Ambulance Victoria is calling on the local community to consider becoming a part-time Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) in Rainbow or to join the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Jeparit.

Dimboola Team Manager Ron Nooteboom said that ACOs and CERT volunteers play an important role in supporting Ambulance Victoria's response in rural and regional Victoria by working alongside career paramedics to deliver treatment to patients.

Both ACOs and CERTs undertake the same training when they are inducted, and are also provided ongoing training. ACOs also undertake additional driver and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training as they are also involved with transporting patients.

"We need more people to put their hands up and get involved to help locals in their time of need," Ron said.

Ron said that ACOs and CERT volunteers attend traffic accidents, respiratory and cardiac cases and a variety of incidents which require emergency care.

"ACOs and CERTs are members of our community, have a genuine community spirit, and an interest in patient care," he said.

ACOs are required to be available for a minimum of 20 hours per month which may involve after hours and weekend rostering. ACOs are casual employees and remuneration is available for all training sessions and emergency call-outs attended.

"In contrast, CERT volunteers provide basic emergency care services within their local community until the ambulance arrives and provide timely responses to medical emergencies, with early intervention and support for patients.

"CERT volunteers do not transport patients, but are first responders dispatched at the same time as an ambulance to potentially life threatening emergencies within their local community," he said.

Whether you are considering a possible career change or just want to help make a difference in the community, apply to become an ACO in Rainbow or volunteer with the CERT team in Jeparit.

For both opportunities, candidates are required to undertake a police check, driving check, medical assessment and referee check.

For further details you can contact Dimboola Team Manager Ron Nooteboom on 03 5389 1119.