Paramedic's support vital to ambulance volunteers, Duncan
Author: Wendy Duncan
Published on: 14-September-2011
The south-east is feeling the benefit of the newly-appointed St John Ambulance community paramedic who has already made significant positive changes, and provided valuable clinical support to ambulance volunteers in the region, according to Member for Mining and Pastoral Hon Wendy Duncan MLC.
Community paramedic Paul Gaughan relocated to Esperance when the town was selected as one of nine regional towns to benefit from a State Government initiative to appoint 39 paramedics to assist the delivery of St John Ambulance Services throughout the State.
“The funding for the paramedic was part of the $26 million of Royalties for Regions commitment, with $5.3 million allocated to improve services in regional WA in 2011-12, and the local sub-centre is abuzz with new enthusiasm and plans for the future,” Ms Duncan said.
Mr Gaughan provides clinical support, recruitment advice, and assistance with retaining and training volunteers. His jurisdiction includes Ravensthorpe, Hopetoun, Varley, Esperance, Condingup and Salmon Gums.
St John Ambulance Esperance sub-centre chairperson Katrina Stewart said the feedback from the officers had been positive and volunteers in Esperance were excited about the clinical support and extra mentoring Paul would bring to the service.
“Our goal is to continue to provide the Esperance community with a first class ambulance service,” Mrs Stewart said.
“It is great to have someone with Paul’s knowledge, experience and empathy to work with volunteers not only in doing their job, but in dealing with the sometimes difficult situations they find themselves in,” she said.
Ms Duncan said Paul would also ensure that training was delivered in a timely manner throughout the region so that everyone was up to date and the pool of volunteers was maximized. Anyone wanting to volunteer and help continue this essential service
should contact the Esperance sub-centre on 9071 1618.
“The Esperance sub-centre is recognized as one of the best in WA and we are thrilled
that Chairperson, Katrina Stewart was recognized as St John Ambulance WA
Volunteer of the Year at the awards night recently,” Ms Duncan said.
