Training opportunities
Ambulance Victoria are offering a range of free education sessions for community groups.
About this training:
- The training is available statewide
- You need to provide some sort of room, chairs, you can have projector/TV but this is not compulsory if unavailable in the space. They are very informal sessions with lots of encouragement for questions from the group.
- There is no need for catering or any other services, we have some gear we bring for some sessions but mostly, just people and chairs are all we need. Some groups have the sessions around their morning or afternoon tea, some just do them in the evening, everyone is different.
- The sessions are run by operational employees, there is no preference for day/time, however, as the workforce is operational sometimes sessions can be hard to get covered and will need to be rescheduled. This is communicated as early as possible should it occur. We generally plan 6ish weeks in advance for staff to attend.
- No maximum attendance but we would like general numbers so we can have extra staff if we need them
- You can run more than 1 per year, especially if you have the staff in a large catchment.
Here are the sessions that we offer and some information around them.
Chain of Survival (30-45 min)
A presentation that covers signs and symptoms of medical conditions such as stroke, heart attack and cardiac arrest. This presentation steps participants through making the best choices in line with the “chain of survival” from recognising the signs, calling 000, CPR, using a defibrillator, what will happen when an ambulance arrives, what to expect in hospital.
Call Push Shock (30-45 minutes)
The Call Push Shock program is designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to respond confidently in a cardiac emergency. This program addresses common barriers to assisting someone in need, providing clear instructions on how to take immediate action: Call Triple Zero (000), Push hard and fast on the patient’s chest, and Shock their heart using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
The program uses an interactive heart prop and information mat to engage communities, emphasising the critical importance of CPR and early defibrillation. Participants will gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of how to potentially save a life in an emergency.
Act F.A.S.T Saves Lives (30 minutes)
This essential 30-minute presentation focuses on stroke awareness and empowers participants to take immediate action when faced with a stroke emergency. The session explains what a stroke is, how it occurs, and, most importantly, how to recognise the key signs and symptoms using the F.A.S.T. acronym. Participants will learn how to quickly identify a stroke and what steps to take to save lives. The presentation also covers common stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking, and poor diet, while providing practical tips for reducing those risks and improving overall health. By the end of the session, participants will be better equipped to respond effectively in an emergency and make informed decisions that can help prevent strokes in the future, potentially saving lives and reducing long-term health impacts.
Heat Health (30 minutes)
Available from December to March annually, this informative 30-minute presentation provides essential tips and strategies for staying safe and healthy during extreme heat conditions. Designed to help individuals look after themselves and their loved ones, it covers key topics such as recognising heat-related illnesses, staying hydrated, protecting vulnerable populations (such as the elderly and young children), and creating heat-safe environments at home and outdoors. Whether you live in an area prone to heatwaves or just want to be prepared for rising temperatures, this session equips you with practical knowledge to reduce the risks of heat stress and ensure a healthier, safer summer for you and your community.
We are Better Together (30 minutes)
**Emergency Preparedness for Elderly and/or Culturally Diverse Communities**
This presentation is specifically designed for elderly individuals and Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CARM) groups, providing essential information on when to call an ambulance, how to respond in an emergency situation, and where to find resources for non-urgent health concerns. The session aims to increase awareness and confidence in handling emergencies, ensuring that all community members know how to take appropriate action when needed.
Contact
Sam Duncan, Operational Community Engagement Liaison Coordinator (OCELC) (Acting), Hume Region – Ambulance Victoria
M 0475 971 663 W ambulance.vic.gov.au E HumeRegion.OCELCoordinator@ambulance.vic.gov.au