“Road Accident Rescue and the Value of RAR Challenges”

By David Colbeck, Victoria State Emergency Service, 2000 AUS

Excerpts

"Competitions or Challenges as they are universally referred to had their beginning in the United States and United Kingdom around 1985. The concept was developed with the main aim being to “develop high standards of road accident rescue”, and to provide a forum for the “exchange of technical expertise, pre-hospital care management, equipment evaluation, and knowledge of vehicle construction and team building”." 
 

"It has been my experience to date, with those teams who have participated at various challenges, that their development and improvement of service delivery has been outstanding. Not only my Service but all agencies have recognized the real benefit by the teams involved. Their expertise and experience is cascading down through their respective organisations."

"Having got to this point, let’s consider the relationship between Road Accident Rescue Operations and Road Accident Rescue Challenges or Competitions. The participation in the challenges by all teams has had a dramatic effect on the performance, assessment and evaluation of individuals and the group. You are in it to “do well” and to demonstrate your capability."

"Peers, trainers, leaders and people with experience and who are relevant to providing the rescue service assess at Challenges. The assessment process uses a set of guidelines and score sheets that reflect the main segments in both the “Golden Hour” and “Stages of Rescue” charts"

"The value to my Service, and I believe to all other Services that participate in this very advanced form of training and learning, has been dramatic in respect to on road service delivery. The Ambulance and Police have noted the high level of expertise that units involved in challenges bring to accident scenes."

"The units themselves have taken on a new standing in respect to teamwork and “esprit de corp”. We have had an influence on changing response protocols in respect to concurrent turnouts."

"Some Values and Benefits:

• Use of time on scene has been more efficient and more effective; especially where we have developed combined training with the paramedics.
• Technical methods have evolved and improved, people are more comprehensive and multi-skilled in their roles, and good teamwork is evident.
• Outcomes are more timely and our contribution to the “Golden Hour”
  more efficient.
• Equipment manufacturers are listening to our needs and moving to improve equipment capability
• Innovative ideas have led to subtle enhancements such as PVC tubing for sharp protection and the use of tape for glass management
• Patient care, handling, packaging and extraction techniques have benefited
• Challenges provide an opportunity to ”Showcase” what your Service is providing
• Challenges promote the contribution that rescuers are indeed making to the survivability and minimisation of life long injuries
• Challenges are a significant opportunity to demonstrate to the public, departmental officials and politicians the expertise and commitment to excellency that all agencies are committed to deliver.
  

"It is worth re-stating that I have no doubt that challenges have had a marked effect throughout the World in respect to the survivability of victims and the minimization of injuries through efficient and fully integrated timely extrications. "

"What about the teams? Better levels of confidence and understanding of issues involved. "

"There is a great fraternity of people who are working to provide the best possible on-road service. Those of you who have not participated in a challenge, think about it, it is a very meaningful and rewarding experience. "

Thank you.

David Coldbeck
8/6/2000."