General News
26 August, 2023
CERT originals mark service milestone
TWO Ambulance Victoria community officers have celebrated 20 years with the service. Boort’s Vikki Couper and Deanne Smith were the town’s first Community Emergency Response Team members when the service was established in August 2003. Local...
TWO Ambulance Victoria community officers have celebrated 20 years with the service.
Boort’s Vikki Couper and Deanne Smith were the town’s first Community Emergency Response Team members when the service was established in August 2003.
Local volunteer CERTs provide 24-hour emergency medical support in less populated areas, responding to traffic accidents, medical cases and other incidents requiring urgent care but do not transport patients to hospital.
Ms Couper said she was inspired to join after a community meeting about the new team.
“The CERT offered an opportunity to give back to our small town by helping to provide emergency assistance,” she said.
The pair later undertook additional training and hit the road as ambulance community officers in 2016.
ACOs are also first responders but are employed on a casual basis to work “on call” in rural and remote areas.
They are trained to provide advanced first aid in communities where the ambulance caseload is low and can transport patients to hospital.
Ms Couper said the extra responsibilities allowed her to make a bigger difference.
“Being able to transport patients to hospital is extremely beneficial in providing timely care for our local and neighbouring communities,” Ms Couper said.
“I was also fortunate enough to receive a scholarship through Ambulance Victoria to complete a Diploma in Emergency Health.
“This was a fabulous opportunity which enabled me to increase my skills and be a more productive member of our team.”
Ms Couper said the role kept her fulfilled and was one she planed to continue long-term.
“People call Triple Zero (000) when they are in vulnerable or traumatic situations and being able to help patients and their families by providing reassurance, treatment and support is not only comforting but also rewarding,” she said.
“It’s always a highlight to see the relief on a patient’s face when you arrive.”
Ms Smith said a few reasons made her first sign up as a CERT member and these same reasons have kept her to stay for two decades.
“I became a CERT member because I wanted to challenge myself, gain new skills and become involved in the care and future of the local community,” she said.
“I love working within Boort and seeing the positive outcomes we can have on individuals –both in their time of need and their future care,” Ms Smith said.