The importance of teamwork and training in the emergency services is being highlighted during a multi-agency search and rescue exercise at Seven Mile Beach today.
Participating agencies include Tasmania Police Marine Rescue and helicopter resources, Ambulance Tasmania, Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service, Sea Rescue Tasmania Dodges Ferry and Surf Life Saving Tasmania.
Tasmania Police Acting Inspector Paul Johns said the exercise involved a simulated light plane crash, with multiple 'casualties', offshore at Seven Mile Beach.
"Our goal here is for multiple rescue agencies to safely respond to a simulated aircraft crash into water and provide immediate rescue assistance to survivors," he said.
"This training is a critical component of emergency preparedness and testing of emergency plans, ensuring that all agencies can respond swiftly, effectively, and in a coordinated manner in the event real-life incidents occur.
"As the Hobart Airport is bordered by water bodies on two sides, it is possible that an aircraft could crash into water, and a water rescue response will be required."
Acting Inspector Johns said it was important to develop and maintain inter-operability between agencies.
"Teamwork, and an understanding of the capabilities of each agency, is an essential part of a rescue operation and goes towards us resolving that situation effectively and safely and, ultimately, saving lives" he said.
The exercise is being conducted at the western end of Seven Mile Beach from about 9am to 1.30pm.
Members of the public may notice a large presence of emergency services, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, in the Seven Mile Beach area. The presence is part of the exercise, and there is no cause for concern.
