Quarter century of care for Ouyen

For Ouyen locals Alison Brackenridge and Bernadette Fidge, helping their community isn’t just a job - it’s a way of life. Between them, the two Ambulance Community Officers (ACOs) are celebrating 25 years of service to Ambulance Victoria (AV).

When Alison dons her AV uniform, it’s all about being able to help locals in Ouyen and surrounds. For a decade, the drive to make a difference has motivated her and she has no plans to step away anytime soon.

“I can’t imagine my life not in an ambulance, and I don’t want to because I enjoy it so much,” she said.

Alison became an ACO in 2015 after some spirited encouragement from the then-team leader and other ACOs.

ACOs are AV first responders, who are employed on a casual basis to work “on call” in rural and remote communities. They are trained to provide advanced first aid, to support qualified paramedics and can transport patients to hospital.

“I’m so pleased the encouragement was there because I always knew about the ACOs but wasn’t sure I could do it,” Alison said.

“I didn’t have any healthcare experience – except for being a mum. But AV train you so well, that even with no experience, you do know what to do once you’re on the road.”

Even after 10 years, Alison said it’s an honour to be there for her fellow community members.

“I love helping the local community – it’s a vital role,” she said.

“I love the ability to help people at their worst time, even if it’s just providing words of comfort so they don’t feel as worried. Those little things go such a long way.

“I don’t do it for recognition, it’s to be able to help the local community. That’s what it’s all about.”

Bernadette’s start as an ACO is a similar story – she was encouraged by a friend who thought she would enjoy the new challenge after nine years volunteering for Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES).

Through that experience, Bernadette had completed regular first aid training and attended emergency incidents such as car crashes, so she knew she’d enjoy the ACO work.

On top of that, Bernadette said she is just a very community minded person.

“I love helping the community and being there for someone on their worst day, trying to make it better for them,” she said.

“I’ve lived in Ouyen for 30 years and I love giving back to the community and doing what I can to help out.”

After 15 years as an ACO and 24 at VICSES, she said she won’t be slowing down anytime soon.

“I don’t plan on going anywhere for a while,” she said.

ACOs play a vital role in rural and regional communities across Victoria, providing life-saving support when it’s needed most.

If you’re interested in helping make a difference to people’s lives in the community, learn more about becoming a first responder at AV.