Career fireys trained for road crash rescue in time for long weekend

Firefighters at all 38 of CFA’s integrated and career stations across Victoria are now fully equipped with added road rescue capability in time for the Labour Day long weekend.

Career fireys trained for road crash rescue in time for long weekend

Springvale, Patterson River and Point Cook Fire Brigades yesterday became the final three CFA stations across the state to be equipped with this capability after its members successfully completed the Road Crash Rescue Support (RCRS) training.

The Victorian Government’s $20 million project to increase CFA’s capability to respond and assist at motor vehicle crashes has trained around 1200 career firefighters in RCRS since October 2018.

The project’s objective was to provide RCRS training and equipment to all CFA career firefighters within two years.

CFA Operations Manager Craig Brownlie said the industry-leading road rescue training provided to career firefighters across the state was an acknowledgement that CFA more than a firefighting authority.

“Our crews often respond to a variety of incidents, as well as EMR and motor vehicle collisions,” OM Brownlie said.

“The training has given our career firefighters the important skills required to provide access to trapped motorists as quickly and as safely as possible.

“It’s important Victorian’s drive safely at all times and remain alert on the roads, particularly as we approach the Labour Day long weekend when there will typically be more traffic on the roads. We hope not to be called to any motor vehicle collisions, but if we are, we are better equipped than ever to help our communities.”

In December 2017, Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) recognised the need to increase Victoria’s capability to enhance patient outcomes through the provision of RCRS providers.

CFA’s additional 38 rescue locations will bolster Victoria’s joint approach to road crash rescue, adding to the state’s existing 133 locations with this capability provided by CFA, VICSES and MFB.

The conclusion of the project means firefighters will be able to provide stabilisation, glass management and initial access for Ambulance Victoria prior to the arrival of a primary rescue provider.

“This training means more efficient access to patients for paramedics, ultimately more lives saved,” OM Brownlie said.

Last year, CFA responded to more than 5,500 call-outs to road collisions and extricated more than 350 people out of motor vehicles.

More than 40 people have died on Victorian roads already this year.

/CFA News Release. View in full here.