In the remote rural communities of Mallacoota and Omeo, Ambulance Victoria has paramedics who practice as Paramedic Community Support Coordinators (PCSCs).
The role of the PCSC goes beyond that of the traditional paramedic. As well as responding to emergency cases, the PCSC is involved in community based activities to help meet local health needs.
The range of activities in which a PCSC becomes engaged depends on what other services are available in the community. Typically, key work covers support for primary health care and community education. An essential part of the role involves partnerships with other health care providers.
PCSCs also coordinate the education of the local ambulance team by overseeing the primary and ongoing training of Ambulance Community Officers.