Training session at Elgas

On Wednesday morning August 20, a training exercise was coordinated with Elgas, CFA, WorkSafe, Police and Metropolitan Ambulance Service (MAS) at the Elgas storage depot in Dandenong South.

Three victims were hidden among the gas cylinder storage and handling area. Each was made up with simulated injuries that would be found on victims injured in a typical gas tank explosion. Latex wounds, metal penetrations, chunky soup and tomato sauce were liberally spread on each to make the exercise realistic.

Career crews from Hallam and Dandenong brigades attended with several volunteers as the first onscene to handle the scenario. As each victim was recovered by fire crews they were then taken to the MAS staging area to be treated by student and new paramedics for assessment and transport.

Police blocked off areas of roadway around the site and redirected traffic (including emergency vehicles) and also helped care for an injured worker.

Elgas wardens worked alongside the CFA Commander and WorkSafe representatives during the drill. Other staff onsite were not fully briefed prior to the incident to test their response procedures.

Following a debrief session with all involved, it was deemed a great success.

Click here to see a photo gallery of the training session