A new ambulance service will be established to support the small rural communities of Pyramid Hill, Lockington and Dingee as part of a $500 million state government investment announced yesterday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The new service, based on a successful model trialled at Wedderburn earlier this year, will feature a paramedic community support co-ordinator and vehicle.
The new role will be filled by an experienced paramedic who can provide a local emergency response, while also training and supervising local volunteer teams to respond to incidents.
The announcement also includes funding for 225 new paramedics to be located in 22 ambulance branches across the state assessed as highest priority and in need of further resources to meet local demand.
A further 15 branches will also be built or upgraded throughout Victoria.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said families in Pyramid Hill, Lockington and Dingee could now look forward to the peace of mind that emergency care was close by when they needed it most.
“This is an exciting new model for regional and rural communities where a professional paramedic is providing better access to critical care and training-up dedicated local volunteers to respond to emergencies,” she said.
The new service is expected to commence in 2018.
