That is what is needed to progress with plans to establish a Community Emergency Response Team in Tocumwal.
And it’s hoped that this will be demonstrated at a second community meeting on the proposal tomorrow.
CERTs come under the umbrella of the NSW Ambulance Service, with volunteer members trained to assist ambulance officers from other towns or first responders.
In Tocumwal’s case, where there is no dedicated ambulance station, first responders come from Tocumwal Fire + Rescue NSW.
The idea of a CERT has been put forward, while campaigns to have an ambulance station established in Tocumwal continue.
The first community meeting on the proposal in October was well attended, and has resulted in about three people showing interest in undertaking the required training.
But the Tocumwal Ambulance Steering Committee says there needs to be more interest from a greater cross-section of community members to make the unit work.
Member Marie Farrell said 10-12 people willing to form a CERT are required.
She said tomorrow’s meeting has been scheduled to make it more accessible to community members to attend.
“Attendance is important to show there is community interest, and so we can all learn more about what training will be required,” Mrs Farrell said.
“Sydney-based New South Wales Ambulance Service representatives will be here to provide us with that info.
“We have made the meeting for 7pm, hoping that the later time will allow more people to attend.
“We need a broader cross-section of people to attend and hear about the training.”
The meeting will be held at the Tocumwal Football Netball Club’s clubrooms.
Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVPs for catering purposes are encouraged. Email ambo4toc@berriganshire.nsw.gov.au or by phone to the Berrigan Shire Council office on 5888 5100.
Council has been partnering with the steering committee to lobby for improved paramedic services to Tocumwal.
Mayor Julia Cornwell McKean maintains that pursuing the CERT will not mean the campaign for a dedicated Tocumwal ambulance station would be shelved.
She said a Tocumwal CERT, if established, would be modelled on the system in place in nearby Howlong.
While she is hopeful a CERT can be set up in Tocumwal by next year, she highlighted that in Howlong it took four public meetings and two years of discussions before the CERT was operational.
It was the third CERT service to be launched since NSW Ambulance started the initiative in December 2021, following the program's success in Nana Glen and Manildra.
CERT volunteers complete a comprehensive nine-month training program both in the classroom and on the road with local paramedic crews while they learn to provide initial emergency care to the community.
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