Friday, March 29, 2024

Become a Maldon CERT member

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Ambulance Victoria (AV) is looking for more recruits to join the Maldon Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Maldon’s CERT is made up of members who provide support to the Maldon township 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CERTs can be found in less populated and remote areas of Victoria where there is a low ambulance caseload and no branch. They volunteer and are dispatched to potentially time-critical emergencies at the same time as an ambulance.

CERT members are required to live within 12km of the community and they are often the first to arrive on the scene. They respond to traffic accidents, medical cases, and other incidents requiring emergency care but do not transport patients to hospital.

AV Central Goldfields and Mount Alexander Senior Team Manager Kelli Jones said Maldon CERT members were valued community members and the human connection between the rural community and the health system.

“We have a small team of volunteers who work hard to ensure our community has the best support in the event of an emergency,” Ms Jones said. “They are caring and committed people who sacrifice their time to put their neighbours first. That’s why it’s important that we respect their role, and to do so means always seeking medical care through the appropriate channels.

“We would like to remind the community that if you require emergency help, call Triple Zero (000) and the call taker will help facilitate the most appropriate care.”

Ms Jones said there were also a number of options available if the situation was not an emergency but required medical help.

“If you feel unwell or have a minor injury, you can visit your local doctor,” she said. “You can also speak with a pharmacist for questions about general health or use of medications, and you can ring Nurse-On-Call at any time for immediate advice on 1300 60 60 24.”

Ms Jones thanked the community for being so supportive of Maldon’s CERT.

“We are actively seeking new members. If you apply to become a CERT member, you will undergo a brief interview process and comprehensive training, including a driving course,” she said. “It is an opportunity to help your community.”

Learn more about becoming an AV First Responder here: https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/careers/become-a-first-responder/.

Tarrangower Times 31 March 2023

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 31 March 2023.

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