Photos courtesy: NSW State Road Crash Rescue Challenge
Werribee Fire Brigade’s road crash rescue team has won the 2023 NSW State Road Crash Rescue Challenge for the third year in a row.
Werribee competed against 15 teams from NSW SES, FRNSW and VRA Rescue NSW across seven events, with participants assessed on their teamwork, efficiency and techniques across a range of different rescue scenarios.
The team of six won the Overall Road Crash Rescue (Entrapped and Controlled) and Best Medical, and placed second in Controlled Rescue, Entrapped Rescue, Best Medical Team, Best Technical Team, Team Commander and the CPR Challenge to take the points overall.
Held over the weekend of 6-7 May at Coffs Harbour Stadium, the annual NSW State Road Crash Rescue Challenge is designed to replicate road crash rescue scenarios, evaluating the capabilities of participants in road crash rescue and related activities in a multi-agency response environment.
The event includes a one-day learning symposium to provide attendees with practical knowledge and learning opportunities.
This is only the third year the team has competed in the event. Team leader, Werribee firefighter Daniel May said it was great to take home another first place.
“The time we spend training in road crash and heavy rescue has paid off and the team has been rewarded for their efforts,” Daniel said.
“To win was a bit unexpected as we had mixed results, but it was all about consistency this year and maintaining our energy across the whole weekend.”
Daniel said winning the event was a great way to demonstrate the capability of Werribee and CFA’s rescue operators.
“We have really strong road rescue and heavy rescue capability at Werribee,” he said.
“The event not only highlights the professionalism of our rescue team; it also helps to build the wider profile of our brigade and members as well.”
The team is already back training for their next competition – the Australasian Road Rescue Organisation (ARRO) Challenge, which will be held in Adelaide next month.
“Participating in these types of events sets a benchmark as to where we are compared to other fire and rescue organisations,” Daniel said.
“Each challenge focuses on specific areas of expertise and exposes us to new knowledge and techniques that broadens our depth to work with other agencies.
“Ultimately it’s the community that benefits as we return better operators and we share what we have learned with our brigade.
“The team is grateful for all the support we get from our fellow brigade members and CFA members such as ACFO Rick Owen who support us to not only train but keep us upbeat and focused when the chips are down.”
| Submitted by |
Shaunnagh O'Loughlin |