Role statement - Volunteer Search and Rescue Organisations

About Volunteer Search and Rescue Organisations (Incorporating Land and Marine Operations)

Search and Rescue operations are often supported by volunteer emergency search and rescue organisations. There are a number of volunteer emergency land, water and transport search and rescue organisations who are specialised and/or provide search and rescue support services in localised areas of the State, including:

Bush Search and Rescue Victoria
approved units of the Victoria State Emergency Service for Vertical Rescue/Swift Water Rescue
approved units of Country Fire Authority for Vertical Rescue
Oscar One (CFA Bendigo) for Mine Rescue
Echuca Moama Search and Rescue Squad (land and road)
Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad (land, water and road)
Independent Alpine Resorts Board Ski Patrols
Australian Volunteer Coast Guard (AVCG) Units
EMV Accredited volunteer Marine / Land Search & Rescue Units

Mitigation

Activity	Critical task alignment / activity source
Broaden community awareness and preparedness to minimise the impact of an emergency on the community	6.3
Engage with communities about volunteer agencies capabilities and capacity in an emergency	1.1, 1.2, 2.1
Provide advice, information, and assistance to volunteer agencies and the community in relation to emergency management principles and practice	1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 4.5, 4.6
Provide information and education displays at tradeshows and community events	2.1, 4.5
Provide training programs (such as Basic First Aid) to people affected by emergencies in support of lead agencies	1.4, 3.2

Response (including Relief)

Activity	Critical task alignment / activity source
Lead Response Support Agency (RSA) for the functional area of rescue (aircraft, rail, tram, industrial, road	Table 10: Support agencies for response
Support agency to VicPol for land, water and transport search and rescue	3.2, 12.1, 12.3
Supported by CFA and VICSES who also provide volunteer emergency workers for emergency search and rescue response operations	3.2
Provide specialised search and rescue equipment	10.1, 10.3, 10.4
Further information about specific roles/services provided can be obtained by contacting Victoria Water Police/Search and Rescue Squad via the Rescue Coordination Centre (staffed 24/7) at Williamstown	3.2, 3.3

Recovery

For recovery activities, refer directly to the agency for further information.

Assurance and Learning

For assurance and learning activities, refer directly to the agency for further information.