News

Members from several NSW rescue agencies are departing for the United Kingdom today to participate in the United Kingdom Rescue Challenge.

NSW State Rescue Board (SRB) emergency services agencies regularly participate in multi-agency rescue exercises and challenges, which significantly enhance collaboration and teamwork, foster shared skills development, improve preparedness, drive innovation, and holistically improve service delivery.

These outcomes collectively boost community confidence and trust in both our full-time and volunteer emergency services. This experience will significantly enhance their operational readiness and effectiveness in real-world scenarios, ultimately benefiting and giving back to the communities in NSW.

Members from VRA Rescue NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Surf Life Saving will form multi-agency teams and participate in Vehicle Extrication, Trauma Response and Water Rescue Challenges.

VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner Brenton Charlton, said “We saw the benefits of learning and sharing from the UK Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service when they come out to Australia last year for the Australasian Rescue Challenge and these are invaluable opportunities to build up our rescue operators and in turn share information back to their agencies and all emergency services.

“This is an incredible opportunity for these rescue agencies to come together as one team and represent the region in rescue. I’m proud of the team representing our state, including our two VRA Rescue NSW members who were also part of the team that won the 2024 NSW Road Crash Rescue Challenge in Dubbo earlier this year.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell will be attending the Challenge in a personal capacity fulfilling his role as President of the Australasian Rescue Organisation (ARO). Mr Fewtrell said, “Emergency services in Australia and New Zealand go to great lengths to train together, perfect new techniques and share their knowledge.” Commissioner Fewtrell said, “With a combined team in this terrific event, the NSW rescue agencies will demonstrate our interoperability and learn more on a global scale.”

NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dominic Morgan said the challenge is an opportunity for elite paramedic rescue officers from NSW Ambulance to join staff across multiple agencies to put their skills to the test. “This challenge will showcase the specialist skills of our emergency services rescue teams that regularly train together to ensure seamless operations in emergency situations, and I wish the NSW team the best of luck,” Dr Morgan said.

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner RFS Rob Rogers said, “RFS members attend thousands of motor vehicle accidents every year and, in many rural and remote communities, are often the first to arrive at an emergency. “Challenges like this are a valuable opportunity for our rescue specialists to put their skills to the test, demonstrate their professionalism and learn from international colleagues. “I’m confident the NSW team, including RFS representatives, will make the state proud.”

NSW SES Acting Commissioner, Debbie Platz APM said she was proud to see two volunteers attending to represent the service and share knowledge and skills. “Sending highly skilled volunteers to the UK Rescue Challenge is a testament to the expertise and skills of members in the NSW SES. Their participation in this prestigious event not only showcases our commitment to excellence in flood and road crash rescue but also allows us to exchange knowledge and techniques on a global stage, further enhancing our ability to respond effectively in emergencies.” said Acting Commissioner Platz.

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce AFSM is proud and excited that two NSW volunteer surf lifesavers have been selected to participate in the multi agency NSW Rescue Team at the UK Rescue Challenge. “Surf Life Saving NSW plays a primary role in beach and coastal safety, and our life savers are second to none in the water."

SLSNSW has also actively supported other NSW emergency services across a range of major emergencies. "More recently we have trained many volunteers in flood rescue operations to support in floods and our two volunteers will be able to share their water and boat skills, as well as learn from others internationally," Steve Pearce said.