At 9.15pm on Saturday 22 October, Upper Yarra SES was called to assist Ambulance Victoria with the extrication of a young man that had taken a fall at an old quarry in Wesburn and was stuck partway up a rocky cliff face.
The surface was unsuitable for the unit to use their mule to carry the man out so high-angle ropes were called in from the District 13 ropes team – Wandin Fire Brigade and Monbulk Fire and Rescue (CFA) however the terrain was still too arduous so crews from Fire Rescue Victoria also attended for further support.
There was support from Wesburn/Millgrove CFA throughout the extrication and additional lighting was supplied by Warburton Fire Brigade CFA.
After 4 hours, the patient was on the ground and the mule was then used to transport him to the waiting ambulance.
After pack up and debrief, crews were heading home for bed around 3.30am.
Throughout the process, all on scene were supported by Yellingbo Rural Fire Brigade rehab unit who kept crews hydrated and energised to continue on.
The event saw over 40 personnel and over 15 vehicles from across the various agencies.