By Tanya Faulkner
Hills locals are being reminded to be prepared for any situation following a recent rescue in The Patch.
The Monbulk CFA, alongside the Kallista – The Patch CFA and Wandin CFA crews, were called out to a rescue situation on the morning of Monday 16 October.
Monbulk CFA second lieutenant Glenn Hickingbotham said a local mother and her young child are believed to have gone for an evening walk the night before, before they fell down a sharp, but shallow, embankment and were stuck there overnight.
“The mother did not have a mobile phone on her, and managed to raise the alarm by calling out for help and being heard by a neighbour over the road who called 000,” he said.
CFA crews performed a simple rope rescue for the mother and her child, packaging the two up in a stretcher that was lowered down with rope, and pulled back up to safety on the road.
It is believed that the mother sustained a minor injury to her wrist in the fall.
Mr Hickingbotham said it’s a good reminder for residents of the Hills to be prepared for any walk they do, particularly in forest areas.
“It’s important to have a mobile phone on you, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and let someone know where you are going and how long for.
“Even a short local walk can still end in injury where you need assistance.
“Don’t underestimate what could happen,” he said.
