Volunteers attend renowned fire and rescue conference

The annual five-day conference brought together more than 38,000 firefighters and emergency services personnel from around the world. More than 800 exhibitors showcased the latest in firefighting technology, including fire trucks, apparatus, Personel Protecting Equipment (PPE), rescue tools, drones, robotics and thermal imaging. 

One of the main drawcards of the conference is the ability for participants to experience training through a mix of classroom sessions, workshops, and practical, hands-on exercises. 

Live fire search and rescue props, practical drill areas, and medical and road crash rescue scenarios are set up around the conference facility and made available at surrounding stations, giving participants access to a wide range of equipment and operational environments. 

More than 55 fire trucks were also stationed at this year’s event to support training activities. 

Lakes Entrance Captain Phil Loukes said the conference was an invaluable experience and a strong opportunity to maintain and enhance skills alongside fellow instructors from across the state. 

“We took part in three ‘hot classes’ – hands-on sessions covering critical rescue techniques including the stabilisation of heavy vehicles and equipment, extrication from vehicles, and the safe removal and rescue of people trapped in machinery,” Phil said. 

“These sessions reinforced the importance of adaptability, communication, and safe, methodical rescue practices in complex environments.  

“As trainers and assessors, it is critical that we continue to reflect on and develop our skills as a team. Exposure to different training methods, techniques and approaches challenged our thinking and reinforced the value of learning together as a cohort.”  

Phil said the group made a point of coming together at the end of each day to debrief what they had seen, learned and experienced.  

“These discussions were invaluable in shaping a shared understanding and identifying how we can apply those learnings within CFA training environments,” he added.  

In addition to the training and exhibitions, the conference provided participants with the opportunity to network with other firefighters and emergency services personnel from across the world as well as attend keynote sessions and presentations on topics of interest. 

Phil said these elective sessions were incredibly beneficial, especially those focused on leadership.  

“I was fortunate to attend a lecture by Deputy Chief Frank Viscuso, a respected leader in the USA fire services, on getting the best out of people and managing challenging operational situations,” he said.  

“Those lessons strongly align with how we continue to develop and support our people within CFA.”  

Phil said one of his biggest takeaways was the differences in training and interagency collaboration between fire services around the world.  

“Our training program and skills at CFA are world class and stood out strongly alongside other international services,” he said.  

“The way we work with other emergency services and partner agencies here is also very different and I think that really showed in how effectively we collaborated with crews at the conference.  

“There are strong opportunities to integrate new ideas and approaches, particularly in industrial rescue. There is a real opportunity to integrate what we learned into future CFA training and continue strengthening our rescue capability. 

“The knowledge and skills gained will be shared across CFA through training and development programs to support volunteers and enhance operational capability. 

The volunteers were supported at the conference by CFA’s ACFO Specialist Response Rick Owen AFSM. 

Photos courtesy Phil Smith, Wandin Fire Brigade