Rescue and Immediate 
 Care Course 

Join us and become a vital part of helping wildlife in the WIRES community to rescue, care for and rehabilitate wildlife, so they can be released back into their natural environment.

The Rescue and Immediate Care Course (RICC) is the starting point for those wanting to rescue and provide short-term care for wildlife with WIRES. Upon completion of the Rescue and Immediate Care Course, volunteers become part of their local WIRES branch, ready to assist with the rescue, transport and immediate care of most wildlife species; excluding snakes, monitors and bats, which require further training.

If you can answer yes to the following, you may be eligible!

  • I am over 18 years old
  • I live in NSW
  • I have a drivers license and a private vehicle (ie car) to use (recommended)
  • I have time to help wildlife in need
  • I understand this will be an emotional journey

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What's Involved?

There are two components to this training. The first is an online theory component, followed by a face-to-face practical workshop.

The online modules you will complete in this course, cover essential topics including:

  • Work, Health & Safety
  • Species Identification
  • Common Rescue Scenarios
  • Safe Handling Techniques
  • First Aid
  • Physical Examination
  • Immediate Care

Upon completion of the online theory, you will then be able to complete the workshop component. 

 

Course Details

Flexible Learning: This is a blended course (online and workshop component) with a twelve-month enrolment period. 

Online Theory Component: 6-8 hours via the WIRES online training platform.

Workshop Component: Once the theory is complete, attend a one-day face-to-face workshop. An alternative online practical workshop option is available to participants unable to attend a face-to-face workshop.

Please refer to the Rescue and Immediate Care Workshop schedule to find a course near you.

Cost: Standard Fee = $100 / Eligible Concession Fee = $80

Your Impact:  Rescue, transport and provide immediate care (up to 24 hours if necessary) for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife (excluding snakes, monitors, and bats), transporting them to vet clinics and experienced authorised wildlife carers. Access advanced species courses upon completing the RICC to progress your skills further to become a specialist rescuer or longer-term carer.

After completing the course, your volunteering authority is valid for one year. To remain a volunteer after this time, you must renew annually.

For further information, please read the Course Information Pack and FAQ's.

Enrol Today

Please complete the form below to enrol in the WIRES Rescue and Immediate Care Course (RICC).

If you experience any difficulties completing the form, we recommend switching to a different internet browser (ie. Safari, Chrome or Firefox). 

After enrolling, you will be contacted within 2-3 business days with further information. about accessing the online component of the RICC.

Enrolment for this course is not into a specific workshop. The workshop registration will become available after completion of the online component.  

For further enquiries about this course, please complete the training enquiry form. 

WIRES Course Refund Policy

Please review the Course Refund Policy prior to enrolment for a better understanding of the refund policies that apply to this course.

Are you a former WIRES member?

If you are a previous WIRES member and it has been less than 2 years since your WIRES membership lapsed, you are not required to complete the WIRES Rescue and Immediate Care Course again. Please email members@wires.org.au to discuss having your membership reactivated. 

If it has been more than 2 years since your WIRES membership lapsed, you will be required to refresh your training through the WIRES Rescue and Immediate Care Refresher Course (RICC Refresher).

The RICC Refresher is designed to re-engage past members and is free of charge. It is only available to those who have previously completed the WIRES RICC and want to volunteer with WIRES again. Please click here to enrol in the RICC Refresher.

 
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Are you a former WIRES member?

If you are a previous WIRES member and it has been less than 2 years since your WIRES membership lapsed, you are not required to complete the WIRES Rescue and Immediate Care Course again. Please email members@wires.org.au to discuss having your membership reactivated. 

If it has been more than 2 years since your WIRES membership lapsed, you will be required to refresh your training through the WIRES Rescue and Immediate Care Refresher Course (RICC Refresher).

The RICC Refresher is designed to re-engage past members and is free of charge. It is only available to those who have previously completed the WIRES RICC and want to volunteer with WIRES again. Please click here to enrol in the RICC Refresher.