Disaster was a success

Colin Payton and Cohan Binge Try out the fire hose on Saturday. Picture: TERRY WEST

By SONJA KOREMANS

THESE young adventurers may well be the police officers, ambos and firies of the future.
They are among a group of 18 to 21-years-olds from the Southern Downs who signed up for the Youth Disaster Week Games in Warwick on the weekend.
Under the guidance of Emergency Service crews, 22 men and women were taught disaster response skills before testing them in mock scenarios.
The event was designed to give participants a taste of what it’s like to be on the frontline of a catastrophe and prompt young people to consider a career in the emergency services.
Several participants indicated that the games had inspired them to consider first response as a profession or volunteer, Southern Downs Regional Council spokesperson Pam Burrell said.
“We were thrilled with the number of registrations and the young men and women said it gave them a real feel for what emergency services is all about,“ Ms Burrell said.
“There were definite expressions of interest from participants in police, paramedic and firefighting services as a career.“
QFES crews have also indicated the games were a success, she said.
“Emergency crews and brigades were chuffed to be able to interact with the young people and help them test their disaster response skills.“
Ms Burrell said it was hoped the games could be turned into an annual event that would be open to all ages.