It’s a situation you never want to see again, especially after what occurred at Greta in 2023.
But, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews sharpened their emergency skills during a road crash training drill at Lake Macquarie during the week.
Firefighters from Morisset and Toronto stations joined NSW Ambulance and the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), responding to a local, mass casualty simulation involving a bus and four-wheel drive.
The scenario required the “extrication” of 10 people from the “wreckage”.
The training operation not only allowed the firefighters to fine-tune their rescue credentials but increase their familiarity with other emergency services and their methodologies.
FRNSW Metropolitan North Area Commander Terry Farley admitted it was vitally-important to be “prepared for anything”.
“However, last year’s tragic Hunter Valley bus crash, which claimed the lives of 10 people, showed motor vehicle emergencies can be extremely challenging for first responders,” he said.
“Rescue practice in realistic scenarios means our people can maintain their edge.
“This exercise has allowed us to identify new learnings and areas for improvement.
“The involvement of FRNSW, NSW Ambulance and the NSW RFS reflects a real-life response.
“These exercises promote cohesion and share knowledge that will prove extremely beneficial in the event of an actual incident of this kind.”
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