Trentham’s ambulance branch has received an upgrade, providing paramedics with improved infrastructure and capabilities.
Ambulance Services Minister Mary-Anne Thomas visited at Station Street site on November 15 to inspect the upgrade, with the branch now housing ambulance community officers (ACOs) who are trained to respond to medical emergencies, provide early interventions and respond with paramedics in the delivery of care.
ACOs can also transport patients to hospital and are an important provider of care in rural and remote communities.
The new station has also been fitted out with a training room, kitchen, bathroom, rest areas, security upgrades, car parking, and houses an ambulance capable of transporting patients to care.
Ms Thomas said the upgraded site will ensure that Trentham’s “dedicated first responders can continue to provide our growing community with the high-quality care they deserve”.
“Living in rural and regional Victoria should be no barrier to receiving quality care,” Ms Thomas said.
Ambulance Victoria interim chief executive Andrew Crisp said the opening was a “milestone for the community and dedicated ACOs.”
“This new, purpose-built branch ensures the local ACOs have the facilities and support they need to quickly respond to emergencies and assist with saving lives,” Mr Crisp said.
According to an Ambulance Victoria media release, the new Trentham ACO branch has been operational since September 2 and has already responded to more than 40 cases, including 26 code one emergencies.
