BUSHWALKERS WILDERNESS RESCUE SQUAD ^INC.

A volunteer group of experienced outdoors people.

Training - Proficiency

The best personnel to use in remote area land search operations are those with knowledge of search operations combined with good bushcraft skills and fitness. Experienced bushwalkers already have the bushcraft and fitness, so BWRS trains its members in search operations to make a skilled and flexible search and rescue operator. While the training takes some time and significant effort to complete, BWRS believes achieving operational member status is a recognition of a high level of bush and search and rescue skills. This means that person is recognised as ready to help in future search and rescue operations - which could be anything from overdue bushwalkers to aircraft crashes, from missing toddlers to assisting in major emergencies.

The BWRS training system has been designed to give members the skills to operate safely and effectively in the field during search and rescue operations. The training offered by the squad conforms to standards set by relevant government agencies, the NSW State Rescue Board, NSW Police, and the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA). Training and assessment are done using competency based training principles and BWRS (along with the VRA) is in the process of getting some of its training nationally accredited. Assessment includes both practical and theory, with most emphasis on practical assessment.

Members are classified according to their training and experience. Membership levels include trainee, base operator, search team member, search team leader and search manager. Each level has several elective training options such as vertical rescue, helicopter and swift water operations.

Prospective members are required to undertake a squad induction bushwalk. This is normally a walk of medium difficulty and mostly off track. The purpose of the induction walk is so we can get to know you and determine if you are suited to the squad, and for you to determine whether the squad is for you. During this walk we will discuss how the squad operates and a little of the squad's history in order to give you some background on how the squad works.

General training includes search techniques, navigation and GPS, radio communication, bush fitness, bushcraft (such as tracking and route finding) and how BWRS works with other emergency services. The general training is overseen by BWRS instructors. Some of the specialised elective training such as vertical rescue and helicopter operations are done by external trainers such as other VRA squads and rescue helicopter operators. We can also recognise your existing experience through a process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This is discussed further during Induction bushwalks.

Training is held on several weekends throughout the year and is held at venues such as Barrington Tops, Kanangra Walls and the Budawangs (amungst many other venues!). Our aim is to make training enjoyable, challenging and professional. It should not only make you a skillful remote are search and rescue operator but also build knowledge and experience useful in all walks of life. Most of all, we hope you enjoy yourself and make some new friends!