News

Members from NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) united over the weekend (21-23 May 2021) for the inaugural State Road Crash Rescue Challenge.

The challenge, hosted at Rural Fire Service’s Hot Fire Training Centre in Mogo, saw NSW SES volunteers and FRNSW retained firefighters test their road crash rescue capabilities through a number of activities.

NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Daniel Austin said the challenge was a first for both agencies.

“Road Crash Rescue is just one of the additional capabilities our volunteers have on top of being able to respond to storms, floods, and tsunamis,” Mr Austin said.

“Over the three days, our volunteers along with members of FRNSW, worked through several scenarios to develop and refine their skills in road crash rescue.

“They included helping people trapped in vehicles, supporting trauma victims, and delivering life-saving CPR, amongst a range of other critical tasks.

“At the SES, we often find ourselves working together with FRNSW, so this is a perfect way to strengthen that connection,” he said.

FRNSW Assistant Commissioner Regional Operations Rob McNeil said the challenge reinforced the close working relationship between NSW SES and FRNSW.

“FRNSW and NSW SES often work hand in hand during large weather events and other emergencies across the state, which was demonstrated during the recent flooding in parts of coastal NSW,” Assistant Commissioner McNeil said.

“Honing our skills in road crash rescue with our emergency services partners will further improve our response to serious incidents, so that more lives are saved.

“FRNSW is committed to achieving the highest level of emergency response capability.

“Working alongside NSW SES in this exercise will ensure the community will be even better protected in the future,” he said.