First responders from across Australasia will be put through their paces, responding to a range of complex road crash rescue scenarios aimed at strengthening their skills on the frontline.

Queensland Fire Department (QFD) will host the 2026 Australasian Road Crash Rescue Challenge at the Northern Region Emergency Services Complex in Townsville from 22 – 28 June 2026.

The competition, run by the Australasian Rescue Organisation (ARO), is also an opportunity for emergency services to share knowledge and learn about the latest advancements in the industry.

QFD Acting Commissioner Kevin Walsh said Queensland Fire and Rescue crews respond to thousands of road crashes every year.

“Firefighters undertake extensive training to ensure they ready to respond to crashes, which can require a high degree of precision and technical skills, depending on the level of damage the vehicle sustains,” Acting Commissioner Walsh said.

“Crews use a range of equipment and techniques to access people who become trapped in vehicles because of a crash, including cutting through car roofs or removing doors.

“These types of incidents are unfortunately a common job for our personnel, who have already responded to more than 10,000 road crashes this year.

“This competition is an opportunity to showcase our ability and hopefully claim top honours, as our swiftwater personnel did in the recent Australasian Rescue Boat Challenge and Australasian Water Rescue Challenge.”

ARO President Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM said ARO was pleased to announce the 2026 Australasian Road Crash Rescue Challenge would be hosted by the Queensland Fire Department.

“The ARO Road Crash Rescue Challenge provides an invaluable opportunity for rescuers from across Australasia to collaborate, learn, and strengthen their operational capability.

“Multi-agency and interstate collaboration are key pillars of this event — bringing together emergency services to share knowledge, refine techniques, and prepare for the complex rescue scenarios they may face in the field.

“By working and training together through the ARO Road Crash Rescue Challenge, we’re ensuring our responders are better equipped to save lives when it matters most.”