New ambulance first responder group for Brisbane’s western suburbs

The Queensland Ambulance Service expects a first responder group to be established at Bellbowrie in Brisbane’s western suburbs next month.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said the first responder group will to provide advance first aid treatment with support and transport provided by ambulance officers.

Mr Roberts said first responder groups attend local accident and medical emergencies to provide life-saving first aid treatment while an ambulance vehicle is in transit to the scene.

"The start of the Bellbowrie First Responder Group is scheduled for early May 2008, following the completion of training and equipment issue to the successful applicants," Mr Roberts said.

"The Bellbowrie First Responder Group will consist of volunteer community members trained in advanced first aid techniques, including the use of oxygen therapy and automatic external defibrillation."

Mr Roberts said QAS believe the first responder program was ideal for the suburbs of Bellbowrie and Moggill because of their relatively low emergency workload and the enthusiastic community members with good local knowledge of the semi rural area that support the program.

"It is important to remember that the Queensland Ambulance Service’s First Responder Program is not a replacement for the professional services provided by Queensland Ambulance Service officers. It is an important link in the provision of emergency pre-hospital care to the local community."

The Queensland Ambulance Service continues to review its service delivery infrastructure requirements across the State including the Bellbowrie and western suburbs area. New services are prioritised within available resources.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3247 8194