Waverley/Woollahra SES Volunteers the best in the country.

Over the weekend of 20/21 September NSW State Rescue team (from Waverley Woollahra LHQ) competed in the National Disaster Rescue Competition, held at Whyte Island Brisbane.  At the end of the weekend they took out the competition as the Champion Rescue team in Australia, with Paul McQueen being awarded the award for Best Team Leader as well.

The team consisted of Paul McQueen (Team Leader), Lisa Taylor, Sean Askew, Ann Bartimote, Jost Preis and Allister Bevege.

The Team's rescue skills were tested to the limit with seven scenarios in urban search and rescue, lifting and stabilising, first aid, improvised rescue techniques, shoring and mass casualty situations.  These scenarios included releasing a casualty trapped by his legs under a cement block in a deep pool of water; a simulated boat explosion and the rescue of disabled patients from a simulated bus incident.

 SES Commissioner, Murray Kear, commended the team for their commitment as volunteers, "I am proud of the dedication and expertise our team displayed in the competition and of all our SES rescue crews for their ongoing skill and commitment to their vital role" he said.