In what has become a vital bi-annual SLSGB ‘International Floodfighters’ conference to showcase current best practice, review new techniques, equipment and emergency management guidance. This continues the highly successful series of Masterclass Conferences and Workshops, following an over twelve-year partnership programme of exchange visits of first responders and managers, including volunteers, from the UK, wider Europe, Australia and US. To date several hundred UK and international delegates have attended workshops hosted by colleagues in the US, and acquired the highest value tactical water rescue skillsets and knowledge. (The conference is recognised by the IFE as a CPD qualifying event – usually over 60 hours!)Real world extreme weather set challenges in the water and flood rescue field, reinforcing the need to share vital knowledge to support response, strategic management and tactics. Challenges for the future come not only from the old foe the weather but budget matters in trying to form services of the highest efficiencies – knowledge and proficiency is vital for community protection.

An intense programme in techniques and of immersion involvement in development to make the most of the investment in time and budget, but also there will be ample opportunity to network with fellow responders in this vital work. A tightened high intensity programme will focus on techniques for example SAR in both river search and wide area search operations and multiple boat operations along with the use of ‘SAR UAS’ (drones) for reconnaissance and search – what does this mean for the future (?), and so it goes on. With an emphasis on working in the field (from the out of Charlotte city hotel base) for the first five days with night boat rescue operations and navigation techniques to the fore supplemented with “HART” – the mountain and helo-aquatic rescue (helicopter operations) and reconnaissance techniques. Supplemented by a ‘Dive Rescue Station 38’ visit for further technical input on dive SAR operations and specialist fire and rescue boat operations. An ambitious and intense level of inputs, intended to be enjoyable as well for a satisfactory development programme.

Target Audience profile: those responsible for strategy, response and tactical operations to include SAR operators, government representatives, specialist flood and water response staff and senior managers, flood incident managers, instructors, tactical advisers and those responsible for specialist rescue training or procurement of flood and water rescue response apparatus and services. An opportunity for managers and tacticians to share their protocols for the benefit of all.

Training Costs: our hosts in Charlotte assist by providing support for international guests in conjunction with the support service partner Professional Rescue. There’s a “Training Course Fee”; in addition to which is the airfare and transport to and from your base to Charlotte, USA – which you will arrange.

Deadline
Registering for this event is on a first come basis, available places are restricted due to the unique water rescue and Helo-aquatic operations in the field – we would wish to know of confirmed interest to register as soon as possible please.

If you would like to secure a place(s) at the Masterclass 2017, or would like further information, please contact me.
Adrian Mayhew
Email: amayhew@slsgb.org.uk