This weekend was planned for a number of VRA squad members who have completed most of the training but haven't been available on assessment days. We had 7 trainees in total. One from BWRS, Peter R, three from Cave Rescue and three from VRA squads. PCA was the assessor with Dug F, Mark D, Kevin D helping out. This was the first Assessment for the new RTO for Vertical Rescue, and Bill Proctor (a BWRS member) from Safety Access Rescue was along to quality control the modified training program.

This is a reminder that the Squad's monthly training for May is scheduled for the 11th.

BWRS have just announced the dates for their 2011 Remote Areas First Aid Courses, the text of their announcement is as follows:

Over the weekend of 30th/31st October 2010 the NSW Cave Rescue Squad, in conjunction with the Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust staff, conducted a training exercise at Jenolan Caves. The exercise was billed as an excellent opportunity to bring together recent training, provide valuable experience for many newer members and to work with the local staff who would, most likely, be the first responders in an authentic rescue. This was also the first major exercise since the Squad introduced new vertical cave rescue techniques; techniques that are based on the methods currently in use with many European cave rescue organisations, which seek to minimize the use of equipment while maximizing the progression of the casualty. The Squad first trialed a training package based on these skills with ten members of Squad in early 2010 and it is envisaged that this would form the core of a learning program to meet the requirements of the nationally accredited PUASAR004B Undertake Vertical Rescue public safety training competency.

Attached is a media release and update information sheet from St John Ambulance following the recent changes to CPR Protocol. The changes are highlighted below:

Changes are highlighted in bold:
D Check for Danger
R Check for Responsiveness
S Send for help
A Open Airway
B Check for normal Breathing
C Start CPR - 30 chest impressions: 2 rescue breaths
D Attach defibrillator (AED) as soon as available and follow
prompts
Continue CPR until qualified personnel arrive or signs of life return
(responsiveness, starts moving, normal breathing)

Upcoming Training Events

There are a number of upcoming events for the remainder of the year, see the list:

• Wednesday Training 13th October
• VRA Annual Conference 9-10 October
• BWRS Operation Barrington 16-17 October (see below)
• CRS Jenolan 30-31 October (see below)
• Sydney to the Gong Ride 7 November
• Committee Meeting 10th November
• Training/Christmas Party 8th December.
• RAFA Course (see below)

Note: training events are open to all CRS members and others by application. Acceptance of non-CRS members is not assured.

The AGM was run on the 11th of August 2010 and if you are interesting in a full copy of the minutes, please contact the Secretary (secr...@caverescue.org.au). The following people were elected to manage the Squad until the next AGM:

A draft agenda for the Squad's Annual General Meeting is now available and, in conjunction with the supporting documentation, is in the process of being distributed to members. If you are not a member of the Squad but are interested in receiving a copy of the documentation pack then please contact the Secretary.

Peter Brady
Secretary
NSW Cave Rescue Squad Incorporated
M: +61 410 490 797
E: secr...@caverescue.org.au