VICSES unit shares crash response skills with student paramedics

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers from Geelong’s south provided paramedicine students a vital insight into the reality of a road crash emergency recently, continuing a partnership of more than a decade with Federation University.

Hosted annually by VICSES South Barwon Unit at its Grovedale headquarters, students joined local volunteers on Friday, 18 July to undertake mock road rescue scenarios, gaining valuable experience assessing and responding to a critical emergency in the process.

Throughout the day, students increased their knowledge on casualty extrication in the event of a road accident and gained familiarity with the techniques and tools used by VICSES first responders to aid in a patient-focused rescue.

A live road crash rescue demonstration carried out by VICSES volunteers also showcased the precision and efficiency members use to gain access to patients trapped in vehicles, and allowed students to further understand the unique skills VICSES volunteers can bring to a multi-agency emergency.

VICSES is the state’s largest primary provider of road crash rescue capability, with volunteers highly trained in using tools such as the hydraulic cutters and spreaders to safely extricate and rescue patients involved in road trauma.

Crews often work closely with Ambulance Victoria paramedics, Victoria Police and other emergency service partners to respond to road crash incidents, working as one to ensure the scene is isolated and patients receive prompt and appropriate care.

First hosting Federation University students in the early 2010s, VICSES South Barwon Unit has forged a valuable partnership with the paramedicine faculty, with hundreds of students having now taken part in practical learning sessions with local volunteers to build their knowledge-base and confidence while working with other first responders. South Barwon Unit consists of members who have competed at Australasian and International Road Rescue competitions and is one of the busiest road rescue units in the state.

This year’s event followed a remarkably busy 2024/25, which saw VICSES volunteers across Victoria called to more than 2,200 road crash rescue-related incidents, marking the service’s busiest year on record for road trauma-related callouts.

Already in July, volunteers have been called to more than 100 road crash rescue emergencies.

To learn more about volunteering with VICSES, visit www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.

Quotes attributable to Lisa Keys, VICSES South Barwon Unit Controller:

“VICSES volunteers play a vital role in assisting paramedics at thousands of road crash rescue incidents across the state each year, so it’s incredibly valuable to be able to grow this relationship with the next generation of paramedics at an early stage.

“In Victoria, We Work As One to respond to emergencies in our communities to ensure patients are provided the most timely and appropriate care possible at all times.”

“Events like these provide an important foundation for our multi-agency approach to emergencies, allowing for practical training and skill-sharing in a relaxed and welcoming environment.”

Quotes attributable to David Moss, Federation University Paramedicine Student

“Getting hands-on experience with other first responders is incredibly valuable, and we appreciate the opportunity to work closely with VICSES to develop these important skills.

“A vital aspect of our training is ensuring we have the skills to lean on others in an emergency, so gaining an understanding of the role and service VICSES can provide in support of paramedics has been fantastic.”