Emergency vehicle to support ambos

A new go-anywhere, anytime team member with the capability of helping saves lives has joined the St John Ambulance family in Broome.

With the ability to respond to natural disasters and significant casualty events in the North West, the emergency support vehicle has been secured with funding through the Department of Health and St John Ambulance WA.

Based at the Broome sub-centre, the four-wheel-drive contains ambulance equipment to treat up to 40 patients.

St John North West regional manager Andrew Graffen said the vehicle would boost preparedness to assist at major incidents including car crashes, bushfires and natural disasters.

“The emergency support vehicle gives our officers easier access to supplies that are needed to provide thorough and comprehensive assistance at mass-casualty scenes,” he said.

“Additionally, it provides the capacity to react faster and more efficiently, while remaining self-reliant for longer periods of time.”

The vehicle is equipped to treat trauma injuries, respiratory conditions and burns and provide intravenous fluids, and contains an automated external defibrillator which can be used in the event of a cardiac arrest. The ESV and equipment are valued at $150,000 and considered a significant asset to the region.

“We are pleased that this new vehicle will assist in providing crucial emergency services to the people of the North West region,” Mr Graffen said.