MEDIA RELEASE: Road Crash Rescue capability ready to roll for VICSES Moe Unit

MEDIA RELEASE: Road Crash Rescue capability ready to roll for VICSES Moe Unit

30/09/2021, 10:05 AM

This week, the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Moe Unit was officially activated as VICSES’ newest road crash rescue accredited unit.

This addition brings the total number of VICSES accredited road rescue provider units to a whopping 104 across the State.

The road rescue capability follows a lengthy process, designed to ensure the VICSES Moe Unit volunteers receive the latest equipment and training, to perform this vital new role and support their community.

VICSES is Australia’s largest provider of road rescue support and is part of an integrated approach with Victoria Police, the Country Fire Authority, Ambulance Victoria and Fire Rescue Victoria, who work as one during these emergencies.

In the last 10 years, VICSES volunteers responded to almost fifteen thousand road rescue call outs across the state!

A big year for volunteers from the VICSES Moe Unit, celebrating 50 years of dedicated service to the community this year, from humble beginnings in 1971 as the Moe Civil Defence.

With 35 active members, and 11 trained and accredited in Road Crash Rescue response, one of the reasons for the VICSES Moe Unit’s expanded capability is the result of growth in the Gippsland region.

Last year alone the VICSES Moe Unit responded to almost 300 calls for help from community, the majority for storm damage and flood assistance.

This new capability for our VICSES Moe Unit volunteers will further bolster the State’s capability to respond and rescue those involved in a road crash incident.

To learn more about VICSES, and how you can volunteer, visit: www.ses.vic.gov.au/volunteer.

Quotes attributable to VICSES Assistant Chief Officer, Anthony Mclean

“This new capability for our Moe Unit volunteers further bolsters the state’s capability to respond and rescue those involved in a road crash incident.”

“VICSES volunteers are highly trained and equipped to perform road rescues. It’s part of an integrated approach with Victoria Police, CFA, Ambulance Victoria and FRV to reduce road trauma.”

Quotes attributable to VICSES Moe Unit Controller, Bradley Henry

“Our volunteers are highly experienced and capable for these types of rescues, and I am thrilled with this new capability for our unit”.

“Not only are we are celebrating 50 years of service to the community this year, but we are now officially accredited as a Road Crash Recue provider. This will enhance the service we can provide to our community. Or volunteers have worked very hard to undertake all the required technical training for this to happen, and we are very proud of them.”

To read more stories about our work in Road Crash Rescue (RCR), click here.