In New South Wales, rural and regional communities often experience long wait times for ambulances, which can jeopardize patients' lives in emergencies. To combat this issue, volunteers in eight communities have undergone training to become members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). This initiative, emphasized by volunteer Kathleen Sneddon, enhances basic first aid capabilities significantly, enabling them to act swiftly in critical situations before paramedics can arrive.

The training for these volunteers spans nine months and is fully funded by Ambulance NSW, including in-class instruction, online modules, and practical experience with active paramedic crews. Once completed, the volunteers are prepared to respond to emergencies, equipped with an ambulance and necessary medical tools. The program aims to fill the care gap created by the increasing demand for ambulance services in remote areas so that residents can receive timely medical assistance.

Community members have expressed their gratitude towards the CERT volunteers for their commitment to saving lives. Volunteers like Sneddon play a vital role in enhancing community health resilience, serving as an essential link in the emergency medical services chain, particularly in places normally underserved by professional paramedic teams. The initiation of CERT may also serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges with emergency medical response.