Staff are being equipped to handle emergencies like the pros, with a new hands-on approach that is providing better skills outcomes while making learning a lot of fun.

A review of internal emergency management training at Flinders earlier this year has seen a number of changes aimed at improving training sessions, from the perspectives of outcomes and also accommodating staff needs.

Exercises in operating fire extinguishers and using fire hose-reels and fire blankets are instilling confidence in wardens, who are also being trained in other practical components such as scenario based training and learning to operate Fire Indicator Panels and Emergency Warning Intercommunication Systems.

The revised approach provides flexibility for staff to attend a choice of sessions in semester and mid-year breaks, with enrolment automated through the ienrol system.

It has received wide approval from participants, including Fire Warden Professor Charlie Lees, who is Dean (People and Resources) in the College of Business, Government and Law.

“The revised session provides invaluable hands-on experience as well as practical instruction on fire safety. It is also a lot of fun!” Professor Lees said.

Bob May Workplace Emergency Training is delivering the training. It supports a broad strategy developed in collaboration with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service, which will include an MFS practical exercise at Bedford Park in July.

The University currently has 63 professional staff and 12 academic staff members training as wardens, together with three students and four retail tenants.