Volunteer rescuers called to vertical rescue near Wollombi after elderly woman falls

newy.com.au – Volunteer rescuers were called to bushland near Wollombi at 2.53pm this afternoon after an elderly woman with dementia fell while walking in the area.

The incident prompted a vertical rescue response, with crews clearing vegetation and setting up safety systems to move the patient from difficult terrain to waiting paramedics.

Cessnock District Rescue Squad – VRA Rescue NSW said it was activated to the bushland rescue after the woman entered the area for a walk and suffered a fall.

The squad said the woman was located by a local NSW Rural Fire Service member, who raised the alarm, and paramedics were treating her injuries when rescue operators arrived.

Rescuers began clearing small saplings and other vegetation to create an exit path for extrication, before preparing equipment to move her safely.

Once she was comfortable enough to be moved, the woman was placed on a scoop stretcher so she could be lifted into a Stokes litter, while another team set up a belay system to attach a safety line to the litter.

When crews were ready, the woman was carried up an embankment and transferred to the ambulance bed for further assessment and treatment.

“It was a great combined effort,” the squad said.