Complex interagency exercise strengthens MCG emergency response

Ambulance Victoria crews scaled the upper levels of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) earlier this month as part of a realistic interagency simulation exercise.

Working alongside Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), Medical Edge and the MCG team, Ambulance Victoria paramedics participated in a training scenario involving a patron medical episode in the last row of seats on the stadium’s top level.

With a steep incline, confined space and a critically ill patient, every step required careful planning, teamwork and communication to ensure paramedics were able to provide lifesaving treatment while other emergency crews coordinated the complex rescue operation.

Ambulance Victoria Acting State Event Coordinator Tamara Wood said the exercise highlighted the importance of being prepared for any situation.

“The exercise was run in real time and gave our paramedics the opportunity to refine how they work alongside our first responder colleagues to ensure we are providing the best service we can,” she said.

“Our crews had to consider factors such as how to safely move the patient to an area where lifesaving intervention could be provided, and how to transport them once intubated and ventilated without interfering with the equipment.

“The MCG go to great lengths to ensure they’re protecting their patrons, and this was an amazing example of interagency collaboration and preparedness.

“This kind of teamwork is crucial when it comes to saving lives.”

These hands-on training scenarios further enhance Ambulance Victoria’s ability to provide Best Care to all Victorians, no matter where or when an emergency occurs.