Turning up the heat

By Cpl Crissy Williams

FIREFIGHTING soldiers took part in aviation crash rescue training at RAAF Base Darwin recently.

New members of 1 Tp Emergency Response Squadron (ERS) were put through their paces in the final qualifying phase of the Aviation Crash Rescue course with personnel from Airport Services Australia.

Just one of the competencies that a basic firefighter is required to complete to be recognised as an Operator Emergency Responder (OER), and for the already qualified members the activity provided an opportunity to practise and refine their aviation incident response skills.

ERS used the Darwin facilities because they provide a sterile, realistic surrounding to practise and drive home drills in a controlled environment.

ERS was raised from the Army Fire Service in 1999 in response to the crash of two Black Hawks at High Range in June 1996.

Apart from aviation crash rescue, the ERS also perform roles in personnel rescue, Nuclear - Biological - Chemical Decontamination (NBCD), and Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) containment and decontamination.

ERS is currently developing techniques in support of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), and plays an important role within the ADF by providing an emergency response capability, including training and advice, to both Land Command and Special Operations Command.

The squadron has also been deployed in support of the local community on several occasions, most notably the during Canberra fires in 2003.