Emergency rescue challenge

Hope Down rescuers made history when they stepped up for this year’s three-day Emergency Response Skills Challenge for the first time - and took out the competition title!

Hot on their heels was the crew from West Angelas (2007 winners) in second position while Cape Lambert (2006 runners-up) took third place.

With a record 14 teams taking part, the atmosphere was highly-competitive and each team player made a unique contribution to the Exmouth event.

Managing director – Pilbara Mining Operations Greg Lilleyman said: “The Emergency Response Skills Challenge celebrates the coordination of individual skills into outstanding team performance. It’s as much about sharing knowledge and learning from fellow participants as it is about friendly competition.”

One of the toughest challenges this year was the physically demanding functional fitness test, comprising of individually timed elements. The action-packed scenario involved climbing a scaffolding tower while laden with a 20-litre water drum, crossing a bridge and retrieving a stretcher.

Other potential rescue situations involved fire-fighting, vehicle extrication, rope rescue, first-aid, breathing apparatus and hazchem (vehicle transporting hazardous substance).

With each of the seven challenges lasting 40 minutes, the Pilbara Health team was on hand to check the hydration levels of employees, contractors and community volunteers throughout the event.

Health advisor Tanja Koeberle Troy said: “Hydration was really important considering the physical activity involved and the relatively warm conditions during the events.”

The Pilbara Health team thanks all community volunteers, including adjudicators and casualties, without whom the event would not have been possible, and also the challenge committee team for ensuring everything went smoothly.

Are energy drinks worth the buzz?

Many energy drinks on Australian shelves contain illegal amounts of caffeine and our thirst for them is on the rise – that’s official.

An investigation by the NSW Food Authority last month revealed that more than three quarters of energy drinks sold in the state contained 30 per cent more caffeine than legally permitted.

Furthermore, Australians are among the highest consumers of energy drinks in the world - according to a global survey by food and drink consultancy Zenith International.

Five of the eight offending products sold in NSW have been taken out of distribution, but what’s happening in other states?

The WA Department of Health says at this point not enough is known about energy drinks and it urges caution among vulnerable groups, such as children.

The Australian and New Zealand Food Authority ( ANZFA) standards have determined that energy drinks require a warning, stipulating they are not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women, or caffeine sensitive individuals.

Energy drinks are known to provide a short-term boost of energy followed by a post-energy slump, and there are more efficient ways of staying energised throughout the day.

Low Glycemic Index (GI) foods such as fruit, pasta, beans, lentils, soy and low GI branded breads prevent dramatic highs and lows in blood-glucose levels, allowing the body to maintain a steadier stream of energy.