Cradle Mountain rangers and field officers battled the elements to hone their emergency response skills during a challenging winter training exercise.
Personnel from across Tasmania Parks and Wildlife (PWS), Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania Police Search and Rescue recently took part in a hands-on training day designed to strengthen interagency partnerships and prepare responders for the demanding conditions often encountered in Tasmania's wilderness.
Personnel from Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, Ambulance Tasmania and Tasmania Police Search and Rescue gather for a briefing ahead of their winter training exercise.
Cradle Mountain Ranger in Charge Brendan Moodie said that while Tasmania Police is the lead agency for search and rescue operations in Tasmania, PWS staff are sometimes best positioned to provide an immediate response when emergencies unfold in remote areas.
“Many of our staff are trained in wilderness and remote first aid, and these practical exercises give them the chance to practice their skills in the same harsh conditions they may encounter during an emergency response," he said.
“We thank Tasmania Police Search and Rescue and Ambulance Tasmania for sharing their expertise and providing the opportunity for us to test our skills with our partner agencies."
Set against a backdrop of snow, strong winds and temperatures that fell below zero degrees, participants worked through a range of realistic rescue scenarios.
A training participant manages a smile while erecting a tent despite the harsh winter conditions.
The exercise focused on assessing and treating hypothermic patients, selecting appropriate equipment for changing conditions, erecting shelters in high winds and snow, and deciding what essential gear should be prioritised during an initial response.
Planning on heading out for a walk this winter? Make sure you're adequately prepared by following our
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