PANSW and partners carry out air and sea emergency training

PORT Authority of New South Wales together with NSW Ambulance and the Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter Service are training together to allow specialist medical teams to practice winching techniques to and from helicopters during simulated marine rescues.

Port Authority of NSW CEO Philip Holliday said the training was important for organisations that routinely respond to maritime emergencies.

“Port Authority is thrilled to support these agencies for their response to emergencies on the water” Mr Holliday said.

“Port Authority has the resources and capability to support this training and we know it provides a valuable opportunity for the Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter crews.”

NSW Ambulance executive director aeromedical operations Dr Sarah Coombes said the service sets an exceptionally high bar for the skill level of our crews and these training operations are essential to achieving and maintaining that level of excellence.

“Winching patients off moving vessels is one of the most dynamic and highly technical capabilities that our crews must be proficient at. Getting our clinicians real world experience is invaluable and this collaboration will help save lives,” Dr Coombes said.

ACE Training Centre general manager Scott Watkins said the centre was proud to have established the relationship with Port Authority to provide this training.

“Vessel winching is a perishable skill, so the ability to conduct this scenario in Sydney Harbour makes for one of the best training opportunities anywhere in the world,” Mr Watkins said.

Port Authority acting general manager of Sydney operations Daniel Duemmer said all operational marine crews had a broad skill set and trained for a wide range of emergency responses, which is why we understand the value in assisting other agencies to hone their skills.

“It’s pretty exciting for our teams to participate in such a dynamic training exercise,” Ms Marshall said.

“Working together with other agencies is always good practice for Emergency Response scenarios – you get to run through the toolbox talk together and discuss the risks and how they will be mitigated.

“For our crews it is an important skill in a suite of capabilities they need to ensure those working and using our waters stay safe.”