Rescue exercise tests students

The Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Services (DEMS) conducted a 24-hour rescue exercise at the Leon Ferreira Fire Station from June 20 to 21 for structural collapse rescue students.

According to the district manager of fire and rescue training for the CoE, Gerald Moswathupa, the drill would test the students’ skills and hone their abilities in preparing for emergencies and disasters.

“We want them to be ready. The training environment is different to when you get a real call. Hence, we try to make the exercise as realistic as possible.”

This time, the exercise involved a simulation of an earthquake in Botswana in the early hours of June 19, which resulted in 15 people going missing that the students must rescue.

The students ‘left’ SA at about 08:15 and ‘arrived’ in Botswana at about 09:20. They arrived at the site, were briefed at 11:00, and started working at 11:30.

Moswathupa said the students are doing well thus far.

“They already found nine patients but, unfortunately, haven’t been able to get to them yet due to the unsafeness of the structure,” he said.

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