"There is a huge amount ongoing training available for FRNSW members" Captain Wal Leonow said.

"The training we took part in on the weekend was 'Road Crash Rescue' (RCR), and involved learning to use some pretty heavy duty tools to rescue a patient trapped inside of a vehicle."

The training was conducted by Rescue Training Officer Lyle Davidson, who travelled to Harden to facilitate the three day training.

"The unit we are working on today teaches methods of fast patient access, such as dash push, roof removal, stabilisation, glass management and patient care." Training Officer Davidson said."

"Further training will be held throughout the following months, that will include Industrial and Domestic Rescue; Heavy lifts, for when patients are trapped under, say a train; Cordage, for abseiling rescues; Complex Transport and Urban Search and Rescue."

"We always hope that these techniques will never be needed, but we want everyone trained for every emergency that may arise."

While all this training was happening, other members of the Unit took charge at the Fire Station, hosting the annual Open Day.

"Open Day is an important community outreach that allows people to come and see what we are all about." Captain Wal Leonow said.

"It is a day when the community can get to know the local boys and learn that we do much more than attend fires."

Captain Leonow said the Unit is called out on a variety of jobs throughout every year and that no two callouts are the same.

"We get called to building fires, grass and bushfires, chemical hazards, motor vehicle accidents and assist with recovery from natural disasters such as storms and floods." Captain Leonow said.

Anyone who is interested in joining FRNSW should contact Captain Wal Leonow on 0427 862 518 or go to their website: www.fire.nsw.gov.au

For more photos of the FRNSW Harden Open Day, please turn to page 4.