Emergency response teams compete at MTW

Emergency response teams put their skills into practice at the Hunter Valley open cut mines rescue competition hosted by Mount Thorley Warkworth recently.

Mount Thorley Warkworth emergency services coordinator Tony Gilroy, who organised the event, said nine teams participated including all three Coal & Allied sites.

“The day consisted of search and rescue, fire fighting, mass casualty, heights rescue, heavy lifting and vehicle rescue scenarios,” Tony said.

“Mount Thorley Warkworth won the theory, mass casualty and fire exercises and finished runners up overall – a great effort in what was a very competitive event.

“Well done to first-time captain Darren Parnell and his team and all the Coal & Allied sites that were involved.”

Tony said team members Clint Starkey and Jason Upward competed for the first time and enjoyed the experience immensely, seeing the benefits of the intense training.

“The annual competition is an opportunity for rescue teams to work together and apply what they know in a real-life, high pressure environment,” Tony said.

“Mount Thorley Warkworth general manager operations Cam Halfpenny and coal handling and preparation plant manager Nic Earner were fully supportive of the event.”

Cam Halfpenny said: “Well done guys. It is reassuring for all of us to know we have quality, experienced rescue teams at our sites should an accident occur.

“In addition I would like to acknowledge the excellent support of Tony Gilroy and his team from Mount Thorley Warkworth in assisting with organising the competition.

Kestrel Mine played host to the underground mines rescue competition on 17 October. Read the full article.

Pictured: (above, l-r) Darren Parnell (captain), Jason Pringle (vice captain), Clint Starkey (#3 tools/safety/medical), Alan Hodges (#4 medical/safety/tools), Darrin Berry (#5 medical/safety/tools), Tony Whitney (#6 safety/tools), Jason Upward (#7 safety/tools), Mark Halton (trainer).

Pictured: (below) The Mount Thorley Warkworth emergency response team in action at the New South Wales mines rescue competition.