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Trained in first aid, First Responder volunteers are dispatched in their own vehicles, with equipment provided by the QAS, to provide initial emergency medical care to patients in their local community while the ambulance is enroute.

They might, for example, splint a patient’s leg, or may initiate CPR on a patient who has suffered a cardiac arrest.

Kenilworth Ambulance Station Officer in Charge Wayne Thompson said the previous First Responder group had become inactive from a lack of members, but a new group has been formed and is seeking more volunteers.

“So far three new First Responder volunteers, Kieran Broome, Christopher Daniell and Theodore Pierce are being trained by QAS paramedics to provide emergency first aid and care to people while waiting for an ambulance,” Mr Thompson said.

“Several more people have recently come forward indicating their interest too.”

One of the latest First Responder recruits Kieren Broome is an occupational therapist and company owner who tree-changed permanently to the area three years ago after buying land in the region a decade ago.

In his free time, he teaches and trains aerial circus, but has still found time to volunteer for the QAS.

“I knew the region fairly well, with my parents owning a property up this way since we were kids,” he said.

“I really enjoy volunteering and think it should be everyone’s responsibility to give back to their community where they can.

“While I volunteer in my professional life, it’s nice to have some balance and do some volunteering to potentially benefit anyone in the community.

“When I weighed up the classic volunteering opportunities with rural firefighters, SES or ambulance, First Responders called out to me the most as I really like thinking and problem-solving on the spot and enjoy the human interaction.

“Given I’m balancing two careers, parenting, and life, I needed a volunteer opportunity with some flexibility to be on or off shift which this role also provides,” Mr Broome said.

“Time will tell, but I’m hoping being part of the Imbil First Responder group will give me a chance to feel I did what I could (rather than just hearing after the fact about terrible things that happen) and made my local community a safer and greater place to live.”

Mr Thompson said the first training and meet and greet night was held on Monday 22 November from at the Imbil Fire Station.

“We welcome anyone interested in joining this great team and QAS Sunshine Coast District Director Tony Hucker joined the meeting along with members of our training unit,” he said.