Bellarine first responders test out major incident response

Ambulance Victoria (AV) crews recently joined first responder colleagues from across the Bellarine Peninsula for Exercise Mabon, a large-scale, multi-agency training simulation of a collision between a 53-seat bus and a delivery truck.

The exercise, led by VICSES, brought together their volunteers with representatives from AV, CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria, Victoria Police, St John Ambulance Victoria and City of Greater Geelong to practise coordinated emergency response capabilities.

Held in Wallington, the realistic scenario provided the opportunity to practise responding to a multi-vehicle, multi-casualty emergency involving simulated hazards such as entrapments, smoke effects, and debris.

The aims of the training included testing command and control structures across agencies, enhancing communication during complex responses, practising patient triage and management in a realistic environment and improving decision-making under pressure.

AV Barwon South West Regional Support Manager David Shearer said the exercise was a great opportunity to work collaboratively with other emergency services and test out key skills and procedures.

“Realistic simulations such as Exercise Mabon allow us to hone critical skills in clinical practice and scene control,” he said.

“We hope we never have to attend events like these but if we do, it’s so important that our paramedics are equipped to manage these complex cases.”