A new six-month trial is set to improve emergency response times across remote parts of western NSW, with specialist rescue crews now able to be deployed by helicopter to serious crashes.
VRA Rescue NSW has joined forces with the NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Police Force for the trial, which will see trained rescue operators rapidly transported to incidents where distance can delay critical assistance.
The program is operating from Dubbo Regional Airport using an NSW Rural Fire Service Bell 412 helicopter, giving emergency teams an added capability to reach isolated communities faster.
Eight VRA Rescue NSW volunteers have completed specialist training to allow them to deploy by air with rescue equipment to major road crash scenes. Among those volunteers are four medical students who have joined the organisation, gaining valuable hands-on experience while supporting emergency response efforts.
VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner Brenton Charlton said the trial demonstrates the importance of collaboration and innovation in improving rescue services.
“Distance can be a major challenge in regional emergencies, and this trial allows our specialist volunteers to bring their skills to communities more quickly when they are needed most,” he said.
The trial has been endorsed by the State Rescue Board and aims to strengthen coordination between emergency agencies while exploring new ways to deliver faster and safer rescue operations across western NSW.
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