Frank Gaylard had a split personality when it came to caring for his community.
When he wasn’t doing his job — driving around in an ambulance saving lives — he was volunteering with Shepparton Search and Rescue, using his expertise as a paramedic to assist in rescues.
As a founding member of SS&RS, Frank has seen it all in his years of service — from the time the squad was predominately in underwater recovery to car crashes.
“There was no such thing as SES in the early days,” he said.
“I was with the ambulance on a scene and called the rescue squad out to their first ever motor vehicle crash in the early ’70s.
“It was a dark, cold night, a car had gone in the channel with six people in it and we desperately needed lighting.
“SS&RS came out, put lighting up, assisted with tools, got the people out of the car and the rest was history.”
With their first crash rescue, came the first ever Jaws of Life in Australia, a rescue tool used to free drivers and passengers from damaged vehicles after severe collisions.
Through all the developments, a consistent camaraderie and theme of humility remained with Frank and the squad.
“It’s something that you didn’t look for accolades for. Like being a volunteer in a fire brigade, you do your job and that’s it,” Frank said.
“People need our services and help, and despite our small number of members, we never missed a call.”