YOUNG people can begin their association with the Western Australian emergency services as cadets.
Part of the Cadets WA program, Emergency Services Cadet (ESC) presents secondary school students with the opportunity to follow the training and service ideals of the following emergency services agencies:
bush fire brigades
Fire and Rescue Service
State Emergency Service
volunteer marine rescue groups
Emergency Service Cadets participate in interesting and challenging training that:
provides practical life skills
develops leadership, teamwork and initiative skills
fosters qualities of community responsibility and service
Training includes:
|
Core modules |
Elective modules |
|
First-aid |
Abseiling |
|
Radio communications |
Boat and water safety |
|
Fire safety and basic fire fighting |
Rescue techniques |
|
Rescue techniques |
Camping |
|
Navigation and bushcraft |
Counter disaster training |
|
Drill and ceremonial |
Sea, search and rescue techniques |
The type of training – whether it be inclined to one type of emergency agency or adopts influences from two or more agencies – is determined by the school that hosts the cadets in consultation with emergency services agencies in the area. As a result, ESC units can vary significantly.
Cadets also need leaders. All cadet units have a unit coordinator and a number of instructors. They may be community members or often are associated with other emergency services organisations.
There are currently about 1,660 cadets and 220 adult leaders or instructors in 45 ESC units throughout Western Australia. Units vary in size from 15 to 120 members.
For more information, ring the FESA Youth Development Officer on +61 08 9323 9895.