Glencore’s Oaky Creek operation is the first ever mining Emergency Response Team (ERT) to compete in the Australasian Rescue Challenge, an event designed to help emergency personnel improve their skills through simulated rescue scenarios.

Captained by Tom Pratchett, the Oaky Creek ERT competed against professionals from State Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance services from around the world.

“The Australasian Rescue Challenge was an amazing opportunity for us to be involved in really complex, realistic rescue scenarios,” Tom said.

“We were able to learn new techniques and rescue methods from other competitors who work in different environments, and that really encouraged us to get outside of our comfort zone.

“As Captain, I am incredibly proud of our team and look forward to sharing and implementing the skills we’ve gained.”

PHOTO CREDITS: Australasian Road Rescue Organisation.

Australasian Road Rescue Organisation Command Specialist, Mick Vanderzalm, said it was fantastic to see the mining sector getting involved in the event.

“We were so pleased to have Oaky Creek join us for the first time at the Australasian Rescue Challenge this year,” Mick said.

“The team was kept busy, competing in seven events, including three motor vehicle entrapments, two trauma events, CPR, and domestic rescue challenges, all as realistic as possible.

“Safety is fundamental to the mining industry and embedded in all aspects of an operation, so to see how Oaky Creek’s Emergency Response Team tackled rescue scenarios was just excellent.

“Similarly, it was a great opportunity for Oaky Creek to learn how other emergency professionals approach rescues and hopefully they can take those learnings back to site and the broader community.”

The Australasian Road Rescue Organisation is the peak body in Australasia for the development and exchange of skills in road and trauma rescue. Their Australasian Rescue Challenge was held on Friday June 30 at the Wayville Pavilion.