CFA crews worked with SES, Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police and Parks Victoria yesterday (26 January) to rescue a woman who had slipped down an embankment at Eurobin Falls, Mount Buffalo.
Originally called in as a high-angled rescue, the Upper North East Technical Rescue Team - consisting of CFA and SES career and volunteer members – came prepared with their specialised equipment and training at the ready.
Bright SES had developed a rescue plan based on multiple previous incidents at the same location. A spinal board was navigated through the rocky terrain to retrieve the woman from a pool of water.
The rescue took three hours, requiring crews to firstly reach the patient, stabilise her for transport, and bring her back to the ambulance waiting at the roadside.
Mt Buffalo Rd was temporarily closed to allow the team to safely transport the woman into the ambulance.
District 24 Rostered Duty Officer Mark Owens said the rescue was more straightforward, compared to some 15 rescue operations the newly-formed team had completed in the last year.
“This rescue team is the first of its kind and has certainly been busy for the 12 months since it was formed,” Mr Owens said.
“The team has responded to a range of complex situations in remote areas including Beechworth Gorge and Eldorado National Park.
“This recent rescue at Eurobin Falls should serve as a reminder to people visiting these areas to take care when navigating rough or slippery terrain.
“One wrong move and you could end up in a very dangerous situation.”
Porepunkah, Mount Beauty and Wodonga CFA crews attended.
Author: CFA Media