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The Taitung County Fire Department just held its first-ever high-tech search-and-rescue training session, an event that featured a variety of drones and remote-controlled life buoys as well as volunteer firefighters. One of the trainees stood out from the pack; it was Matthew, an Australian man who was rescued back in May after he got lost in the mountains of Donghe Township. It turns out that Matthew is an adept surfer, making him perfect for water rescue.

Four different types of drones are all airborne during this mock water rescue training session, which also requires each unit to operate a remote-controlled lifebuoy. Being able to simultaneously perform search-and-rescue in the air and water showcases how different units can coordinate on an integrated disaster response.

One face stands out from the crowd: it’s Matthew, the Australian national who rose to fame in May when he was rescued in the mountains of Donghe Township.

On May 15, Matthew grabbed his saxophone case and hopped on his scooter. He originally was just trying to find some peace in the mountains after an argument at home, yet he accidentally ended up getting trapped in a cave, where he stayed for 7 days. Lacking food and having no electronics, the man was able to find water despite having sandals on his feet. With the odds against him, he was saved.

When he was being rescued, the firefighters realized that he quickly picked up how to climb and rappel using ropes. He also excels at surfing, making him a standout candidate in the water. Seeing his potential, back in May his rescuers told him he should consider becoming a volunteer firefighter.

Lu Tung-fa
Taitung County fire chief
Our partner Matthew’s expertise is in surfing, so he can do water rescue. He wants to join us, to join the ranks of the Water Area Rescue Volunteer Firefighters.

One of Matthew’s rescuers was also part of the training event, and once again the two appeared on candid camera. Back in May they were rescuer and rescued, but two months later they’re training together, meaning that someday they might just be on the same rescue team.

- Has he filled out the application form?
- Not yet. But as long as he’s willing, then we’ll get him a form to fill out.

Low-key as usual, Matthew didn’t want to be interviewed. But his appearance at the event was a sign of good things to come, because the Taitung County Fire Department is looking forward to the day when the former survivor fills out his volunteer firefighter application and completes his training to become a life saver.

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