Improved communication and stronger collaboration are among the key outcomes of a recent training session between Stockton Mine and the West Coast Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Critical Care Paramedic Rod Partington from the West Coast Westpac Rescue Helicopter, operated by GCH Aviation, joined the Emergency Response Team at Stockton Mine for the hands-on training.
The session forms part of the rescue helicopter service’s engagement with industry and gave the Stockton team the opportunity to learn in detail about the equipment, procedures and considerations involved when the helicopter is called to an emergency. As part of the practical discussion, the training could draw on recent experiences from a winch rescue of a contractor in a remote part of the mine.
Stockton Mine Emergency Coordinator Hamish Langford said the opportunity to train alongside Rod was invaluable for the mine’s rescue team.
“Rod spent the afternoon with us going through the rescue equipment carried by the helicopter crew, particularly the winch rescue systems and stretcher configurations, as well as aircraft safety, helicopter etiquette and communication processes,” Hamish says.
“It gave our team a much deeper understanding of the helicopter crew’s equipment and operating requirements in Stockton’s remote environment. It was incredibly useful for our team.” Hamish Langford, Stockton Mine
For Rod, the day was a valuable opportunity to engage with industry via a ground rescue crew and provide greater insight into how a rescue helicopter mission operates.
“People often expect us to arrive and immediately put a winch down, but there can be a lot happening behind the scenes as we assess conditions, hazards and the safest way to carry out the rescue. Having the chance to talk to the Stockton team about our procedures, different extraction systems, and general helicopter safety was fantastic.
“This collaborative approach will ultimately improve the safety and efficiency of future missions, as well as patient experience and outcomes.” Rod, Critical Care Paramedic
Rod also used the session as a reminder to reinforce the importance of personal locator beacons (PLBs) in remote environments.
“People sometimes think a situation isn’t serious enough to activate a PLB, but that’s exactly what we’re there for,” says Rod. “If someone is injured in a remote location, getting them out of that environment quickly is often the safest option.”
One of the most significant outcomes from the day was improved communication capability, with new procedures established that allow direct radio communication between Stockton’s Emergency Response Team on the ground and the rescue helicopter crew in the air.
“That’s probably been the biggest win,” says Hamish.
“We can now communicate directly with the helicopter as it approaches site, providing information about weather conditions, hazards, access routes, and the exact location of patients. The mine operates across a wide range of elevations, reaching up to 1,100 metres above sea level, and we frequently deal with fog, low cloud, and rapidly changing weather, so being able to share local information makes everyone’s job easier and ultimately improves patient care.”
The enhanced communication is particularly valuable given Stockton’s remote location north of Westport, where challenging terrain and weather can sometimes make access difficult.
“Having a trained rescue team on site helps bridge that gap while emergency services are making their way to us,” says Hamish. “While we work hard to prevent accidents and injuries, we know that if the worst happens, the more prepared we are, the better the outcome is likely to be.”
Rod said he was impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the Stockton team.
“The level of interest from the team was fantastic,” he says. “They were extremely engaged and eager to learn. They asked great questions and were genuinely interested in how we operate.”
The session isn’t the first partnership between Stockton and the rescue helicopter crew. Stockton’s mine operator, Bathurst Resources, is a major supporter of the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust.
Trust CEO Anton Drazevic says Bathurst’s support of the rescue helicopters is an investment in the safety and wellbeing of the communities where its people live and work.
“Every day, our crews respond to people facing some of life’s most critical moments.
“Bathurst’s support helps ensure life-saving care is available when and where it’s needed most, and training opportunities like this help build the partnerships that are so important during an emergency.”
“We’re incredibly grateful for Bathurst’s ongoing commitment to the service.” Anton Drazevic, Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust
Bathurst Resources CEO Richard Tacon says this training is an example of the value of strong relationships between industry and emergency services.
“For Stockton, it supports our ongoing focus on emergency preparedness and gives our team access to the specialist knowledge of the rescue helicopter crew.”
“Bathurst’s support for the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust recognises the importance of this service not only to our operations, but to all communities across the West Coast. We’re proud to play a part in helping keep that capability available across the region,” Richard Tacon, Bathurst Resources
Below: Critical Care Paramedic Rod during the training session at Stockton Mine
