11/10/2026
An overnight rescue in Washpool National Park is a timely reminder of how quickly a bushwalk can become an emergency.
A 60-year-old woman injured in a fall on Saturday afternoon was airlifted to safety on Sunday morning following a demanding operation involving VRA Rescue NSW crews from Glen Innes, Guyra and Inverell, alongside NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Westpac Rescue Helicopter, supported by NSW RFS and NSW SES.
Two VRA Special Operations Rescue Unit members and a NSW Ambulance paramedic remained with her overnight, providing shelter and care until helicopter extraction could safely take place. Other VRA members then helped the overnight team carry their equipment on the approximately two-and-a-half-hour walk out.
While Washpool is outside Casino Rescue Squad’s response area, our volunteers attend similar incidents every year. Difficult terrain, changing weather and limited phone reception can make reaching an injured person a lengthy and challenging task.
Before heading out:
• Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) for remote walks and know how to use it.
• Tell someone your route and expected return time.
• Take enough water and food for your trip, plus extra supplies in case you are delayed.
• Wear suitable footwear and carry warm, waterproof clothing—even on a day walk.
• Pack a first aid kit, torch and navigation equipment, and know how to use them.
• Check weather forecasts, park alerts and track conditions, and choose a walk suited to your abilities.
Being prepared helps protect you and those who may need to come to your assistance. Even once an alert is raised, help can take considerable time to reach remote locations.
Well done to every volunteer and emergency service member involved in this rescue. Your teamwork, endurance and care brought a demanding operation to a successful conclusion. We wish the patient a smooth recovery.
VRA Rescue NSW
VRA Rescue NSW - Region North
Richie Williamson MP
100.9 ZZZ FM
The Northern Rivers Times
NBN Television
7NEWS Coast
10 News Sydney
88.9 FM Richmond Valley Radio
2LM
The Indy
The Northern Star
NSW Ambulance
NSW Police Force
LAND SEARCH AND RESCUE
An overnight rescue in Washpool National Park has tested the skills, endurance and experience of our Region North rescue crews, with an injured person successfully airlifted to safety this morning.
At approximately 4:50pm on Saturday 10 October, emergency services received a personal locator beacon activation and an iPhone satellite emergency call. The alerts initially indicated different locations and were treated as separate incidents until crews confirmed they related to the same person—a 60-year-old person injured following a fall.
VRA Rescue NSW members from Glen Innes, Guyra and Inverell worked alongside NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, supported by NSW RFS and NSW SES.
The difficult and unforgiving terrain presented significant challenges in reaching the patient and planning her safe extraction. Two VRA Rescue NSW Special Operations Rescue Unit (SORU) members and a NSW Ambulance paramedic remained with her overnight, providing shelter, monitoring her condition and managing her pain while awaiting a safe opportunity to evacuate her.
This morning, following a risk assessment, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter winched another paramedic into the site to assist with treatment and preparation for extraction. The patient and that paramedic were then winched to safety, and she was transported to hospital for further treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Eight VRA rescue members then trekked into the bush to support the team who had stayed overnight, carrying their packs and assisting them on the approximately two-and-a-half-hour walk out. All crews have now safely returned to the command post.
With crews expected to finish returning to station, cleaning and restocking equipment by approximately 1:50pm today, this operation will have involved around 22 hours of sustained effort.
An outstanding effort by everyone involved. Our volunteers’ professionalism, knowledge and experience were tested from start to finish, and they met those challenges with determination and care.
Thank you to our crews and all partner agencies for their teamwork throughout this demanding rescue. We wish the patient a smooth recovery.
VRA Rescue NSW
VRA Rescue NSW Commissioner, Brenton Charlton
VRA Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner, Alix Thom
Brendan Moylan MP
Glen Innes Rescue Squad- VRA Rescue NSW
VRA Rescue NSW - Guyra
VRA Rescue NSW - Inverell
Jihad Dib MP
7NEWS Sydney
NBN Television
ABC North Coast
ABC News
10 News Sydney
