Coleambally Rescue Squad Needs Volunteers

The Coleambally Rescue Squad currently has 13 members, but they are currently looking for new members in both administrative and support capacities.

Deputy captain Tom Breed said the more members they had the better they could serve their community.

“As part of being an accredited General Land Rescue unit, the Coleambally Rescue Squad is required to maintain 24/7, 365 coverage and must notify NSW Police if coverage cannot be provided,” Mr Breed said.

“VRA Rescue NSW provides accredited general land rescue and specialist emergency support right across NSW, with approximately 50 squads serving their local communities.

“The Coleambally Rescue Squad was formed in 1976 after a bus accident made the need for rescue evident within the Coleambally community.

“The squad responds to several call-outs a year, primarily to motor vehicle accidents on the Kidman Way and Sturt Highway.

“Without the Coleambally Rescue Squad, the wait time for the nearest accredited rescue unit would be approximately one hour (Griffith SES, Leeton VRA, Narrandera VRA, Jerilderie FRNSW).”

Anyone wishing to join VRA Rescue NSW and the Coleambally Squad will need to complete a membership application form, undergo a national police check and working with children check and be over 18 years of age.

“Our volunteers are accredited General Land Rescue (GLR) Operators, or working towards accreditation,” Mr Breed said.

“As a GLR accredited rescue squad, police can request a response to any emergency requiring rescue.

“Examples of rescues that VRA Rescue NSW respond to include trapped animals, fingers stuck in rings and bath plugs, motor vehicle accidents, farm accidents and so much more.”

The state rescue board requires all operators to undertake a minimum of 26 hours of training every six months.

The Coleambally Squad usually trains on the second and fourth Monday of the month, commencing around 7 pm and usually one Saturday every six months.

Mr Breed said that several courses will be run to provide trainees with up-to-date, nationally accredited qualifications.

“These courses would include a safety induction, minimum skills, first aid and General Land Rescue Units,” Mr Breed said.

“There is also a range of other specialist courses available to members, including Swift Water and Vertical Rescue.”

If you want to volunteer, drop into a training night or contact Tom Breed on 0487 650 808 or email coleambally@vrarescue.org.

If you would like more information, check out this video about VRA Rescue NSW - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy0B46N-TlY.

• Topics:

• Volunteering