Recruitment 2023

30 Apr

We are running a recruitment open day on Saturday 27th May from 1000am to 1500 in Wexford County Council, County Hall, Carriglawn, Y35WY93, this is an opportunity for you to meet existing volunteers, have a look at the equipment we use and find out about all the training and community supports we care out in your area.

We are also looking for volunteers to train as Instructors in different disciplines including, first aid, rescue, search skills, swift water etc.

To Book your place or ask for further information please email cdo@wexfordcoco.ie

Recruitment Process

All potential recruits must first complete the following

Complete a successful Interview, complete the application form, submit two passport-sized photos, and provide photographic proof of identification.

Meet our Minimum Training Standard (MTS)

  • Tusla Child First (Online course)
  • Garda Vetting
  • Manual Handling
  • CFR (Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation)

All recruits must complete a period of probation before full membership is achieved.

What we do………….

Wexford Civil Defence currently have training centres in Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross and Wexford. We are recruiting additional volunteers to help provide the services within the county of Wexford. We have volunteers of all ages from 18 to upwards.

We have a large range of equipment and vehicles placed throughout the county, volunteers are trained in the use of all equipment, radios, Swiftwater, rescue, Auxiliary Fire Service, Welfare to include Food Safety and you courses.

All courses are available to new volunteer recruits. Volunteers are selected for driving and boating courses, selection is based on passing a low-risk driving assessment. 

The services Civil Defence provides can be broken down into 5 distinct areas.

Emergency Response

Civil Defence’s Emergency Response will support the Principal Response Agencies (Local Authority, An Garda Síochána and HSE) in times of emergencies. Roles undertaken here may include:

  • roles set out for Civil Defence within each respective Local Authority Major Emergency Plan,
  • supporting the Local Authority in times of flooding through Civil Defence AFS units and Swiftwater teams,
  • supporting the Principal Response Agencies – Local Authorities, HSE and An Garda Síochána in providing emergency response including severe weather events,
  • supporting the Local Authority by transporting displaced persons from their homes to designated Local Authority rest centres. As set out in MEM Guide 6, the Local Authority is responsible for staffing rest centres and registering affected persons. Civil Defence may assist if requested by the Local Authority.

Search & Rescue

Civil Defence support and assist An Garda Síochána in this area. We train volunteers in search skills to be Search Responders and search management skills, We utilise drones, boats and mapping software.

Medical Response

We provide a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) licenced emergency medical service. Volunteers can achieve certification as instructors for Cardiac First Response, First Aid Response and Emergency First Response. We provide training for volunteers up to Emergency Medical Technicians. All volunteer Certification and re-certification comply with PHECC (Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council) standards.

Community Assistance

While emergency support is the priority task of Civil Defence, by their nature such events are not regular. In that context, community events allow volunteers to practice their skills, raise the profile of the organisation, and may attract new volunteers. Volunteers enjoy and take pride in contributing to events within their local community. Where resources permit, Civil Defence will continue to support appropriate community events. Preference will be given to local authority, charitable and not-for-profit events. Civil Defence support for community events can take many forms, including the provision of medical cover and safety boat cover.

Radiation Monitoring

One of the central pillars of Civil Defence since its establishment in 1951, has been radiation monitoring. In 2015, the Department of Defence and the Environmental Protection Agency, consolidated the role of Civil Defence to the measurement of background gamma radiation and the sampling of soil and grass to supplement the automatic recording stations throughout the State.