Volunteer profile – Josh O’Brien

Editors note: This picture sums up Josh, it is the middle of the night at the end of a long search and he’s still smiling!

Name: Josh O’Brien

How long have you been in the team?

Four years

What you do outside NEWSAR (work and other hobbies)? Has this been transferred into NEWSAR?

I work as a technical rescue instructor delivering safety and rescue training to emergency response teams. Hobbies include fell running, climbing, kayaking and skiing. Given my skill set I help with the training in the team and can lead technical rescues in water and on cliffs.

What have you learned while being a member?

“Hurry up & Wait”. Probably still learning this one. Plenty of casualty care! Every team member has some knowledge to impart.

Worst and best aspects of being in the team.

Best aspects: I learn something new almost every time I attend training or a callout. Being able to provide a response to the community. The humour. Worst aspects: Middle of the night callouts. Driving a long way to a callout and just as you arrive hearing the “stand down” alarm!