13 May 2003 - Questions Without Notice - 1677
Samford First Responder
Mr WILSON: "I refer the Minister for Emergency Services to the fact that I was pleased to take part in the launch of the Samford First Responders group on the weekend, and I ask: can he inform the House how the First Responders program works and what benefits it will have for my electorate?" Mr REYNOLDS: "I thank the member for Ferny Grove for his question and also for his assistance during the launch of this fantastic group last Saturday morning. The Samford First Responders is a group of volunteers who attend the scene of a medical emergency and provide life support and scene stabilisation in preparation for the responding Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic crew. These people have been trained in senior first aid, advanced resuscitation, oxygen therapy and semiautomatic defibrillation, and have undertaken many hours of practical exercises. The group is equipped with trauma kits, defibrillators, communications and other resources that allow them to keep in communication with the QAS Communications Centre and the responding paramedics.There are a number of First Responder programs around the state, and each is treasured by the communities they serve. Since the group at Samford began responding to medical emergencies on 20 February, many people have received assistance from members of the Samford First Responders group. There have been about 47 incidents over the past three months. There are now 13 people in that group who have the skills to add to their professionalism and dedication to ensure that residents and visitors to the area have immediate medical attention in an emergency. Many of the First Responders are people who work and have other commitments in the area. Therefore, we appreciate their commitment even more. It is not always easy to drop everything and rush to someone else's aid. However, the people of Samford have done an amazing job in that regard. They are committed, professional and dedicated.
As minister, I am continually applauding the efforts of our department's 85,000 volunteers, such as the Samford First Responders. And what better week to do so than this one, National Volunteers Week."
Mr Rowell interjected. Mr REYNOLDS: "I know the member for Hinchinbrook has no interest in this matter, but he could at least be a bit quiet for a while. About one in 40 Queenslanders is a volunteer in emergency services-the Rural Fire Brigade, the State Emergency Service, the Volunteer Marine Rescue, local ambulance committees, honorary ambulance officers, the First Responders, the CPR 2002 volunteers, Response Advice to Chemical Emergencies, the Australian Volunteer Coastguard, Surf Life Saving Queensland and the Royal Lifesaving Society of Queensland. They all do a tremendous job. As minister, I acknowledge the commitment and dedication of all of those men and women to the safety and welfare of Queenslanders. Our volunteers will be taking part in the National Volunteers Week expo today at King George Square.This is another great occasion to showcase our volunteers. Today we can proudly applaud our volunteers for the wonderful work that they do in all of our communities."