The 25 recruit firefighters along with their five Instructors and Recruit Course Coordinator Senior Station Officer Mark Owen spent approximately 7 hours underground at depths ranging from 65 metres to 95 metres.
While much of the equipment needed for the day including additional BA cylinders and food took the 90 second journey down the main lift, the recruits used the original narrow mine shaft ladders to make the journey underground.
Wearing full structural PPC and donning their BA sets and masks, the recruits descended one by one into the darkness of the Central Deborah Gold Mine to complete what would be a challenging day.
The training was designed to enhance the recruits knowledge, skills and abilities in BA search and rescue in adverse conditions which included confined space and minimal visibility.
The days also allowed the recruit firefighters to experience and appreciate some of the complexities of mine rescues.
Once again wearing BA, the final ascent 65 metres out of the mine up the ladders the recruits along with their instructors needed a moment for their eyes to adjust to the sunlight after spending much of the day working in the darkness.
The hospitality of the staff at Bendigo Fire Station was greatly appreciated for the hot showers and BBQ dinner later that evening. The recruits were provided with a tour of the fire station as well as some having the opportunity to experience
The day could not have run smoothly without the logistical assistance done by Fiskville hospitality staff, Fiskville PAD Operator Andrew Brophy and Huntly Training Ground PAD Operator David Priest as well as the staff at Central Deborah Gold Mine Bendigo.
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