p>When an EMR event occurs, both Ambulance Victoria (AV) and CFA resources are dispatched to the Emergency.  These emergencies are classified as Priority Zero events, which in the main involves people who are suffering potential cardiac arrest. According to CFA the “<em>The primary aim of the EMR program is to reduce response time to cardiac arrest patients with a longer-term aim of improving survival outcomes</em>“. EMR means that patients can get access to early CPR and early defibrillation which increases survivability.</p> <h3>When did Emergency Medical Response start in Victoria?</h3> <p>The <a href="http://www.mfb.vic.gov.au/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Metropolitan Fire Brigade</a> began EMR in 2001. CFA commenced EMR in 2008 as part of a trial involving five volunteer brigades. The program has since been extended to CFA’s Integrated brigades.</p> <h3>CFAs Mental Health Programs</h3> <p>The introduction of EMR has caused CFA to have a greater focus on managing mental health. CFA members have access to a range of mental health services including:</p> <ul> <li>Peer Program- psychological first aid (PFA) and personal support provided by trained CFA peers for personal or CFA-related issues.</li> <li>Chaplaincy Program- On-site and off-site non-denominational pastoral care support through an external provider.</li> <li>Member Assistance Program- Professional, confidential counselling through an external provider for personal or CFA-related issues.</li> </ul> <h3>External Mental Health Service:</h3> <ul> <li>Lifeline  13 11 14 or <a href="http://www.lifeline.org.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.lifeline.org.au</a></li> <li>Beyondblue 1300 22 4636 or <a href="http://www.beyondblue.org.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.beyondblue.org.au</a></li> <li>Black Dog Institute  <a href="http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.blackdoginstitute.org.au</a></li> </ul> <h3>Bystander training</h3> <p>CFA has recently introduced bystander training to help EMR first responders manage and assist people who may be present at an incident scene.</p> <h3>Ask your questions or share your feedback</h3> <ul> <li>Comment on the show notes</li> <li>Email <a href="mailto:feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com">feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com</a> (audio files welcome)</li> <li>Visit the <a href="http://emergencymanagementpodcast.com/contact/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">contact page</a></li> </ul> <h3>Connect with me</h3> <ul> <li>Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-emergency-management-podcast/id1331153195?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or Android</li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/emergencymanagementpodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join the Facebook Page</a></li></ul>

Emergency Medical Response & Wellbeing – Tony O’Day – EMP8

Joff Van EK

Joff van Ek is a Station Officer with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB), and he has a passion for road accident rescue.  He began his career as an operations centre officer with the South Australian Country Fire Service in 2003. Whilst in that role he had his first glimpse of emergency management, emergency call taking, appliance and firefighting aircraft dispatch. In 2007 Joff moved to Melbourne and became a firefighter with the MFB in 2007.Station Officer Joff Van EkJoff is a technical assessor and trainer with the Australasian Road Rescue Organisation (ARRO). In addition, he is a guest lecturer for paramedical studies at Victoria University and practical presenter for the Holmatro Rescue experiences delivering rescue and medical training across all fire and rescue services in Australia. In 2015/16 Joff was seconded to the Country Fire Authority. During this time he worked with CFA firefighters to promote interoperability between Victoria’s fire services. Having returned to the MFB in 2017 and promoted to Station Officer, he is now furthering his education by enrolling in the Bachelor of Emergency Management with Charles Sturt University. Most of all Joff is passionate in promoting the work of firefighters and ensuring that they strive to maintain a high level of knowledge, training and innovation. Emergency Foundation Scholarship – Rapid Rescue Techniques In 2011 Joff completed an Emergency Services Foundation Scholarship studying the topic of “Rapid Extrication of time critical patients involved in vehicle accidents“. The Scholarship saw Joff research worldwide best practices for road rescue extrication. As a result, he travelled to Europe where he found many countries who are world leaders in road accident rescue innovation. During the tour, Joff visited a number of countries including Norway where he learnt about rapid extrication techniques.  Joff Van EkConnect with Joff Joff is a moderator for the Facebook pages Extrication Matters and Fireground matters which encourage the sharing of knowledge and experience with those in the emergency management sector. You can connect with him on LinkedIn or on Instagram @therescuefireman. Ask your questions or share your feedback  Comment on the show notes Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome) Visit the contact page  Connect with me  Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Android Join the Facebook Page

<p>Joff van Ek is a Station Officer with the <a href="http://www.mfb.vic.gov.au" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB)</a>, and he has a passion for road accident rescue.  He began his career as an operations centre officer with the South Australian Country Fire Service in 2003. Whilst in that role he had his first glimpse of emergency management, emergency call taking, appliance and firefighting aircraft dispatch. In 2007 Joff moved to Melbourne and became a firefighter with the MFB in 2007.</p>Station Officer Joff Van Ek<br><p>Joff is a technical assessor and trainer with the Australasian Road Rescue Organisation (ARRO). In addition, he is a guest lecturer for paramedical studies at Victoria University and practical presenter for the Holmatro Rescue experiences delivering rescue and medical training across all fire and rescue services in Australia.</p> <p>In 2015/16 Joff was seconded to the Country Fire Authority. During this time he worked with CFA firefighters to promote interoperability between Victoria’s fire services. Having returned to the MFB in 2017 and promoted to Station Officer, he is now furthering his education by enrolling in the Bachelor of Emergency Management with Charles Sturt University.</p> <p>Most of all Joff is passionate in promoting the work of firefighters and ensuring that they strive to maintain a high level of knowledge, training and innovation.</p> <h3>Emergency Foundation Scholarship – Rapid Rescue Techniques</h3> <p>In 2011 Joff completed an <a href="https://esf.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emergency Services Foundation Scholarship</a> studying the topic of “<a href="https://www.esf.com.au/documents/reports/Jonathon_van_Ek.2011.MFB.pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Rapid Extrication of time critical patients involved in vehicle accidents</a>“. The Scholarship saw Joff research worldwide best practices for road rescue extrication. As a result, he travelled to Europe where he found many countries who are world leaders in road accident rescue innovation. During the tour, Joff visited a number of countries including Norway where he learnt about rapid extrication techniques.</p> <p> </p>Joff Van Ek<br><h3>Connect with Joff</h3> <p>Joff is a moderator for the Facebook pages <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ExtricationMatters/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Extrication Matters</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/firegroundmatters/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fireground matters</a> which encourage the sharing of knowledge and experience with those in the emergency management sector. You can connect with him on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joff-van-ek-b50a0434/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> or on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/therescuefireman/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram @therescuefireman.</a></p> <h3>Ask your questions or share your feedback</h3> <ul> <li>Comment on the show notes</li> <li>Email <a href="mailto:feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com">feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com</a> (audio files welcome)</li> <li>Visit the <a href="http://emergencymanagementpodcast.com/contact/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">contact page</a></li> </ul> <h3>Connect with me</h3> <ul> <li>Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-emergency-management-podcast/id1331153195?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or Android</li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/emergencymanagementpodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join the Facebook Page</a></li></ul>

Time critical road accident rescue – Joff Van EK – EMP7

Kris Wilms

Creating leaders in volunteer fire brigades takes time. In this episode, I talk to Senior Instructor Kris Wilms from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) about the mentoring project she developed to prepare volunteer leaders for their role. Kris ‘s particular area of expertise is leadership and management professional development for senior volunteer leaders in CFA. Her approach is innovative and collaborative as she works alongside volunteers in the field.Senior Instructor Kris WilmsKris began her career in the fire service 24 years ago. She worked as a firefighter on an army base for four years before moving to the CFA where she has worked for 20 years.  As well as a range of specialist technical skills and qualifications, Kris has a Masters in Organisation Dynamics and is in the final stages of a professional Doctorate researching how Volunteer leaders can be better prepared and supported. What is the volunteer peer mentor program? The mentor program is developed to provide support to Captains in the broader management aspects of their role. It provides a framework to facilitate carefully considered partnerships between mentee and mentor Captains. The program requires support and involvement from the senior CFA District Operations Management team who have an inherent understanding of the many challenges Captains may face. Creating connections The peer mentor program aims to connect the mentor and mentee. It provides a formal structure to connect a captain to a mentee, who is someone outside their usual networks who they would not usually form a relationship. Challenges faced by Captains The mentor program is a professional development for Captains to discuss some of the challenges they might face including:  Inherited &amp; historical brigade issues Introducing and managing change People management Understanding the practicalities of the role  Ask your questions or share your feedback  Comment on the show notes Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome) Visit the contact page  Connect with me  Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or on Android Join the Facebook Page

<p>Creating leaders in volunteer fire brigades takes time. In this episode, I talk to Senior Instructor Kris Wilms from the <a href="https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/home" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Country Fire Authority</a> (CFA) about the mentoring project she developed to prepare volunteer leaders for their role.</p> <p>Kris ‘s particular area of expertise is leadership and management professional development for senior volunteer leaders in CFA. Her approach is innovative and collaborative as she works alongside volunteers in the field.</p>Senior Instructor Kris Wilms<br><p>Kris began her career in the fire service 24 years ago. She worked as a firefighter on an army base for four years before moving to the CFA where she has worked for 20 years.  As well as a range of specialist technical skills and qualifications, Kris has a Masters in Organisation Dynamics and is in the final stages of a professional Doctorate researching how Volunteer leaders can be better prepared and supported.</p> <h3>What is the volunteer peer mentor program?</h3> <p>The mentor program is developed to provide support to Captains in the broader management aspects of their role. It provides a framework to facilitate carefully considered partnerships between mentee and mentor Captains. The program requires support and involvement from the senior CFA District Operations Management team who have an inherent understanding of the many challenges Captains may face.</p> <h3>Creating connections</h3> <p>The peer mentor program aims to connect the mentor and mentee. It provides a formal structure to connect a captain to a mentee, who is someone outside their usual networks who they would not usually form a relationship.</p> <h3>Challenges faced by Captains</h3> <p>The mentor program is a professional development for Captains to discuss some of the challenges they might face including:</p> <ul> <li>Inherited &amp; historical brigade issues</li> <li>Introducing and managing change</li> <li>People management</li> <li>Understanding the practicalities of the role</li> </ul> <h3>Ask your questions or share your feedback</h3> <ul> <li>Comment on the show notes</li> <li>Email <a href="mailto:feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com">feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com</a> (audio files welcome)</li> <li>Visit the <a href="http://emergencymanagementpodcast.com/contact/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">contact page</a></li> </ul> <h3>Connect with me</h3> <ul> <li>Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-emergency-management-podcast/id1331153195?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or on Android</li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/emergencymanagementpodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join the Facebook Page</a></li></ul>

Mentoring Leaders in Volunteer Fire Brigades – Kris Wilms – EMP6

Gavin Parker

The scale and intensity of the Black Saturday bushfires that occurred on 7 February 2009 had not occurred before in Australia’s history. During this episode, Senior Station Officer Gavin Parker from the CFA shares his experience on this day. In particular, he discusses how he and his crew worked to protect a vital communications tower.  Gavin and his crew faced many challenges during the Black Saturday bushfires. He has documented the event in a presentation and a selection of the slides are shown below. If you would like a full copy of the slides, he can be contacted via email at g.parker@cfa.vic.gov.au.Senior Station Officer Gavin PakerVictoria’s State Strategic Control Priorities While they did not exist in 2009, Victoria’s State Emergency Management Priorities place particular emphasis on the protection of critical infrastructure. Indeed, the state strategic priorities which underpin the planning and operational decisions when managing the response to emergencies include the “protection of critical infrastructure and community assets that support community resilience”. The Churchill Black Saturday bushfires Churchill is about 160 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The Churchill Black Saturday bushfires started at about 13:32 on 7 February 2009, 3 kilometres south-east of the Churchill fire station. The Call Not long after the fire commenced Senior Station Officer Gavin Parker and his crew were responded to the fire. The red dot to the left of the image below shows the approximate location where the fire started.On route to the reported bushfire at Churchill.On Scene Senior Station Officer Gavin Parker’s crew were the third fire truck to reach the fire. Shortly after arriving they were formed into a strike team. Strike Teams are defined as a set number of resources of the same type. They are usually made up of five resources of the same type such as vehicles, crews, earth moving machinery etc.Photo taken on arrival at Glendonald RoadAsset protection Almost as soon as crew arrived they were tasked with asset protection. Gavin’s team was assigned to protect a communications tower circled in green below.Map showing communication tower locationCreating defendable space in bushfires A critical aspect of ensuring crew safety and asset protection was creating a defendable space.Permission requested to backburn. Tower compound after the firePreparing for the fire front to arriveCreating a safe area by conducting strategic burning Burning out sequenceSheltering from radiant and convective heat and monitoring for ember attack Radiant heat is the biggest killer in bushfires. Gavin’s crew used the building to protect them from radiant heat. They continued to monitor the situation and put out fires in and around the building.After the fire front passes crews monitor and extinguish fires in and around the building The wind changeAsk your questions or share your feedback  Comment on the show notes Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome) Visit the contact page  Connect with me  Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or on Android Join the Facebook Page

<p>The scale and intensity of the Black Saturday bushfires that occurred on 7 February 2009 had not occurred before in Australia’s history. During this episode, Senior Station Officer Gavin Parker from the CFA shares his experience on this day. In particular, he discusses how he and his crew worked to protect a vital communications tower. </p> <p>Gavin and his crew faced many challenges during the Black Saturday bushfires. He has documented the event in a presentation and a selection of the slides are shown below. If you would like a full copy of the slides, he can be contacted via email at g.parker@cfa.vic.gov.au.</p>Senior Station Officer Gavin Paker<br><h3>Victoria’s State Strategic Control Priorities</h3> <p>While they did not exist in 2009, Victoria’s <a href="https://www.emv.vic.gov.au/StateStrategicControlPriorities" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">State Emergency Management Priorities</a> place particular emphasis on the protection of critical infrastructure. Indeed, the state strategic priorities which underpin the planning and operational decisions when managing the response to emergencies include the “protection of critical infrastructure and community assets that support community resilience”.</p> <h3>The Churchill Black Saturday bushfires</h3> <p>Churchill is about 160 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The Churchill Black Saturday bushfires started at about 13:32 on 7 February 2009, 3 kilometres south-east of the Churchill fire station.</p> <h3>The Call</h3> <p>Not long after the fire commenced Senior Station Officer Gavin Parker and his crew were responded to the fire. The red dot to the left of the image below shows the approximate location where the fire started.</p>On route to the reported bushfire at Churchill.<br><h3>On Scene</h3> <p>Senior Station Officer Gavin Parker’s crew were the third fire truck to reach the fire. Shortly after arriving they were formed into a strike team. Strike Teams are defined as a set number of resources of the same type. They are usually made up of five resources of the same type such as vehicles, crews, earth moving machinery etc.</p>Photo taken on arrival at Glendonald Road<br><h3>Asset protection</h3> <p>Almost as soon as crew arrived they were tasked with asset protection. Gavin’s team was assigned to protect a communications tower circled in green below.</p>Map showing communication tower location<br><h3>Creating defendable space in bushfires</h3> <p>A critical aspect of ensuring crew safety and asset protection was creating a defendable space.</p>Permission requested to backburn.<br><p> </p>Tower compound after the fire<br><h3>Preparing for the fire front to arrive</h3>Creating a safe area by conducting strategic burning<br><p> </p>Burning out sequence<br><h3>Sheltering from radiant and convective heat and monitoring for ember attack</h3> <p>Radiant heat is the biggest killer in bushfires. Gavin’s crew used the building to protect them from radiant heat. They continued to monitor the situation and put out fires in and around the building.</p>After the fire front passes crews monitor and extinguish fires in and around the building<br><p> </p>The wind change<br><h3>Ask your questions or share your feedback</h3> <ul> <li>Comment on the show notes</li> <li>Email <a href="mailto:feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com">feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com</a> (audio files welcome)</li> <li>Visit the <a href="http://emergencymanagementpodcast.com/contact/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">contact page</a></li> </ul> <h3>Connect with me</h3> <ul> <li>Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-emergency-management-podcast/id1331153195?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a> or on Android</li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/emergencymanagementpodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join the Facebook Page</a></li></ul>

Black Saturday bushfires asset protection – Gavin Parker – EMP5

The best in emergency management news, technologies and practices for experts in the field.

In a disaster, search and rescue dogs do the work that no one else can do. Julie Cowan is the founder of Search and Rescue Dogs Australia (SARDA). Julie has been instrumental in developing canine search and rescue capability in Australia. She was a member of the consultative committee which assisted in the development of the Australian Urban Search &amp; Rescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline Version 1.1 (November 2009). To say that Julie is passionate about her dogs is an understatement. Her enthusiasm for her dogs and the craft of search and rescue is truly incredible.Black Saturday Bushfire DeploymentTwo SARDA search dog teams were deployed following the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Black Saturday was one of the most catastrophic bushfires in Australia's history. The dogs from SARDA were the first dog teams in Australia to receive the National Emergency Medal.SARDA and Firefighters Train Together at Dandenong Fire StationTraining for a Disaster - Selection and AccreditationThe SARDA website contains comprehensive information about the Selection, Training and Accreditation for search and rescue dogs. SARDA dog teams are assessed by qualified, external assessors against international and Australian standards. These include 	INSARAG (International Search and Rescue Advisory Group), 	FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency, USA), and 	The Australian Best Practice Guidelines.Recommended reading 	A Strategic Framework for Volunteer Search Dogs in Australia A guide for future action 	Here is an excellent article from Technical Rescue Magazine on how USAR Dogs work in a disaster. 	Books:Thank you to SARDA's sponsorsSARDA could not survive without donations and sponsorship. SARDA's key sponsors include: 	The Alex Fraser Group 	Frankston Heights Veterinary Centre 	Royal CaninAsk your questions or share your feedback 	Comment on the show notes 	Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome) 	Visit the contact pageConnect with me 	Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or on Android 	Join the Facebook Page

In a disaster, search and rescue dogs do the work that no one else can do. Julie Cowan is the founder of Search and Rescue Dogs Australia (SARDA). Julie has been instrumental in developing canine search and rescue capability in Australia. She was a member of the consultative committee which assisted in the development of the Australian Urban Search &amp; Rescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline Version 1.1 (November 2009). To say that Julie is passionate about her dogs is an understatement. Her enthusiasm for her dogs and the craft of search and rescue is truly incredible.<br>Black Saturday Bushfire Deployment<br>Two SARDA search dog teams were deployed following the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Black Saturday was one of the most catastrophic bushfires in Australia's history. The dogs from SARDA were the first dog teams in Australia to receive the National Emergency Medal.<br>SARDA and Firefighters Train Together at Dandenong Fire Station<br>Training for a Disaster - Selection and Accreditation<br><br>The SARDA website contains comprehensive information about the Selection, Training and Accreditation for search and rescue dogs. SARDA dog teams are assessed by qualified, external assessors against international and Australian standards. These include<br><br> 	INSARAG (International Search and Rescue Advisory Group),<br> 	FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency, USA), and<br> 	The Australian Best Practice Guidelines.<br><br>Recommended reading<br><br> 	A Strategic Framework for Volunteer Search Dogs in Australia A guide for future action<br> 	Here is an excellent article from Technical Rescue Magazine on how USAR Dogs work in a disaster.<br> 	Books:<br>Thank you to SARDA's sponsors<br>SARDA could not survive without donations and sponsorship. SARDA's key sponsors include:<br><br> 	The Alex Fraser Group<br> 	Frankston Heights Veterinary Centre<br> 	Royal Canin<br><br>Ask your questions or share your feedback<br><br> 	Comment on the show notes<br> 	Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome)<br> 	Visit the contact page<br><br>Connect with me<br><br> 	Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or on Android<br> 	Join the Facebook Page

Hide and seek? It’s no game for dogs in a disaster

Graham Kirk

Training leaders. That's the business Operations Officer Graham Kirk is in. Why? Because he's passionate about the development of others. The team he leads is responsible for ensuring the people who graduate to the ranks of Leading Firefighter and Station Officer have the skills to combat the great variety emergencies they will face.The promotional program is designed, delivered and assessed by the people who do the job they are training others to do.Station Officers and Leading firefighters working for CFA need to be prepared for any emergency. Working for the Country Fire Authority means that firefighters are required to working across a variety of risk environments. One day they could be fighting a factory fire in the suburbs of Melbourne and the next they could be combating a Hazmat incident in a large country town and the week after they could be managing a grassfire in an urban interface zone.Ask your questions or share your feedback 	Comment on the show notes 	Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome) 	Visit the contact pageConnect with me 	Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or on Android 	Join the Facebook Page

Training leaders. That's the business Operations Officer Graham Kirk is in. Why? Because he's passionate about the development of others. The team he leads is responsible for ensuring the people who graduate to the ranks of Leading Firefighter and Station Officer have the skills to combat the great variety emergencies they will face.<br>The promotional program is designed, delivered and assessed by the people who do the job they are training others to do.<br><br>Station Officers and Leading firefighters working for CFA need to be prepared for any emergency. Working for the Country Fire Authority means that firefighters are required to working across a variety of risk environments. One day they could be fighting a factory fire in the suburbs of Melbourne and the next they could be combating a Hazmat incident in a large country town and the week after they could be managing a grassfire in an urban interface zone.<br><br>Ask your questions or share your feedback<br><br> 	Comment on the show notes<br> 	Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome)<br> 	Visit the contact page<br><br>Connect with me<br><br> 	Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or on Android<br> 	Join the Facebook Page

Training Tomorrow’s Leaders – Graham Kirk – EMP3

Adrian Devenish

On 19 May 2011, Senior Station Officer Adrian Devenish of the CFA was the initial incident controller at the TriTech Lubricants fire located in Dandenong South, Victoria, Australia. Over 100 firefighters and 30 fire appliances were required to combat the blaze.Dandenong, Victoria, AustraliaDandenong is a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, approximately 30 km south-east from the Melbourne CBD. Over 160,000 people live in Dandenong.  Greater Dandenong is the most culturally diverse are in Victoria, with over half of its population born overseas, from more than 160 different birthplaces. The industrial areas of Dandenong form part of one of Australia’s most significant manufacturing places.TriTech LubricantsTriTech Lubricants was located in Dandenong South, in Victoria, Australia. The business stored large quantities of oil products, including engine oil and transmission oil for the domestic and industrial use.Review of the TriTech Lubricants Factory FireA review into the fire was requested by the then Fire Services Commissioner. The terms of reference of the report were threefold. 	The command and control arrangements. 	The control strategies employed. 	The issuing of community information.This report can be downloaded from the Emergency Management Victoria website.Key learnings from Adrian's interview:Establish an Incident Emergency Management Team EarlyAn Incident Emergency Management Team (IEMT) should be established as early as possible. An IEMT is particularly important where multiple agencies are combatting an incident. In such cases, the Incident Controller forms the IEMT to assist in determining and implementing appropriate strategies.The Fundaments of Emergency Management (Class 1 Emergencies) states that the "first contact between the Incident Controller and support agencies represents the formation of the IEMT".The Incident Emergency Management team established for the TriTech fire included: 	Victoria Police, 	Environmental Protection Agency, 	The city of Greater Dandenong, 	Viridian New World Glass, 	Energy authorities (gas and power), 	Melbourne Water, 	South East Water, 	Ambulance Victoria and 	the TriTech owner.Ask your questions or share your feedback 	Comment on the show notes 	Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome)Connect with me 	Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or on Android 	Join the Facebook Page

On 19 May 2011, Senior Station Officer Adrian Devenish of the CFA was the initial incident controller at the TriTech Lubricants fire located in Dandenong South, Victoria, Australia. Over 100 firefighters and 30 fire appliances were required to combat the blaze.<br>Dandenong, Victoria, Australia<br>Dandenong is a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, approximately 30 km south-east from the Melbourne CBD. Over 160,000 people live in Dandenong.  Greater Dandenong is the most culturally diverse are in Victoria, with over half of its population born overseas, from more than 160 different birthplaces. The industrial areas of Dandenong form part of one of Australia’s most significant manufacturing places.<br>TriTech Lubricants<br>TriTech Lubricants was located in Dandenong South, in Victoria, Australia. The business stored large quantities of oil products, including engine oil and transmission oil for the domestic and industrial use.<br>Review of the TriTech Lubricants Factory Fire<br>A review into the fire was requested by the then Fire Services Commissioner. The terms of reference of the report were threefold.<br><br> 	The command and control arrangements.<br> 	The control strategies employed.<br> 	The issuing of community information.<br><br>This report can be downloaded from the Emergency Management Victoria website.<br>Key learnings from Adrian's interview:<br>Establish an Incident Emergency Management Team Early<br>An Incident Emergency Management Team (IEMT) should be established as early as possible. An IEMT is particularly important where multiple agencies are combatting an incident. In such cases, the Incident Controller forms the IEMT to assist in determining and implementing appropriate strategies.<br><br>The Fundaments of Emergency Management (Class 1 Emergencies) states that the "first contact between the Incident Controller and support agencies represents the formation of the IEMT".<br>The Incident Emergency Management team established for the TriTech fire included:<br><br> 	Victoria Police,<br> 	Environmental Protection Agency,<br> 	The city of Greater Dandenong,<br> 	Viridian New World Glass,<br> 	Energy authorities (gas and power),<br> 	Melbourne Water,<br> 	South East Water,<br> 	Ambulance Victoria and<br> 	the TriTech owner.<br>Ask your questions or share your feedback<br><br> 	Comment on the show notes<br> 	Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome)<br><br>Connect with me<br><br> 	Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or on Android<br> 	Join the Facebook Page

TriTech Lubricants Factory Fire – Adrian Devenish – EMP2

Chris Hall

In this interview Senior Station Officer Chris Hall from the Country Fire Authority in Victoria, Australia, shares his experiences while on an international deployment. He talks about the value of exchanging ideas from both interstate and international emergency management agencies.Deployment to CaliforniaIn October 2017, personnel from the Country Fire Authority and Victoria’s Forest Fire Management Victoria were deployed to assist in fighting the fires in Northern California. According to Emergency Management Victoria, there is a healthy relationship with California, in particular, CalOES and CalFire.Incident OverviewOn 8 October 2017, multiple wildfires occurred across California. The wildfires burned more than 245,000 acres, 8,900 structures and were responsible for 43 deaths. 2017 has seen California endure some of the worst wildfires in United States History. An Incident overview is available at California Wildfire Statewide Recovery Resource.Pack Test require for international deploymentThe pack test for personnel deployed to California involved waking 4.83 kilometres on a level track carrying a weight of 20.4 kilograms within 45 minutes. In a Fire Note from 2011, the Bushfire CRC discusses The relevance of the Pack Hike Test for Australian bushfire firefighters. http://www.bushfirecrc.com/sites/default/files/managed/resource/pack_hike_test_fire_note.pdfIncident Action PlansThe incident action planning process provides a tool to synchronise operations at the incident level. It ensures that incident operations support of incident objectives.QR Codes and AvenzaQR code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code) is the trademark for a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional barcode) first designed for the automotive industry in Japan. A barcode is a machine-readable optical label that contains information about the item to which it is attached. Avenza uses QR codes to deliver maps electronically. Avenza Maps® is a mobile map app that allows you to download maps for offline use on iOS or Android smartphone or tablet as well as on Windows 10 devices.Managing an incident within an incidentA highlight for Chris was the way that CalFire focused on the importance of having a plan of action should an incident within an incident eventuate. The use of the Medical Plan form was critical in facilitating this process. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group provides instructions for completing this form.Wildland Urban Interface (WIU) PlacardAnother key point of interest for Chris was Calfire's use of the "Wildland Urban Interface Placard"(WIU). The purpose of WUI placard is to: 	Triage a property to determine the risks associated with defending a particular property. 	Document property information found during structure assessment at a specific point in time. 	Allow the Company Officer or Chief Officer to communicate their assessment of conditions to other responding units.Please follow the link to CalFire’s Training document: http://calfireweb.fire.ca.gov/library/handbooks/7000/Exhibit_CalfireWuiPlacardTraining.pdfThe form can also is available at http://www.firescope.org/ics-forms/ICS%20231.pdfDemobilisationDemobilisation is the orderly, safe, and efficient return of an incident resource to its original location and status.The Demobilization Check-Out form (ICS 221) ensures that resources checking out of the incident have completed all appropriate incident business, and provides the Planning Section information on resources released from the incident. Demobilization is a planned process, and this form assists with that planning. Incident Demobilization Vehicle Safety Inspection form (ICS 212) requires the Vehicle Operator to complete items &amp; submit to Resource Unit Leader before demobilisation can occur.Ask your questions or share your feedback 	Comment on the show notes 	Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome)

In this interview Senior Station Officer Chris Hall from the Country Fire Authority in Victoria, Australia, shares his experiences while on an international deployment. He talks about the value of exchanging ideas from both interstate and international emergency management agencies.<br><br>Deployment to California<br>In October 2017, personnel from the Country Fire Authority and Victoria’s Forest Fire Management Victoria were deployed to assist in fighting the fires in Northern California. According to Emergency Management Victoria, there is a healthy relationship with California, in particular, CalOES and CalFire.<br>Incident Overview<br>On 8 October 2017, multiple wildfires occurred across California. The wildfires burned more than 245,000 acres, 8,900 structures and were responsible for 43 deaths. 2017 has seen California endure some of the worst wildfires in United States History. An Incident overview is available at California Wildfire Statewide Recovery Resource.<br>Pack Test require for international deployment<br>The pack test for personnel deployed to California involved waking 4.83 kilometres on a level track carrying a weight of 20.4 kilograms within 45 minutes. In a Fire Note from 2011, the Bushfire CRC discusses The relevance of the Pack Hike Test for Australian bushfire firefighters. <a href="http://www.bushfirecrc.com/sites/default/files/managed/resource/pack_hike_test_fire_note.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bushfirecrc.com/sites/default/files/managed/resource/pack_hike_test_fire_note.pdf</a><br>Incident Action Plans<br>The incident action planning process provides a tool to synchronise operations at the incident level. It ensures that incident operations support of incident objectives.<br>QR Codes and Avenza<br>QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code) is the trademark for a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional barcode) first designed for the automotive industry in Japan. A barcode is a machine-readable optical label that contains information about the item to which it is attached. Avenza uses QR codes to deliver maps electronically. Avenza Maps® is a mobile map app that allows you to download maps for offline use on iOS or Android smartphone or tablet as well as on Windows 10 devices.<br>Managing an incident within an incident<br>A highlight for Chris was the way that CalFire focused on the importance of having a plan of action should an incident within an incident eventuate. The use of the Medical Plan form was critical in facilitating this process. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group provides instructions for completing this form.<br>Wildland Urban Interface (WIU) Placard<br>Another key point of interest for Chris was Calfire's use of the "Wildland Urban Interface Placard"(WIU). The purpose of WUI placard is to:<br><br> 	Triage a property to determine the risks associated with defending a particular property.<br> 	Document property information found during structure assessment at a specific point in time.<br> 	Allow the Company Officer or Chief Officer to communicate their assessment of conditions to other responding units.<br>Please follow the link to CalFire’s Training document: <a href="http://calfireweb.fire.ca.gov/library/handbooks/7000/Exhibit_CalfireWuiPlacardTraining.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://calfireweb.fire.ca.gov/library/handbooks/7000/Exhibit_CalfireWuiPlacardTraining.pdf</a><br><br>The form can also is available at <a href="http://www.firescope.org/ics-forms/ICS%20231.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.firescope.org/ics-forms/ICS%20231.pdf</a><br>Demobilisation<br>Demobilisation is the orderly, safe, and efficient return of an incident resource to its original location and status.<br><br>The Demobilization Check-Out form (ICS 221) ensures that resources checking out of the incident have completed all appropriate incident business, and provides the Planning Section information on resources released from the incident. Demobilization is a planned process, and this form assists with that planning. Incident Demobilization Vehicle Safety Inspection form (ICS 212) requires the Vehicle Operator to complete items &amp; submit to Resource Unit Leader before demobilisation can occur.<br>Ask your questions or share your feedback<br><br> 	Comment on the show notes<br> 	Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome)

Deploying to international emergencies – Chris Hall – EMP1

Emergency Management Podcast

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