Army emergency responders sharpen crash rescue skills

The training brought together Emergency Responders from the New Zealand Army’s 3rd Emergency Response Troop (3ERT) from Burnham Military Camp and utilised the skills and knowledge of Fire and Emergency New Zealand staff.

Over several realistic motor vehicle crash scenarios, teams used rescue tools, stabilised vehicles, and practised patient extrication to ultimately strengthen interoperability between the two groups of emergency responders.

Held at Fire and Emergency’s purpose-built facility in Christchurch, the exercise ensured responders maintained their skills, adapted to evolving techniques, and spoke the same technical language when it mattered most.

“Emergencies don’t give us time to think, so preparation is everything. It’s about being ready, professional and confident. This means we can work seamlessly with our partner agencies,” said Staff Sergeant Josh Bowick, Fire Master of 3ERT.

“At the end of the day, we don’t train for perfect conditions, we train so that when things go sideways on the road, everyone knows their role and has each other’s back. 

“This isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about maintaining high standards across the New Zealand Army Emergency Responders,” he said. 

The exercise reinforced the value of strong partnerships, with the New Zealand Army and Fire and Emergency personnel training side by side. 

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Senior Trainer Rob Millener said training like this offers the chance to work together and share commonality as well as an opportunity to test, consolidate and improve skills in a safe environment. 

“This ensures that when we respond together in the future, operations will be consistent and effective. 

“I’m always supportive of any inter-agency training as this contributes to help build strong and mutually beneficial relationships, and I look forward to our collaboration with New Zealand Defence Force in the future.”