Mack Oswald was exploring Mount Pilot at Chiltern with his parents and a friend when he fell into the crevice about 3pm on Saturday. 

It was a race against time for SES, police, paramedics and firefighters who were working to free the boy before sundown. 

They had fears for Mack’s health as the temperature dropped and water continued to drop onto him. 

CFA incident controller Kurt Hickling said they had worries the boy would suffer from hypothermia. 

“Our main concern was getting him out as soon as possible,” he said.

“He was in great spirits and glad to be out.”

Mack was not injured as a result of the ordeal.

“It was really good to see him walk out of there and I think more than anything his family was absolutely relieved to meet him at the bottom of Mount Pilot,” Mr Hickling said.

“It was like a jigsaw trying to get him out and a bit of trial and error because we needed to make sure we didn’t injure him.”

Mack was greeted with applause and handshakes before his mother, Sam Oswald, wrapped her arms around her boy. 

“I stayed calm – I think I must have had adrenaline,” she said.

“I was very nervous.

“I really didn’t know how it was going to end because he was really wedged in there.”

Mrs Oswald said she could not praise the emergency crews enough.

During the ordeal they were bringing Mack sandwiches and broke a picnic bench to use the timber to attempt to free him.

“They were just incredible and they were like a well-oiled machine,” Mrs Oswald said.

“They went up and down that hill 100 times carrying things.”

She said the work of the volunteers was selfless. 

“They left their families to come and look after mine and nobody pays them to do it,” she said.

Mr Hickling said volunteers were there to serve the community no matter what.

“It’s what we do,” he said.

“When you witness an event like that it gives you goose bumps.

“It also reminds you why it’s so important to be a volunteer and do the right thing.”

Mr Hickling said Mack was lucky he was adventuring with people who could call emergency services. 

“It goes to show out in the bush it’s good to be in groups,” he said.

“People should always make sure they are carrying a mobile phone as well.

“When you’re in a situation where you’re bush walking or hiking or going to an unfamiliar area make sure you’re prepared.

“If the territory is foreign, it’s best to play it safe.” 

Mrs Oswald was appreciative to volunteers.

“We are thankful for everything everyone has done and we have our boy back,” she said.