A SIMULATED motor vehicle accident that left a man trapped and struggling to breathe was one of three mock rescue exercises in Albury last night.
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Emergency service workers from the Volunteer Rescue Association, Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service had to make some quick decisions.
The drill was part of a two-day national trauma training program delivered by CareFlight.
The MediSim program is an extension of the charity’s national aeromedical service and has been conducted around Australia over the past four years.
“It’s the first time we have been to Albury with this and the turn out is great — we have 22 emergency service workers,” MediSim program co-ordinator Colin Brown said.
“It’s about giving these volunteers some additional skills, knowledge and confidence in dealing with trauma patients.
“The care received by a patient immediately after they are injured can determine their long-term outcome and in many cases these emergency service workers are the first responders.”
Volunteer Rescue Association’s Paul Marshall said his team of four rescuers had a combined 50 years’ experience.
“We have all of this experience and we still walked out of this on the first day learning new things,” he said.
“It’s giving us extra tools to wear on our belt.”