Vols rescue teens from church

Although that was only a hypothetical scenario, the 54 CFA volunteers who participated in the exercise took it just as seriously.

Led by Plenty Fire Brigade, the exercise was held to give volunteers an opportunity to build their skills in a range of areas, including incident management, breathing apparatus operations, communications, first aid and welfare.

Plenty Fire Brigade Captain Adrian Marshman said the training was held in partnership with the Diamond Valley Baptist Church’s X Factor Youth Group.

“As part of the exercise, 112 teenagers were attending normal Friday night activities at the Diamond Valley Baptist Church when party smoke was released into the church forcing an evacuation shortly before 8.00pm,” Mr Marshman said.

“While the teenagers of the X Factor Youth Group were supervised by their leaders, 10 people remained missing in the almost 2,500 sq metre facility.

“The casualties were eventually found in the very heavy smoke and were brought out for first aid and welfare checks.”

Mr Marshman said the exercise gave brigades a chance to practice using breathing apparatus in a search and rescue scenario.

Brigades involved were Plenty, Diamond Creek, Wattle Glen, Yarrambat, South Morang, Mernda and Doreen. The Nillumbik Group Mobile Control Vehicle and Bayswater Breathing Apparatus filling van were also utlised. Unfortunately, due to getting a call out minutes before kick off, Eltham staff and volunteers were unable to attend.

“Thanks to the Diamond Valley Baptist Church, John Graham, Hailey Grace, Raf Agostino and the X Factor Youth Group crew who willingly put themselves through this on a cold and wet Friday night,” Mr Marshman said.

“The exercise was a great success and has better prepared CFA firefighters in the areas of search and rescue.

“It has also strengthened ties to ensure brigades from throughout North West Metro communities can work together and be prepared for all major incidents in the local area.