New Rochester branch welcomes community for open day
February 20, 2025in Community News
Locals will have an opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at the new Rochester Ambulance Victoria (AV) branch when the crew hosts a community day next week.
The event will be held on Friday, 28 February starting from 5pm at 22-24 Mackay Street, Rochester.
The new Rochester branch was built after the 2022 floods damaged the old facility, prompting a complete rebuild.
This will be the first time the new facility has opened its doors to the public, providing a unique chance for residents to meet their local paramedics, learn life-saving skills and celebrate the spirit of the town.
The Rochester team will welcome the community into their new branch on 28 February.
Rochester Acting Team Manager Kate Familari said it was exciting to show the new fit-for-purpose facility to the community.
“After the devastating impact of the 2022 floods, which left a lasting mark on our town, it is incredibly uplifting to witness the slow but steady process of rebuilding,” she said.
“This open day represents a significant milestone for our community, offering an opportunity to come together and celebrate the opening of our new facilities.
“As a close-knit community, this event will be a wonderful occasion for all Rochester residents to unite, reflect on our resilience, and look forward to a brighter future.”
Attendees will be able to meet local Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedics and Ambulance Community Officers (ACOs).
The event will offer something for all ages including door prizes for children and adults, kid’s games and activities and a sausage sizzle, with proceeds going towards Rochester Ambulance Auxiliary.
There will also be the option to learn hands-on skills such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED), which can save lives in critical moments.
”We’ll be teaching our Call (Call Triple Zero 000), Push (Perform CPR) and Shock (use an AED) sessions – three simple steps that anyone can follow if they encounter someone in cardiac arrest,” Kate said.
“Everyone is welcome and we hope locals will leave with the confidence to help save a life.
“We know that when a cardiac arrest patient receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.”
“AEDs are simple to use – all you have to do is open it and follow the instructions. They are safe and will not deliver a shock unless it is necessary.”