VICSES volunteers locate missing 92-year-old man

VICSES volunteers locate missing 92-year-old man

11/08/2021, 3:03 PM

A wet, cold and windy night didn't stop Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers searching for, and locating, 92-year-old man Ray, who went missing in the Tecoma-Belgrave area yesterday evening.

Led by Victoria Police, volunteers from the VICSES Emerald and Narre Warren units helped in the search for the elderly man, after a call for assistance came through just after 10:00pm.

Bracing the wet and windy weather overnight, VICSES volunteers searched for only a few hours before Ray was located safe and well, just after midnight, five houses down from where he lived.

Ray was found by VICSES Emerald Unit Deputy Controller, Steven Reid.

A little cold, but otherwise physically okay, Steven held Ray’s hand until paramedics arrived to assess him.

VICSES crews involved in the search included a 10-member crew from the VICSES Emerald Unit, four members from VICSES Narre Warren Unit, and two vehicles also from the Emerald Unit.

It's a timely reminder to watch out for one another. If you plan on venturing outside in this week’s wet and windy conditions, as part of the two-hour exercise limit permitted during current COVID-19 restrictions in Greater Melbourne, let someone else know your whereabouts.

If you require VICSES emergency assistance, ring 132 500 or Triple-zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.

Quotes attributable to VICSES Emerald Unit Deputy Controller, Steven Reid:

“Our volunteers last night did an incredible job, we’re lucky we found him relatively quickly. It was a cold, wet and windy night with minimal light available. I’m extremely proud of how well our crews worked together to achieve this fantastic outcome”.

“Among other things, this exactly what our volunteers train for. We are highly experienced and capable for these types of searches, and I am thrilled with the result”.