Members of the Rotary Club of Eaglehawk gathered at the Oscar 1 Rescue team’s Station for an informative visit. Our members (18) along with the team members (12), enthusiastically joined for a BBQ tea with additional salads and other dishes supplied by some of our members, which were very much appreciated.
Following tea, Oscar 1’s Captain Karl Shay and Ex Captain Daniel McMahon arranged a very informative presentation that explained the structure of the team and what they do. A number of years ago when the team was formed, Victoria Police were divided into districts and the area around central Victoria was name Oscar District, thus the name Oscar 1 was adopted for the Team. Interestingly they are the only team in Australia that are all Volunteers, (they are a CFA Brigade, that don’t have a “Fire Appliance”) and have two vehicles to carry all the Specialist Rescue equipment that they use. It is also interesting to note that the members have expertise in many fields which are well outside of normal firefighting but do relate to rescue in various fields including Mine rescue with a number of the members being employed by mining companies.
Oscar 1 have been involved in several incidents involving miners over a number of years, along with a number of animal recoveries from mines in and around Central Victoria.
The equipment they have are highly specialised for the roles they undertake including Long duration Breathing Apparatus, Vertical and High Angle Rope rescue, vehicle rescue, grain entrapment, Confined Space rescue, together with a high level of medical expertise.
The team have been involved in Rescue competitions around Victoria for a number of years, competing against Industry Rescue teams from all over Australia, and the records show that they are a formidable team, having finished in the top four at most competitions and have on several occasions been the leader in many sections and in fact won the overall event on a few times. Considering the competition a credit to the team.
Following the presentation, Rotarians were then shown what is an impressive list of equipment carried on the vehicles with explanations of their use.
Overall the night was enlightening for our members as to what expertise is available just around the corner from the “Mechanic’s” and what “our Oscar 1 Rescue team” are capable of and the work they have undertaken by a comparatively small team of highly efficient members, that are operating under what could be considered less than supportive higher level of management throughout the emergency services in Victoria.
Special thanks to the Oscar 1 Rescue team for allowing us to visit them in their home and their insight into the work they undertake.
