Emergency evacuation procedures demonstrated to industry
From the Summer 2007 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
SouthCare helicopter demonstrates emergency evacuation procedures to the forestry industry. Photo: Tijmen Klootwijk
The Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter recently gave the forest industry around Tumut an insight into what is involved in an emergency evacuation.
Forest Industry Council (FIC) executive officer, David Priem, who organised the demonstration in Buccleuch State Forest east of Tumut, said it was important that the industry had a good understanding of SouthCare’s evacuation procedures.
Approximately 30 people from across the industry attended the day, which also provided an excellent opportunity for SouthCare to get a clearer picture of how the forest industry operates in an emergency.
The helicopter gave a demonstration of winching a person in and out of the helicopter, followed by a run down on the information SouthCare requires to carry out a successful rescue.
Forests NSW wood flow scheduler, Tijmen Klootwijk, said it was a great opportunity to get a better understanding of what was required to make the whole evacuation process a lot quicker and smoother.
“We rarely call upon the service, but it is very comforting to know it is there and that if you are injured you will be in good hands,” he said.
Through FIC, the forest industry is working on ways to improve communication between people on the ground and the helicopter service.
“We looked at improved radio communications, as the forest industry relies heavily on UHF radios, while the helicopter doesn’t normally use them,” Tijmen said.
“Another aspect of the day examined how we could better indicate wind speed from the ground to helicopter.
“The day also highlighted how SouthCare would be able to tie in with Forests NSW emergency meeting points, and we provided them with a map of all our areas and emergency points.”
Sarah Chester Public Affairs & Media, Albury
