The Scenic Rim’s PCYC Emergency Services Cadets had their official launch last month, with nine cadets receiving certificates of attendance.
PCYC Emergency Services Cadets is a volunteer-run program for 12–17-year-olds who wish to learn emergency response skills, contribute to community through volunteering, and may aspire to becoming an emergency services personnel or volunteer.
Cadet Edana Bony joined the Cadets to gain new life and social skills.
Edana’s parents were both firefighters and she hopes to follow in their footsteps.
Emergency Services Cadet Coordinators, Andrew Clarke and Chloe Wilson said starting the Cadets was a long process, hampered by COVID alert levels.
They had aimed to start the program in June 2021, but were delayed until April 2022.
“We both went to Beaudesert High School and back then we didn’t have a program like this so we had to branch out on our own as adults trying to find our way into the Emergency Services,” said Andrew.
“As soon as a program like this popped up I thought it would be super beneficial to the area.”
“It is designed for young people who have an interest in Emergency Services.”
The program includes Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Surf Life Saving, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service.
The majority of the cadets are from Beaudesert but the program has also attracted young people from surrounding areas.
They have received training in communications, first aid, CPR, aquatic rescue and live fire training in a controlled environment.
The program is funded by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and delivered by PCYC Queensland in partnership with Beaudesert Fire and Rescue Station.
