Empowering the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Ambulance Victoria (AV) and Malpa are working together to deliver culturally safe health education to the next generation of Victorians.

Malpa, a Pintupi/Warlpiri/Luritja word meaning ’friends on the journey’, is a grassroots program that empowers Aboriginal children aged nine to 12 to build confidence, capability and community resilience.

Since 2016, AV paramedics have supported the program by visiting primary schools to teach students how to call Triple Zero (000), basic first aid and an understanding of what happens when an ambulance arrives.

As part of the ongoing partnership, AV paramedics visited Reservoir East Primary School on Wednesday 4 March to run an interactive education session for students in Years 3 to 6.

Almost half of the students at Reservoir East Primary School are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The sessions are designed to be culturally safe, engaging and empowering.

Yorta Yorta woman and AV paramedic Michelle Crilly delivered the session and said the program is as rewarding for paramedics as it is for students.

“Being invited into schools and communities to share knowledge is a privilege,” she said.

“Young people are curious, enthusiastic and proud, and seeing them grow in confidence is incredibly meaningful.”

AV paramedics guide students through key skills including how to call Triple Zero (000), why knowing their address is important, how to help paramedics find an emergency quickly, and how to place someone in the recovery position. Students will also tour an ambulance, sit on the stretcher and explore equipment to help reduce fear and build familiarity with the ambulance service.

AV Senior Lead Diversity and Inclusion Joel Pearlman said the partnership with Malpa reflects AV’s commitment to strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“Malpa is about supporting young people as they grow into confident health leaders in their families and communities,” he said.

“By giving young people the skills to recognise an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and learn about what paramedics do, we are helping to build safer, stronger and more resilient communities.”

The Malpa program is supported by the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association, the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine and is endorsed by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc (VAEAI).

AV’s involvement in Malpa also aligns with its Community and Consumer Engagement Plan 2023 to 2028 and AV Reconciliation Action Plan, which commits to improving access to health information for Aboriginal communities.

AV will continue delivering Malpa sessions across four Victorian primary schools each year.