Urban Search and Rescue

You would be surprised how often we are called to incidents where buildings have been damaged and collapsed. The recent spate of severe earthquakes around the World and the Thredbo landslide disaster have brought urban search and rescue (building collapse rescue) into the public spotlight.

The techniques and equipment used in USAR operations include many of the tools and skills our SES volunteers use in most of their day to day response activities. Skills such as breaching and shoring are taught in training along with debris clearance, void and debris search techniques. The Eltham Unit expects to be able to provide experienced USAR CAT 1 operators if required to form part of any SES Task Force required anywhere in Australia.

In the past our rescuers have responded to many vehicles into houses, onto houses, beside houses and into garages. Often we are required to provide temporary shoring and assist with the safe removal of the vehicles by salvage companies.

We train in condemned buildings and conduct exercises where we rescue people trapped under debris or behind walls. These exercises test our skills and equipment and help us practice new techniques. Our participation in general rescue skills competitions also enhances our skill level.

Typical SES Tasks

• USAR Category 1and 2 task force members
• Logistics support to task force such as lighting, equipment, transport, security, etc.
• Provision of specialist team members with skills from their workplaces such as engineers, builders, etc.