Team bid for rescue

By Tania Martin
EMERALD’S road crash rescue team will put its skills to the test against other emergency services in the Australasia Road Crash Rescue Challenge later this month.
The team is one of two representing the Victorian State Emergency Service at the challenge in Adelaide.
For several months, five Emerald SES volunteers have been training for the challenge, setting up rescue scenarios and even putting their skills to the test during real-life road crash rescues.
Team leader Andrew Buck said the challenge benefited not only the unit, but also the local community, because it gave the SES crew the opportunity to practice new skills without putting anybody at risk.
Mr Buck and fellow volunteer Harry Zissis went to last year’s challenge in New Zealand as spectators to see what was involved in the event.
Following the trip, a team was put together to participate in the Victorian Road Crash Rescue Challenge.
The team proved it could work under pressure, winning second place in the Victorian challenge. The Emerald road crash rescue team has not only been training for the past six months for the challenge but has been fundraising to pay for the trip to Adelaide.
The unit had to raise more than $5000 for the competition entry, accommodation and fuel expenses.
Mr Buck said the challenge, which will take place from 20-23 July, will involve the team participating in three events, a rapid rescue, controlled rescue and immediate rescue.