The Emergency Services Cadets (ESC) program is delivered in partnership with PCYC Queensland and Queensland’s Emergency Services, thanks to the support of Queensland Police Services (QPS) and Queensland Fire Department (QFD).
The ESC program is offered to young people aged 12 to 17 and usually operates out of an Emergency Service facility (such as a local SES headquarters or Rural Fire Service station). The Cadet ‘Unit’ is managed under the leadership and guidance of volunteer Adult Leaders with mentoring and activities from Emergency Services personnel. Activities often include First aid, casualty management, search and rescue, swift water theory, road safety, forensics, highway patrol, K9 units, navigation, radio communications, Q&A with ES personnel, team building and problem solving.
This program offers cadets a greater understanding of the emergency services sector, and the roles and responsibilities undertaken by various emergency services personnel. ESC also assists cadets to feel a sense of place within their community, to understanding of the value of volunteering and to feel more confident in their personal abilities.
ESC program aims to provide a fun, safe and inclusive environment for young people to develop communication skills, interpersonal skills and initiative through various topics and exercises. The program works closely with emergency services to foster personal growth in cadets and encourage them to explore both paid and volunteering roles within the emergency services whilst building community resilience.
