Another Multi-Agency Rescue at Cathedral (19/02/2024)
Just before 11:00am this morning, Buxton Fire Brigade and Marysville Fire Brigade - CFA were alerted to yet another injured walker on Wells Cave track in the vicinity of Sugerloaf Peak. On this occasion, it was reported that a female walker had slipped on the wet track and fallen at least 3m down the edge, suffering a suspected broken ankle.
At the time of the initial response, FireCom advised responding crews that the peak was reported as being shrouded in cloud with gusting winds. There were also concerns about the ability of vehicles to traverse Cerberus Road which required Buxton Tanker 2 to access the area via Cathedral Lane.
SES Marysville Unit were quick to respond and, upon reaching the Sugarloaf carpark, a ground crew immediately began the 30min climb to the patient.
In the meantime, a Control Point was established at the carpark with Victoria Police assuming the role of Incident Controller. CFA, SES, and Ambulance Victoria units staged at the carpark while the ground crew made their way to the incident site. The air ambulance was responded and stoodby until weather conditions improved.
As part of the initial response, rope rescue crews were responded from Wandin Fire Brigade and Monbulk Fire & Rescue (CFA) to support the Marysville SES crews. Additionally, due to the nature of the area, the SES Rescue Commander asked for further support from specialist high angle rescue crews with resources being responded from Fire Rescue Victoria Station 10 at Richmond.
The high angle crews were staged at the Buxton Fire Station due to the size of the appliances and limited access on the forest roads to Sugerloaf. If required on scene, the high angle operators would be transported to the Control Point in transport vehicles.
Once the walker was accessed by the wilderness trained paramedics, the local SES crew were able to move her to a location suitable to be winched. The air ambulance successfully winched the walker and transported her to Melbourne for treatment.
The Cathedral Range offers experienced hikers a wonderful opportunity to test their skills but it can be a risky place for the most experienced. It is one of most difficult mountain walks in Victoria, if not the most difficult. If the track is wet or weather conditions are not ideal, its a place to avoid. Rescue operations are difficult, resource intensive, and very time consuming.
We strongly recommend that people hiking along the Cathedral ensure they are properly prepared and have Ambulance membership to cover the cost of the ride home.
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