Paramedic Jim Falla is one of six new Paramedic Community Support Coordinators.

He will be supporting Halls Gap and the West Wimmera region.  

Mr Falla has lived in the region for 31 years and was a paramedic in Edenhope for 13 years. 

The new paramedic community support coordinators will work with other health services and support ambulances to meet the community’s health needs in addition to supporting emergency response. 

The role intends to support a collaboration between health and emergency services to improve care in rural and remote areas.

Mr Falla said his first priority for Halls Gap will be recruiting first responders and making sure they have the training they need. 

“Halls Gap has a large tourist population. 

“While my work is primarily with paramedics I will also be working together with police, the state emergency service and Parks Victoria for the community.”

Mr Falla said while he will be working with other communities, including Edenhope and Kaniva, he will be focusing largely on Halls Gap at the start. 

He said he is looking forward to getting to know the community in Halls Gap more, as well as other communities he will be working with.

“The standalone community branches have such pivotal roles and the officers are so highly regarded in their communities. I am to listen to their concerns, facilitate their ongoing work and advocate for them,” he said.