Question Two: What training do I get?
All UniMed members start with an induction course. This teaches basic skills used in providing first aid services and introduces them to being in a medical service organisation. Members then sit their First Responder course which teaches more advanced first aid skills, including defibrillation and oxygen. After that, members can practice independently and can undertake a range of specialist courses including skills upgrades, bike operations, and leadership courses.

Question Three: What support do I get?
UniMed has a strong committment to volunteer support. Members work with a mentor for their first few months to help ensure that they find their feet in the organisation. We also have Clinical Team Leaders who are medical professionals such as ambulance officers and nurses. Their job is to provide coaching, support and individual training to help volunteers become confident in their practice. UniMed also has a strong welfare system which includes peer support officers and chaplaincy.

Question Four: Is UniMed Militaristic?
UniMed does have a line management structure and our officers do hold rank, however, only our dress uniforms carry rank and we follow no military protocols of address (ie you don't have to salute anyone). Most activities are undertaken in polo shirts. Rank is a symbol of the responsibility that volunteer has taken on rather than a badge of authority. Everyone is addressed by their first name.

Question Five: Can I be in another organisation and still be in UniMed?
UniMed has a policy which supports and even encourages people being in other organisations, including other medical or first aid organisations. The only problem arises when a member acts in an unethical way relating to their organisational affiliations.

Question Six: How much do I have to participate?
UniMed members have minimum standards of activity. Members have to achieve 20 points of training and 50 points of operations per year. A point is normally equivalent to one hour. Although this may seem alot, some training can be done by self-directed study. These standards roughly equate to 4 hours of operations and 1.5 hours of training per month.Most members of UniMed exceed these minimum standards by a substantial margin.
Special programs can be arranged for people with limited time or who have unforseen committments arise.

Question Seven: Is UniMed all hard work?
UniMed is a flexible and fun organisation. All major events and training courses have a social component programmed into them. We recognise that it is important for a team to be able to play together as well as work together.

Question Eight: Do I have to wear a uniform?
UniMed members normally wear a uniform when on duty or in major training courses. Our uniform is casual and normally consists of a polo shirt and cargo pants or shorts. We see uniform as a way to identify our volunteers, especially when people are seeking help, and as a way of helping build our sense of team identify. Uniforms are comfortable, functional, and as modern as we can make them. Most parts of the uniform are provided free of cost to members.

Question Nine: Am I under any obligation to stay in UniMed?
UniMed does not require volunteers to sign contracts or enter into obligations other than meeting minimum standards. However,we believe that the training, uniform and other costs we put into volunteers is an investment in making them effective volunteers. People are free to leave UniMed at any time, and for those who become temporarily busier or have other focuses in their life, we are always happy to sit down and discuss their role in UniMed over that period.

Question Ten: What are the benefits to joining?
The benefits of joining UniMed are two fold. There are benefits to the community in the way we provide high quality volunteer service. There are also benefits to you. UniMed lets you learn new skills and challenge your self in a professional and supportive environment. There will be gains to your confidence, leadership, and people skills. Likewise, you will learn skills which will help you help people, and that is a feeling you just can't buy.

For more information about UniMed, or to ask us any questions about membership, just email info@unimed.org.au

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