This ambulance takes about 35 to 40 minutes or longer to reach the accident scene. When it arrives on the scene a decision is then made to send for a rescue helicopter. This delay could be the difference between life and death. Having locals being the first ones on the scene in an emergency has other advantages. Local people know the area, know the local names for roads, so are able find emergencies quicker and are less likely to get lost.
Locals are also better able to advise on suitable helicopter landing sites.
In emergency situations, e.g. our regular floods, Kenilworth and much of the Upper Mary Valley are cut off from outside help. At these times it would be comforting to know that an emergency, an ambulance carrying life saving equipment, staffed by qualified people, was available as the first response from within our community.