FMR is a joint-agency program, with both Ambulance Victoria (AV) and CFA delivering training to chosen FMR Brigades.
Yarrawonga is on the list of FMR brigades who commenced training with AV delivering training last weekend and CFA is delivering training on November 24.
Fire Medical Response Program Manager Fiona Macken said that while first aid training has been held at Yarrawonga CFA previously, this training is the first of its kind for the area.
“CFA is immensely proud of the brigades, such as Yarrawonga, taking on this additional service to their local communities and we would love for locals to learn more about the program,” Ms Macken said.
“CFA provides first aid training to brigades across the state and there are thousands of CFA members already trained in basic life support.
“This program could well mean increased survival rates for those in cardiac arrest in Yarrawonga.
“The past two years have been spent building the program by a joint agency team from Ambulance Victoria and CFA. The first nine brigades to join the program will be operational as of late November.
“These brigades are currently undertaking their joint-agency training and receiving their new operational equipment.
“Members from 50 CFA Brigades around the state will eventually be trained as FMRs, which is a higher level of training.
“Brigades will undertake initial training, followed by a regular three-monthly training session with Ambulance Victoria. In addition, brigade members will do a reaccreditation course every three years.
“Community members interested in joining the Fire Medical Response team at Yarrawonga should contact the brigade.
“New members would gain the opportunity to initially undertake basic CFA training prior to undertaking FMR training.”
While Ambulance Victoria already delivers some of the best cardiac arrest survival rates in the world, patient outcomes can be further improved in areas where a CFA brigade may be able to reach a patient sooner than an ambulance.
FMR brigades will be dispatched simultaneously with the nearest emergency ambulances, providing life-saving CPR, defibrillation and support to paramedics.
CFA Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook said the program was a natural fit for CFA.
“CFA has the largest geographical footprint of any emergency service in Victoria with more than 1,100 volunteer fire stations with more than 50,000 members,” he said.
“This puts CFA in a unique position to complement the Ambulance Victoria response and deliver early intervention to cardiac arrests.
“Our members care deeply for their communities and this program is another way for them to serve and literally save lives in their local area.”
Ambulance Victoria Acting Executive Director Clinical Operations Anthony Carlyon said the FMR program further strengthened Ambulance Victoria’s close partnership with the CFA and was fantastic news for regional communities.
“We know that when a person suffers a cardiac arrest, every minute that CPR and defibrillation is delayed, reduces their chance of survival by 10 per cent,” Mr Carlyon said.
“There’s no doubt FMR will improve survival rates for people in rural and regional Victoria, and make access to emergency care in a cardiac arrest more equitable for all Victorians.
“Like the GoodSAM app which alerts bystanders to people nearby in cardiac arrest, FMR will complement Ambulance Victoria’s world-class service and improve patient outcomes.”
