LAC Supporting the Community

Local Ambulance Committees (LAC) provide a direct link between the Queensland Ambulance Service and the community. There are approximately 150 active committees throughout Queensland, one of which is right here in Tieri!

Volunteer members work to raise awareness of ambulance services and raise money to enhance local QAS services. They also support the health and wellbeing of the community, and work with QAS staff to deliver community education. 

Recently, the Tieri LAC donated a defibrillator to the community, released its upcoming training program, and announced the date for its AGM where they hope more people will volunteer to lead this vital community service. 

We spoke to Barry Phillips, local ambulance officer, and current Committee Members Denise Farrar (Secretary), Tammie Quetti (Treasurer) and Anthony Hurst (President) to find out more…

Barry, what exactly is a defibrillator machine?
An Automated External Defibrillator (or AED) is an emergency device that can help reset the heart if it has gone into a dangerous electrical rhythm.

Why is it so critical to have access to one?
If CPR plus defibrillation is performed within the first three to five minutes of someone going into cardiac arrest, it can improve their chances of survival by up to 70%!

What prompted the LAC to donate it to the community?
The LAC is all about supporting the community.

Where is the AED located?
Outside the ambulance station at 1 Malvern Avenue.

Under what circumstances would it be required?
In the event of a cardiac arrest (heart attack) where the local Ambulance is not available, members of the community can use the AED to provide first aid plus care, increasing the individual’s chance of surviving.

How will they know how to operate it?
The AED is self explanatory with simple, easy-to-follow instructions included on the inside of the machine. These tell the user exactly where to place the pads and what to do next. They also provide clear CPR instructions. 

What happens once they’ve used the defibrillator?
Although the AED is in situ, clear, timely communication with 000 is vital. They will instruct you on CPR, talk you through what’s happening, and provide you with updates on the location or ETA of the ambulance. They will also give you any further instructions should the patient recover from the event until the ambulance arrives.

You’ve mentioned the importance of CPR – is this something the LAC provides training on?
We certainly do. We’ll be working with Paramedics to run some CPR instruction sessions later this year, along with training on snake bites and envenomation – the process by which venom
is actively injected into a person or animal through a venomous snake bite.

Who is the training designed for?
The general public, as well as first aiders.

Why should people attend?
Snakes are an important part of our local ecosystem. However, they can also be dangerous if disturbed. The session will include how to administer first aid for snake bites and envenomation, including identification of bite injuries, signs and symptoms of envenomation, and practical administration of compression bandages.

Where will the training be held?
We are in the process of negotiating the use of a space in the shopping centre.

What dates and times?
Date and times will be dependent on the space. As details get confirmed, we’ll advertise the sessions on the Tieri Local Ambulance Committee Facebook page and Tieri Noticeboard so be sure to keep an eye out.

Denise, the LAC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is being held on Monday 19th October, and you’re looking for new Committee members. What can you tell us about the roles?
There are three primary roles: President, Secretary and Treasurer. 

The President (Anthony) is the main representative of the LAC. They are the leader and spokesperson for the local committee. They Chair LAC meetings; help guide our activities and priorities; work with local QAS staff to identify ways the community can support the service; and build relationships with local organisations, businesses, schools, clubs and community groups. 

The role of the Secretary (me), is to keep our committee connected, handling all the administration, record-keeping and organising events and initiatives. 

And the Treasurer (Tammie), manages the financial elements of the committee, making sure money raised by the LAC is properly managed and used for the benefit of the local ambulance service and community.

Does this mean you, Tammie and Anthony are stepping down?
All roles are declared vacant for the AGM, meaning if anyone is interested in taking over a particular role they can be voted in and this also gives current members the opportunity to step down if they wish or express interest in other roles.

Is it a big time commitment?
Not at all. I’ve served on the LAC Committee as Secretary for several years. The committee is straightforward and manageable, meeting only six times a year and organising just one fundraising event annually. It provides a valuable opportunity to give back to the community in a meaningful way, without requiring a significant time commitment.

Do people need to have any formal medical training to be part of the LAC committee?
No – just a passion for supporting the community and a respect for the work of the QAS.

Anthony, why should people consider volunteering for the Tieri LAC?
Because it’s about so much more than attending meetings. It’s about supporting the people who are there for our community when we need them most. As a small rural town, you really come to appreciate just how crucial and life-saving services like the QAS are, and it’s great to be able to help them so they can continue to help the people of Tieri. 

You’ve been with the LAC for five years; what’s been your proudest moment?
I don’t think I have a one-off proud moment, but what makes my heart full is seeing the look on children’s faces when they receive gift bags or merchandise from the LAC and getting excited by the flashing lights and sirens of the ambulance on Under 8’s Day or parades, that’s why we do what we do: to really connect the community with the ambulance service.

Tammie, why did you join Tieri’s LAC?
I joined the LAC Committee a couple of years ago and it has truly afforded me an opportunity to give back to our community and support an essential service for our regional town. 

How can people find out more information, or put themselves forward for a role?
They can call Anthony on 0421 917 655 or Denise on 0438 880 496. We’d love to hear from you!