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Local In UK Rescue Challenge: Hawkesbury SES Vollie Part of UK Rescue Challenge

A multi-agency team has returned from the UK after representing NSW during the UK Rescue Organisation (UKRO) Challenge dominating in multiple training scenarios.

The team won 1st place in the Water Rescue Challenge and 1st place internationally in the trauma and vehicle extraction challenges.

NSW SES Hawkesbury volunteer Matt Thornton was part of the road crash rescue team while

Waverley-Woollahra volunteer Max Henderson competed in swift water challenges.

During one emergency scenario, the NSW road crash rescue team had a strict 20-minute timeframe to retrieve two individuals trapped under overturned cars. Remarkably, they completed the rescue in just 14 minutes.

Nsw Ses Max Henderson And Matt Thornton Local In Uk Rescue Challenge: Hawkesbury Ses Vollie Part Of Uk Rescue Challenge
Nsw ses max henderson and matt thornton

NSW SES Hawkesbury Unit Volunteer, Matt Thornton highlighted the value of collaborating with diverse teams.

“Working alongside others reinforced that our training is world-class. I learned about the EXIT study in the UK, which focuses on expediting extrications to minimise patient risk—a game-changer.”

“These challenges not only benefit us personally but ultimately enhance the service we provide to our community. We respond to about 60 road crash rescues annually in the Hawkesbury Unit, and the techniques I learned will benefit my fellow members,” he said.

Waverley-Woollahra volunteer Max Henderson, who was ranked in the 1st position for Helm on the water rescue challenge, said it was a valuable training in swift water rescue techniques.

“I was honoured to represent the NSW SES on an international stage. The training was intense but invaluable, highlighting differences in rescue practices between Australia and the UK. I appreciated the opportunity to learn new techniques.”

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