The new paramedic community support coordinators will work with other health services and support ambulances to meet the community’s health needs in addition to supporting emergency response.

The role intends to support a collaboration between health and emergency services to improve care in rural and remote areas.

Edenhope’s Jim Falla will take on the coordinator’s role for West Wimmera. He has lived in the region for 31 years and was a paramedic in Edenhope for 13 years. 

Mr Falla said his first step will be to learn about the issues in the area from a community officer’s perspective.

“The standalone community branches have such pivotal roles and the officers are so highly regarded in their communities. I am to listen to their concerns, facilitate their ongoing work and advocate for them,” he said.

“I always thought this would be perfect for the West Wimmera area, from a community resilience point of view and also to directly improve ambulance services.”