Through the Environmental Trust, the NSW Government is funding the delivery of Recommendation 53 of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, which proposes that the government develop and implement a policy for injured wildlife response, including guidance for firefighters on handling injured wildlife. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is leading the implementation of this recommendation.
National Parks and Wildlife Service have partnered with Taronga Conservation Society Australia and a working group of subject matter experts to develop a 2-hour online training course on wildlife first response for NSW firefighters. This online course is comprised of 3 modules that provides guidance to firefighters on assessing and reporting potentially injured wildlife, as well as assisting wildlife where possible under the direction of an Incident Management Team.
The online course is complemented by an interactive handbook that firefighters can take with them on the fireground. The handbook is available for download for use on electronic devices.
It is important to note that completing this online course and using the handbook does not qualify a person to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife. Access to a fireground for the assessment and rescue of wildlife is only permitted with the approval of the Incident Controller and by personnel with relevant qualifications and necessary skills in wildlife handling.
Links to the online course will be provided after completing this short registration form.
