Paramedics plan ahead for Bellarine ferry emergencies
May 3, 2024in News
Ambulance Victoria (AV) joined forces with other emergency services to prepare for a mass casualty incident at one of the Bellarine Peninsula’s busiest facilities.
More than 15 paramedics took part in an Emergo Train session this week at the newly built Searoad Ferries terminal in Queenscliff.
The newly built Searoad Ferries terminal in Queenscliff.
Emergo Train is a Swedish simulation system used for education and training in emergency management across the world.
AV Emergency Management Planning Coordinator Rebecca Hirsch said participants were responding to a simulated mass casualty event as the result of a car fire onboard a docked ferry.
“Thankfully we don’t come across these scenarios regularly but it’s very important we’re prepared to respond if needed,” Ms Hirsch said.
“These ferries transport hundreds of vehicles a day, so it’s not an unlikely scenario to prepare for.”
Ambulance Victoria paramedics going through a scene management training.
As part of the exercise, paramedics were responsible for assessing and treating more than 80 patients with varying levels of injury.
The session was observed by Coast Guard, Fire Rescue Victoria and Victoria Police members.
“With this type of incident there would be a multi-agency response, so it was great have other agencies there to observe how we would respond,” Ms Hirsch said.
AV runs multiple Emergo Train sessions in each region annually, with all staff encouraged to take part.
“It’s mentally challenging but a lot of fun, and a great opportunity to practice our mass casualty skills in a safe and supportive environment.”
While the training was underway, a number of local paramedics were on hand teaching commuters and Searoad Ferry staff life-saving CPR skills, with a number of participants signing up to AV’s GoodSAM Responder Program.
GoodSAM is a smartphone app that connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to perform CPR in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.
Ms Hirsch thanked Searoad Ferries for their ongoing support.
“They have been very willing to engage with all of the emergency services agencies and we are looking forward to holding similar training exercises in the future,” Ms Hirsch said.