The Army Emergency Responder (AER) is a soldier who responds to a wide range of emergency response situations. These include Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear tasks (including mitigation of Hazardous Materials), provision of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting support to Army's rotary wing aircraft and land rescue support to Land Command units.
In addition to this AERs are currently employed within the Incident Response Regiment providing specialised forms of Engineer support to other SOCOMD units.

• Conduct hazardous materials spill mitigation operations.
• Conduct CBRN sampling and identification and nullification.
• Conduct firefighting, salvage and damage control operations.
• Administer advanced first aid and resuscitation.
• Drive, operate and maintain fire fighting vehicles.
• Operate hydraulic and pneumatic rescue tools.
• Operate and maintain specialist rescue and decontamination equipment.
• Operate communications systems and computers.
• Provide fire safety and fire suppression advice.
• Participate in military operations, including fight as a soldier and construct field defences.
• Provide advice and direction to the higher headquarters.

On completion of the ADF Basic Fire Fighter course members are paid at Pay Group 3. On completion of further training and a minimum of 12 months On Job Experience (OJE) members are classified as Operator Emergency Response and progress to Pay Group 4. SGT and WO AERs receive Pay Group 5 remuneration.

Training
All applicants for employment as an Emergency Responder will be trained as Combat Engineer. For in service applicants, this training may occur before or after completion of the ADF Basic Fire Fighter course (15 weeks) at the RAAFSFS, Amberley. All members need to complete a Basic Driver Course (6 weeks) prior to commencing their ADF Basic Fire Firefighters Course.

Further Training
AER are required to undertake further military and technical courses during their initial engagement. These may include military or civilian roping courses, Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and other fire fighting related courses with civilian fire brigades or agencies.

Posting
Emergency Responders are employed in Darwin, Townsville, Oakey and Sydney. NCOs can request postings to instructional and recruiting positions in a variety of locations including ARTC, RMC, ADFA, RAAFSFS at Amberly and the School of Military Engineering in Sydney.

On completion of the ADF Basic Fire Firefighters course members are accredited with Certificate II in Firefighting Operations. Higher accreditation will be obtained with career courses and progression.
Other training you will receive may qualify you for further civilian accreditation. To view the qualifications that you may be entitled to as a result of your training, please access the Defence Civilian Qualifications

Detailed employment category information about ECN 141 - Army Emergency Responder (AER) can be found at Royal Australian Engineers