STUDENTS at Tarrington Lutheran School got an exciting visit recently when members from Ambulance Victoria attended to give talks to all year levels.

Run by senior rural relieving paramedic, Brooklyn Hem, and Southern Grampians Barwon South West Region paramedic community support co-ordinator, Jim Falla, the presentations taught the students about what equipment can be found in the ambulance and how to successfully make a triple zero call.

Mr Falla said he was impressed with the pre-existing knowledge of the students across all year levels, with many already understanding how to call emergency services and what information they should provide.

“There was lots of very positive feedback and the questions that the students asked showed that they have a good understanding of the emergency services that are in their community,” he said.

“Many of the students have family members in the CFA and most knew exactly the right way to go about calling triple zero in an emergency.

“Some of the country residents told us about the new property numbering signs that the Southern Grampians Shire has recently installed.

“Paramedics love these signs because they save time in an emergency but sometimes finding houses in the towns can be a bit harder for us as the numbers can be harder to see.”

Mr Falla said a big reason for completing presentations to schools was to help reduce the fear associated with emergency service workers and encourage children to feel comfortable and safe in their presence.

“For many young people ambulances can be a little scary so to see real paramedics and have a look inside a real ambulance can be a great way to reduce anxiety,” he said.

“The students can ask questions about what we do and who we help.

“They can see and touch a real ambulance and get an introduction to what special equipment we carry.”

Tarrington Lutheran School principal, James Phillips agreed that the school visits allowed for students to become more familiar with local paramedics in an environment that is familiar to them.

“As part of our Opening Up exercise what we’re trying to do is reduce the fear factor of authorities, particularly health care workers, and reinforce how to help other people,” he said.

“One of our school values is respect and another is service, so when students see someone in need we want to empower them to know how to call triple zero and seek assistance.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic going on it’s been an opportune time to have Ambulance Victoria in and show the students inside the ambulance, what it looks like, and what equipment is inside.

“It has demystified health care workers for our students.”

The students enjoyed being pushed around in the wheelchair and stretcher with Mr Phillips saying it was fantastic to see them so relaxed in the presence of the paramedics.

“They absolutely loved it,” he said.

“Seeing the students willing to go on the stretcher and going into the ambulance just showed how comfortable Ambulance Victoria made the students feel.

“Students either see a loved one need that level of care or they need it themselves, and they have already created that experience as being a positive one.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented Ambulance Victoria school visits in recent years, Mr Phillips said it was something Tarrington Lutheran School tried to do annually and expressed his gratitude to local paramedics for facilitating the visits.

“I’d like to give a shout out to Ambulance Victoria for engaging with schools,” he said.

“Our medical industry as a whole has been stretched and they’ve played a pivotal part on the front line, not just with COVID-19 but the issues that happen every day.

“For them to see the value in working with the younger generation just speaks volumes of their commitment to the community.”

Mr Falla said he and other local paramedics really enjoy giving presentations at schools and kindergartens in the area, and also offer talks to community groups about how to use automated external defibrillators and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Schools or kindergartens interested in having a visit from Ambulance Victoria can email southerngrampians.pcsc@ambulance.vic.gov.au.