RSPCA NSW Emergency Response Training Day a Howling Success

RSPCA NSW staff with Hunter Emergency Response Team Volunteers.

Last week, RSPCA NSW held our first Emergency Response Team training day at our Hunter Shelter. Over 12 volunteers from the Hunter region attended the training, with guest speakers from our Inspectorate as well as Red Cross Australia delivering the valuable training.

The RSPCA NSW Emergency Response Team is comprised of volunteers and staff members and was recently formed to assist with providing disaster relief to both people and their pets during times of emergency.

The training provided was complimentary for participants and included an information session on the work RSPCA NSW does in times of disaster, led by Emergency Response Manager Anne Keyvar, as well as the role of our Inspectorate, led by Northern Region Inspector, Russell Jarman.

Participants were briefed on effective emergency response tactics and taught vital skills such as how to assist at evacuation centres, set up safe animal spaces during disasters and how to provide comfort and advice to animal owners in times of stress.

Instructions on how to deliver animal first-aid were also taught to attendees by a registered RSPCA NSW Veterinary Nurse and details on how to effectively transport animals were also supplied.

Participants were taught how to deliver animal first-aid.

“Given the recent extreme weather conditions and flooding, services such as this have never been more crucial,” said Emergency Response Team Manager, Anne Keyvar.

“We are wanting to let the community know that across the state, RSPCA NSW has been recruiting teams of compassionate volunteers that will play a vital role in assisting and supporting animals and their guardians affected by these disasters.”

Once an individual’s volunteer application has been accepted, they are invited to attend an in-person information and training day and given access to an online training portal where they can complete specialised learning modules at their own pace.

“Overall, it was a great day with many valuable and extremely transferrable skills learned for all. If you are looking for a way to help those most in need, whilst developing your skills and giving back to your local community, please head online and fill out an application, we would love to have you!” urges Keyvar.

To learn more about the Emergency Response Team, visit the RSPCA NSW website or contact volunteer@rspcansw.org.au.