After a dog fell into an abandoned mine earlier this year, Moruya's emergency rescue crews decided to make use of the same site for their cross-agency training exercise.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In January, Moruya SES and Moruya Fire and Rescue were called to rescue a dog from a 15-metre deep mine south of Moruya.
Moruya SES unit commander Chris Zammit said a tripod-style tool, named the Arizona Vortex, is the main piece of equipment SES use for this type of rescue.
On Wednesday, March 6, the vertical rescue team of Moruya SES used the Arizona Vortex to maneuver a Fire and Rescue crew member into the mine shaft with breathing apparatus.
"The purpose of the exercise was to become more familiar with what equipment is used and the systems deployed to carry out this sort of rescue when bad air is an issue in a confined space rescue," Mr Zammit said.
More than 20 emergency service members completed the afternoon training scenario.
Mr Zammit said it is important Moruya SES and Moruya Fire and Rescue work closely together.
"Both agencies have separate skills, and in this particular scenario, both need to work together to do the job," he said.
"All those who were involved with the activity found new skills and future activities are planned as a result of yesterday's activity of cooperation."
