Trawool Fire Brigade and Seymour VICSES recently hosted a large-scale multi-agency training exercise, with a train versus truck collision simulated in Seymour.
Over 200 people participated in the training exercise, including first responders, injured passengers, and event observers.
It took place in collaboration with Victoria Police, St John Ambulance Victoria, Ambulance Victoria, V/Line and Defence Australia.
The exercise included everything from a hazmat incident to an amputation, with the experience providing those involved with an opportunity to refine their first response skills, while working alongside other agencies.
Trawool Fire Brigade Captain and Exercise Director Sean Kerris said he was pleased with the outcomes of the exercise and thanked Seymour Railway Heritage Centre (SRHC) for hosting the simulation event.
“The exercise itself was designed to use a real-life scenario in a high-risk local area to guide the end product,” Kerris said.
“We used lessons from recent Trawalla, Kerang and Lara train incidents and the Wallan derailment to formulate the exercise, alongside coroner reports, inquiry documents and firsthand accounts to further elevate it.
“The realistic response allowed crew members to challenge themselves through real-time concerns and foster innovation when working with multiple agencies.”
CFA Deputy Group Officer Mitchell Shire Laiton Telfer said brigade members predominantly supported fire suppression and the hazmat incident on the night.
“It was great to work with the other agencies to get to know them better, as we do see them out on ground at the local incidents we respond to,” Telfer said.