Available 24/7, paramedics are always ready to respond at a moment's notice, providing vital care to the community in times of need.
Yarrawonga’s paramedics work across a vast area of north-eastern Victoria and southern New South Wales, responding to an average of 150-200 calls for help every month.
About 65 per cent of these callouts lead to a ‘lights and sirens’ response, which is for life-threatening emergencies such like cardiac arrest, stroke, asthma attack, or major trauma.
To continue delivering the best possible care, paramedics regularly train and engage in clinical education to improve their skills and prepare for any emergency.
While they are fully equipped to respond to emergencies, additional training resources would enhance their ability to maintain and develop the skills required for best-practice care.
Yarrawonga branch’s paramedic educator, Dylan Brittian said investing in updated and improved training equipment meant the branch could ensure local paramedics are always prepared for any situation.
“In Yarrawonga, we see seasonal increases in population over the warmer months and changes in the types of incidents we’re called to,” Mr Brittian said.
“There’s an increase in water and vehicle-related incidents, as well as incidents stemming from excessive alcohol and antisocial behaviour.
“We also experience an increase in seasonal illnesses over winter, particularly among at-risk community members.”
To support ongoing skill development, paramedics share specialised training resources across branches, instead of each maintaining its own.
This ensures all paramedics have access to high-quality equipment in a cost effective and efficient way.
Resources are allocated based on scheduled training sessions, making them available when needed, and without duplication.
“This shared model is especially valuable in regional areas like Yarrawonga, where seasonal demand fluctuates,” Mr Brittain said.
“We do our best to make do by borrowing equipment from other services, but having our own dedicated training resources would greatly enhance our flexibility and accessibility.
“This would allow our paramedics to practice and refine their skills at any time, without the logistical challenges of coordinating shared equipment.
“Community support plays a vital role in helping us achieve this goal.”
Items needed include a paediatric/baby resuscitation mannequin, which costs about $2,700, an ECG rhythm generator/simulator for $1600, and a cannulation training arm which is expected to cost $1941.
The upgrades will help local paramedics to refine critical skills and support community education programs like Shocktober.
Every contribution helps with investment in critical training tools, ensuring paramedics continue to deliver the highest level of care to those who need it most.
If you are able to support fundraising efforts or would-like more information about the items and their impact, please call Dylan Brittain on 0439 136 409 or email yarrawonga.paramediceducator@ambulance.vic.gov.au.
“If a monetary donation is not an option at this time, we would still greatly appreciate your support in other ways, such as hosting a collection tin or sharing one of our appeal flyers in your business,” Mr Brittain said.
“Your support can make a lasting difference.”
