Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Two new Fire and Emergency New Zealand First Responder Units came into being this week to respond to medical emergencies in their communities – one in the north and the other in the south.
Kawau Volunteer Fire Brigade, in the Hauraki Gulf, and Clutha Valley Fire Brigade, in South Otago, became two of about 65 rural Fire and Emergency brigades trained and classified as First Responder Units to attend medical emergencies in their isolated communities.
Because of the remote nature of those communities, rural brigades are often first on the scene for medical emergencies, fires and other incidents.
Both brigades completed first responder training with Hato Hone St John in recent weeks and are now well placed to provide treatment in health emergencies where every minute counts and can potentially be the difference between life and death.
Kawau Island and Clutha Valley are now even better equipped to respond to serious and life-threatening medical emergencies, working alongside the Hato Hone St John emergency ambulance network.
While Hato Hone St John remains the lead agency for all medical calls, collaboration with Fire and Emergency is strengthening emergency response in rural areas.
Fire and Emergency’s Shaun Pilgrim, Assistant District Commander – Waitemata District, says the role of the 12-strong Kawau Island brigade was a crucial service, not just for the 80 to 100 permanent island residents, but also for the hundreds of visitors regularly on the island in any given weekend.
“To have a volunteer brigade that makes up around 15 percent of the island’s population tells you everything about the quality and commitment of the people involved.”
Fire and Emergency Assistant District Commander – Clutha, Blair Harcus had earlier praised the Clutha Valley Brigade for its determination.
“It’s fantastic,” he says. “The brigade are really keen to support their community in every way that they can.”
Doug Third, Hato Hone St John Area Operations Manager – Coastal Otago, says residents in Clutha Valley can be reassured knowing there is now greater response capability in the area.
“In a medical emergency timely assessment and treatment is vital, so having the ability to dispatch locally trained first responders will help improve response times and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.”
Travis Slattery, Hato Hone St John Area Operations Manager – Rodney, says launching the Kawau Island first response team enhances the island’s resilience and emergency preparedness.
“The sooner we can reach a patient, the better their outcome is likely to be. Having a dedicated group of volunteers who are equipped with the skills to respond in someone’s time of need will help save lives, especially in such a remote location.”
He says it’s also important to note that the public should continue to call 111 and request an ambulance in a medical emergency.