Mass casualty training prepares Peninsula first responders for the future

It’s a scene no first responder ever wants to face, but one they must be ready for. On the Mornington Peninsula, emergency crews recently came together for a powerful, life-like simulation designed to test their skills and sharpen their response to major road trauma.

In a major training operation last month, Rosebud and Sorrento Ambulance Victoria (AV) crews and Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers put their skills to the test, responding to a simulated car crash and vehicle rollover involving multiple patients.

The exercise, staged in Rosebud, was designed to mirror a real mass casualty event – preparing local responders for the challenges they might face on any given day.

“Simulation exercises are incredibly beneficial for training our clinical skills and learning how to better work alongside our first responder colleagues,” AV Acting Area Manager Jo Wilton said.

“In locations like Rosebud and Sorrento, these trainings are particularly helpful because it will often be the same group of people attending the real thing.”

More than 70 people were involved in the simulation, either undertaking the training or facilitating the running of the exercise.

The exercise also included volunteers from St John Ambulance Frankston and Monash University paramedicine students.

VICSES Sorrento Unit Controller Mark Daw said training exercises like this are invaluable for ensuring local teams are prepared for any situation.

“By simulating a mass casualty incident, we not only improve our technical response skills but also strengthen the collaboration between all first responders in the region,” he said.

“This kind of teamwork is crucial when it comes to saving lives.”