Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics have been on the ground in Warrandyte State Park as part of a search and rescue training exercise, alongside Victoria Police and Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) volunteers.
The training along the Yarra River at Warrandyte's Pound Bend was a land and water scenario, loosely based on previous searches undertaken in the local area.
Crews were tasked with locating, assessing, treating and safely extricating two mock patients, requiring a coordinated response across agencies.
AV Acting Metropolitan Regional Support Manager Stuart Hine said the exercise gave paramedics a chance to put their bushland skills to the test.
"This was a night-time exercise in the middle of winter, which added a layer of complexity for everyone involved," Stuart said.
"People who go missing or get injured in places like Warrandyte State Park can suffer traumatic injuries or hypothermia and getting them out safely can be a real challenge.
"These are the sorts of conditions our crews had to work through during the exercise, and it's experience they'll carry with them into real-life situations."
Stuart said the training also strengthened working relationships between local AV crews and their emergency service colleagues.
"Beyond the patient care, crews had to navigate thick bush and slippery riverbanks in foggy, low-light conditions. That kind of environment puts pressure on everyone, and safety becomes even more critical," he said.
"This was a great opportunity for all teams to focus on keeping themselves safe while working together under pressure."
Victoria Police led the coordination of the mock incident, while VICSES volunteers used their land and water rescue capabilities to locate the patients. Once found, paramedics were escorted in to provide care.
Simulation mannequins were used as mock patients, allowing paramedics to carry out realistic assessments and treatment before preparing them for transport to hospital.
