News Archives - AV6K��

Donated AED finds home in Boneo

Kreisler — Mon, 20 May 2024 03:32:59 +0000

The Mornington Peninsula has inherited a new life-saving device this week, following the donation of a new automated external defibrillator (AED) in Boneo.

AEDs are used to attempt to shock the heart back into rhythm following a cardiac arrest – which is when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating.

The AED will be located at Hawkes Farm, 661 Boneo Rd, Boneo VIC 3939.

AED at Hawkes Farm.

The device is one of 24 total defibrillators donated to Mornington Peninsula communities by Ironman4x4 Managing Director Tom Jacob and his wife Issy in the last three years.

“These devices are lifesavers and it’s critical people across Victoria know where their nearest AED is located,” he said.

“They are community assets and the more that are available across the state, the better.”

AV6K�� Paramedic Laura Finnerty said the heart-starting device will make a big difference for communities and when used, helps improve the chance of survival for those suffering cardiac arrest.

“Around 20 AV6K�� suffer a cardiac arrest every day and only one in 10 survive,” she said.

“Bystander intervention makes a big difference to a patient’s chance of survival.

“When a patient in receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.”

Hawkes Farm Director Richard Hawkes, AED donor Tom Jacob and paramedics Gracie and Laura.

AEDs are simple to operate, and everyone can feel confident using one.

“If an AED is available, simply open it and follow the verbal instructions,” Laura said.

“They are safe and easy to use and will not deliver a shock unless it is necessary.”

Hawkes Farm Director Richard Hawkes said, “we’re so pleased to have an AED at the farm for the use of our employees, visitors, and members of the local community”.

“We are really grateful to AV for implementing this and training our team, and to the generous donor that made it possible,” he said.

“Anyone can save a life in three simple steps: Call (call Triple Zero 000), Push (perform CPR) and Shock (use an AED),” Laura said.

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New paramedics officially celebrate their graduation

Kreisler — Mon, 20 May 2024 01:12:13 +0000

AV6K�� (AV) has welcomed another group of graduates to the Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic ranks, at a ceremony alongside family and friends.��

The group officially marked their completion of the Graduate Ambulance Paramedic (GAP) program on Sunday 19 May at the AV Capability Hub in Sunshine.��

GAPs undertake a structured, on-road supervision and learning program for at least 12 months after completing their university degrees, before becoming fully qualified ALS paramedics.��

The program helps graduates transition from the classroom to the ‘real world’, integrating into day-to-day team responsibilities and activities.

The graduates at Sunday’s ceremony.

The attendees at Sunday’s ceremony bring a diverse range of life experiences and motivations to their career at AV, with the group including new parents, a former retail worker, an ex-teacher and individuals following in the footsteps of family members.��

Taryn Daly’s big brother Stuart has been a paramedic in Wodonga for almost 10 years and she said it was special to have him at her graduation.��

“He’s 12 years older than me and such a big role model in my life,” Taryn said.��

“He’s helped me with studying, with any questions I have and giving me advice.��

“It was great finishing my grad year and to be able to tell my brother my results and sharing my achievements with him.”��

Taryn said her brother has been one part of a supportive network as she stepped into her new career.��

“My partner Brandon has also been very supportive – he always has dinner ready when I get home from work, or when I’m studying he’s always cooking and cleaning,” she said.

Taryn Daly with Peer Support Dog Ted.

Since beginning her paramedicine studies, being able to help a wide range of people has been the highlight for Taryn.��

“My favourite thing about being a paramedic is helping people every day,” she said.��

“You go into people’s homes when they’re dealing with their toughest moments so it’s a unique role – I find it fulfilling and rewarding.��

“I enjoy meeting all different kinds of people every day and talking to patients and their families.��

“And I love that I get to come to work and do all that alongside some of my best mates.”��

AV Chief Executive Jane Miller said the graduation was a big achievement for the new paramedics.��

“We congratulate all our newest advanced life support paramedics on completing their time as a graduate ambulance paramedic and are thrilled to celebrate this milestone in their careers,” she said.��

“It’s fantastic to hear what motivated each of them to become paramedics, and while these reasons vary, we are all linked by a passion to help and care for our community.��

“This group have already spent significant time on-road making a positive impact to patients across the state, so they understand what an honour it is to provide Best Care to all AV6K��, and we’re excited to have them join us in delivering that.”

AV Chief Executive Jane Miller (second from right) with some of the graduates.

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First Responder and Peer Support Dog Handler reflects on volunteering at AV

Kreisler — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:34:14 +0000

AV6K�� (AV) volunteer Jan Ogle said she loves giving back to the community alongside people with a shared purpose, as she reflected on what it means to be a volunteer this National Volunteer Week.

Jan is Team Leader of the Blackwood Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and is the first CERT member to be one of AV’s Peer Support Dog Handlers.

CERTs are comprised of volunteer First Responders, trained to provide advanced first aid, and are located in less populated and more remote areas of the state.

They are dispatched at the same time as an ambulance and are often first on scene to provide immediate care to their local community until an ambulance arrives.

Jan Ogle.

National Volunteer Week runs from 20-26 May and provides an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers in communities across the country, as well as inviting people not currently volunteering to give it a go.

Jan joined the Blackwood CERT eight years ago, becoming co-Team Leader halfway through.

“I come from a nursing and midwifery background, and we’ve got a little holiday house at Blackwood,” she said.

“I saw an ad for CERT members in the local newspaper and the timing was right – my daughters had grown up a bit, so I had a bit more time to give.

“Having a healthcare background, it was important to me to go out and help people.

“I love working with different people from the community who are all volunteering for the same cause – helping people.”

Jan Ogle (right) with fellow Blackwood CERT member Kathy Berrill.

She said one of her favourite things about the Blackwood CERT is the variety it brings.

“For one, we’ve got a diverse group of people in our team – not all of them come from medical backgrounds but we all have a common purpose,” she said.

“We work closely alongside a variety of paramedics – our local crews but also sometimes the metro crews, or Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) and air ambulance teams.

“I like responding to the local community and we also get sent to recreational incidents in Blackwood’s surrounding State Forests.

“It’s always different – almost no two jobs are the same.”

Jan plays a dual role at AV, in the much-loved Peer Support Dog Program alongside her pet labrador Pippa.

The duo travel around Victoria, visiting ambulance branches, hospitals, and other AV sites or events to educate and connect people with AV’s wellbeing and support services or to provide referral pathways to other community support.

The program aims to decrease stigma around seeking help and to reduce occupational stress.

Jan and Pippa.

“I always looked up to Bruce and Ken,” Jan said of the pioneers of AV’s Peer Support Dog Program, labrador Bruce and his handler, AV paramedic and peer support responder Ken Whittle.

“I thought maybe Pippa could do it too because she seemed to be quite good in public and busy areas.

“We applied and a couple of years later I became the first CERT member to be a Peer Support Dog Handler.

“I love going out on the peer dog days and chatting to the paramedics, First Responders, the staff and the graduate paramedics.

“Pip’s just the icebreaker – then you get to chat about how they’re going and make sure they know what wellbeing supports are available to them.”

Jan said in her eight years with AV, there have been many highlights, but responding with the CERT to a complex, multi-agency incident last year is one that stands out.

“Three of the team received commendations from the paramedics for helping them in a complex situation, so it was rewarding to be recognised,” she said.

“When you get complex cases, you might work with CFA and SES teams on top of the AV crews.

“We all have a role to play and we all work together well.”

She said she’s still waiting for the ultimate crossover between her career as a midwife and her volunteer work at AV.

“I’m still waiting for the baby delivery job to arrive,” she laughed.

“The team always say, if we get one of them, you’re the one who’s going out!”

The theme of National Volunteer Week 2024 is ‘Something for Everyone’, recognising the diverse passions and talents everyone brings to the act of volunteering.

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Balmoral mum inspires family to give back

Kreisler — Sat, 11 May 2024 19:59:57 +0000

AV6K�� (AV) is celebrating its remarkable mums this Mother’s Day and acknowledge the impressive contributions they’re making to their communities and their families.

Balmoral mum Bev Cumerford has always been a role model for her children, so when she decided to sign up as an Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) in the state’s south-west, it wasn’t long until her daughters Samantha and Kylee followed suit.

(L-R): Samatha Cumerford, Kylee Cumerford and Bev Cumerford.

When they’re not responding to the community’s health needs, the family run the Balmoral Café and Caravan Park.

“We’re obviously very close because we live and work together,” Bev said.

“But when we pull on those AV uniforms it’s different, we’re teammates and I’m not mum anymore.”

Bev said she joined the Balmoral ACO team because there was a need within the community.

“It’s very rewarding and a privilege to be there for people at their time of need,” Bev said.

“It can be very challenging due to the nature of the work, but that’s one good thing about us living together, you come home after a job, and we can debrief about everything that went on which is very important.”

L-R: Kylee, Bev and Samantha

ACOs are first responders, employed by AV6K�� on a casual basis to work on call in rural and regional communities.

Southern Grampians Paramedic Community Support Coordinator Ed Crimmins said it would be hard to find more dedicated community members than the Cumerford’s.

“They’re so passionate about their town and are always willing to step-up and help if there’s someone in need,” Mr Crimmins said.

“Because of the town’s remote location, the work of the ACO team is highly critical for the community’s health needs.”

Samantha said the family would spending Mother’s Day doing what they always best, working.

“We always get a little gift for mum but we’ll likely be very busy that day as other people come in to the cafe to celebrate their mums,” she said.

L-R: Samantha, Kylee and Bev.

Samantha said becoming an ACO had been a life-changing experience.

“I feel very proud of the work I do as an ACO,” she said.

“Every case we attend, you know you’ve made some difference.”

She said the family makes a strong team, no matter which environment.

“The job is different but working together to get things done, that’s not different,” Samantha said.

Bev admits she can’t help but worry a little when Samatha and Kylee are on shift together.

“Watching them go off makes me extremely proud, but I do always sit here and just hope they’re ok until they get home,”’ Bev said.

“No matter how old they are, that never changes as a mum.”

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Paramedic makes leap from clinical to counsel

Kreisler — Wed, 08 May 2024 23:59:56 +0000

AV6K�� (AV) Regional Improvement Lead Paul Jennings celebrated a significant personal and professional achievement last week, marking his admission as an Australian lawyer to the Supreme Court of Victoria.��

Paul, a qualified Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic, juggled his role at AV for around three-and-a-half years before successfully completing the Juris Doctor.

Paul Jennings.

He said his interest in the legal profession piqued in 2019, when he became more involved in reviewing several patient safety incidents with the legal team.��

“I worked on a number of matters that went to the Coroners Court and was directly involved with the AV Legal team – so that was my entry point,” Paul said.��

“It was when one of my reviews was tabled at a coronial inquest that I sat in on the hearing and was so impressed by how the lawyers approached the material provided to them.��

“To watch as they methodically reviewed each point to finally land at a shared understanding was really interesting – it was something I wanted to learn more about.”��

He said the accomplishment was only possible with the support of his AV colleagues.��

“Our legal department does great work and I owe my thanks to so many of them for sharing their time, expertise and advice with me along this journey,” Paul said.��

“I’ve had so much support along the way and it’s a testament to AV’s efforts in supporting people to grow professionally.��

“The admission ceremony was a buzz, and it was great to share that moment with my mentor, family and peers.”

AV6K�� Special Counsel Diana Valentine and Paul Jennings.

Paul was ‘moved’ to be admitted to the Supreme Court by AV Special Counsel Diana Valentine, who has been one of his many mentors over the past four years.��

“I was privileged to move his admission in the Supreme Court,” Diana said.��

“I admire Paul’s invaluable ability to combine his in-depth knowledge and passion for emergency health care with his ability to consider the legal and ethical issues which are often involved in AV Legal’s work.��

“Paul is exceptionally talented in legal and paramedic practice, and I look forward to seeing the amazing benefits he can bring to AV Legal in the future.”��

Around 15 years ago, Paul developed an interest in research and clinical studies, particularly around how AV managed cardiac arrest and patient outcomes in rural and urban areas.��

“I took a break from my paramedic role for five years to get involved in more research and teaching relating to paramedicine at Monash University,” he said.��

“I often find myself interested in learning new skills, particularly where these areas of expertise overlap with paramedicine.��

“I returned to an on-road role as a MICA paramedic about a decade ago and eventually found myself in my current role.”��

Paul said his qualification and expertise would be a great benefit as he continued his work on a broad array of legal matters relating to AV.��

“I look forward to working closely with our legal team to combine my clinical and operational knowledge with new-found legal skill set,” he said.

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Paramedics lead the way for heart health

Kreisler — Wed, 08 May 2024 06:20:50 +0000

AV6K�� (AV) paramedics are setting an example for the community, getting their heart health checked to mark Heart Week 2024.��

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia – more than 40,000 Australians die from cardiovascular disease each year with nearly 600,000 hospitalised for it.��

AV Acting Mildura Senior Team Manager Bronwyn Lambert said Heart Week is a good reminder to all AV6K�� to put their health first and make time for a Heart Health Check.��

Heart Week runs from 6 to 12 May.��

Ms Lambert said she has been urging her team to put their health first and that the community should follow suit.��

“Heart Health Checks identify an individual’s risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke in the next five years, so you have the chance to make lifestyle changes,” Ms Lambert said.��

“Many heart attacks and strokes can be prevented through healthy behaviours like eating a heart healthy diet, being active, maintaining a healthy weight and being smoke free.��

“Our paramedics give out this advice every day and it’s important we follow it as well.”

Mildura paramedics Carli Callahan and Meg McQueen hope to inspire others to get a Heart Health Check.

The Heart Foundation’s Heart Week is Australia’s national heart health awareness week and provides an opportunity for the Australian public and health professionals to start a conversation about heart health and take positive steps to reduce their heart disease risk.��

Individuals can get a quick heart health check-up at certain pharmacies or a more thorough assessment by making an appointment with their GP.��

Heart Foundation Healthcare Programs Manager Natalie Raffoul said it’s important to have regular Heart Health Checks from the age of 45 years.��

“Your risk of developing heart disease is influenced by more than just the commonly-known lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet – risk is also strongly influenced by your family history, cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes status,” Ms Raffoul said.��

“GPs have the tools and the Heart Health Check is working when people use it.��

“Almost 630,000 Australians have had a Heart Health Check with their GP since the Medicare items were introduced in 2019.”��

Heart Health Checks take just minutes with results available immediately.��

Visit for more information.

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Pakenham grandfather survives asthma-induced cardiac arrest

Kreisler — Tue, 07 May 2024 07:59:03 +0000

A Pakenham grandfather is lucky to be alive after suffering an asthma-induced cardiac arrest in November last year.

Fifty-six-year-old Jeff Van Baardwyk was feeling unwell at work and so began the short drive home when he realised his condition was worsening and called Triple Zero (000).

“I knew something wasn’t right and made the decision to call thinking I would be in the back of an ambulance for a bit then back at work the same day,” Jeff said.

“When I arrived home, I knew things were going downhill. I was struggling to breathe and waiting on the ambulance to arrive.”

A heartful hug between Jeff’s daughter Jayde and Paramedic Emmy (left). Jeff thanking Paramedic Josh (right).

AV6K�� (AV) Paramedic Emmy Finlayson was one of the first paramedics on-scene and said Jeff initially appeared to be having an asthma attack.

“Jeff appeared to be suffering from asthma, so we began treating him with nebulised medication to assist his breathing,” Emmy said.

The situation escalated quickly when Jeff’s laboured breathing stopped.

“One second we were talking to him and the next he went into cardiac arrest,” Emmy said.

Emmy and her colleague immediately commenced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) crew and Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters rushed to Jeff’s home.

Crews worked together to continue CPR and provide shocks from an automated external defibrillator (AED) until Jeff could be transported to Casey Hospital.

Jeff was placed in an induced coma but has since made recovered.

Jeff (centre) with Paramedics Emmy and Josh.

Jeff reunited with the first responders who helped save his life on World Asthma Day, Tuesday 7 May.

“It’s been a lot to deal with for both my family and for me. I’ve been looking forward to getting the chance to meet the people who saved my life.”

“If it weren’t for them, especially those first two paramedics who were there with me at my home, I wouldn’t still be here.”

Asthma is a common patient presentation which AV paramedics respond to in the community, with 11.4 per cent of the Victorian population diagnosed with the condition.

You can protect yourself and those in your care by calling Triple Zero (000) immediately if someone is not breathing, if their asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving, or if the person is having an asthma attack and a reliever puffer is not available.

Wherever possible, asthma prevention is better than cure. You can also:

Take your preventative medication as directed, even when you’re symptom free;��
Carry your reliever and know how to manage an asthma attack.��
Have an up-to-date asthma action plan.��
Know asthma first aid.��

You can call Nurse On-Call on 1300 60 60 24 or see your local doctor if you require medical advice.��

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Mt Egerton welcomes new 24/7 defibrillator

Kreisler — Tue, 07 May 2024 03:59:07 +0000

The Mt Egerton community has received a major health boost, with a new heart-starting device installed in town which is accessible 24/7 for the community.

The new automated external defibrillator (AED) is located at Mount Egerton Mechanics Hall, 69 Main St, Mount Egerton.

ACO Brodie with the new registered AED.

AEDs are used during a cardiac arrest to shock the patient’s heart back into normal function.

Clunes Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) Brodie Ogluszko said it was an important achievement for the local community to have its first registered AED.

“Mt Egerton previously didn’t have any registered AEDS, so now having one that is also accessible 24/7 means that the community is better prepared in the event of an emergency,” Brodie said.

“It’s important to have a registered AED available for health emergencies, so the Triple Zero (000) call-taker can advise bystanders where an AED is and encourage them to use it while an ambulance is on the way.”

Minutes matter in cardiac arrests, and when a patient receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.

Locals attending the presentation.

ACO Brodie spent months researching and discussing with local community groups and agencies on how to obtain an AED, with the new AED made possible through a donation via the Edward’s Foundation.

The AED was installed last weekend, alongside a presentation about how to perform CPR and use an AED, and was attended by local community members, the Country Fire Authority (CFA), and Moorabool Shire Council Mayor Ally Munari and Councillor Tom Sullivan.

“A lot of the people I spoke to said they didn’t know how to do CPR or use an AED, but after the lesson they felt confident they would be able to help in an emergency,” Brodie said.

“We also talked about the life-saving GoodSAM app, which many people didn’t know about.”

ACO Brodie teaching locals how to perform CPR.

The GoodSAM app is a life-saving smartphone app that connects AV6K�� in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to start CPR in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.

“Anyone who knows hands-only CPR can save a life by becoming a GoodSAM Responder today,” Brodie said.

“You don’t have to be first aid qualified or have a medical background, you just need to be willing and able to do hands-only CPR, be over 18 years of age and have access to a smartphone.”

Ambulance Community Officers (ACOs) are first responders employed on a casual basis to provide advanced first aid in remote communities where the caseload is low, and the branch is not staffed full-time.

ACOs have life-saving skills that they develop and maintain every year.

Registered AEDs in Mt Egerton and across Victoria can be found��.

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Paramedics save son’s life after asthma attack on Dad’s birthday

Kreisler — Fri, 03 May 2024 04:50:44 +0000

Swan Reach father Adrian Galiazzo described his last birthday as a day he “won’t forget” after watching paramedics save his son’s life following a severe asthma attack.

Adrian and sons Gabriel, 16 and Giordi, 14, were enjoying a balmy Labour Day evening swim at the Lakes Entrance main beach when Giordi unexpectedly went into respiratory distress.

“We were about to leave when my youngest son started to experience a tightening of his chest. He’d inhaled some sea water in the surf, and it triggered his asthma,” Adrian said.

L-R: Galiazzo family – Melina, Giordi, Gabriel and Adrian

Adrian ran back to his car to retrieve Giordi’s Ventolin but was unable to find it. As Giordi fought to breathe, Gabriel called Triple Zero (000) and asked for an ambulance.

Within minutes AV6K�� (AV) ALS (Advanced Life Support) crews arrived at the scene and began treating Giordi as his condition continued to deteriorate.

With Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics at the scene and an air ambulance dispatched, paramedics worked on Giordi and were preparing to stabilise him to be able to fly him to hospital when he began responding positively to the treatment.

He was flown by air ambulance to the Royal Children’s Hospital, where he went on to surprise medical staff by making a fast recovery — a testament to the pre-hospital care he received.

On Friday 3rd May, Giordi returned to the Lakes Entrance beach alongside his family to thank the paramedics who saved his life.

“It means the world to be able to thank them – I can’t thank them enough,” Adrian said.

“We wouldn’t have him without the paramedics; it was that close.

“For me it’s a second chance to have our son back.�� They worked so hard to save my son’s life, the greatest gift any father could receive on their birthday.”

The reunion took place ahead of World Asthma Day which is held on Tuesday, 7 May to raise awareness of asthma worldwide.

Asthma is common patient presentation which AV paramedics respond to in the community, with 11.4 per cent of the Victorian population diagnosed with the condition.

Between 2016-2021 across Australia, more than 40 per cent of asthma hospitalisations were in children.

L-R: MICA paramedics Mark Fischer and Glenn Lazzaro, Giordi and ALS paramedics Alex Borg and Lisa Le Sage

Giordi said meeting the paramedics who saved his life was a great experience.

“I remember I got out of the water and it was hard to breathe and then I remember being in an ambulance and in a helicopter,” he said.

“I’m glad I was able to thank them for saving my life.”

Adrian said he thinks of the paramedics as “heroes” after watching them collaborate to save Giordi.

Paramedics Lisa and Alex acted lightning fast to administer everything they could to open his airways,” Adrian said.

“Without these angels, my son would have died.”

MICA and flight paramedics arrived to help stabilise Giordi so he could be flown to hospital for further treatment. AV MICA Flight Paramedic Cat Mackay said she was preparing to intubate Giordi as air ambulance touched down.

“From our dispatch it sounded like Giordi was really sick so we were preparing to intubate him, but it was a surprise and a relief to see him awake and speaking after responding well to the treatment from crews on scene.

��Adrian said watching his son fly away in the air ambulance was difficult.

“By that stage he was awake and breathing and I knew he was in good hands,” he said.

Paramedic Lisa Le Sage said all paramedics who treated Giordi were pleased to hear the good news of his recovery.

“Having someone call for ambulance quickly was really the start,” she said.

“We often don’t get updated on a patient’s outcome after our treatment, so it’s really nice to receive the good news.”

Adrian said he was also proud of his eldest son Gabriel for calling Triple Zero (000) and staying calm throughout the emergency.

“Giordi is really strict now with his preventer now, we don’t have to remind him about it,” he said.

Wherever possible, asthma prevention is better than cure. You can also:

Take your preventative medication as directed, even when you’re symptom free;��
Carry your reliever and know how to manage an asthma attack.��
Have an up-to-date asthma action plan.��
Know asthma first aid.��

Call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 or see your local doctor if you require medical advice.��

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Paramedics plan ahead for Bellarine ferry emergencies

Kreisler — Fri, 03 May 2024 01:37:07 +0000

AV6K�� (AV) joined forces with other emergency services to prepare for a mass casualty incident at one of the Bellarine Peninsula’s busiest facilities.

More than 15 paramedics took part in an Emergo Train session this week at the newly built Searoad Ferries terminal in Queenscliff.

The newly built Searoad Ferries terminal in Queenscliff.

Emergo Train is a Swedish simulation system used for education and training in emergency management across the world.

AV Emergency Management Planning Coordinator Rebecca Hirsch said participants were responding to a simulated mass casualty event as the result of a car fire onboard a docked ferry.

“Thankfully we don’t come across these scenarios regularly but it’s very important we’re prepared to respond if needed,” Ms Hirsch said.

“These ferries transport hundreds of vehicles a day, so it’s not an unlikely scenario to prepare for.”

AV6K�� paramedics going through a scene management training.

As part of the exercise, paramedics were responsible for assessing and treating more than 80 patients with varying levels of injury.

The session was observed by Coast Guard, Fire Rescue Victoria and Victoria Police members.

“With this type of incident there would be a multi-agency response, so it was great have other agencies there to observe how we would respond,” Ms Hirsch said.

AV runs multiple Emergo Train sessions in each region annually, with all staff encouraged to take part.

“It’s mentally challenging but a lot of fun, and a great opportunity to practice our mass casualty skills in a safe and supportive environment.”

While the training was underway, a number of local paramedics were on hand teaching commuters and Searoad Ferry staff life-saving CPR skills, with a number of participants signing up to AV’s GoodSAM Responder Program.

GoodSAM is a smartphone app that connects AV6K�� in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to perform CPR in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.

Ms Hirsch thanked Searoad Ferries for their ongoing support.

“They have been very willing to engage with all of the emergency services agencies and we are looking forward to holding similar training exercises in the future,” Ms Hirsch said.

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