Paynesville branch opens doors to community
February 5, 2025in Community News
Locals are invited for a behind-the-scenes look at the Paynesville Ambulance Victoria (AV) branch next week, when the crew and local ambulance auxiliary hosts its community day.
The event will be held on Saturday, 15 February at 10B Paynesville Road, Paynesville, providing a unique chance for residents to meet their local paramedics, learn life-saving skills and celebrate the spirit of the town.
There will be something for all ages with light refreshments, kid’s activities and showbags, dress up as a paramedic, explore the Ambulance Victoria Chas Martin OAM Museum display – including an historic ambulance. Visitors will also have the chance to take home the lucky door prize!
Visitors to the community day can tour the new facilities and learn hands-on skills such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED), which can save lives in critical moments.
Around 21 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest every day and only one in 10 survive.
When a cardiac arrest patient receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.
Paynesville ALS paramedic Alice Shaw and acting team manager Stephanie Franklin.
In addition to these skills, the crew will promote information about the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), a video-based health care service that provides free, 24/7 urgent medical assistance in your own home.
Attendees will also be introduced to the life-saving GoodSAM app which connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to start CPR in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.
The day will feature local paramedics, ambulance community officers (ACOs) and auxiliary members who can share the long history of the Paynesville branch.
The Paynesville Ambulance Auxiliary, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary later this year, was established after the community identified a need for an ambulance in the area.
Over the years, auxiliary donations have played a significant role in supporting the crew, funding their first ambulance and purchasing additional equipment.
To show the significant role the community has played, equipment purchased by auxiliary fundraising will be on display at the event.
Paynesville Acting Team Manager Stephanie Franklin said the branch has benefited greatly from the auxiliary’s contributions.
“We are really lucky at Paynesville Branch to have the support of such a successful auxiliary. We would not be where we are today without their work,” she said.
“The event will be a great chance to engage with the local community, showcase the new branch as well as some of the equipment purchased over the years with community raised funds.”