Emergency Services Cadets: bravery, camaraderie, and community

The young people in PCYC Queensland’s Emergency Services Cadets (ESC) program are nothing short of inspiring.

They’re stepping up in big ways, and proof that the future is in good hands. In the past year, they’ve rolled up their sleeves and lent a hand during natural disasters, learned life-saving skills, and taken on leadership roles within their communities. 

When ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred swept across Southeast Queensland in March, communities prepared for flooding and long nights of hard work.

Among those stepping forward to help were three ESC units, activated to support their local State Emergency Services (SES) teams by filling sandbags and helping prepare their towns for severe weather. The cadets took on tasks usually handled by trained volunteers, freeing SES crews to deal with urgent jobs such as tarping roofs and responding to emergency calls.

The spirit that drove those cadets into action is the same spirit shown by Jack Daw, an ESC participant who, with his father, rescued a man from a burning vehicle near Gin Gin, pulling him to safety moments before the car was fully engulfed.

His courage, leadership and calm response reflect the values that sit at the heart of ESC philosophy.

The ESC program provides young people with a safe, fun and inclusive environment that offers them practical life skills and leadership opportunities. It is delivered in partnership with Queensland Police Service and Queensland Fire Department and is usually based out of local emergency service facilities. Cadets try everything from first aid and search and rescue to radio comms, K9 demos, and team challenges.

Led by volunteer adult leaders and supported by real emergency services crews, the ESC program helps young people build confidence, make friends and discover what it’s like to be part of the emergency services community, whether as a volunteer or in a future career.

One of the highlights each year is ESCape Week, a hands-on adventure where cadets try marine rescue, water safety challenges, search scenarios, fire equipment training, and even sessions with Polair and the bomb squad.  

Program coordinator, Kerrieann Ruatoka, said her favourite part was watching the students stretch themselves.  

“There is such a great sense of connection, energy, and growth. It is really rewarding to hear the positive feedback from both students and staff about the impact the program is having,” she said. 

That same sense of teamwork is carried into the annual Cadet Games, held in Brisbane and Townsville. Cadets from PCYC Queensland, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Australian Army Cadets, Royal Australian Air Force Cadets, and Australian Navy Cadets participate in activities that tested communication, skill, and problem solving.  

ESC program manager, Sue Bernard, described the event as busy, exciting and full of connection.  

“The day is all about the young people getting together with cadets from other organisations and making connections in a fun way, and of course plenty of competitive spirit,” she said.  

Visit Emergency Services Cadets to find out more about the program, or PCYC Queensland to learn more about volunteering.