Ambulance Victoria (AV) is looking for more recruits to join the Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) team in Corryong.

ACOs are First Responders, who are employed on a casual basis to work ‘on call’ in rural and remote communities where the ambulance caseload is low and the ambulance branch is not staffed by multiple paramedics on a full-time basis.

They are trained to provide advanced first aid, support qualified paramedics and can transport patients to hospital.

AV Corryong ACO Team Leader, Sharyn Nankervis, said ACOs play a vital role in community healthcare.

“Our Ambulance Community Officers help save lives across rural and remote Victoria through early interventions to medical emergencies,” she said.

“ACOs support the crucial work of paramedics in Corryong and boost the town’s workforce capacity to respond quickly to emergencies.”

Ms Nankervis said becoming an ACO offers many personal benefits, including the opportunity to gain life skills and qualifications while enhancing career prospects.

“As an ACO, you will be helping people at a time of great need and can make a difference to their life and health outcomes,” she said.

Corryong ACO, Megan Nankervis, signed up five years ago and said she found the role extremely rewarding.

“I have developed a cool, calm attitude even in difficult situations,” she said.

“I have gained several skills, made some great friends and increased my confidence. I would encourage anyone thinking about it to join.”

Currently about 650 ACOs provide services at about 80 designated Victorian branches.

Applicants must be aged over 18 and available for a minimum of 20 hours per month. No prior medical experience required as regular training is provided.

For more information, email: corryong.teammanager@ambulance.vic.gov.au.

The application form and other details are online at: www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/careers/become-a-first-responder.

This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 5 October 2023.