Bush Search and Rescue Victoria
Volunteer search and rescue in Victorian bush and alpine regions
BSAR’s Tim Lenders presented at Waverley Bushwalking Club’s (WBC) member night. Tim spoke about BSAR’s history as a bushwalker-driven community effort, searches, and the process of joining BSAR. Several members have expressed interest in joining. We thank WBC for their participation in BSAR and their invitation to speak.
The Victorian Backcountry Festival run successfully again at and around Mt Hotham.
Thanks to the organisers for inviting BSAR to contribute.
Thanks also to Peter Campbell and Peter Robinson who represented BSAR and ran a snow shelters workshop which was very much enjoyed by all who participated. Blustery conditions made it all the better.
Many thanks to SES Moorabbin for inviting BSAR to speak at their Monday evening meeting. Tim Lenders, representing BSAR, explained BSAR’s role among Victoria’s emergency services and fielded many questions. BSAR depends heavily on SES units for logistic support at and around search sites and this was a welcome chance to interact outside of operational pressures.
Fourteen BSAR members participated in a multi-agency response to locate and rescue a lone walker from the summit area of Mt Feathertop on Sunday.
The man had become disoriented before weathering Saturday night in a snow pit.
Rescuers from Bush Search and Rescue Victoria climbed from Harrietville to the summit area. The core of the team was drawn from BSAR’s North East section together with Ambulance Victoria paramedics who had been training together near Falls Creek.
A combined search team of two BSAR members, one Ambulance Victoria paramedic and one SES member, located the man approximately 200m off the summit ridge at around 4pm, assessed his condition and escorted him to Harrietville.
Thanks to Bright SES, AV and other agencies involved in the rescue.
BSAR’s annual Steep Snow and Ice training for alpine skilled members was conducted successfully again this year on the High Plains.
Exercises included alpine patient management, self‑arrest, avalanche rescue, anchor systems, abseiling and responding to multi-burial scenario.
On Sunday morning a request came in to rescue a disorientated skier on Mt Feathertop. Specialist members departed for the search.
The remaining party continued with planned exercises.
A team of four BSAR members participated in the Australian Emergency Services Wilderness Navigation Shield (Navshield), an emergency services event run annually by NSW SES.
Congratulations to BSAR’ members, David Heng, Simin Ngan, TJ Chang and Paul Monks, who placed first in the Emergency Services division, winning the Navigation Shield.