Paramedic students get hands-on rescue training from Geelong SES

SES volunteers put future paramedics through realistic crash scenarios, teaching them to use hydraulic cutting tools and work as part of emergency response teams amid Victoria’s surge in road rescue call-outs

As Victoria records one of its busiest years ever for road crash rescues, paramedicine students received hands-on training with emergency volunteers in Grovedale to prepare for the harsh realities they’ll face on the job.

Volunteers from Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) South Barwon unit put Federation University students through their paces with mock road rescues.

South Barwon Unit Controller Lisa Keys talks to paramedicine students. Picture: Alan Barber

“A vital aspect of our training is ensuring we have the skills to lean on others in an emergency,” said student David Moss. “Gaining an understanding of the role and service the SES can provide in support of paramedics has been fantastic.”

The intensive training focused on enhancing students’ casualty extrication skills while familiarising them with specialised SES techniques and equipment, including hydraulic cutters and spreaders.

In real emergencies, SES crews work alongside Ambulance Victoria paramedics, Victoria Police and other emergency services to respond to road crashes.

VICSES South Barwon Unit Controller Lisa Keys emphasised building these relationships early.

VICSES South Barwon Unit hosted paramedicine students from Federation University, offering a hands-on look at the realities of road crash rescue through mock scenarios and a live demonstrations. Picture: Alan Barber

“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 grow this relationship with the next generation of paramedics at an early stage,” she said.

The collaboration has been running since the early 2010s, with hundreds of students participating.

Last year, SES crews responded to more than 2200 road crash rescue incidents.

Originally published as Paramedic students get hands-on rescue training from Geelong SES