Targeting Sea Lake, Patchewollock and Murrayville, the organisation is hoping to employ its next batch of lifesavers in the form of ambulance community officers (ACOs).
These first responders are employed on a casual basis to provide advanced first aid in remote communities where the case load is low and branches are not staffed full-time.
With a shortage of paramedics within Victoria and COVID-19 placing increased demand on existing services, Sea Lake ACOs attended the Mallee Machinery Field Days in a bid to boost numbers.
Graeme McLean has been a community officer for a decade and has found the role to be very rewarding.
“It’s something I enjoy doing,” he said.
The community-minded farmer has been heavily involved in all aspects of his local community in the past – he’s been a footy trainer with Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers for 12 years and a member of the CFA for more than 40.
Combining those skills enabled Mr McLean to transition to being an ACO with ease.
“I enjoy giving back to the community,” he said.
Maddy Villiva, who has been based in Sea Lake for the past two years, moved to the town to gain hands-on experience, and is completing the final year of her paramedic degree.
“I enjoy the fast-paced environment and the fact that it’s different every day,” she said.
“I also enjoy helping people.”
Statistics reveal Sea Lake receives between one and two emergency response call-outs each day.
Mr McLean said Ambulance Victoria was looking for compassionate and caring people who would be able to provide lifesaving first aid while attending callouts with a paramedic.
While ACOs undertake paid training, they need to be at least 18 years old, have a licence and be available to provide on-call work for at least 20 hours a month.
Mr McClean urged any likeminded community members to find out more about the ACO opportunities which exist.
“It’s a team effort and helps share the load,” Mr McLean said.
“It takes the pressure off if we can all contribute.”
