After completing a three-month training program provided by Ambulance Victoria, the first responders have already attended several cases in their first month in the role and have been actively involved in continuing recruitment and community engagement.
ACOs are dispatched at the same time as paramedics to a 000 call, and due to their location and proximity to the local community they serve, they will probably arrive before the ambulance.
Loddon paramedic community support co-ordinator Josh King said ACOs played an important role in supporting Ambulance Victoria’s response in emergencies in rural and remote Victoria, working alongside paramedics.
“ACOs attend traffic accidents, respiratory and cardiac cases and other incidents requiring emergency care to provide early medical intervention and support for patients, while paramedics are on the way,” Mr King said.
While Rushworth has welcomed the new batch of ACOs, Mr King said he would encourage more Rushworth residents to also become involved.
“Rushworth has traditionally always had high levels of community support, so it would be fantastic to draw on that community spirit in our time of need,” he said.
“Whether you are considering a possible career change or just want to help make a difference in the community, apply to become an ACO in Rushworth — and you can play a part in connecting and improving health outcomes for our community.”
While Mr King acknowledged that at times the role of a first responder could be confronting, he said it was also rewarding.
“Knowing you can make a difference in people’s lives is why I encourage members of the community to join,” he said.
“ACOs are employed on a casual basis to work at either a community branch or to support a paramedic branch and are trained to work in a team of two, and provide a support service to paramedics.
“ACOs may be employed, self-employed, not working or semi-retired.”
Medical training is not required to apply for the role, as Ambulance Victoria provides training.
Another way locals can help improve health outcomes in the local community is by becoming a GoodSAM responder.
The GoodSAM app connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with responders and automated external defibrillators in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.
Responders only receive an alert if they are close to the person in cardiac arrest.
They are given the address of the patient, along with the location of the closest defibrillator — if one is available — so that they can begin life-saving care while an ambulance is on its way.
To join, visit heartrestarter.com.au and sign up as a GoodSAM responder.
You don’t have to have experience or a medical background, you just have to be willing and able to do hands-on CPR, be over 18 years old, and have access to a smartphone.
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