Cessnock District Rescue Squad is seeking community-minded people to join its team of volunteers.
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The squad has put a call out for trainee rescue operators to join its Cessnock and Kurri Kurri branches.
The squad was founded in 1978 and is the primary rescue response unit for the Cessnock local government area, and is sometimes called to assist in areas beyond the LGA.
It attends, on average, 300 call-outs a year - everything from snake relocations to animal rescues, motor vehicle accidents and missing person searches.
Squad spokesperson James Harris said the role would suit anyone who would like to work with a great group of like-minded people who want to assist others in their time of need.
"If you would like to experience the feeling of self-satisfaction that you can achieve by helping people then joining our squad maybe just what you are looking for," Mr Harris said.
"You will get to experience training and operating in areas including but not limited to search and rescue, vertical rescue, road crash rescue, domestic and industrial rescue, animal rescue and more."
Team work is among the vital skills acquired, with volunteers working with each other and other emergency service agencies.
"Some of the situations we are called to require you to work under pressure whilst remaining calm. You will have a great support team working with you to achieve this," Mr Harris said.
As the Volunteer Rescue Association is not fully government-funded, it relies on fundraising activities and donations from the local community and businesses to continue operating.
"We do a lot of our own fundraising and this is shared amongst all members. Some of this involves traffic control and car parking duties, which may involve some weekend activities," Mr Harris said.
Training is provided and predominantly takes place on Monday nights between 7pm and 9pm at the squad's Cessnock base on South Avenue.
You must be at least 18 years of age to join.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can email cessnock@vrarescue.org for an application form.