North Shore City builds initial response unit
North Shore City's Civil Defence Initial Response Unit continues to grow in strength and skills with 12 people qualified
as Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) members, with the rest of the team following closely behind.
During the first weekend in July another USAR awareness course was held for those lifesavers who will be called on when
disaster strikes and buildings fall. This course was also attended by members of Waitakere City Civil Defence Initial
Response Unit, NZ Fire Service, NZ Police and NZ Red Cross. The-two day course taught participants about USAR response
structures, safety and incident management, hazards associated with USAR operations, how buildings are constructed - and
how they collapse, and how to save people when they do.
Peter Halliwell, North Shore Initial Response Unit Manager, says all participants were assessed throughout the course
and have taken back to their respective organisations a greater awareness of urban search and rescue.
"Our Initial Response Unit is now enhancing its operating procedures to meet certain capability, administrative and
training criteria. Once completed and approved our group can then register with the Ministry of Civil Defence and
Emergency Management as a national resource to support USAR Task Force operations in addition to our primary role of
supporting the North Shore City community, says Mr Halliwell, a long-time Glenfield resident.
"The team trains regularly in general rescue and associated skills such as medical and welfare management to ensure
their competency remains current. We're meeting NZQA unit standards in response fields," says Mr Halliwell. Some of the
team members are also volunteers with other agencies such as Ambulance, NZ Fire Service and Land Search and Rescue."
North Shore City's deputy mayor Dianne Hale praises the unit, its staff and volunteers for its devotion and all the hard
work it puts into its Civil Defence role.
"Opportunities are also taken to liaise and train with other rescue teams such as Waitakere City's Initial Response Unit
and Red Cross. A few members of the team also took part in the Wellington rescue exercise held over Queen's Birthday
weekend," she says.
"Civil emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time, and it's reassuring to know that we have these committed,
experienced and trained people able to help the community with their wide range of skills. Our congratulations go those
members who gain their qualifications, and our thanks to those who are so devoted to the task. The USAR is now a vital
and important resource," Dianne Hale says.
The team is still looking for more recruits and would like to hear from people interested in volunteering and rescue.
They are invited to contact North Shore Civil Defence on 478 9696, or visit its website at www.nscd.org.nz for more information.