New emergency training for 50 Wellington teens
Fifty future emergency service heroes from around the Wellington region got hands on experience last month.
The school students took part in a Youth in Emergency training camp in Waikanae, doing training scenarios, teambuilding and leadership activities to develop their risk and response skills.
Scenarios included a 6am evacuation call, where teams had to reach safety, identify who was missing, undertake a search operation and treat the wounded.
Tawa College student Daniel Hawinkels said he thought the early morning drill was a good way of learning how to respond to a stressful situation.
Jordan Potaka from Otaki College also enjoyed it. ’’It’s been a great few days,’’ he said.
‘‘I really enjoyed being part of the early morning drill and learning to be part of a team.’’
As well as learning vital skills like first-aid and leadership, the students were also able to develop friendships with other young people from around the region who shared similar interests.
Daniella Emer-Barbalich from St Catherine’s College said she enjoyed working with others her age that were also passionate about emergency response.
Heretaunga College student Ebony Peck said she had ‘‘met some amazing people and made life time friends’’.
The students, many of whom have expressed interest in careers in the emergency services and defence force, had an opportunity to ask questions of representatives from emergency organisations such as the fire service, New Zealand Police and St John during the camps emergency services expo.
The New Zealand Fire Service assistant area commander Mike Dombroski said it was satisfying to see youth interested in working within emergency services.
‘‘Engaging young people is important work,’’ he said.
The camps were valuable as they provided young people with skills to help their community in times of need, he said.
‘‘Those camps are giving young people a bit of a taste and a bit of experience about what it’s like to be working in an emergency service. It could be the first step in those kids volunteering.’’
For information on St Johns training camps check their website stjohn.org.nz