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Pakenham State Emergency Service members are highly trained people who attend road, rail, train, bus, industrial, other rescues and many storm related jobs on a regular basis. The type of training required for these jobs is very specialialised and requires a high level expertise in all fields of the area.

To learn when we train, please go to our 'How Do I Join' page.

Pakenham SES trains from various sources and uses manuals written by the Emergency Management Australia (EMA) to gain information and know-how. This training incorporates both the theoretical and practical methods so members can gain full understanding of the topic. The EMA has produced a General Rescue package, which all Victorian SES members train from. This package is a good start for general rescue which includes many topics.

The topics covered in the general rescue package are:

General Rescue Package
Planning for general rescue
Safety
Fire fighting
Basic communications equipment
Ropes, chains, slings
Knots and lashings
Ladders
Casualty handling
Anchors and holdfasts
Pulley systems and winches
Lifting and lowering techniques
Lifting and stabilising equipment
Hand and power tools
Power and lighting.

As well as using the General Rescue package, Pakenham SES members are also trained using the VICSES Road Rescue Manual (1988) which goes in to much more depth and helps give more specialised training in road rescue. We have over half of our members trained and accredited in general and road rescue. This type of training is recognised Australia wide, and therefore it is not just internally recognised by a specific unit.

Click here view some photos of us training.

The topics covered in the road rescue manual are:

Hand Operated Hydraulic Equipment
Motor Driven Hydraulic Equipment
Chainsaws
Quick cut, Cut quick, rotating saw.
Saber Saw
Winches
Generators and Lighting
Unit Vehicle Familiarisation
Cordage
Jacks and Jacking
Blocks and Wedges
Fire Extinguishers
Chains, Steel wire ropes and shackles
Rescue Harness
Holdfasts and Pickets
Knots and Lashings
Stretchers and Stretcher Handling
Hand tools
Air Bags

Although many simulations of road rescues can be created, nothing is like the real thing, and a lot of experience is gained at a real job.

As well as learning the skills to operate various tools and perform other tasks, the members of Pakenham SES are trained in and have the chance to attend First Aid, Chainsaw, Train the Trainer, Occupational Health and Safety courses. These courses are not only limited to these subjects but are just a short guide, as with the topics and skills that Pakenham SES members are trained in.

The other side to the practical and physical training, is the training of the mind. All members of the Victorian SES are made aware of and mentally trained about Critical Incident Stress (CIS). This highly specialised range of mentally draining work requires knowledge of how to deal with the effects of CIS. VICSES has a Peer Support Program which operates to assist members if they need to talk to another member or team leader about a job or experience they have been involved in.

The general rescue package talks about this kind of psychological training needed in it's opening chapter.

Psychological effects of rescue situations

Think about a situation in which you or someone close to you has faced danger. How did you feel at the time? How did you feel afterwards? How do you feel about it now?

As a rescuer you must be aware of the psychological needs of those involved in a rescue situation; not just the needs of the victims but of the rescuers too.

People tend to react differently to danger but the most general responses are anxiety and fear. Even if the main danger has passed, additional dangers may still be present.

The biggest difference between the reactions of the victim and the rescuers is that the rescuer should be able to cope better, have the knowledge and resources to minimise risk and to remedy the situation.

It is normal to be anxious and feel fear in the face of danger. These are emotional reactions common to both victim and rescuer. You may respond in other ways tool for example with pity, disgust, contempt, pride or concern. Often the emotions people feel during a rescue operation are exaggerated because of the urgency and pressures of the situation.

As Pakenham State Emergency Service Volunteers, we are well trained and proud of what we do.