VICSES volunteers are urging locals and visitors to take extra care when bushwalking and hiking this summer, with a spike in tourism expected to place further pressure on rescue crews across the state.
Since January last year, VICSES volunteers across the state have received more than 500 requests for assistance to help paramedics reach injured or incapacitated people in hard-to-access bushland, with many hurt while hiking, cycling or mountain bike riding.
Closer to home, VICSES Bacchus Marsh Unit volunteers assisted paramedics and Victoria Police on 27 rescues last year, navigating difficult terrain and using specialist equipment such as single-wheel “mule” stretchers to safely transport patients to medical care.
Volunteers were also involved in more than 150 technical rescues, often requiring complex, multi-agency rope operations in rugged terrain.
Popular destinations like Lerdederg State Park, the You Yangs, Cathedral Ranges and Werribee Gorge have been frequent trouble spots, while the Grampians and Mount Buffalo continue to generate call-outs all year-round.
With holiday numbers expected to rise, volunteers are bracing for an increase in callouts, having already spent more than 3,000 hours statewide responding to similar incidents this financial year.
VICSES Bacchus Marsh unit controller Mick Schembri said preparation was critical.
“Our volunteers have seen first-hand the challenge our incredible landscape can pose to those underprepared,” he said. “Understanding your capabilities and taking necessary precautions helps everyone enjoy the outdoors safely.”
Community members are encouraged to download the VicEmergency app and call 132 500 for VICSES assistance, or triple-0 in a life-threatening emergency.
