Ambulance Victoria’s (AV) new Chief Executive Officer, Jordan Emery, has acknowledged the enormous tragedy of this weekend’s road toll, extending his sympathies to those families who have lost loved ones, and saying the impact on paramedics, first responders and emergency service crews cannot be underestimated.
“My heart goes out to all those who’ve suffered such terrible loss this weekend,” Jordan said.
“I also acknowledge the enormous impact on Ambulance Victoria’s paramedics, first responders and our emergency services colleagues who have been confronted with these tragedies and have provided such outstanding care to those involved.
“Ambulance Victoria crews have responded to eight serious motor vehicle accidents over less than 48 hours.
“Tragically six people have died, and another six were transported to hospital, four with life-threatening injuries.
“Our Air Ambulance Victoria crews airlifted three of those patients to hospitals across the state and our on-road paramedics, MICA and Ambulance Community Officers have provided outstanding care to all, in what can only be described as the most horrific of circumstances.
“AV paramedics are among the most highly skilled in Australia, but no amount of training can equip you to deal with trauma like this and I want to extend my sincere thanks and respect for their efforts this weekend, including our communication centres and all those AV teams who work so hard to respond to these incidents.”
In his first weekend since commencing as AV’s Chief Executive Officer on Monday this week, Jordan spent the day visiting branches in the Grampians, including with crews who had attended the Buangor fatality.
“As a paramedic, I realise that these events are part of our job, but the tragic loss of life through road trauma is especially tough.
“If there is one message we can send, it’s to please take care when on the road. The impact is felt well beyond those behind the wheel.”
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