Heyfield Ambulance Branch Turns 80
July 13, 2023in Community News
Ambulance Victoria’s Heyfield branch has marked its 80th anniversary with an event celebrating the past and present paramedics and volunteers who save lives in the Heyfield community.
The Heyfield & District Ambulance Service vehicle in 1958.
The Heyfield and District Ambulance League was created in 1943 when the Maffra Shire Council donated a 1927 Ford Dodge to be used as its inaugural vehicle. This kickstarted a community-driven project to provide an ambulance service to Maffra and Rosedale Shire residents. The service cost each member a grand fee of five shillings – which equates to 20 cents – per year.
The branch gained its first full-time paramedic and Team Manager (TM) in 2014. Incumbent TM Sandra Tozer said eight decades is a remarkable milestone for such a small branch.
Heyfield Team Leader Kim Marchesi and Team Manager Sandra Tozer in a 1957 Mainline Ford, with modern and vintage portable radios.
“While the Ambulance League was created in 1943, the first branch wasn’t opened until 1945, located where the swimming pool is now. The Gordon Street premises opened in 1982,” Ms Tozer said.
“The many highlights have included the purchase of a first-aid kit in 1944 and a notable rescue at Lake Tali Karng in November 1962. Lights and sirens were fitted to our vehicle for the first time in 1967, before the Ambulance League was amalgamated with the East Gippsland Ambulance Service in 1974.
“The branch has grown from humble beginnings to become the thriving ambulance branch that it is today, with a full-time paramedic and more than 20 Ambulance Community Officers.”
Paynesville Ambulance Community Officer Rory Smith (centre) thanks the Heyfield branch and crew for saving his life, after he required care from the Heyfield resourced Complex Patient Ambulance Vehicle (CPAV) in 2020. Left: Josh Smith (Heyfield ACO). Right: Heyfield Team Manager Sandra Tozer.
Ms Tozer said the eight decades have been marked by significant healthcare improvements, and at times Heyfield has led the way.
“In 2012, we started a trial in advanced pain relief provided by First Responders who assist patients before the arrival of a paramedic. The trial was successful and the practice was implemented across the state, where it is now part of standard care for patients.”
Local residents Peter and Gail Lopez donate to the branch a device that assists in locating hard to find veins, allowing cannulation for emergency medications and fluids in more challenging cases. Heyfield Team Manager Sandra Tozer accepting the donation.