By Ruza Zivkusic
IN just two months, the Brimbank Ambulance Branch in Delahey has already proven to be a muchneeded part of the community.
With a total of 14 paramedics – five staff and nine trainees – the branch, which officially opened last week, responds to 340 jobs a month.
“I expected it to be a busy branch but probably not as busy as we are,” Brimbank Branch team manager Andrew Wilson said.
Health Minister Bronwyn Pike, who attended the launch, said the station cost $1.3 million to establish.
Ms Pike said the western region of Melbourne had been part of the focus on new services.
“This branch is a lot more than just bricks and mortar.
“It’s even more than lifesaving medical procedures that happen out of here,” Ms Pike said.
“It is the presence of paramedics within the local community.”
She said the area is growing and there are more demands for ambulance services.
Ms Pike said the new branch was a role model for other stations, including the newlyopened Bentleigh, Hartwell, Reservoir, Vermont South, Burwood, Ocean Grove and Mordialloc branches.
Metropolitan Ambulance Service chief executive officer Greg Sassella said the new branch was modern and impressive, giving paramedics a workplace of the highest level.
“It is important that the paramedics have somewhere to escape from the challenges of the job,” Mr Sassella said.
“The ambulance branch really does become a home away from home.
“So it is important that is something the paramedics can be proud of,” he said.
