A day that changed everything: my experience as a first responder
Amanda, Amber Community lived experience volunteer speaker.
A normal day turns tragic
It was Easter, a long-awaited day off and a chance to visit Ballarat with a close friend. The day had been peaceful, with clear skies and quiet roads. As we drove home, a four-wheel drive towing a caravan sped past us. We noted how fast they were going, but quickly moved on with our conversation.
Moments later, my friend suddenly started shouting. Shocked by her reaction, I asked what was wrong. Then she said, “Can you see it flying?”
Ahead of us, the same four-wheel drive had collided with another vehicle. What had seemed like a car parked on the roadside was a devastating crash scene.
Arriving at the scene
We pulled over, and I rushed toward the wreckage. A man was pulling a toddler from the four-wheel drive, yelling that there were people in the other car. As I approached, my mind raced through possibilities, preparing for what I might see.
Inside the smaller car was an elderly couple. The driver was slumped over his wife. The impact had been severe. I had to prioritise who needed help first. With only myself on hand initially, I was forced to make choices on who needed help the most.
Providing comfort in a critical moment
The man was trapped. His knees were pinned, and his injuries were severe. His breathing was slowing, and I knew he was slipping away. The best I could do was stay with him, offering comfort in his final moments.
His wife, lying flat in the passenger seat, was still breathing but unresponsive. Her shoes had been thrown off, a sign I recognised as indicating a massive impact. I reassured her that help was on the way.
The weight of the moment
As I worked, more people arrived. Someone handed me a phone with a 000 operator on the line, urging me to begin CPR. But it wasn’t an option as it was impossible to get access to him. The driver was too trapped to move. Despite all my training, the weight of not being able to do more sat heavily on my shoulders.
When an off-duty firefighter arrived, I finally had help. He started working on getting the woman out, and after what felt like an eternity, emergency services arrived. My job was done. I walked back to my friend, who had been directing traffic, and we headed home.
Processing the aftermath
That night, I saw my reflection in the mirror; I was covered in mud and glass. The next morning, I could barely move, my back injured from leaning into the car for so long. It took weeks of physiotherapy before I could walk without pain.
Sleep became difficult. My mind replayed the incident over and over. I questioned my decisions. Could I have done more? Could I have saved him? Rationally, I knew I had done everything possible, but my heart struggled to accept it.
Seeking support
Eventually, I realised I needed help. I reached out to the support service the police had recommended, Amber Community. Their counsellors helped me process the trauma, reminding me that even when we can’t change an outcome, being there matters.
The ripple effect of road trauma
That day changed the lives of many people: the elderly couple, their family, the caravan occupants, the emergency workers, and those of us who stopped to help. A single moment of high speed had irreversible consequences.
The crash site eventually returned to normal, and grass grew back; traffic continued as usual. But for those involved, the impact remains.
A reminder to us all
Road trauma affects far more than just those in the vehicles. It ripples out to families, first responders, and communities. That’s why road safety matters. That’s why we must all take a moment to slow down, be mindful, and remember that every trip counts.
If you or someone you know has been affected by road trauma, support is available. Reach out; help is available when you need it.
