A large-scale drill at Lake Macquarie at the weekend helped sharpen the response of emergency services attending serious vehicle accidents.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) members from Morisset, Toronto, Lambton, Belmont and Swansea stations were joined by NSW Ambulance paramedics, NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) volunteers, and ADF personnel to tackle a unique situation.
The exercise was developed following previous bus crash scenarios and involved additional agencies and organisations working together in a realistic training environment.
This time, a simulated collision between an Australian Defence Force (ADF) Army heavy vehicle, a bus, a large flat-bed truck and multiple cars took centre stage to test the ability of first responders to manage several casualties in challenging conditions.
Mannequins were placed in the wreckage and crews acted as injured passengers to increase the scope of realism.
The undertaking also provided an opportunity for FRNSW and other outlets to better understand ADF in-service vehicles and equipment.
Using hydraulic cutting tools, firefighters refined their skills in gaining rapid access to patients trapped inside the overturned vehicle, while paramedics practiced coordinated medical response and scene management.
FRNSW Acting Chief Superintendent Matthew Waldon said the scenario was an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration across emergency services.
“These exercises mean when our firefighters arrive at a real-life crash, they know exactly what to do,” he explained.
“Working side-by-side with our colleagues from NSW Ambulance, the RFS and ADF allows us to build trust, improve communication and better understand each other’s capabilities.
“That teamwork translates directly into better outcomes for the community when the real calls come in.”
Organisers withheld the details of the mock incident until crews arrived on site, ensuring a realistic response and genuine inter-agency cooperation.
“The exercise helps crews strengthen ways of working together to better protect communities, particularly during High Risk Weather Season (HRWS) events,” Acting Chief Superintendent Waldon said.
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