The funding from the program will be used to aid an upcoming emergency trauma care training in Gilgandra and Narromine, set to be attended by members of organisations including the Rural Fire Service and SES.
The all-day sessions will be facilitated by CareFlight, a not-for-profit air ambulance and medical training organisation, for first responders to manage serious trauma incidents they may encounter in their local communities.
Lifelike medical manikins, including a quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (QCPR) junior manikin, were purchased with the grant funding from ARTC Inland Rail. These manikins are essential to providing simulated accident scenarios and help improve participants' ability to connect learning to real-world situations.
The QCPR junior manikin is vital training equipment that allows first responders to learn and practice paediatric airway management, CPR techniques, and essential trauma care skills to maximise a child's chance of survival in a critical incident.
Lara Miller, Head of Operations - Education and Training, CareFlight, said:
'This workshop is a boost for the emergency services in the Central West. Off the back of an incredibly difficult few years facing fires, floods, and the pandemic, CareFlight is delighted to be able to bring the training into the community.
'Our aim is to empower locals with lifesaving skills and essential inter-agency collaboration, for the ultimate goal of creating a safer society.
'I want to thank Inland Rail for funding to purchase the child manikin used to train first responders in our Trauma Care Workshops.
'Without continued support from the communities we serve, we would not be able to make such a valuable impact on the urgent healthcare needs of Australians.'
Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Director of Health, Safety and Environment, said:
'We are proud to give back to the communities that are home to Inland Rail. The work these organisations do is instrumental to the wellbeing of regional communities.
'I encourage other non-profit groups to lodge their applications for the next round of funding.
'The Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program offers funding between $1,000 - $4,000 for organisations in eligible regional areas. The funding supports organisations that contribute to local and regional prosperity, wellbeing, and sustainability.
'The latest round of funding takes overall support for local communities and associations along the Inland Rail alignment to over $1 million since the program launched in 2019".
Applications for the next round of funding close on 30 April 2023.
We encourage you to check your funding eligibility and apply. Please include as much information as you can to tell the story of what you want to achieve and how it will benefit your community.
Check the Community Sponsorships and Donations program page
