Minister to welcome interstate and international visitors to specialist rescue training

Highly-experienced instructors in Brisbane will today (Monday) train interstate and overseas emergency service personnel in new counter-disaster responses approved by the United Nations.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford will this afternoon welcome 19 representatives from NSW Fire and Rescue, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Singapore, New Zealand, Thailand and the Philippines to the State Deployment Centre.

Mr Crawford said they will take part in the new Urban Search and Rescue Coordination Course (UCC) - conducted by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), which coordinates the Australian Urban Search and Research (USAR) AUS-1 team.

“The effective coordination of international USAR teams during disasters is crucial to improving the chances of reducing human suffering and saving lives,” Mr Crawford said.

“USAR operations must be coordinated and use established methodologies delivered under the structure and leadership of the relevant authorities.

“The four-day course is designed to ensure this can occur seamlessly in any jurisdiction.”

Mr Crawford said the course will focus on key aspects of urban search and rescue coordination.

“Another important aspect of the course is to ensure an understanding of the general humanitarian coordination processes and systems within a broader disaster response,” Mr Crawford said.

“These trained officers will ensure vital structures and coordination are in place, so response and recovery crews on the ground do their best for communities impacted by man-made or natural disasters”.

Mr Crawford said participants will benefit from the experience and knowledge of experienced instructors from QFES, Fire and Rescue NSW, New Zealand and Singapore.

He said the State Deployment Centre at Morningside is one of the nation’s leading facilities in disaster preparedness.

“The facility has extensive resources, including satellite systems, motorised swift water rescue crafts and life detection equipment,” he said.

“This new course is another example of the cutting-edge work being done by QFES in the disaster management field.”

ENDS

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