CFA and MAS partnership delivers critical medical response

Select CFA brigades extended their emergency services last week as they began delivering Emergency Medical Response as part of a pilot program.

In conjunction with the Metropolitan Ambulance Service (MAS), five CFA brigades have been trained to respond to a wide range of medical emergencies to assist with patient care before paramedics arrive.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer (DCO) Steven Warrington said the participating brigades are from South Morang, Whittlesea, Berwick, Edithvale and Mornington.

“In these identified areas, CFA generally arrives at the emergency scene first. Being able to offer emergency medical response means people receive critical treatment as early as possible,” DCO Warrington said.

Group Manager Tony Elliott watches CFA volunteers Daniel Gregory (L) and Scott McHugh (R) put their EMR skills to the test. Photo courtesy of Paul Bentley, MAS.

Brigade members trained in Emergency Medical Response will be able to assist with CPR and airway management, perform oxygen therapy, operate a semi automatic external defibrillator and provide level two first aid until paramedics arrive. They will also be able to perform initial spinal injury and initial respiratory distress/chest pain management as well as provide initial treatment to trauma victims and respond to other medical conditions.

“The participating brigades have undergone intensive training programs with MAS paramedics during the last six to eight months and will continue to receive ongoing support throughout the pilot,” DCO Warrington said.

MAS CEO Greg Sassella said the initiative will have a real impact on saving the lives of Victorians.

“This is not a replacement for an ambulance, but if a firetruck and an ambulance can be sent at the same time, then that is surely a good thing for the patient,” Mr Sassella said. “In the last 10 years we’ve seen cardiac arrest figures increase from around five per cent surviving to the current level of 54 per cent. This dual response will continue to improve these figures and save more lives.”

The pilot program will run for 12 months. Following completion, an evaluation will be undertaken to assess the program’s effectiveness and the possibility of a further rollout of the program within the CFA/MAS area.

“This partnership with MAS enables CFA to offer an additional service to the communities of Victoria,” DCO Warrington said.