Ambulance Victoria (AV) is looking for more recruits to join the Lang Lang Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
Lang Lang's CERT is made up of local volunteers who provide 24 hours, seven days a week emergency medical support to the community and surrounding towns.
CERT members are dispatched at the same time as an ambulance to potentially time-critical emergencies and are trained to provide advanced first aid.
Lang Lang CERT team leader Chloe Thom said CERTs played an important role in supporting Ambulance Victoria's response as they were often the first to arrive on scene.
"Our team of volunteers work hard to ensure our community has access to early medical intervention and care in the event of an emergency," she said.
"They are committed people who sacrifice their time to put their neighbours first. As a CERT member, you will be helping people at a time of great need and know that you have made a difference to their life and health outcomes."
Volunteers do not need specific experience. "A medical background is not required as you'll undertake training to develop and maintain your life-saving skills," Ms Thom said.
CERT members respond to traffic accidents, medical cases and other incidents requiring urgent care, but do not transport patients to hospital. They are required to live within 12km of the community in which they volunteer.
Becoming a first responder with AV offers many personal benefits, including the opportunity to:
Gain practical life skills and a recognised qualification;
Enjoy a sense of achievement and fulfilment;
Meet people and make new friends and connections; and
Enhance career prospects and learning pathways.
Ms Thom said applicants who became CERT members would undergo a brief interview process as well as comprehensive training, including a driving course.
"Joining Lang Lang CERT is an opportunity to help your community," she said. "The CERT team are valued community members and the human connection between the community and the health system."
For more information contact: Langlang.teamleader@ambulance.vic.gov.au or visit www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/careers/become-a-first-responder