As lobbying for a dedicated Tocumwal Ambulance Station continues, NSW Ambulance is working with the Tocumwal community to establish a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
These teams are designed to assist regional communities without dedicated paramedics, and are comprised of NSW Ambulance clinical volunteers who are trained and equipped to a high standard to support paramedics in times of need.
“The committee is looking for more people to join, particularly those under the age of 40.
“They will be able to join for at least another month,” Berrigan Shire Mayor Julia Cornwell McKean said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone in the area interested in the medical field to get a taste of it all and some training.
“We have a growing community here in Tocumwal.
“I was told a story from local residents of a 55 minute wait (for an ambulance) and it's frankly not good enough.
“This is just another example of why we need an ambulance station locally.”
The Tocumwal Ambulance Steering Committee has been campaigning for a full ambulance service for Tocumwal for a number of years, with Berrigan Shire Council joining them in the fight.
Currently, the community relies on paramedics from surrounding communities like Finley and Berrigan.
Tocumwal’s NSW Fire + Rescue firefighters are trained as first responders to offer assistance in emergencies.
While valued, locals have long argued that as the growth centre of Berrigan Shire, and a community which doubles in size during peak tourism periods, Tocumwal requires its own ambulance service and paramedics.
CERT volunteers will undergo comprehensive clinical training for nine to 12 months, delivered by experienced professionals from NSW Ambulance.
In other communities, it had taken upwards of two years for their CERT group to be established and operational.
For more information about the Tocumwal CERT proposal, or to register as a volunteer, send a message to the ‘Tocumwal Ambulance Steering Committee’ Facebook page or email ambo4toc@berriganshire.nsw.gov.au.
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