Purpose
To provide guidance relating to the use of publicly accessible lifesaving equipment for public emergencies.
Policy
Lifesaving services are encouraged to conduct a risk assessment on whether Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) should be provided where or when traditional lifesaving services are not available. Any risk assessment on the provision of PRE should be undertaken in consultation with the local Land Manager.
Most commonly in NSW, PRE refers to a Rescue Tube, Angel Ring, and publicly accessible defibrillator (AED). All proposed PRE installations require written approval of both the Branch and SLSNSW before proceeding.
Procedure
Lifesaving services that place or are advised of the placement of a form of PRE should notify SLSNSW for inclusion and dissemination of any records that SLSNSW may keep.
Lifesaving services should regularly check areas where public rescue equipment (PRE) exists to ensure they have not been used or removed as a result of theft.
When any PRE is used in an emergency and the lifesaving services are aware of its use, notification of this should be given to SLSNSW via an Incident Report Log being completed and forwarded as soon as possible after the event.
Note: PRE shall not be considered as part of minimum equipment for patrolling use i.e., the provision of a public access defibrillator is not to be considered as patrolling equipment and a defibrillator must be with the patrol at all times.