ADDRESS BY MIKE REYNOLDS

 Acknowledgements:

I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we stand.

** (MC) Peter Wood - Central Area Manager QAS

** Geoff Wilson - Member for Ferny Grove

** Cr Bob Miller – Pine Rivers Shire Councillor

** Michael Kinnane –DG Depart of Emergency Services

** Gerard Lawler - Assistant Commissioner QAS

** Martin Orme - Team Leader Samford First Responders

** Members of the Samford First Responders Group

** Members of the Queensland Ambulance Service

** Representative of Samford Rotary Club and Samford Progress Association

"Ladies and Gentlemen,

It’s a great pleasure to be here today to officially launch a very important group in this community, the Samford First Responders Group. 

As Minister I take great pride in being involved in this event, because this group is an example of thousands of fine men and women across Queensland who dedicate their time, free of charge to assist those in need.

This is a group that will set an example for many years to come in the way they care for and protect members of the community.

There are now a number of First Responders programs around the state, and each and every one is treasured by the communities which they serve. 

It is a great initiative and I’d like to acknowledge each and every member of the group for their hard work and determination in getting to this stage here today. 

Also in need of thanks, QAS area Manager Peter Wood, my parliamentary colleague Geoff Wilson, and Samford local alderman Cr Bob Millar, for their insight and initiative in getting this project off the ground.

The Samford community can also be justifiably proud of this achievement, and the benefits are already showing.

Since this group began responding to medical emergencies on February 20, many people have experienced assistance from members of the Samford First Responders group.

These 12 people now have the skills to add to their dedication, to ensure residents and visitors to the area have immediate medical attention in an emergency. 

The members have completed or renewed their senior First Aid certificates, and have also completed their advanced resuscitation, oxygen therapy and semi automatic defibrillation training, along with many hours of practical exercises. 

The aim of this program is to have the group attend to the scene of a medical emergency, and provide life support as well as scene stabilisation for the responding paramedic ambulance crew.

As Minister, it makes me proud to see what we like to call the Emergency Services “family” working in this way for the common good.

When you consider that many of the first responders are people who work and have other commitments in the area, you can really appreciate their commitment.

It is not always easy to drop everything and rush to someone else’s aid.

As Minister I am continually applauding the efforts of our Department’s 85,000 or so volunteers. 

This is another happy occasion when I can proudly applaud volunteers for the wonderful work that they do.

With this sort of selfless attitude, it is no wonder the Samford First Responders Group has every sign of being a success.

Ladies and Gentlemen, once again, congratulations to all involved in this successful project.  

It’s now my very great pleasure to declare the Samford First Responders Group officially launched. "