South Morang residents will benefit from the roll out of Emergency Medical Response (EMR) to career firefighters at the local CFA.
Under EMR, firefighters are dispatched at the same time as paramedics to attend cardiac arrests and non-breathing patients.
South Morang staff members have completed training with Ambulance Victoria to act as first responders in life-threatening medical emergencies.
It is the first CFA integrated brigade to roll out EMR since 2011 when a pilot program commenced at five integrated brigades. The program has been trialled at a further five volunteer brigades, including South Morang, since 2008.
South Morang Officer-In-Charge Gavin Wright said career firefighters will begin responding to life-threatening medical incidents from 8am Sunday.
“Around 20 staff members completed the intensive course and are now qualified,” he said.
“They’re excited to have gained the extra skills and be able to support their community in this way.
“Volunteers have been delivering EMR here since 2008 and will continue to do so, backing up the career firefighters.
“South Morang is a rapidly expanding community, with a high proportion of young and elderly residents, so these skills will be a definite advantage.”
CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson said the program has come about through collaboration between agencies.
“This is an example of Victoria’s emergency services agencies working together to ensure our community gets the best standard of medical service available,” he said.
“Our firefighters are being provided with the skills, knowledge and equipment to support ambulance response to life-threatening emergencies.”
Mornington Fire Brigade is next in line with career firefighters to begin EMR training on Monday 2 November.
CFA has 34 integrated brigades – made up of both career and volunteer firefighters – and 1,145 volunteer brigades across Victoria.
Photos courtesy of Acting Commander Allan Morton, MFB
Author: CFA Media