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Delivering life-saving CPR, supporting trauma victims, and helping people trapped in vehicles are just some of the scenarios specialist first response teams from across the state were tested in at the 2024 State Road Crash Rescue Challenge in Dubbo over the weekend.
Nine NSW SES teams participated in a symposium on Friday before competing in seven challenges over Saturday and Sunday against teams from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), NSW Volunteer Rescue Association (NSW VRA) and Werribee Country Fire Association (CFA), Victoria.
The event replicated real world road crash rescue scenarios and gave road crash rescue providers in NSW an opportunity to build partnerships and learn new techniques from other agencies.
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said the event was crucial for developing interoperability between NSW government combat agencies.
“This event is incredibly important for our NSW frontline emergency workers. It provides them with the opportunity to hone their skills and enhance their knowledge by learning directly from other agencies,” Minister Dib said.
“Refining the skills of our first responders and improving cross-agency collaboration is critical for the ongoing support and safety of our communities.”
NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Daniel Austin, said the event, now in its fourth year, was vital for developing the skill of our rescuers and strengthening inter-agency partnerships.
“It is crucial that our volunteers are highly competent with advanced skills, new equipment and techniques, so that they can adapt quickly to any situation they are faced with when they are out in the field,” Deputy Commissioner Austin said.
“Events like this not only refine the proficiencies of our volunteers and enhance our inter-agency cooperation and working relationships, but also ensure the community gets the best possible response it can.”
FRNSW Assistant Commissioner – Regional Operations, Cheryl Steer, said the competitive aspect added an element of excitement, but the main aim for firefighters was to build up skills and strengthen the relationships with fellow rescue agencies.
“The State Road Crash Rescue Challenge is a great event that gives our people the opportunity to learn from other agencies and also share ideas,” Assistant Commissioner Steer said.
“Whilst we all come from different organisations, our goal is the same – to keep our communities safe.”
“This event also gives the public the opportunity to observe the technical and medical capabilities of our first responders in action, something many people don’t usually get to see.”
NSW SES Batemans Bay Unit Commander, Kevin Shepherd, said participating in the challenge ensures the community will be even better protected in the future.
“Enhancing our skills in road crash rescue with our emergency services partners greatly benefited the unit by improving the team’s response management, skills and confidence so that more lives are saved,” Inspector Shepherd said.
“The scenarios are based on real world incidents that can’t be replicated in regular training, and the range of the simulated injuries are similar to what’s experienced in real life, so it’s a fantastic learning opportunity for us.
Winners will be announced during an online presentation on Tuesday 28 May.
