Staff from the Tasmania Fire Service, State Emergency Service and Tasmania Police have participated in an intensive Vertical Rescue training course, conducted during the past week at Freycinet National Park.

Rescue Technicians – under the guidance of world renowned Rope Rescue Instructor Reed Thorne from Arizona (US) and Len Batley from Fire and Rescue Australia – worked together through a range of rescue scenarios culminating in a 65 metre twin Highline near Lassies Wall, a popular area for recreational climbers.

“Vertical Rescue is a high-risk but low-frequency rescue discipline and our technicians must be equipped with the skills and knowledge to allow them to rescue injured or trapped persons from any situation,” said Acting Deputy Regional Chief and TFS State Rescue Coordinator Mark Dobson.

“Tasmania Police have primary responsibility for vertical rescue from natural features such as coastal cliffs and the Fire Service maintains the capability for the built environment, including multi-story buildings, bridges and towers.”. He added “the State Emergency Service provide a support role to both agencies should a rescue situation occur”.

Whenever possible Tasmanian Emergency Service Agencies train together, to share knowledge and gain an appreciation of each other’s capabilities, so they can provide the safest and most effective response to any emergency situation.