12.4 Surf Club Emergency Response Teams (ERT)
Purpose
To provide operational guidance regarding the establishment, capability, preparedness, and management of Surf Club Emergency Response Teams (ERT).
Overview
SLS services are expected to maintain an emergency response capability appropriate to their operational area and risk profile.
Emergency response capability is delivered through Emergency Response Teams (ERTs), supported by suitable personnel, rescue-ready equipment, local response plans, and approved operational arrangements.
ERTs support the Surf Emergency Response System (SERS) and may be activated for emergency response, after-hours callout, or operational support activities.
Procedure
Emergency Response Preparedness
Lifesaving services should have emergency response systems in place that fall in line with the Surf Emergency Response System; namely:
- Equipment preparedness (suitable 24/7 ‘rescue ready’ equipment as outlined in following paragraphs).
- Formally established and administered callout teams.
- Local response plans.
- A formally administered personnel contact list (facilitated by the State Operations Centre).
- A contingency notification/tasking process for use during business continuity events (SMS groups/messaging services etc).
Emergency Response Capability
ERT capability should aim to maintain sufficient appropriately qualified personnel.
In addition to all members being at least 18 years or over, the ERT should:
- Be comprised of at least 10 members that live or work nearby,
- Have a broad range of skills and experience, with capability aligned to likely operational response requirements, including IRB capability,
- Have 24/7 availability between all members, with no less than 5 members being available at any one time, and
- Ensure members have suitable experience to form a team responding to emergencies in unfamiliar areas or circumstances, including high risk or complex emergency incidents, such as Critical Incidents.
This should be achieved through a coordinated system of suitably qualified personnel with access to appropriate rescue equipment, operating in accordance with approved emergency response procedures and operational arrangements.
Declining or Withdrawing from Response
Lifesaving services or personnel may decline or withdraw from a response where operational risks are considered unacceptable or capability limitations prevent safe response.
Examples of reasons that a request to respond may be declined may include:
- Insufficient personnel, including numbers, experience or awards,
- Insufficient or unserviceable equipment,
- Dangerous conditions, and
- Geographical distance outside the achievable response area.
Appropriate local emergency response planning/preparedness, including equipment and procedures, will minimise the above inhibitors and maximise the ability to render assistance.
Operational review or follow-up may occur following declined or unsuccessful responses.
Equipment and Logistics
To maximise emergency response effectiveness and personnel safety, it is recommended that clubs/lifeguard services maintain the following ‘rescue ready’ equipment/logistical preparedness:
Equipment
Equipment capability should include access to:
- 2x rescue tubes,
- 2x pairs of swim fins,
- 2x rescue boards,
- 1x SSV (fuelled),
- 1x AED,
- 1x oxygen resuscitation kit,
- 1x first aid kit,
- 2x radios, and
- 1x emergency back-up contact book.
Recommended Additional Equipment
Where possible, SLSC should have an IRB ‘rescue ready’. This means the IRB should be fully equipped, maintained, and prepared for immediate deployment to respond effectively to emergency situations. Even if the SLSC does not have IRB qualified personnel on their ERT, maintaining a ‘rescue ready’ IRB allows SLSSA to deploy / react Emergency Operations Group (EOG) personnel or call upon neighbouring SLSC members for support.
ERT members should be familiar with operational limitations and risk management requirements associated with reduced visibility and low light operations. Refer to SOP 10.1 – Reduced Visibility Operations.
In addition, in recognition of the possibility that crews may be required in reduced light conditions, the following items should be available:
- Searchlights/torches,
- Glow sticks, and
- Loud hailer.
Logistics
Surfguard must be utilised to maintain and administer club/service ERT contact information (updated pre-season, post-season and when otherwise changes). This will periodically be coordinated by the State Operations Centre, however whenever a SLSC is aware that a member of their ERT is unavailable for a prolonged period (leave, FIFO etc,) or no longer available they should contact the SOC to have their contact information updated.
Training and Exercises
All SLSCs/services should conduct an annual pre-season induction/briefing. This can be facilitated by the State Operations Centre as the facilitators of the Surf Emergency Response System.
All ERT members must participate in briefing, training sessions and/or local exercises as directed by SLSSA.
References