Ambulance Victoria

Help us find you with just three words. Did you know the Emergency Plus app has the life-saving tool - what3words? What3words is a program which divides the world into three metre squares with each square assigned a unique combination of three words. These words can be used to find a precise location – which can be invaluable in life-threatening emergencies when every minute counts. Earlier this year, what3words was crucial in helping locate a woman in urgent need of medical attention - an incident Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic Matt Nadin attended. “We were having difficulty locating them based off their description alone. “We felt that time was running out and we had exhausted all our traditional methods to establish their location. “I suggested instructing the patient to use what3words and this simple step allowed us to pinpoint their location and reach them within minutes." Whether you’re in a rural or remote area, along a freeway or highway, or simply in a new place – what3words takes away the guesswork and helps our paramedics reach you faster. Download the Emergency Plus app on Google or the Apple App store today. Rad more: https://bit.ly/4fNApo2 Emergency Management Victoria

For Colac paramedic Anna McGennisken, the comradery and a sense of service to the community has kept her at AV for 20 years. But it was family involvement in ambulance that drew Anna to becoming a paramedic. “My uncle was a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic in the western suburbs. “He essentially planted the seed – I was always intrigued by his work. “Through him, I gained insight of what the job was about, and I felt it was a good fit for me.” Anna began her career as an Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) in Kyneton while completing her paramedicine degree, before joining Wangaratta branch as a graduate paramedic. Over her career, Anna spent almost a decade at Kilmore branch before moving to Colac about seven years ago. “There’s a strong sense of service to the community, but there’s a lot to take out of it on a personal level from a comradery point of view. “The long-lasting friendships that you make along the way has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of this career. “As well as that, you are helping people in need, which is still rewarding for me 20 years down the track.” Anna was honoured, along with a number of her colleagues, for career milestones, at AV’s recent Barwon South staff service awards. https://bit.ly/4gHje8f

Five months ago, Dylan Smith was driving along the same road he takes every day when he was involved in a car crash that left him in intensive care. Dylan, 18, was heading home from work when his car veered off the road, went down an embankment and rolled. Dylan was trapped in the car but luckily passersby came to his aid. After being cut out of the vehicle by SES crews, paramedics applied a pelvic binder to Dylan before he was transported to Royal Melbourne Hospital by ambulance, where he stayed for a week, including for days in the intensive care unit. Paramedic Matt Arcieri knew Dylan’s injuries were serious from the moment he saw the collision. “As paramedics, we’re always thinking about what injuries might be present that we can’t see and how to account for them, such as internal bleeding or pelvic injuries, which was the case with Dylan. It’s great to see him again and doing so well.” While Dylan can’t remember the crash, he knows the outcome would have been very different if he didn’t receive help from bystanders and emergency services. “I wouldn’t have probably survived if all the bystanders hadn’t come across it and stopped to help. “I also want the paramedics to know how grateful I am for the support they gave me and the quick response they provided. I likely wouldn’t be here today without them.” Read more: https://bit.ly/4iI62BP

🎉 Today’s the day! 🎉 From the streets of Melbourne to the heart of regional Victoria, our newest group of 40 graduate paramedics are hitting the road, ready to make a difference and save lives. 🚑 Tayla and Brendan are among the group, who couldn’t be more excited to start their careers. Tayla is joining our Heatherton branch, while Brendan will call Ballarat home. We’re thrilled to see these passionate individuals join our team and continue providing Best Care to our communities. Welcome aboard!

It’s shaping up to be a scorching weekend, Victoria. High temperatures can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Stay safe with these simple tips: 😎 Keep cool. 💦 Stay hydrated. 👶🏽 Supervise children and keep an eye on friends around water. 🧢 Wear a hat and sunscreen and avoid being outside during the hottest time of the day. 🚗 Never leave kids, older people or pets alone in parked cars. 🚨 Be alert to symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as dizziness and nausea. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. If you or someone nearby shows severe symptoms like confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. Need urgent care for non-life-threatening concerns? The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department is available 24/7 for fast, free advice. You can also get help from: 📍 Urgent Care Clinics https://lnkd.in/gkkC49nE 📞 Nurse-on-Call (24/7) 1300 60 60 24

Chloe Freeman and her sister-in-law had taken their five children to the Mornington Peninsula for a holiday last summer. While setting up a sun tent, Chloe turned around to do a head count and noticed a child face down in the water. “At first, I thought it was another child swimming, but then I quickly realised it was my son, Lewis." Chloe instantly knew her three-year-old Lewis was in trouble. She raced straight into the water and with the help of a bystander, took Lewis back to the sand. Chloe’s sister-in-law called Triple Zero (000) and Sorrento paramedics Nicole Becker and Melissa Kelly soon arrived. Lewis' oxygen levels were stabilised in the ambulance and he was taken to hospital where he spent most of the day. Luckily he didn't need further treatment and was discharged that night. Chloe is a qualified Austswim swim teacher, has previously been a lifeguard and currently works as a primary school teacher. She knows what happened shows that accidents in the water can happen to anyone. “Just because a child has had swimming lessons or because you have experience around water, doesn’t mean you're immune to accidents. “The key message is to remain aware of the dangers that surround your kids in the water. “In that moment, if I had looked out and thought, ‘a child is just swimming or playing’ and had ignored the signs, Lewy would have drowned, it’s that simple." Children drowning often occurs silently and without warning, with children aged under four most at risk. If you're around water remember: 👀 Be alert around waterways and always keep an eye on children. ⚠️ Read the signs around waterways to familiarise yourself with the dangers. 🏊 Learn how to swim and know your limits. 👋 Never swim alone and let people know where you’re going. ⛵ Whether in a boat, taking part in water sports or swimming, wear a correctly fitted lifejacket. ❤️ Learn CPR, in case of an emergency. Read more: https://bit.ly/4a1Z9HN

While shopping for snacks and treats for paramedics working over the holidays, our Bellarine and Swan Bay Team Manager Adam encountered an unexpected act of kindness. At the self-serve checkout in a local supermarket, a man quietly stepped in, paid for the groceries with his bank card, and left without sharing his name or seeking any recognition. Adam was left speechless. “These treats were for our paramedics working Christmas Eve night shift and Christmas Day. Obviously, this isn’t something we expect but was very much appreciated. His generosity brought some extra cheer to the team, who have been working so hard during this time.” Although we don’t know the identity of this Good Samaritan, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you. 🙏 Your kindness brought joy to our crews rostered over the festive period – and sent a message about how valued all of our AV teams are. ❤️

With summer in full swing and many people pitching a tent and embracing the great outdoors, don’t forget we share these spaces with some tiny creatures—like mosquitoes. Japanese encephalitis virus is believed to be circulating in northern Victoria, so it’s important to take precautions while enjoying your adventures. Whether you’re hiking, camping or having a quiet picnic, stay safe and be prepared: 📍 Let someone know your plans, including where you’re going and when you’ll be back. 🚰 Pack essentials: water, food, sunscreen, bug repellent, a flashlight, matches and a basic first aid kit. ☀️ Prepare for the weather—know the signs of heatstroke. 📱 Download the EmergencyPlus app for easy location sharing in an emergency. ⚠️ Stay informed with the VicEmergency app for live incident updates and warnings. Enjoy summer safely and don't let mozzies ruin the fun. For more on Japanese encephalitis, visit: https://bit.ly/4j3hGaT Emergency Management Victoria

Today we remember paramedics Robert Bland and Phillip Oakley, who tragically lost their lives while on duty 21 years ago. Rob and Phil were responding to a callout when their ambulance crashed on the Black Spur on 2 January 2004. Our thoughts are with their families and friends, those who worked alongside them and all emergency service workers who responded to them.

Happy New Year from all of us at Ambulance Victoria! 🎉 Need a New Year's resolution? How about learning how to perform CPR and use a defib (AED)? We have a quick tutorial video you can watch in your own time - and then you can tick it off the list! Check it out here 👉 https://bit.ly/49KAK9o 📷 Nathan Looby in Orbost