A search and rescue simulation exercise has taken place north of Rockhampton.
The training exercise involved 27 SES Volunteers and 10 police officers and was held at the Belmont Research Station at Etna Creek.
It simulated a search and rescue operation for a hypothetical child, who had wandered off and gone missing from a property, and also included a subsequent search for a civilian member of the search party, who went missing in the SAR process.
The exercise provided an opportunity improve teamwork between the SES and QPS while enhancing participants’ skills in using a newly introduced search and rescue technology.
This new software allows emergency services to track resources involved in the search in real-time, including personnel, vehicles, aircraft and drones, to create an overall operational picture.
It also offers advanced features such as tools for planning search areas and efficient resource management, and situational awareness during SAR missions.
The new technology is currently being rolled out by the Central Queensland SES and is widely used by first responders globally.
