Berringa CERT marks two decades of service

The Ambulance Victoria (AV) Berringa Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has celebrated its 20-year anniversary, with the group as dedicated as ever to providing best care to their community.

Covering Bethanga, Bellbridge, Talgarno and Granya, the Berringa CERT has responded to over 850 Triple Zero (000) calls since starting operation on 17 November 2005.

“Over the past 20 years, 47 locals have become trained CERT members, with eight still in the team,” Berringa CERT Team Leader Julie Miller said.

“We’ve welcomed members who are registered nurses very experienced with health care, and we’ve also had people with minimal pre-existing health knowledge such as farmers and teachers.

“Through CERT we have helped members of our community in situations ranging from falls, fractures and snake bites, to car crashes, cardiac arrests and drownings.

“We have climbed down banks, up hills and through scrub to reach our locals when they need us the most because we know the valuable role we play in delivering timely pre-hospital care.”

CERTs are made up of volunteer first responders and operate in less populated and more remote areas of Victoria.

As CERT members typically work within their local community, they are often the first on scene and can provide immediate care while paramedics are on the way.

“Our team is made up of locals who all share a desire to help our community, a willingness to be involved and a great team spirit,” Julie said.

The Berringa CERT consists of both a team of First Responders and a committee of people dedicated to raising funds to help purchase additional equipment.

“Our CERT committee has done some outstanding work over the years, fundraising over $50,000 to purchase 13 community automated external defibrillators (AEDs), as well as one training AED and two vacuum mattresses for the Tallangatta branch,” Julie said.

“The committee also provided a mental health first aid course for the CERT members in 2009 from donated funds and has worked alongside the local CFA and Victoria Police to provide high-visibility roadside numbers for rural properties.”

Over its 20 years, the Berringa CERT has demonstrated the positive impact AV First Responders have on the health outcomes of patients right across the state.

More information on becoming a First Responder with AV.