Joint QFD/QCS exercise tests inter-agency response
Lotus Glen Correctional Centre was the scene of a simulated firefighting and search and rescue operation recently as a part of a multi-agency training exercise.
The contingency training, which involved officers from the Queensland Corrective Services Centre Emergency Response Team (CERT) and dog squad, saw two Queensland Fire Department (QFD) crews from Atherton and Mareeba respond to a recycling bin and subsequent building fire within the grounds of the facility as a result of non-compliant prisoners.
The exercise tested QCS' safety and security response in supporting QFD to access the site and eliminate the fire, before providing search and rescue capabilities to recover and treat a missing person.
Lotus Glen Correctional Centre CERT Coordinator and Acting Deputy General Manager, a/Superintendent Scott Nicholls said the exercise was an opportunity to measure existing QCS capabilities whilst drawing on the expertise of the QFD.
"It's really important that we practice so when there are real time emergencies, we're all in a good position to respond safely and appropriately," he said.
"There're always learning opportunities highlighted by any exercise we do, which strengthens our response preparedness.
"Our team, everyone from administration through to our tactical team did a stirling job and the centre was still operational in dealing with the complexities of a fully operational centre while running this contingency.
"What I saw there was an exercise delivered, and the participation at a level that was mature, safe and with a lot of learnings so I'm extremely proud of the whole team's involvement."
The training also tested QCS' response capability in securing the area and evacuating prisoners, as well as providing safe access to the facility for responding fire appliances and crews.
A brand new QFD Scania appliance was put to the test during the exercise, utilising the Correctional Centre's booster pumps.
Also involved in the exercise were staff from Queensland Health, QBuild and Endfire.
QFD Area Commander, Tablelands Command, Inspector Brad Fleming said the exercise ensured the interaction between the two agencies was both effective and familiar.
"Today we were in support of QCS where they are the lead agency and we are the combative authority, and we are here to assist them under their direction, in this situation that started as a dumpster fire but extended into a workshop area," he said.
"Exercises like this not only test our capability but provide knowledge for the actual operators so if they have to come out here for a real-life incident, they can work well and know the layout.
"The exercise went really well, it was particularly good to see the inter-agency operability and from our perspective what we did went well and it was good to see both agencies work well together."
Queensland Corrective Services will conduct a review following the exercise to create a formal breakdown of learning opportunities, with the opportunity to further link in with QFD as part of each agency's assessments.
