SPEA Zone International Emergency Services Training

The Salvation Army South Pacific East Asia (SPEA) Zone

International Emergency Services 

PREPARE:  Introduction to Disaster Management Workshop
Beas River Lodge, Hong Kong

10th - 16th March 2007

Training Report

Captain Robert Evans – Noarlunga Corps


Trainers:

Major Cedric Hills - International Emergency Services Coordinator
Captain Elizabeth Hayward - International Emergency Services Training Officer 

This initial workshop provided me with an introduction to disaster management in an international context through the ministry of the International Emergency Services. The connection with other officers from the SPEA Zone added enormous value to the training as it literally put flesh on the international context and provided me with first hand interaction with those who have ministered in disaster affected areas.

The training outline laid a clear theological, humanitarian and practical foundation for disaster relief work. The topics included:

• Introduction to International Emergency Services (IES)
• IES Mission & Mandate: Bible Study
• Humanitarian Charter: Code of Conduct
• Coordination with Other Agencies
• Simulation Exercise
• The Sphere Project
• Sphere & Assessment
• Sphere & Implementation
• Monitoring & Evaluation
• Introduction to Hazards & Disasters
• Disasters Mitigation
• Case Study Presentations
• Security, Care & Concern

The benefit of this workshop transcends the international scene, as the principles and skills are transferable to the local arena, not only in the area of Emergency Services, but also in the management of crisis situations among the most vulnerable in our country. Also, with the changing climate, social and security conditions of our country, the likelihood of The Salvation Army having to provide a major response in collaboration with other NGO’s is highly probable.

The knowledge I have gained from this workshop compliments and strengthens similar training I have completed in previous appointments:

• 09/08/2000 - Introduction to Emergency Risk Management Emergency Management Australia (EMA) Darwin, Northern Territory (1 Day)
• 20/11/2001 - Introduction to Emergency Management Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) Stawell, Victoria (2 Days)