Clutha Valley Brigade to become a First Responder Unit

23 March 2026

Clutha Valley Brigade has received formal approval to become a First Responder Unit, providing a swifter response to medical emergencies in their local community.

The move comes from a desire to provide faster assistance at medical events and respond to a wider range of callouts. While the brigade maintains a strong working relationship with Hato Hone St John, the nearest ambulance can be at least 30 minutes away—time that can be critical for patients in pain.

“We thought we would step up,” said Brigade Chief Richard Hunter.

As a First Responder Unit, brigade members will receive additional training and new equipment, enabling them to deliver a higher level of care while waiting for ambulance support.

This expanded capability will not only benefit the community during emergencies but also enhance members’ skills in their everyday workplaces. “We’ll be able to use our additional knowledge and skills on the spot if something happens in our day jobs,” Richard Hunter said.

Although participation in medical response training is optional, the brigade has embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm. Fourteen of the 19 members have already signed up and will begin training in June.

Fire and Emergency Assistant District Commander Blair Harcus praised the Clutha Valley Brigade for its determination to become a First Responder Unit, as the process of getting approval from both Fire and Emergency and Hato Hone St John had taken perseverance. “It’s fantastic,” he said. “The brigade are really keen to support their community in every way that they can.”

Richard Hunter hopes that when the word gets around, the brigade will attract more volunteers, particularly those who may not wish to be firefighters but still want to give back to their community as an emergency responder.

The brigade is also keen to welcome people from a diverse range of backgrounds, reflecting the make-up of the wider Clutha Valley community.