SES volunteers put skills to the test in Yuna with major search and vertical rescue training exercise

State Emergency Service volunteers from across the Mid West and Gascoyne came together in Yuna last weekend for a major training exercise. The regional exercise saw teams test their skills in land search and vertical rescue, supported by the incident control vehicle and crew. The scenario began with a mock search for a missing microlight aircraft with two people on board. Volunteers carried out vehicle searches across high-probability areas before a report from a member of the public directed them to farmland near Nanson. After several hours, the “missing persons” were located, received first aid treatment and were transported for handover to medical staff. On Sunday, teams turned their attention to a vertical rescue at CBH Yuna. Trained volunteers ascended to a platform and used a rope system to safely lower a rescue mannequin to the ground. Regional exercises are designed to give SES members practical opportunities to apply the skills they learn during weekly training sessions and specialist weekend courses. The Geraldton-Greenough SES trains every Monday night and is seeking new members. Those interested in volunteering locally can email ggsesmembership@node1.com.au.