Emergency Service volunteers had an opportunity to attend a unique workshop aims at building resilience in the community by improving access to health services and outcomes.
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The one-of-a-kind trauma care workshop was hosted by CareFlight in Benalla on Saturday, September 10.
Health services can be stretched in emergencies and often the first people to arrive at the scene of a serious incident are local community members.
Life-like medical mannequins, simulated accident scenarios and specially designed simulation equipment aid in the recreation of a high-pressure, hands-on environment, ensuring the training is realistic, applicable and improves participants’ ability to connect learning to real-world situations.
In addition to lifesaving skills, personnel are armed with essential leadership, teamwork, situational awareness and communication skills that will help them respond to traumas.
CareFlight head of operations, education and training Lara Miller said everyone should have the opportunity to be trained and equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to respond to emergencies and help save lives.
“The first few minutes after an accident can mean the difference between life and death for the patient,” Ms Miller said.
“First responders do an incredible job for their community and can be called at the scene of an accident before additional medical help arrives.
“Through our partnership with local organisations, health services and emergency services, we are reinforcing the links in the chain of survival by ensuring that a higher level of care is available as soon as an incident occurs.
“This workshop is a boost for the emergency services in the Benalla LGA.
“Off the back of an incredibly difficult few years facing floods and the pandemic, CareFlight is delighted to be able to bring the training into the community, thanks to government grants and community fundraising.
“Our aim was to empower locals with lifesaving skills and essential inter-agency collaboration, for the ultimate goal of creating a safer society.”
The workshops are part of CareFlight’s grassroots initiative to create a resilient and healthier community.
In collaboration with local groups and their members, CareFlight aims to build confidence in the emergency response abilities of locals in the community.
CareFlight’s Community Education workshops are co-ordinated by experienced doctors, paramedics and nurses who train first responders.
Participants in the workshops included member from the SES, CFA and Victoria Police.
CareFlight said it was grateful for the Commonwealth Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program supporting its mission to build resilience in communities.