Moore Park Beach residents experiencing an emergency are set to receive care even quicker with the formation of the Moore Park Beach First Responder Group.
Comprising of volunteers from within the community, the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) utilises first responder groups across the state in rural and sometimes isolated communities to attend local incidents and medical emergencies until advanced medical care arrives.
Volunteers are trained in lifesaving treatment including first aid, advanced resuscitation, external defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said first responder groups were particularly vital in rural areas where they can be the first point of contact for a patient.
“Although critical emergencies don’t occur every day in small communities, when they do, the role of first responders can mean the difference between life and death,” he said.
“These volunteers donate their valuable time to the community and this should not be underestimated.”
Minister Miles said the volunteers are trained to face a wide range of incidents, from traffic crashes and drownings to cardiac arrests and baby births.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of becoming a first responder is knowing you have the ability to potentially save a life and the Moore Park Beach community should be commended for establishing their group.
“This is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to investing in health services across Queensland, no matter where you live.”
QAS Wide Bay Local Ambulance Service Network Chief Superintendent Russell Cooke said volunteers were a vital component across all areas of emergency services and first responders were no exception.
“Our region currently has first responder groups established in locations such as Woodgate, Turkey Beach, Fraser Island and Volunteer Marine Rescue Hervey Bay that strengthen their respective communities,” Mr Cooke said.
“With the first on-call shift scheduled for 6 December 2019, we currently have eight members who have completed training and have their uniform ready to pull on.”
Mr Cooke said the efficiency of the response during a medical emergency directly impacts the patient.
“This is particularly crucial for instances of cardiac arrest where bystander intervention is required in the first few minutes,” he said.
“It’s beneficial for our paramedics to have an extra set of hands on scene, and even more invaluable for the patient to see a reassuring face commencing first aid while the ambulance is arriving.”
To learn about the role of QAS first responders visit https://www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/volunteerrecruitment.html
