The Monthly St John Ambulance (WA) Volunteer First Aid Service Newsletter

1. May 2011
From the General Manager…
Hi folks, as we draw closer to winter and what is normally our quite period, it’s exciting to see
that there are still a number of large events on the calendar. Most of these are centred on the
Burswood Dome, including; Kylie, The Dalai Lama and more. Ambulance Service Director, Executive Manager P.1
Len Fiori and I were fortunate enough to attend the Justin Bieber concert to chat with the
members on duty that night. Well done to all for the night, as dealing with 15000 screaming Vicki’s Perspective P.1
teenagers would test even the best of us. Burswood Dome has also announced they will host
Uniform Update P.2
Elton John for a concert in December.
DM Meeting Notes P.2
ANZAC day saw the launch of the new uniform and apart from a couple of minor issues
everyone looked fantastic. We have identified a couple of oversights regarding the uniform Dinner Dance P.3
that we will be looking into over the coming weeks and making some small changes to
accommodate these issues. Please be patient while we review and please be mindful that Good News Stories P.3
you are not permitted to alter the look of the uniform that conflicts from the VFAS state
VFAS Facebook P.4
uniform policy that is currently in place.
Clinical Corner P.5
April 29 was the start of the Cadet Camp which had almost 40 cadet participants. Special
thanks to Alex Treweek, Scott Russell, Amy Russell, Alan Davies, Sarena Hyland and
Stephanie Moss for their assistance with the camp. I believe a great time was had by all and
that Alex once again entertained the Camp with a sing along. I recently had the opportunity to
hear her myself and was more then impressed!
Phil Martin and I have also visited a number of Divisions over the last few weeks. Thanks to Glen Willan at Eastern Hills and Elena
Dunn at Fremantle and all the members for entertaining us for a few hours. We appreciate you providing us the time to chat and
the receptive, cooperative nature in which you engaged with us. The chocolate biscuits and cake didn’t hurt either.
Finally, as we get closer to the end of this financial year and we wrap up planning for the next, I am excited at the new initiatives
and ideas we hope to implement in 2011/12 and beyond. Change is often hard to understand, but at times is an important part in
our development and an opportunity to set new roads of discovery. It is also important for St John Ambulance to remain the leader
wherever possible in the event services arena, to do this we must ‘change with the times’.
Over the next month and beyond your Divisional Managers will be kept well informed of all the new exciting happenings in VFAS,
so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Ashley Wilson
General Manager, Volunteer First Aid Services
Revised Circulation
Welcome to the latest edition of Circulation. Circulation has
moved to a monthly editorial and we have asked Divisional
Mangers and their teams to be involved each month to run
articles specific to their division. This month we have an article
written by Vicki Oliver, Divisional Manager of Gosnells about
what St John means to her.
We ask that if any member has anything they would like to
write about in Circulation, please feel free to send it in, after all,
this is your newsletter. Managers will let their division know
when it is time for submitting articles. You can be as creative
as you feel, whether it be relating to a duty, an experience,
your thoughts on volunteering or a training session, we’d love
to hear from you! Please submit any photos you wish to include
to help bring the story to life.
Update 1

2. Vicki’s Perspective
Seeing a look of relief and trust on a stranger’s face and
knowing that I was partially responsible and accountable.
A sense of pride and accomplishment in doing the things that
we do so well.
Nothing is more special to me than a simple smile and that
little word which so many of us take for granted, ‘thank you’. It
may not seem like much but it means the world to me and
keeps me coming back.
Being part of the St John family is an interesting experience. I
have met some wonderful and pretty special people. We are
all so very different and we relish these differences. We come
from all over the world united in this one great cause ‘For the
Service of Humanity’.
office and exchange the items. Members must quote the
While first aid is the reason we are all part of VFAS, it’s also a
delivery docket number when speaking with YAKKA and
bonus to attend concerts and events that you otherwise may
members must specify they are from VFAS. Any exchange will
never have had the opportunity to attend.
definitely result in a delay, due to high demand for items,
Like all families we squabble, we laugh, we learn, we cry YAKKA have very little stock. If members have received name
together and we are always there for one another. A special badges with incorrect spelling or qualifications please contact
part of St John is that there is always room for one more. We YAKKA and also let us know as soon as possible.
are committed to growing our family.
YAKKA have work boots available for purchase, these are
I have the honour of being a Divisional Manager in my small optional purchases and must be paid for by members using
world. Like most, I have the assistance of a brilliant, either cash or debit/credit cards over the counter at YAKKA.
motivated, enthusiastic and talented team of volunteers that
Just a reminder, that new and existing uniforms are not to be
forms our management committee. My job is to ensure that all
worn as a mixed uniform. The new uniform policy has been
my members are happy, their training is top rate and up to
written to accommodate the new uniform style, there are a few
date and that they wear the St John uniform with pride.
small issues that have arisen and will be amended. Please
While this on occasions, feels like a chore there are some very ensure you read the policy and familiarise yourself with the
rewarding aspects. I see timid and sometimes insecure guidelines. The uniform policy can be located at
people walk through the door. I watch their expressions as http://webserver.ambulance.net.au/intranet/docs/doc5506.pdf
they are quickly absorbed into the division. I can see the relief
If members have not yet placed an order for the new uniform,
on their faces as they are accepted into the group. I feel a
they should do so now. There will be a six to eight week wait
sense of pride as I watch their confidence grow. Like a
for new orders to be processed. New volunteers will place their
mother hen letting her chicks out into the big wide world,
order at Induction with their membership application.
knowing they are ready and able to concur the world if they
choose. Members will receive the uniform delivered to their home
address unless specified otherwise on the uniform order. If a
They develop that swagger, that sense of accomplishment
postal address wasn’t specified, please speak with your
and you can see the glow in their faces. I see them take these
Divisional Manager who will contact the office on behalf of the
qualities into their private lives, watch them blossom into
division as a whole.
confident young men and women. They in turn help the next
person lucky enough to come through our door. For we are
one and that’s the way it should be, and one of the many Chief Commissioner’s News
reasons why I’m still there.
You can view an electronic version of the Chief
Vicki Oliver Commissioner’s News by clicking this link
http://www.stjohn.org.au/images/stjohn/operations/chiefcommis
Divisional Manager, Gosnells sionersnews/2011/ccnmay11.pdf
You are also able to register to receive the Chief
Uniform Update Commissioner’s News and other National newsletters straight
The launch date for the new uniform was ANZAC Day 25 April to your inbox by visiting the link and subscribing with your
it was fantastic to see you all wearing the new uniform. details
http://www.stjohn.org.au/index.php?searchword=chief+commis
In the initial roll out of uniform items, members will receive a sioners&ordering=&searchphrase=all&Itemid=25&option=com_
shirt, pants, belt and badges. Once the initial roll out has been search
completed a review of additional requirements will be
undertaken, this will be actioned on a case by case basis. At
present affiliates will receive a polo shirt and trousers, this Divisional Managers Meeting
may be reviewed in the future. There are shortages, and as a The bullet points below are taken from the Divisional
result members may not receive all their items at once. Manager’s meeting, to be disseminated back to all members.
Unfortunately jackets are further delayed and we are hoping to For further clarification on these issues, please speak with your
see them arriving early next month. Manager.
If members receive incorrect sizes or items, please contact
YAKKA directly on 9373 0000, to arrange a time to visit their
Update 2

3. Facebook Good News Stories
Official Facebook page has been opened. Quite often we receive little snippets from newspapers or
letters thanking our volunteers for their assistance or
To communicate good news stories and general commending them for their contributions. We received so many
discussions. fantastic stories this month, we couldn’t include them all. Enjoy.
For current members only. St John Volunteers Praise the New Uniform
VFAS Training ‘St John Ambulance Volunteers in Gosnells are boasting a new
As of the 1 July 2011, all VFAS member training will uniform, which is designed to be more comfortable, durable
be coordinated by the college of pre-hospital care. and practical.
Bulk of VFAS training will be coordinated during the The volunteers wore the new bottle-green uniforms, which are
quieter time of the year away from busier summer in keeping with paramedic and ambulance officer uniforms, for
months. the first time while on duty on Anzac Day.
Induction courses will still be conducted all year The shirts of the new uniform are of a more durable fabric, with
round. better airflow designed to release trapped heat during summer.
Stage 1 and 2 books can only be signed by a Cert IV Cargo pants have also been added to the uniform so
trainer. volunteers can carry a greater range of equipment with them.
Reimbursements Reflective striping and name badges will improve the safety of
volunteers, who frequently work in the dark.
Reimbursements will only paid up to 60 days post
event. Gosnells Volunteer First Aid Service divisional manager Vicki
Oliver said a visible presence was important in emergency
Looking to move away from reimbursement forms, situations, especially if working in the dark or near a roadside.
avoiding overload of paperwork.
"Safety is our number one priority and anything that we can do
Auto re-imburse for meals according to DTR’s. to improve our safety and visibility is welcomed," she said.
Due to commence in 2011/2012 financial year. "We have been looking forward to receiving the new uniform
and member feedback has been positive.
Items for Actioning
They feel more comfortable and enjoy the practicality of the
Major events – equipment needs to be returned to design."
the vehicles they belong to.
Gosnells volunteer Lynne Fallows wasn't sold on the new look,
Various building maintenance. but agreed with colleague Jen Oxford that the uniform had
many practical improvements, including padding on the knees,
Include on next month’s ‘Circulation’ – process for plenty of pockets and was easier to keep clean due to its
damaged vehicles. colour and durability’
Comment News, 26 April 2011
Volunteer Story of the Month
Outstanding Effort from Everyone
Recently Aaron Del Pino visited Cambodia to spread the word
of good health and hygiene. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your
members for the wonderful effort in covering what was without
Aaron has been kind enough to share a few words and a doubt, our busiest 5 days in a long time. There was more
photographs with us. than 170 members needed to cover the duties over the 5 days
Please see the document attached to the ‘Circulation’ email, of the long weekend, and only all but two positions were
it’s worth a read. It’s amazing to see just how many ways covered.
VFAS members help out, not only with their local community, This is an outstanding effort. Thank you!
but also nationally and internationally. Well done Aaron.
I would like also to give a special mention to those that braved
the early morning on Anzac Day at the many locations around
2011 Dinner Dance the metropolitan area. For those that I was fortunate enough to
With the 2010 Dinner Dance proving to be a HUGE success, see on the day, you all looked fantastic in the new uniform. We
the 2011 Dinner Dance promises to be bigger and better! have taken lots of photos and hope to send them around as
soon as possible.
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday 27th August 2011, Perth
Convention and Exhibition Centre. More details to follow Lastly may I congratulate the Cadets, The Cadet Managers
soon! For any immediate Dinner Dance queries please contact and Leaders who very proudly joined the Anzac day march.
Tahlia Simmonds on 9334 6787 or You all looked great and I believe out numbered many of the
Tahlia.Simmonds@ambulance.net.au other cadet units taking place in the march. Well done to you
all.
Ashley Wilson, Email to DM’s, 27 April 2011
Update 3

4. Thanks for Being There VFAS Volunteers save a Life
Dear St John team, On Sunday 1 May, two of our VFAS Members were on duty at
the Golden Oldies Rugby in Rockingham.
On behalf of the RSL and
the veteran community we Pat Hawkins and David Ashill both from Rockingham Division,
would like to express our had just finished treating a casualty when they were called to a
sincere thanks to you all for middle aged man having a seizure.
being a part of ANZAC Day
2011. Once the casualty stopped fitting Pat and David completed the
St John Action Plan and found the casualty had no respirations
As you may be aware, the and no pulse, Pat immediately commenced CPR with the
ANZAC Day Dawn Service assistance of a doctor from the crowd while David called for the
and March are the most Ambulance.
significant commemorative
events held in Western After just one shock Pat and David managed to get a return of
Australia each year. The spontaneous circulation and respirations. In fact by the time the
Dawn service is one of the Ambulance arrived the patient was on his hands and knees
biggest in the world and the trying to get up and get back to watching the Rugby.
march through the city grows each year.
The casualty was transported to Fremantle Hospital where he
Each event attracts enormous numbers who turn out to pay was thrombolised and had stents fitted.
their respects to Australia’s service men and women, past and
Thanks to the rapid and professional response by our VFAS
present. With this comes the responsibility to ensure their
members the patient had no neurological deficits and the
safety and service and to make sure they are all honored with
patient made a full recovery.
the dignity and respect they so richly deserve.
This job serves as a timely reminder that the most definitive
We could not do this without the support, advice and great
treatment that we have to treat cardiac arrest is defibrillation,
work from the St John team.
while CPR buys the patient time by maintaining perfusion to
Please pass on our personal thanks to everyone who gave the brain and essential organs, defib can revert the
their time and energy so willingly to ensure a great outcome dysrhythmia and hopefully restore normal cardiac function.
for ANZAC Day 2011. We look forward to working with you
As they say in training “Nothing Delays Defib”, get the shock in
again next year.
as soon as possible. Well done Pat and David on the great
With best wishes and much gratitude, result.
The RSL ANZAC Day Team The organisers of the Golden Oldies Rugby Emailed the office
to thank Pam and David for their efforts.
Reward for Decade of St John Service
“We have one member that is extremely lucky that your
A Midland resident has been recognised for exceptional services were on site prepared and available… A HUGE
service to the St John Ambulance Volunteer First Aid Service. thanks is in order for their help, the patient is alive and doing
well. A result that may well not be the case without St John”
Glenn Willan has been admitted as a Member to the Order of
St John for his dedication to the service for more than 10 Mike Butler, SCRUM Secretary
years.
He has taken on various roles within St John and is currently a VFAS Facebook
Divisional Manager, providing for the care of volunteers and We have created an official St John Ambulance VFAS WA
their well-being. Facebook Group.
Glenn has served many divisions, primarily with the www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_203013569733116
Mundaring adult division and more recently with the Eastern
Hills division based in Kalamunda. Keep in touch with what’s happening in the St John Ambulance
WA Volunteer First Aid Service.
He is used to putting his leadership skills to use and making
members feel completely at ease. The group is a discussion board for members to communicate
news and info about your division and for Head Office to
Glenn has previously received a commendation for his efforts communicate directly with members.
in assisting in the Bali bombing disaster. He also attended the
Commonwealth Games in 2006. This site will not in any way replace the normal chain of
communication via DM’s. While all feedback is appreciated we
Glenn senses when members need his help and works with aim to keep the group for good news stories and not a forum to
them. "I am very proud and it is an honour to receive this air grievances.
medal," he said.
Any inappropriate comments and/or images will be removed
St John Ambulance commends its volunteers for their from the group.
commitment.
The group is only open to current VFAS members.
Hills Gazette, 30 April 2011
Update 4

5. Opthalmic Week October 10-16 In 1948 Dr. Lawrence Craven, an American GP,
noticed that the 400 men he prescribed aspirin
Our first ever National St John Ophthalmic Week will take to hadn’t suffered any heart attacks. However it
place from 10-16 October, 2011. During this week we are wasn’t until 1971 that Professor John Vane
asking St John members to donate a gold coin to provide discovered how aspirin works, he later won the
critical support for the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem. Nobel prize for Medicine.
The Eye Hospital in Jerusalem is a vital part of the St John Today we consume 100 billion aspirin tablets, world-
family and needs funding to continue the amazing, life wide every year. It has been estimated that aspirin
changing work that its staff provides to the people of saves more than 110,000 lives world-wide each year
Jerusalem. They are counting on us! by helping combat cardiovascular disease.
So get involved in this inaugural event and start spreading the
word! Just a gold coin donation from every member will help Feedback for Incentives Survey
provide the critical funding that is required. Your division
could save sight and change the life of someone in need. Would you support incentives like the one on offer for the
AFL ?
In the lead up to and during Ophthalmic Week in October,
there will be a number of materials, resources and activities Yes 77%
provided. Divisions are encouraged to use these prepared
No 23%
materials to enjoy Ophthalmic Week and raise as many funds
as possible. It is a chance to learn about eyes, first aid for
eyes and the support that St John provides to the Eye Hospital
in Jerusalem. Which would you prefer an incentive for?
Find out more by logging in to the St John Member website: Particular event 33%
www.stjohn.org.au
Achieving a number of events 65%
Find out more about the St John Eye Hospital at
http://www.stjohneyehospital.org/ Neither 2%
Clinical Corner Has this incentive encourage you to do AFL fixtures?
Each month we will provide information on a clinical skill, a
drug or an interesting fact relevant to first aid. Yes 32%
Drug of the Month No 68%
ASPIRIN (Acetyl-Salicylic Acid)
Indication – Chest pain, of presumed cardiac origin. Has this incentive discouraged you from doing AFL
Dose – 300mg once only, even if the patient is already taking Events?
Aspirin.
Yes 8%
Contraindications
No 92%
Don’t forget to ask the triple A’s;
Are you allergic to ASPRIN?
If you had a choice of incentives would you prefer?
Are you taking any other ANTICOAGULANT?
Gift card 75%
Are you ASTHMATIC? Only give to asthmatics that
have had Aspirin in the past without any problems. A Gift 7%
Too nauseated to swallow. Neither 17%
Doctor has stated patient should never take Aspirin.
Not to be given to children.
Sample size 90 (17%) of possible 529
Pharmacology and Action: Mild anti-clotting agent. Inhibits
prostaglandin synthesis. Reduces aggregation and adhesion
of platelets, hence prevents extension of clots. Shown to
reduce mortality significantly in Acute Myocardial Infarction.
Did you know???
Volunteer First Aid Services
Ancient Egyptians took an infusion of dried myrtle St John Ambulance Australia (Western Australia) Inc.
leaves to treat muscle pain, while Hippocrates, the 209 Great Eastern Highway, Belmont, WA 6104
father of modern medicine, prescribed willow bark tea www.stjohnambulance.com.au
for the pain of childbirth (to the relief of expectant
mothers we now have far stronger analgesia for
childbirth). The active ingredient of both these Volunteer First Aid Service
remedies is salicylic acid - aspirin's active ingredient. T. 08 9334 1310
F. 08 9334 1330
Update 5