Media Release from Geoff Wilson

DRAFT MEDIA RELEASE FOR THE MEMBER FOR FERNY GROVE, GEOFF WILSON:

Samford’s First Responder Program

The Member for Ferny Grove, Geoff Wilson, will join Emergency Services Minister Mike Reynolds in May to officially launch the Samford community’s First (Ambulance) Responder Program.

“This program trains community members in senior first aid, advanced resuscitation, oxygen therapy and semi-automatic defibrillation,” Mr Wilson said.

“Participants learn from serving paramedics to consolidate their skills in a hands-on capacity.

“Three First Responders will be on duty around the clock to attend medical emergencies in the community and to assist paramedics also sent to the scene.”

Mr Wilson said the Samford First Responders group was currently calling for more volunteers to undertake training for this valuable initiative.

In a second initiative, destined to assist Ambulance service delivery in future years in the Samford district, Mr Wilson hailed the decision of the Pine Rivers Shire Council to set aside land for future ambulance use.

“Even though it will be some years before it is developed, it is good to see that land has been set aside for a future ambulance station at Samford,” Mr Wilson said.

“Once the area is further developed, it will become more difficult to find land available for this purpose.”

Mr Wilson said the Pine Rivers Shire Council had made a generous gesture.

“This move provides a basis from which to cater for population growth in the years ahead, which is a sensible move whichever way you look at it,” he said.

“Emergency Services Minister Mike Reynolds and I met recently over this issue and we agreed that good planning takes into account that in the years ahead we will be needing an ambulance station in this area.

Mr Wilson said the Samford announcements were an example of the Beattie Government supporting the future planning for ambulance services. 

“I’m happy to announce two great Ambulance Service decisions for the people of the Samford District in one week,” he said.