Simulations of real-life emergency scenarios put volunteer emergency response personnel through their paces at last month’s Surface Mine Emergency Response Competition (SMERC).
Taking place from June 28-30 in Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, the annual SMERC saw teams engaging in rigorous scenarios spanning various rescue disciplines, including compliance-based rescue, vertical rescue, firefighting, and road crash rescue.
Now in its 110th year running, the 2024 competition involved eight dedicated and highly skilled teams from WA. Baseline Onsite was proud to manage the Team Skills scenario, sponsor the Hazchem scenario and have key people involved with other scenarios such as Confined Space Rescue and Theory. We’d also like to congratulate Baseline Trainer Ben Ingham, who was awarded the Harry Steinhauser Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the emergency response industry.
Several Baseline Onsite senior staff volunteered their time to attend SMERC, including Operations Manager Hayley Wombwell, Senior Mobilisation Coordinator Issy Pustkuchen, and General Manager Training & Emergency Services Michael Bowron.
Baseline Onsite’s Michael Bowron has been instrumental to the competition’s success and has been involved every year since 1998.
“For the teams, the events are structured to be as close to a real-life scenario as possible. Each scenario is extremely challenging and designed to test the responsiveness and cooperation between team members,” says Michael.
“By participating in the Surface Mine Emergency Response Competition, all teams come out the other side better equipped with the practical skills to handle real-life emergency scenarios, which hopefully / potentially minimises the outcomes”
For Baseline Onsite, SMERC serves as a vital platform for real-world readiness and community engagement. The event not only tests skills, but also fosters camaraderie with healthy competition and sets benchmarks in safety and rescue practices.
Baseline’s ongoing sponsorship underscores its commitment to industry standards and training excellence.
Congratulations to NSR Kalgoorlie Ops who took out the ‘Best Team’ award, and Gold Fields Agnew who took out the ‘Best New Team’ award.
Congratulations also to double award winner Rob Donohue, who was awarded ‘Best Captain’ and ‘Best New Captain’ leading NSR Kalgoorlie Ops.
Among all the teams, Norton Paddington, NSR KCGM, and Anglo Gold Tropicana also showcased exceptional skills, securing top spots in several events.
Well done to all involved.
