The State’s top first responders have converged on the Dubbo Showgrounds this weekend to compete in the three-day Road Crash Rescue Challenge.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the competition involves crews from Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Police Force, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, Mines Rescue NSW, Endeavour Energy and the Victorian Country Fire Authority.
“The road crash rescue teams are being put through their paces in a range of challenges and scenarios including road crashes, trauma management, industrial and domestic rescues, ‘firefighter down’ situations and CPR usage,” Ms Cooke said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the teamwork, safety and attention to detail being displayed by our first responders, including crews from Forster, Berry, Wyong and Ulladulla.”
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the Road Crash Rescue Challenge includes workshops and a learning symposium for emergency services agencies to upskill.
“The Road Crash Rescue Challenge is a bit of fun and promotes friendly rivalry but behind it all is the sharing of expertise and knowledge,” Mr Saunders said.
Fire and Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said the competition allows the selected crews an opportunity to proudly showcase their capabilities amongst their peers while representing their organisations.
“Our firefighters pride themselves on being prepared for anything. What they demonstrate in this Challenge today could very well be relied upon to save a life tomorrow,” Acting Commissioner Fewtrell said.
SES Deputy Commissioner Daniel Austin said the Challenge helps to ensure consistent life-saving methodology across the emergency services.
“All the first responders learn new techniques and concepts as they mix and observe other rescue agencies. They become familiar with each other’s tactics, procedures and equipment, fast-tracking the knowledge for use in real-life rescue situations,” Deputy Commissioner Austin said.
The winning crew at the Road Crash Rescue Challenge will represent NSW at the upcoming Australasian Rescue Challenge.