Welcome to the Disaster Preparedness and Management Unit's news page. This page is updated constantly with news on emergency management in Western Australia so be sure to come back regularly to see what's new.
These news items are also emailed out on a regular basis. If you would like to bee added to the distribution list, please contact da.brandenburg@health.wa.gov.au with the subject line 'subscribe to DPMU news alerts'.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2011 Update
07/06/2011
WA Health is actively planning for CHOGM 2011. The Disaster Preparedness and Management Unit (DPMU), as part of the Disaster Management, Regulation and Planning Directorate (DMRPD) of the Public Health Division of WA Health are continuing to work closely with the Australian Government Taskforce and the Western Australian Department of Premier and Cabinet to provide a coordinated CHOGM health response. A range of committees and planning groups have been established to plan and coordinate the Australian and State Government agreed health care arrangements and WA Health staff are representing Health on a range of multi-agency planning committees and groups.
In preparation for CHOGM, WA Health is seeking expressions of interest from Doctors and Registered Nurses working in WA to join the CHOGM Health Team. Teams will provide a range of health services to CHOGM delegates and officials at specific venues. CHOGM provides an exciting opportunity to showcase Perth to the world, and applicants are encouraged to apply.
If you would like more information on CHOGM planning or joining the CHOGM Health Team please contact:
If you require further information please visit the Disaster Preparedness And Management Unit webpage.
Australian Medical Assistance Teams (AUSMAT WA) Training Exercise
25/05/2011
WA Health’s Disaster Preparedness and Management Unit recently held another successful AUSMAT WA training exercise, at Irwin Barracks in Perth.
The exercise was conducted from 28-30 March 2011 and facilitated by RedR training. Participants included nurses, medical practitioners, paramedics, environmental health staff and Urban Search and Rescue personnel.
The aim of the exercise is to provide participants with a variety of deployment skills including radio communication, weapons and mines awareness, security, navigation and pre-deployment planning.
The exercise also gives participants the opportunity to experience living with the AUSMAT WA self-sustainability equipment and supplies. Participants slept on stretchers in the AUSMAT accommodation tents and ate army-style ration packs for the duration of the exercise.
Positive feedback was received from participants, including a strong sense of teamwork and an increased knowledge in many areas relevant to national and international disaster response.
Emergency Management WA Information Sheet 1 March 2011.
Emergency Management WA have released their quarterly information sheet (PDF 108KB). The information is provided by EMWA on behalf of the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC). It highlights recent changes to Emergency Management policies and programs in Western Australia.
Operations & Logistics
07/03/11
The procurement of the medical consumables for the AUSMAT modules is largely complete. The bins for deployment of the medical consumables and equipment will arrive shortly thus allowing for a small trial deployment during the AUSMAT exercise.
The Logistics section will shortly receive a Hyundai iLoad van to allow for equipment delivery, maintenance and deployment of stores within the metropolitan area.
Several logistic processes will be bedded down during the AUSMAT Exercise.
03/03/2011
- CHOGM 2011 will be held in Perth from 28-30 October
- Based on attendance at previous CHOGMs as many as 3,000 delegates may attend CHOGM 2011 including Leaders, Foreign ministers, delegates, senior officials and support staff.
- Consistent with practice for previous such events in Australia, an Australian Government Taskforce has been established in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to oversee logistical and administrative arrangements for the event. The Taskforce is working closely with Western Australian State representatives to prepare for CHOGM 2011.
- The Disaster Preparedness and Management Unit (DPMU), on behalf of the Western Australian Government has been tasked with planning and coordinating the Australian and State Government agreed health care arrangements. DPMU has convened a WA CHOGM Health and Safety Subcommittee to assist with the task.
- For more information access the CHOGM website http://www.chogm2011.org/
02/03/2011
The Disaster Preparedness and Management Unit provides a range of educational opportunities for emergency responders including classroom based courses, disaster simulation exercises and online education opportunities. Applications are now open for 2011 courses, which include: Major Incident Medical Management and Support; Regional Training; Emergo Train System; Bombs, Blasts, Bullets and Disaster Management – A Health Focus. Courses are open to WA Health employees and staff from other emergency response organisations.
If you are interested in disaster management training, please visit the training and development webpage.
23/02/2011
The Disaster Preparedness and Management Unit represents WA Health on a number of committees aimed at managing risks to the welfare of the State and ensuring the safety of public events.
For more information visit the risk management and special events page.
Previous issues of the Disaster Preparedness and Management Unit's Newsletter are available below.
Warning (large file sizes).
