The Ambulance Service NSW are the pioneers of rescue in this state, it has been woven into the fabric of who we are by time and necessity. The Ambulance Service NSW have been involved in rescue long before it was seen as a distinct role or profession, it was just something that had to be done.

Ever since the Ambulance Service of NSW humble beginnings over 110 years ago officers have been required to be adaptive in their approach to all manner of emergency/ rescue situations. This has seen a steady evolution of rescue skills within the Service.

Things were not always as refined as they are now and in the early years Ambulance officers would use simple tools and ropes to overcome problems, however in 1941 the first recorded retrieval of a body at Sydney heads by two Ambulance officers using a specially designed edge machine was seen as a pivotal event in rescue services in this state. The Police at this time were so impressed that this went on to influence the first dedicated rescue unit specializing in cliff rescue.

As time went on and the numbers of cars on the roads started to increase in the post-war area there was a proportionate increase in the need for rescue of trapped patients in motor vehicle accidents, this saw Ambulances carrying tools (all be it simple ones ) for cutting and spreading of metal car structures allowing removal of trapped patients.

Increased public awareness of these situations during the 1950’s saw the community ready to support the idea of a dedicated rescue unit. Money was needed to fund this move. The ambulance officers in the Saint George- Sutherland area were determined to establish the state’s first rescue truck.

It took many years of determined fundraising to reach their target. It could not have been achieved without the tireless efforts of radio personality Gary O’Callaghan MBE. He persuaded Radio Station 2UE to conduct a ‘live to air’ fundraising campaign. This campaign, which was well supported by high profile members of the NSW community, ensured that Ambulance Officers out collecting donations on the street were well received. It also raised community awareness on the need for a dedicated rescue service.

They now had the necessary funds, but the fight to establish a rescue service was not over. It was now a matter of who would man this new rescue unit. The police were unwilling to participate due to departmental policies not allowing them to use a donated vehicle. Eventually it was arranged that Ambulance officers from the Saint George-Sutherland area would take charge of the rescue truck and assume the rescue role.

Ambulance rescue has come a long way from these early days but the devotion to the duty has not changed, Ambulance rescue has evolved into a second to none rescue unit that is highly trained in all aspects of general land rescue and is unique from any other rescue service in that all ambulance rescue operators are firstly clinicians able to take the medical treatment needed to the patient whatever the situation or where ever the location.

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