Major emergency exercise showcases strength of Bruce Rock’s rural response teams

A large-scale mass casualty training exercise in Bruce Rock in March highlighted the strength, coordination, and dedication of the region’s emergency response teams, while also inspiring potential new volunteers.

The event was the result of extensive planning by St John WA Community Paramedic Aleisha Walker and volunteer Kim McKenzie-Thornton, with the goal of demonstrating the capabilities of rural emergency services in managing a major incident.

In preparation, St John WA volunteers undertook additional training, including a Major Incident Medical Management and Support (MIMMS) presentation and a tabletop exercise to strengthen their response to mass casualty scenarios.

The exercise brought together multiple agencies, including WA Police from Narembeen and Bruce Rock, the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services (VFES) in Bruce Rock, the local shire, Bruce Rock Hospital, and the healthcare centre.

Support was also provided by the Narembeen Sub Centre, which supplied an ambulance, while Quairading volunteer Peter West assisted as a crew member.

Brookton-based Community Paramedic Ian Dawson attended in a clinical role.

The simulated incident, staged as a bus and car collision, involved 15 University of Notre Dame medical students acting as patients with injuries ranging from minor to critical.

The exercise formed part of the students’ annual rural placement, offering them firsthand experience of emergency care in regional communities.

Throughout the scenario, all agencies operated within their established protocols while working seamlessly together, demonstrating a coordinated and effective multi-agency response.

Organisers described the exercise as a strong success, noting its value not only for skill development but also for community engagement.

“Local residents were able to observe the response efforts, gaining insight into the vital work carried out by volunteer emergency services,” Aleisha said

“Encouragingly, the event sparked interest among community members, with several people expressing interest in joining local volunteer teams.”

The exercise stands as a testament to the preparedness and collaboration of Bruce Rock’s emergency services—and the vital role they play in keeping regional communities safe.