NSW SES members will now be able to have their vital life-saving training assessed quicker via a new app.
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The app will ensure our emergency service volunteers have the necessary skills to help the community in times of need.
Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said there were more than 9000 SES volunteers that supported NSW communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and the skills they need are vast and varied.
“From flood and storm emergencies to road accident rescues and bush searches, our dedicated volunteers deal with a whole raft of trying scenarios that require specialist skills,” Mr Grant said.
“This new world-class training app will enable recently joined SES members to get out in the field quicker, and bolster the skills of existing volunteers so they can better manage a range of emergency situations.
“With a 21 per cent increase in SES volunteers over the past 12 months and an ongoing campaign to boost membership, this app will play a critical role in getting new members out helping their communities in time for the upcoming storm season.”
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NSW SES Commissioner Mark Smethurst said the delivery of the mobile assessment app would save significant volunteer time and replace an arduous paper-based system.
“Volunteers will now be able to have their key skills in road crash rescue, flood rescue, chainsaw operations and many other important and potentially life-saving skills immediately assessed for competency,” Mr Smethhurst said.
“In fact thanks to this new app, volunteers will now be able to be assessed as competent and available to assist their community within 24 hours.
“Currently being used to assess capabilities such as driving operational vehicles, operating communications equipment and traffic safety, the full range of training options will be available by December.”
The mobile assessment app is the result of a successful collaboration between Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW SES.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) first developed their mobile training app in 2013, helping to ensure their firefighters are trained and prepared for anything.
Fire and Rescue NSW deputy commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said more than 84,000 training results have been recorded through the App since its inception, with firefighters completing training in things like structural firefighting, road crash rescue, hazardous materials response and emergency medical care.
“We’re excited these benefits will now be shared with our colleagues at the SES, who often work side by side with our firefighters at emergencies,” Mr Fewtrell said.
“This joint venture will deliver real benefits to both agencies, as we’ll adding new features to the App to help us get more firefighters and SES members trained and ready to help anyone, anytime, anywhere.”
