Emergency Management Podcast Stuart Walker

In this episode, we talk to Greg Leach. The interview was recorded in November 2019 just prior to Greg taking up his new post as Commissioner of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.







Greg has worked in emergency management for over 33 years. He commenced his career with the Country Fire Authority and then moved to Ambulance Victoria and most recently served with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.







Ask questions or share your feedback







Comment on the show notesEmail feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome)Visit the contact page







Connect with me







Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or AndroidJoin the Facebook Page

In this episode of the Emergency Management Podcast, we interview Deputy Chief Officer David Baker from the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES). The VICSES  is the control agency for flood, storm, tsunami earthquake and landslide in Victoria (Australia).



In this episode, we discuss:

What do SES volunteers do?

The volunteers at VICSES have a range of emergency management responsibilities. Volunteers respond to natural disasters including:



flood,

storm,

earthquake,

tsunami and

landslide.



SES volunteers also provide road rescue services.

VICSES also assist the Victoria Police in search and rescue operations.

Are all SES volunteers?

In 2018 VICSES  had approximately:



3,547 Operational volunteers

910 Support Volunteers

80 Permanent operational staff

120 Permanent support staff



VicSES Values

In 2017, VICSES started a process to define its values. VICSES values include:



We pride ourselves on our credibility

We are part of our community

Safety drives our decisions

Focused and adaptable

Together we are VICSES



VICSES Operational Capability Strategy

The aim of the Operational Capability Strategy is to explain both the rationale and the underpinning principles for the development and maintenance of operational capability of VICSES.

Emergency Services Infrastructure Authority

The aim of the Emergency Services Infrastructure Authority (ESIA) is to improve the delivery of emergency services infrastructure in Victoria. Currently, ESIA is delivering infrastructure for the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES), and Life Saving Victoria (LSV) built infrastructure projects and Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) sector vessels.

We work as one

The ethos of "We work as one" is a shared goal identified by Emergency Management Victoria. "We work as one" places a priority on both government and agencies working together cooperatively to enable a flexible and networked response that supports the community.

The best piece of advice

Mark Crosweller, AFSM - "‘imagine the unimaginable’ and act accordingly" - Improving our capability to better plan for, respond to, and recover from severe-to-catastrophic level disasters by Mark Crosweller

 

Richard de Crespigny (Captain of QF32) - At the beginning of the Singapore/Sydney leg of flight QF32, one of four engines exploded. The damage to the aircraft was extensive.



 

What is the SES phone number in Victoria?

For emergencies how do you call SES?

In Victoria, you can call 132 500 for flood, storm, tsunami and earthquake emergency.

For life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

Victoria Head Office

168 Sturt StreetSouthbank, Victoria 3006

Phone: (03) 9256 9000International: +613 9256 9000

Ask questions or share your feedback



Comment on the show notes

Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome)

Visit the contact page



Connect with me







Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Android

Join the Facebook Page

In this episode of the Emergency Management Podcast, we discuss burn injury prevention with Senior Station Officer Andrew Smith from the Country Fire Authority, located in Victoria, Australia.

Here are some links that you might like to read for further information:



The Royal Children's Hospital - Guideline - Burns/management of burn wounds

Trauma Victoria - Paediatric Burns Sub Guideline

Alfred Hospital - Burns Management Guidelines



 





Ask questions or share your feedback



Comment on the show notes

Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome)

Visit the contact page



Connect with me



Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Android

Join the Facebook Page

What does the American Red Cross do with data?

What does the American Red Cross do with data? The answer is plenty. Indeed, data driven decision making informs their entire approach to managing emergencies.



In this episode, we talk with Senior Director of Business Infrastructure for the American Red Cross Brian Keenum, who recently provided the keynote address at the Australian Esri User Conference. During our conversation, Brian shares his organisation's experience using world-class technology to enable more accurate, safe and effective decision making in the face of a crisis.



Senior Director of Business Infrastructure for the American Red Cross Brian Keenum

Data-Driven Decision Making Software

Data-driven decision making involves making decisions that are backed by verifiable facts rather than making decisions that are intuitive or based on observation alone.



The American Red Cross uses data-driven software to boost effective emergency management across the spectrum of prevention, response and recovery.

RC View

During the interview, Brian discusses RC View which is a custom-made application that uses that uses Esri's GIS technology.



RC View informs the way that Red Cross responds to emergencies by:



Providing the organisation’s volunteers and staff with real-time situational awareness

Identifying and understanding the potential impact a crisis may bring

Helping to inform who will be affected the worst

Guiding the way that Red Cross should respond

Providing the ability for Red Cross to focus their resources in real-time



RC View brings together Federal, State and local data sources into one dynamic picture that informs the decisions and actions of the Red Cross workforce. RC View has improved the efficiency of workflow during large-scale national disaster relief operations, as well as everyday response to house fires and preparedness efforts within communities.





Here are some links that you might like to read/watch for further information:



Read The GIS solution that’s changing traditional emergency response and recovery - Mark Wallace Manager, Business Development (QLD, NT & PNG)– Esri Australia, Brisbane

Read A business case for agency interoperability during large-scale crises Mark Wallace Manager, Business Development (QLD, NT & PNG)– Esri Australia, Brisbane

Read A best-practice open data framework - Mark Wallace Manager, Business Development (QLD, NT & PNG)– Esri Australia, Brisbane

Watch American Red Cross - Connecting and Helping Volunteers, Partners and Citizens in Need 





Ask questions or share your feedback



Comment on the show notes

Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome)

Visit the contact page



Connect with me



Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Android

Join the Facebook Page



 

Ken Brown (AFSM) is currently the Acting Deputy Chief Officer and Acting Executive Director Operational Preparedness with the Metropolitan Fire & Emergency Services Board (MFB) located in Victoria, Australia.



His Command and Control experience is extensive and he is well known for creating mentoring opportunities for his personnel.



Ken joined the MFB in 1983. During his 35 years of service, 29 years have been spent in the officer ranks which also includes 6 years at an executive level as an Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) and acting Deputy Chief Officer (ADCO).



Ken’s substantive position is ACFO of the MFB’s Technical Operations Department. Ken is married (wife Rhonda) and has 6 children and 13 grandchildren...so far).





ADCO Ken Browns Awards and Commendations



Australian Fire Service Medal

National Emergency Medal

National Medal

MFB Long and Good Service Medal  

Chief Officer Commendation – Middle Park Fire

Chief Officer Commendation – Hall Street Yarraville Fire



SKM Coolaroo Recycling Plant Fire

The fire at the SKM Coolaroo Recycling Plant (the Coolaroo fire) occurred on 13 July 2017 and burned for 11 days. As a result, the smoke plumes from the fire were observed across Melbourne for several days.



There were numerous challenges and nearby residents and business were urged to evacuate due to concerns about the impact of air quality on human health. The Inspector General for Emergency Management completed a post-incident analysis the fire titled: Review of SKM Coolaroo Recycling Plant Fire.

SKM Coolaroo Recycling Plant Fire Press Conference 14 July





https://youtu.be/YgZaltC0QtM



 

Ask your questions or share your feedback



Comment on the show notes

Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome)

Visit the contact page



Connect with me



Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Android

Join the Facebook Page

Helicopter firefighting at night

Nighttime firebombing aircraft are only a recent addition to the tools available to firefighters in Victoria, Australia. In the past, firebombing aircraft in Australia only worked during daylight hours. However, in 2018, Emergency Management Victoria led Australia's first trial in the use of firebombing aircraft to contain and extinguish wildfires at night.



During the trial, pilots wore night-vision goggles, which are used to detect and boost light.

Do water bombers work at night?

In Victoria, water-bombing helicopters can work at night.



In this episode, Commander Wayne Rigg talks about his role to carry out an Australian first trial in the use of helicopters in nighttime firefighting. The trial was a success and resulted in approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulatory to conduct night fire suppression activities using night vision goggles.

About Wayne Rigg

Wayne joined the CFA as a volunteer at the Eildon Fire Brigade in 1994 and then became a career firefighter in 1995. He was initially stationed at Ballarat City Fire Station and was then promoted through the ranks to Commander.





Operations Officer Wayne Rigg

Wayne trained as an Air Attack Supervisor in 2005 and has been involved in aerial firebombing since. He is now considered one of the leading subject matter experts within aerial firefighting in Australia.

Wayne is also an air observer and air operations manager and performs many aviation coordination roles at Regional and State level.

Before his work with Emergency Management Victoria, Wayne held the position of CFA Aviation Officer for six years. During this time he brought about significant changes in aerial firefighting and capability. These changes have resulted in improved service delivery and protection to ground crews and communities.

Some of the projects that Wayne has been involved in include:





Predetermined dispatch of firefighting aircraft. This means firebombing aircraft are responded to fires via an alert system at the same time as fire trucks are responded.

Large firefighting Air Tankers.

Airborne Information Gathering.

Air Attack Supervisor rosters.

Fleet changes and a range of other projects.



Ask your questions or share your feedback



Comment on the show notes

Email feedback@emergencymanagementpodcast.com (audio files welcome)

Visit the contact page



Connect with me



Subscribe to the Emergency Management Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Android

Join the Facebook Page