SES Hedland Hedland State Emergency Service 
SES Volunteers operational response
We rely on our volunteers to provide on-the-ground support in emergencies, from responding to natural disasters such as flood, storm, tsunami and earthquake, to supporting other emergency service organisations.
- Are you willing to be on call via pager 24/7?
- Are you willing to work in a team?
- Are you willing to undertake further training to enhance your skills?
The Hedland SES unit is looking for people to be trained to respond to:
- Storm damage
- Trees down on houses/cars
- Trees over roads
- Damage to property from severe weather
- Flooding
- Assisting other emergency services such as Police, Fire and Ambulance
- Cyclone
Operational Sections and roles
The Hedland SES active Volunteers, both male and female, come from all walks of life and occupations, which makes each and everyone one of them a valuable member of the team. All new members serve an initial minimum three month probationary period, were they are assessed as to their ability to carryout basic rescue/operations functions. During this time the new member receives training in basic skills that they will use throughout their service with the Unit.
Not only does the Hedland Unit respond to local emergencies, but they may also be called upon to travel throughout other areas in the state that require addition support. If you would like to know more, or are interested in joining, feel free to drop into the unit on our Wednesday night training or drop us a line.
Most of our members are in the Rescue Section. This section consists of members who respond to call outs such as rescues, searches, temporary building repairs, cyclone damage repairs.
Rescue section members carryout continuation training across the many skills needed during our Wednesday night training and qualification training which is run mainly on weekends. Some of the skills learnt during these training periods are;
| Wednesday Night training | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application of rescue knots | Casualty handling & packaging | Anchors |
| Small motors | Lifting systems | Mechanical advantage rigs |
| Communications | Pumping and sandbagging | Traffic control |
| Placing tarps on roofs | Rescue procedures | Use of unit equipment |
| Land Search Techniques | Storm Damage Techniques |
Operations Section
Operations section consists of members who assist in the Incident Management of the unit during call outs. Operations staff duties include;
| Tasks | Training Undertaken |
|---|---|
| Answering calls for assistance | Working in an Operations Centre |
| Planning & prioritising jobs | Mapping |
| Organising member rosters for extended incidents | Communications Systems |
| Maintaining availability lists of members |
Communications Section
Communications is a facet which is run by the Operations Section and the tasks of members in this area are;
| Tasks | Training Undertaken |
|---|---|
| Ensuring all radios (UHF & HF) are in good working order | Communication Systems |
| Batteries charged | HF Radio principles and procedures |
| Mobile Phones | Field Equipment - mobile repeaters & towers |
| Satellite Phones |
Communications is a vital role (as is all sections) within the unit, as this allows effective communications between Operations and Rescue members and teams.
Welfare
Welfare is provided to the members during callouts. Whilst there is no formal training within this area, its main function is to provide meals and refreshments for operational staff
Stores/Transport and Logistics
This area maintains and keep track of the equipment required by the unit. Tasks within this area are such as organising personal protective equipment for members, making sure the vehicles are in good working condition and are ready to respond at a moments notice, as well as the storage and maintenance of the equipment such as generators, portable lighting, pumps, ladders etc
Become a volunteer
To learn about our units or to register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us, find your nearest SES unit and submit an enquiry using our online form.
Email us for further informations.