Kiwi rescue heroes to represent NZ at world challenge

News Release
17 October 2016

Kiwi rescue heroes to represent New Zealand at world challenge

In a true story of humble kiwi spirit, combined with dedicated teamwork and expertise that saves lives on New Zealand’s roads, the Geraldine Road Crash Rescue Team has secured entry to compete in the 2017 World Rescue Challenge after winning the Australasian Road Rescue Challenge in July in Melbourne.

The South Canterbury based road crash rescue team, consisting of five firefighters and one medic have been competing in road rescue challenges for just over two years. As a team they have had numerous successes and all the training and competing contributes to develop their skills for real life road rescues.

Each rescue challenge simulates real road crash scenarios and it is up to each team to extricate and treat patients against the clock whilst being tested on techniques and teamwork.

The recent win in Australia for the team, competing against sixteen highly skilled emergency teams is not only reflected in the volunteers gaining a place in next year’s world competition in Romania but also in the team’s camaraderie, leadership and local community support.

“The win was a real surprise to us because the competition was so strong,” “says Graeme Mould, Team Leader and Geraldine Fire Chief, “It was a great event, I was very impressed with our team work.”

It is only the third time in twenty-five years a New Zealand team has taken the overall winning team title in the annual Australasian Challenge.

“Only teams that have trained hard, displayed commitment and gelled as a cohesive unit rise to the top. Geraldine proved they took the challenges seriously and the result speaks for itself. To be champion team first year entered is no mean feat and a clear indicator of their commitment,” says Steve Rothwell, Executive Officer, Australasian Road Rescue Organisation (ARRO)

To accompany the winning team trophy Graeme Mould was awarded Best Team Leader.

“Graeme rose to the challenge and displayed leadership qualities that he, his brigade and most importantly his community should be justly proud of,” says Rothwell

With a commitment to represent New Zealand all roads for the Geraldine team now lead to Romania and training for next September’s European competition has commenced.

Fundraising is also underway for the six volunteers and their equipment to travel to the Northern Hemisphere.

“To represent New Zealand on a world stage as road rescue ambassadors is an amazing opportunity, not just to compete but to learn new skills and techniques too,” says Mould. “At the end of the day for each of us in the team, it is all about saving lives on our roads.”

ENDS

NOTES

Geraldine Road Crash Rescue Team (GRCRT)

Graeme Dyer, Travis Smith, Christine Horne (Medic), Graeme Mould (Team Leader), Grant Stephens, Pat Brennan

Team Leader - Graeme Mould

Australasian Road Crash Rescue Challenge 2016, Melbourne

GRCRT Achievements:

• Overall winner Australasian Road Crash Rescue Challenge, July 2016*

• (*2nd Queensland Fire and Emergency Service, Cairns 3rd Queensland Fire and Emergency Service, Brisbane)

• Winner Australasian Road Rescue Challenge Best Team leader, Graeme Mould, July 2016

• Second place, Australasian Road Rescue Challenge Category, Time Critical, July 2016

• Fourth place, Australasian Road Rescue Challenge, Best Medic, Christine Horne, July 2016

Australasian Road Rescue Organisation (ARRO)

Responsible for running the annual Australasian Road Crash Rescue Challenge

The Australasian Road Rescue Organisation (ARRO) is the peak body in Australasia for the development and exchange of information, knowledge and skills in road rescue. Its membership is drawn from the individuals and organisations in the emergency services that assist people at road crashes everyday such as Fire Services, State Emergency Services and Ambulance Services.

http://www.arro.org.au/

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