Community generosity fuels vital training for SES road crash rescue volunteers

By Contributed

Jan 30, 2025

With an increasing number of road crash rescue call-outs, VICSES units across the north-east need cars for members to train on. Photo: VICSES Wangaratta Unit.

Community members in the state’s north-east have banded behind a local Victoria SES unit, kindly donating their unwanted vehicles to allow volunteers to practise life-saving rescue skills to begin the new year.

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Following a busy start to 2025, which saw VICSES Wangaratta Unit volunteers called to three road accidents in a week, a social media post calling for donations of previously loved vehicles was issued, to allow volunteers to properly simulate road crash rescue incidents during their training.

With many still enjoying the season of giving, community members leapt into action, and within days, VICSES Wangaratta Unit had received more than 25 vehicles generously donated, twice its required amount for the year.

With most RCR-accredited units undertaking simulated RCR training once a month, excess vehicles donated to VICSES Wangaratta Unit were subsequently forwarded to nearby VICSES units at Yarrawonga, Wodonga and Benalla, further strengthening VICSES’ network of RCR-accredited units, as well as building on the great relationships between units.

As the largest provider of road crash rescue in Victoria, more than 100 VICSES units are accredited to respond to RCR incidents, with volunteers often required to utilise a suite of hydraulic tools to safely extricate patients from damaged vehicles in support of Victoria Police.

Volunteers’ proficiency with this equipment is paramount, with VICSES Wangaratta Unit members already receiving over 20 RCR requests in the 2024/25 financial year, on the back of a record-breaking 2023/24, which saw them attend 25 such incidents.

Across the state, the 2023/24 financial year set VICSES records for RCR callouts, with volunteers receiving more than 2000 requests for assistance relating to incidents on Victorian roads.

VICSES Wangaratta Unit controller Jess Zuber said units across the state welcomed vehicle donations to support vital skills maintenance for volunteers.

“Simulating real-life rescue scenarios on a regular basis ensures our volunteers are well-prepared when called upon to save a life,” she said.

“These generous donations will support members across the north-east in refining their skills and showcasing their road crash rescue expertise at numerous community events to build awareness and resilience.”