The St John Ambulance WA has launched a new partnership trial with Surf Life Saving WA to station first responders at popular beaches. The trial will run from January to April 2011 at several beaches along the WA coast. Having trained first responders nearby who can respond quickly to cardiac emergencies could significantly improve survival rates, as the first 10 minutes after a cardiac arrest are critical. The responders will have automated external defibrillators to provide emergency treatment until an ambulance arrives. The trial aims to expand first responder coverage to more beaches in future years.

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Th e Bu ll etin MARCH 2011
Timely Trial to Save Beach-goers
A fresh, new partnership between St John
ner How the beach-based First Responder
Ambulance WA and Surf Life Sa
e Saving WA system trial works:
(SLSWA) will help make beaches that little
A triple zero call (000) is received by a
bit safer in the event of a cardiac arrest
St John Ambulance Communications
emergency. In 2011, the network of people
Officer. If the patient is in a First Responder
trained in the St John Ambulance First
location, a system alert is triggered
Responder system was expanded to include
indicating that a registered first responder
members of SLSWA.
could be close to the emergency area.
The first 8-10 minutes is crucial to a
The Operations Centre despatches
person’s survival rate after a cardiac arrest.
an ambulance and contacts the First
With every minute of delay, the risk of death
Responder responsible for that location.
increases by 10 per cent, so a fast response
is vital. A cardiac arrest can happen to The First Responder heads to the
anyone at any time, so this new beach- emergency area and starts critical
based trial in partnership with SLSWA resuscitation techniques, using an AED if
means there will be an increase in trained necessary before the ambulance arrives.
first responders available to be on the As yet, there have been no incidents
scene of incidents with Automated External to report where these beachside First
Defibrillators (AED). This availability could Responders have been called upon.
make all the difference to saving someone’s However both St John Ambulance WA
life while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.
“Th e first 8-10 minutes
and SLSWA are keen to see a successful
This First Responder trial program will run trial outcome that will see an extension
to more West Australian beaches in the
is crucial to a person’s
sur vival rate after a
inside
from January 4 through to the end of April
Kununurra Patient Transfer Heaven
coming years. If you have any queries
at some of the state’s most popular seaside cardiac arrest .”
from individuals or organisations interested Saving Lives with 12-lead Trial
spots: Cottesloe Beach in the metropolitan
area, Middleton Beach (Albany), Secret in becoming part of our First Responder Cambodia Calls
Harbour (Rockingham), Smiths Beach system contact Project Manager, Sally
Volunteers Lend a Hand to QLD
(Yallingup) and Yallingup Beach. Simmonds on 08 9334 1222. Flood Victims

2. A word from From the Editor
the CEO Welcom e to th e Bulletins First Edition for 2011.
This is my first involvement in The Bulletin,
and I’m very pleased to unveil a fresh
looking magazine that will hopefully keep
edition will hopefully give you a snapshot
of some of our amazing people and what
they do. A good magazine is owned and
you informed and update you on the supported by its readers, so I’d really like
Welcom e to th e first edition of our Bulletin for 2011. I h ope all of
many things happening across St John to welcome you to contribute to these
our staff and volu nteers had a great Ch ristmas and N ew Year. I Ambulance in Western Australia. I’ve been publications and I certainly welcome
amazed by the work that’s been done by your feedback. If you have stories,
would especially like to thank all of our operational and support
St John Ambulance over the very short ideas, photos or letters that you’d like
staff and volu nteers wh o worked o ver th e festive period. It is hard amount of time I’ve been working with the showcased in future editions, please
not being free to spend as much tim e as you migh t like with family organisation and this edition is packed with email them through to the Corporate
great stories about what our people are Affairs department for consideration via
and friends and it is often just that bit more difficult dealing doing across the State. From partnerships public.relations@ambulance.net.au
with death, illness and injury o ver th is period. Everyone wh o was with Surf Life Saving (WA), the innovative
Happy reading!
iPad patient care record device, the
in volved with pro viding our range of ser vices o ver th is period did a latest on the Changes Lives recruitment Drew Mazalevskis
great job and again I would like to say ‘thank you’.
, campaign and much more in this summer The Bulletin Editor
This year will be is only 2.5%. This means that 97.5% of
a very exciting non-urgent patients presenting at WA
Patient Satisfaction Treatment
one for St John Emergency Departments arrive by their own 1.00
Ambulance where means. This is an excellent result. While we all
we will really start know we do get some patients who use the
to see the benefits ambulance service when they should not, the
0.95
from all of the analysis does put things into perspective.
contract and funding
In my view, the most important analysis in
announcements made last year. Prior to the productivity commission report is the
Christmas we had the largest ever number patient satisfaction survey. The same survey 0.90
NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas ACT NT Aust
of new Communications Officers commence is conducted in each State and Territory
2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10
their training - 24 in total. During January, 33 with the results compiled and analysed
new Patient Transport Officers and 49 Student by Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing
Ambulance Officers have commenced their Services at the University of SA. Patient Satisfaction – Phone Answer Time
induction program. While such a large number 1.00
of new operational staff coming through The results in each of the graphs on the
right show the percentage of people who 0.98
training and commencing their duties more
were either satisfied or very satisfied. 0.96
or less at the same time really stretches our
Consistently we see satisfaction levels TABLE TO COME
capacity, we are all thrilled to finally see growth 0.94
between 97 per cent and 99 per cent.
starting to come to fruition.
This is an outstanding achievement and 0.92
For those of you who have had the is a testament to the competence and
0.90
opportunity to visit Belmont recently you professionalism of ambulance operational NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas ACT NT Aust
may have seen the changes and expansion staff around the country. 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10
occurring in the Operations Centre. This
I would like to congratulate all our
re-modelling has been necessary to
ambulance operational staff on this Patient Satisfaction Paramedic Attitude
accommodate the growth in staff numbers
outstanding achievement. 1.00
and the additional country support capability
we are putting in place. Thank you to everyone While there has been a lot of focus on
for the patience shown during the renovations. ambulance over the past year or so, our first
aid training and industrial health services have 0.95
As the organisation grows rapidly over
quietly continued going about their business
the next few years it is important we get
and are achieving some fantastic results.
the management and support structures
In both of these areas recent structural
established in such a way that we can ensure 0.90
changes will, I am sure, contribute to some NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas ACT NT Aust
we deliver on all of our commitments and
extraordinary growth over the next few years. 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10
contractual obligations. We have already
seen significant changes to the structures Also, a special thank you to our VFAS
and way in which we manage clinical members for their contribution during 2010.
Patient Satisfaction – Ambulance Arrival Time
governance. Similar changes are now also The role you play in providing first aid services 1.05
underway with our structures in country and to our community is very important within the
training. While such significant change can range of pre-hospital services provided by
be confronting to some of the people directly St John Ambulance and the competent and
0.95
involved it is something that is necessary and professional way in which you deliver first aid
will see a ‘raising of the bar’ in terms of the services to our community is something we
quality of the services we are able to provide. are all very proud of.
Finally, to all of our personnel, that is, the 1000 0.85
January saw the release of the 2011 NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas ACT NT Aust
staff and 4000 volunteers, thank you for your
Productivity Commission Report on 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10
efforts. You are all vital to the success of St
Government Services. This report
John Ambulance in Western Australia and can
demonstrates that West Australians get an
justifiably feel very proud of the achievements Patient Satisfaction – Overall
ambulance service that performs very well 1.00
of 2010. I hope you share with me the
compared to others around Australia. This
excitement of the opportunities ahead in 2011. 0.98
year’s report includes an analysis of hospital
data that identifies the proportion of patients 0.96
presenting at Emergency Departments who
0.94
arrived by ambulance. The analysis shows that
nationally, on average, slightly less than 5% of 0.92
non-urgent patients presenting at EDs arrive 0.90
by ambulance. It is pleasing to note that, in Tony Ahern NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas ACT NT Aust
both Western Australia and Victoria, the figure Chief Executive Officer 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10

3. The PCR Revolution Close at Hand
Th e St Joh n revolution in Following consultation and extensive
research of four potential systems, the
electronic patient care record new ePCR system is now being custom
managem ent training and
, developed for St John by a specialist
software development team. This unique
commu nications is now closer approach will provide on-road staff and
the organisation with a range of valuable
than ever. Th e days of not
advantages not obtainable through any
being able to access th e Depot other commercially developed solution.
PC will be gone with on-road As development progresses, Team Leaders
and Clinical Support Paramedics will soon
staff being able to obtain
begin demonstrating the system to
digital content on th eir own on-road staff, while at the same time
gathering feedback for the project group.
i Pad via th e new St Joh n
The St John ePCR system will provide
custom built ePC R system. on-road staff with an easy to use, quick
and efficient Patient Care Record system,
as well as additional benefits including:
An efficient, portable and
paperless system;
Improved communication processes
to on-road staff;
As part of the system, more than 850 The St John system will be the first integrated
Increased access for on-road staff to Apple iPads will be issued to individual staff electronic PCR system in Australia that
complete training, e-learning and other members in the Metropolitan Ambulance and also offers electronic communications and
professional development opportunities;
Patient Transfer Vehicle fleets. Not only will e-learning capabilities.
Availability of regular clinical updates; these devices be integral to supporting the
Stay up-to-date with the latest developments
ePCR system, but at the end of the shift they
Personal iPad use outside of work; on this ground-breaking project by visiting
can be taken home for personal use.
http://webserver.ambulance.net.au/ePCR
Real-time links to the SJA Computer
This amazing new PCR technology
Aided Dispatch and Patient Recording
will provide on-road staff with greater
and billing systems; and
flexibility and better access to day-to-
A customised system that can easily day organisational information via email,
grow with the organisation’s needs. e-learning opportunities, and circulars.
PACA Study Takes Honours
St John Ambulance Clinical Professor Jacobs addressed both the arrest cases in Perth between August 2006 resuscitation period in those achieving ‘return
Resuscitation Science Symposium held in and November 2009. Patients were randomly of spontaneous circulation’ to identify clinical
Ser vices Director Professor Ian Chicago and the European Resuscitation assigned to receive either 1ml doses of strategies to further improve survival.
Council Conference held in Portugal about adrenaline or a similar dose of sodium
Jacobs presented th e findings “Clinical research of this nature continues
this world first study. chloride as a placebo.
within the ambulance service to ensure that
of a landmark study into th e
Taking more than three years to complete, The conclusions of the landmark study patients receive the best possible evidence-
use of adrenaline in cardiac the research was motivated by the lack revealed that the use of adrenaline in cardiac based pre-hospital care available,” Professor
of clinical evidence to support the use of arrest was associated with a significant Jacobs said.
arrest at two international adrenaline in resuscitation. For many years, increase in the proportion of patients
The study was funded by the National
forums late last year. adrenaline has been accepted as the primary achieving a return of spontaneous circulation
Health and Medical Research Council
pharmacological agent as a standard of care after a cardiac arrest. In addition to this, a
(Australia) and undertaken in partnership
in resuscitation in a cardiac arrest event, doubling of survival to hospital discharge
with St John Ambulance WA and the
despite a total absence of any clinical trial was also observed although this was not
University of Western Australia.
evidence to establish its effectiveness. statistically significant. Results showed that
while adrenaline improves short term survival “The study was highly awarded at both
The acclaimed study, entitled Randomised
following cardiac arrest, the study was unable international meetings, which is an
Placebo Controlled Trial of Adrenaline
to demonstrate conclusively that its use impressive tribute to the cutting edge
in Cardiac Arrest - the PACA Trial, was
improves the overall chance of survival in research undertaken by St John Ambulance
undertaken by Professor Ian Jacobs and his
those suffering cardiac arrest. and the University of Western Australia,
colleagues Professors Judith Finn, George
“Professor Jacobs said. “It is also a mark
Jelinek, Peter Thompson and Dr Harry Oxer. Professor Jacobs said there may be
of the professionalism of the St John
It involved a randomised placebo controlled several reasons for this finding and further
Ambulance paramedics.”
trial of adrenaline in out-of-hospital cardiac investigation was required into the post

4. Recruitment Report Change Lives
Th e St Joh n Human Resources team has been recruiting extensively
for key operational positions with in th e organisation. Our initial
Recruitment Campaign
recruitm ent drive for th ese positions began in Ju ne 2010 and th e
lau nch of th e Change Lives ad vertising campaign in No vember
in Full Swing
has seen a significant increase in pu blic interest to work for our Th e lau nch of th e brand and recruitm ent Change Lives campaign
organisation. Th e Change Lives Campaign will ensure we continu e to in No vember 2010 has resulted in an u nprecedented response in th e
m eet targets wh ich will ultimately lead to furth er impro vem ents in number of people enquiring about career opportu nities with th e
our organisation’s efficiency and quality of ser vice.
organisation.
In the first three months, more than 1000
people expressed an interest via the
new recruitment website in becoming a
Paramedic, Patient Transport Officer or
Communications Officer. Additional interest
has also been generated in other general
employment roles and in volunteering.
The fully integrated campaign comprises
year-long television advertising across
Western Australia; production of outdoor
bus shelter signage in metropolitan areas; The new recruitment micro site at
a strong online digital presence including www.stjohnchangelives.com.au
Key dates in 2011: a new position in Karratha, to support website banner advertising and Google
7 February – Student Ambulance Officer volunteers and the community. Adwords; electronic direct marketing via
applications opened to commence mid- email communications; and the launch of
Welcomed two new Paramedics to
year intake. There are 50 places in each a new recruitment website.
Broome in January.
category of ECU and Induction School. In addition to recruiting more staff, the
16 new direct entry Paramedics and
21 March – applications for Communications Change Lives campaign continues to The web banner advertising appears
Ambulance Officers have commenced
Officers open, St John Ambulance WA are educate the community about the role on the high traffic websites such as
so far this financial year – one school
looking to fill 20 positions. commenced in October 2010 and another St John plays in ‘changing lives’, while Perth Now and WA Today.
on 14 February 2011. showcasing the diversity of the team
27 June – Student Ambulance Officer
of people we have working across
applications will open for commencement 18 direct entry Paramedics and the organisation.
in January 2012. Ambulance Officers have been offered a
position with St John Ambulance (Western
Recruitment statistics and numbers as
of February 2011: Australia) to commence in April 2011.
In January appointed a Clinical Governance 15 direct entry Paramedics and Ambulance
Manager to support on-road staff. Officer positions are currently being
recruited to commence in June 2011.
Appointed a Community Paramedic,
Recruitment Section Previous Record Figure Actual Figure
(as at Feb 2011)
Communications Officers 10 per annum 24
Student Ambulance Officers One school per annum Two schools
Student Ambulance Officers
35 per annum 50
(January induction)
Student Ambulance Officers (ECU) 41 per annum 50
Transport Officers (recruited during
18 per annum 46
2010/2011 financial year)
Putting Saving Lives to the Test: 12-lead Trial
Barry Patten was enjoying a leisurely Saturday Barry had now become part of a trial being This allows a decision as to the best course John Ambulance. Well, all turned out well
at home when he experienced pain in his conducted since July 2010 by SJA and the of action to be made sooner which can be for me and I live to tell my story... Bruno and
chest. He took a little while to register that University of Western Australia. The trial has implemented immediately when the ambulance Richard from the Armadale section, I wish
something serious may have been wrong, already demonstrated encouraging results arrives at hospital. to thank you for saving my life. This may be
but with the encouragement of his wife, in terms of improving outcomes for patients dismissed as ‘just doing my job’ but from my
Thankfully for Barry, his story had a happy
decided to call 000. St John Paramedics suffering a heart attack. side of the fence you guys are the best. What
ending. On arriving at RPH, he was transferred
Bruno De Longis and Richard Lucus from the can I say but, thank you.”
The purpose of the trial is to test the straight through to the cardiac catheterisation
Armadale Depot arrived to find their patient in hypotheses that employing a 12-lead ECG in The St John 12-lead ECG Trial will run though
unit to have a stent inserted. A week after this
the suspected early stages of a heart attack the pre-hospital setting, rather than waiting until April 2011 after which the results will be
life-changing event Barry started taking short
(Acute Myocardial Infarction), a condition for the patient to arrive at the Emergency reviewed by the project team, led by Professor
walks, but was still adamant about tracking
experienced by thousands of Australians every Department, leads to a better outcome for Ian Jacobs. The findings of the study will be
down the two paramedics who saved his life
year. The paramedics went to work applying the patient. The 12-lead ECG system works used to assist SJA to determine if 12-lead ECG
that day. Barry found his heroes and emailed
a 12-lead electro cardiogram (ECG) to record by transmitting more detailed information technology should be implemented across
through his heart-felt message:
the electrical activity of Barry’s heart from a on the heart’s condition directly to specialist the ambulance service. More details and great
variety of different angles. This equipment is Emergency Physicians and Cardiologists “These guys had my life in their hands and outcomes from this important trial will be
used to assist in diagnosing a heart attack. while en route to the hospital. didn’t let me down or the good name of St communicated over the coming months.

5. New Patient Transfer
Heaven for Kununurra (RV)
On a h ot Tu esday in December, One such eager volunteer was the new
Committee Chairman Don Learbuch who
St Joh n Ambulance Ku nu nurra put the new patient transfer facility back
togeth er, with th e Sh ire of on the front burner. Letters were sent to
all businesses, support was drummed up
Wynd ham East Kimberley, from health and emergency services, and
Don became the pesky bloke that shire
proudly opened th e brand new
presidents, CEOs and councillors saw
Patient Transfer Facility at coming and ducked for cover. More funding
applications and more rejections followed. It
Ku nu nurra Regional Airport
.
was very much a case of, unless you were
a patient or the crew on the tarmac in 50
This facility began with a seed of an idea degree simmering heat, or faced wet season
back in 2006. Joanna Campbell, the St onslaughts then seriously, did Kununurra
John Office Manager at the time, began to really need such an extravagant transfer ambulance to RFDS. The facility resembles Education, Employment and Workplace
research the idea of building such a facility facility (and where was Kununurra anyway?). a hospital ward environment with a single Relations and Social Inclusion, the Hon
to protect the patients, ambulance and ward bed, curtains, toilet and shower, and
Well, yes we did. Simon Crean. The Minister stood side-by-
Royal Flying Doctor (RFDS) crews from the a kitchen nook with tea and coffee, fridge, side with proud volunteers, RFDS crew and
extreme Kimberley elements. Finally some good soul looked outside microwave and ceiling mounted television.
Medical Director, Kununurra Hospital staff,
This amazing lady put in a huge amount the square from their federal department There is a desk with a computer, internet
Shire President, CEO, local dignitaries, and
of groundwork and submitted numerous and made a call to the local shire, asking and fax access. There is even a stash
that very same question. The reply was a mightily impressed Leanne Dale from
funding applications, however none were of chocolate and banana Paddlepops in
a resounding, ‘yes - this should have St John Ambulance’s Belmont Head Office.
approved at that time. Not discouraged, the freezer for the flight crews, lovingly
happened 15 years ago’. maintained by the volunteers. Our Patient Transfer Facility is a pleasant
Joanna secured the ideal allotment of airside
land, found willing building contractors and Suffice to say, we finally got our funding. Sadly, Jo Campbell passed away in April and welcoming environment at a moment
in true local style, reined in all her contacts And in a further coup, we joined forces 2008 without even seeing the foundations when patients are at their most vulnerable,
from around the area and harangued them with the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley of her legacy and hard work laid. We are and when crews are in need of refreshment
mercilessly until they agreed to do their bit and our facility became a bigger and much fairly sure she has been monitoring the and rejuvenation. Just ask the 241
for free. She was one tough woman. better reality. whole ‘shebang’ closely, and fairly sure she patients who had already enjoyed this new
would have sent a lightning bolt had we experience by the time the morning of the
Sadly Joanna fell ill in late 2007, and all Completed in June 2010, the Kununurra
considered naming the facility after her. long awaited official opening arrived.
good things went by the wayside for a while. Patient Transfer Facility has been described
Changes began to happen at the centre, as the benchmark of all such facilities So, with all the fanfare and heat of a
Bonny Rugendyke
and with the ‘Target 20 Campaign’ in full in Western Australia. It is a modern, remote Kimberley event, the Kununurra
Office Manager / Volunteer, Kununurra
swing, came a whole new generation of comfortable design that provides a smooth Patient Facility was officially opened on
eager volunteers and committee members. undercover transfer of the patient from 14 December 2010 by Federal Minister for
Life-changing Trip for Natalie
Kalgoorlie Paramedic Natalie Osmetti had graciously and with so much
one of her dreams come true when she appreciation. It was also a great
spent two weeks in Cambodia late last experience to work with like-minded
year delivering welcome medical care and people from various backgrounds and
supplies to the local people. Natalie was to use my knowledge and expertise
part of a 14-strong contingent of mainly to work as a team providing medical
volunteers, coordinated by Perth-based assistance and education.”
charity group Awareness Cambodia.
Natalie said the hardest part about
During their trip, the team visited isolated leaving Cambodia was knowing that the
villages and orphanages in Phnom Penh Western world could provide so much
delivering the medical relief and caring
more assistance to this third world country
for disadvantaged communities and
in the form of medical assistance and
young children. An experienced St John
basic welfare.
Ambulance Paramedic, Natalie said
that her time in Cambodia was a stark “I didn’t feel guilty about returning to
reminder of the poor health conditions Australia but rather helpless - I wanted to
found in a third world country. be able to do more - so I have decided to
sponsor a child, and to take up another
“Despite the ongoing challenges of limited
opportunity to return to Cambodia in
medical equipment and supplies, language
September this year.
and cultural barriers, it was a privilege to
help these people and I feel lucky to have “I want to be able to bring awareness to
had the experience,” Natalie said. the atrocities these people have suffered
“The highlight of the trip was the and the poor conditions that they endure
overwhelming humbleness, kindness and every day,” she added.
love towards us from the Cambodians,” For more information on how to
she said. “At the end of the day a smile of get involved in any of Awareness
thanks, a hold of the hand and a cuddle Cambodia’s projects or to sponsor a
from a child touched my heart.”
child at the number of Sunshine House
“Medical assistance that we take for orphanages, as Natalie now does,
granted in Australia was welcomed visit www.awarecam.org.au

6. Gosnells Volunteers Lend a
VFAS
Celebrates Hand in Queensland
a Jubilant A contingent of St Joh n
Ambulance volu nteer first
The team consisted of 11 advanced first
aiders who spent close to a week working
in a variety of different recovery operations
university students, and people from the
hospitality industry to name but a few.
The West Australian contingent joined
Discovery aiders recently returned
from a trip to Qu eensland
in the greater Brisbane areas. Two of the
team members were deployed to the
Command Centre to assist with planning
forces with other teams from St John
Ambulance in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania,
South Australia and the ACT to support
and logistics while others were allocated
to support reco very efforts the recovery task force.
to clean-up teams in some of the worst
Th e Gosnells V nteer First
olu following th e devastating affected areas such as Ipswich. Team travel was donated by Virgin Blue as
part of an arrangement between St John
Aid Ser vice (V FAS) recently floods that struck The team was made up of experienced
Ambulance Australia and Virgin for support
first aid volunteers from all walks of
celebrated 60 years of ser vice to in January. during times of national disasters.
life; retired career fire fighters, nurses,
th e commu nity thanks in part to
th e disco very of an important
piece of arch ival h istory in th e
form of a registration certificate.
The Gosnells operation was established in
1949 as a volunteer ambulance service sub
centre and was the first to offer volunteering
opportunities to both men and women. In the
1970s ambulance operations were centralised
and allowed for paid officers to provide a full
time service. Volunteers typically transitioned
into the operations branch, now known as
VFAS, to provide assistance at large events
or natural disasters such as bushfires.
These days the service is supported by people
from all walks of life who are keen to make a
contribution to the community and often include
enthusiastic paramedic and nursing students.
Now in its 61st year, the Gosnells service
accommodates a 24-hour ambulance service,
hosts regular public first aid training courses,
Service Honours
and is the home of the Gosnells VFAS and
Cadet divisions. It shares the honour of
being one of only four divisions, including
Wanneroo, Perth and Fremantle, that have
been recognised in Western Australia for length
of service. St John congratulates this valuable St John Ambulance Volunteer badges 6 Year Badge – minimum of 60 hrs
service and its committed volunteers on a
At St Joh n Ambulance we
will be presented for periods of voluntary annual voluntary service for more
remarkable milestone. are very mindful that with out service exceeding three, six and nine than 6 years
Each year, VFAS members contribute more th e input of our committed years. To be eligible, you will need to be a
9 Year Badge – minimum of 60 hrs
than 52,000 hours of free service to the current, active ambulance volunteer and/
annual voluntary service for more
community. All members are thoroughly trained volu nteers, th e world-standard or sub centre volunteer with a registered
than 9 years.
using up-to-date equipment and find these volunteer number, have completed a
ambulance ser vice that we Once the registration process is completed,
skills are often transferable to many other minimum of 60 hours voluntary service
emergency situations. There is no cost involved pro vide co vering th e vast for each year, and have maintained certificates and badges will be sent to Sub
in membership and St John Ambulance the skills required to perform your role. Centres for distribution. As a reminder, it
state of WA would not be would be greatly helpful if you could also
prides itself on offering flexible volunteering Voluntary service in any area of activity for
opportunities to everyone. possible. As an organisation, your Sub Centre can be included such take this opportunity to upgrade your
as: gardening/building maintenance, nominee’s personnel records.
Anyone interested in joining St John we want to acknowledge our vehicle maintenance, committee work or
Ambulance WA’s Volunteer First Aid Service For further clarification on eligibility or
volu nteers’ commitm ent by ambulance roster activity. where to find nomination forms, contact
is encouraged to call (08) 9334 1310 or
visit www.stjohnambulance.com.au Richard Chappell, Volunteer Coordinator on
awarding eligible individuals Service Honours available to Volunteers:
(08) 9334 1306, email Richard.Chappell@
Acknowledgement Certificate:
an h onorary badge. ambulance.net.au or talk to your relevant
one or two years of service (no minimum
Regional Manager. Sub Centre committees
hours required)
are asked to forward all application forms
3 Year Badge – minimum of for St John Ambulance Volunteer Awards
60 hrs annual voluntary service for by 15th April, 2011.
more than 3 years

7. New Kids on the Block... What’s On –
Events Calendar
Introducing the Events Team Mark these upcoming event
dates in your diary.
St John Ambulance conducts a variety of corporate events Corporate Meetings April
that are of benefit to staff, volunteers and the community.
Conferences Wed 6 – Fri 8: Business Services exhibits
These include the Annual Sub Centre Conference, Dinner
Dance, VFAS Annual Awards, Paramedic Graduations, Tradeshows at Mining Australia Trade Show, Perth
Christmas Awards function and the Annual Golf Day. Award and Special Occasion Ceremonies Sat 9: Investiture - St John Australia WA,
The newly created Events Department sits within Media Launches Perth Town Hall
Corporate Affairs and can provide full event management
assistance, including concept development, venue selection VIP Visits Fri 29: Casual for a Cause, supporting the
and liaison, food and beverage management, travel and Community Affairs Fundraising Starlight Foundation, Belmont Head Office
accommodation management, speaker and presentation
Corporate Sports / Team Building
management, technical production, theming, staging and
on-site management. To contact the Events team, call 08 9334 1243 or May
Michelle and Tahlia can take the stress out of planning your next email events@ambulance.net.au
Fri 27: Casual for a Cause, supporting
event (large or small) and ensure your objectives are achieved. the Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest
Morning Tea, Belmont Head Office
Snapshot!
Fri 27 – Sun 29: SJAA National Member
Convention, Hobart
Sun 29: SJAA National Church Service, Hobart
TBC: Friends of St John
June
Fri 24: Casual for a Cause, supporting SIDS
What’s been happening in the wonderful world of SJA?
& Kids Red Nose Day, Belmont Head Office
July
Fri 29: Casual for a Cause, supporting
the Blood Bank, Belmont Head Office
August
Fri 26 – Sat 27: Sub Centre Conference, Perth
Sat 27: Annual Dinner Dance
September
Industrial Health Services have a presence on-site at Cape Preston. A record number of 50 new Student Ambulance Officers conduct CPR Training. Fri 30: Casual for a Cause, supporting the Royal
Flying Doctor Service, Belmont Head Office
TBC: Friends of St John
October
Wed 5 – Sat 8: Australasian College
of Ambulance Professionals, Sydney
Wed 12 – Thu 13: Council of Ambulance
Authorities Convention, Sydney
Mon 24: Annual Chapter Meeting
VFAS undertook a promotional photo shoot in February 2011. Attendees enjoy the 2010 Sub Centre Conference. November
TBC: Annual Golf Day
December
TBC: Annual Christmas Function & Awards
Please note, dates may vary based on
business or operational requirements.
If you have any events you’d like added
to the next Bulletin newsletter, please
email them through to the Events Team
via events@ambulance.net.au
The Laverton Team exhibit at the 2010 Sub Centre Conference. Jyles Coad-Ward received a Special Commendation at the 2010 Christmas Function.
Images courtesy of Corporate Affairs Department and Archer Imagery. If you have any photos you’d like added to
the next Bulletin newsletter, please email them through to the Editorial Team via public.relations@ambulance.net.au

8. St John Ambulance Tribute to a Mate -
in Numbers Michael La Verde
The number of St John Ambulance staff 9/10/1973 – 12/12/2010
1,099 on the February 2011 payroll. In December, St John lost a valued
member of our family, Mike La Verde,
from the Ambulance Radio Section.
The average number of patients presenting to
235 SJA’s Industrial Health Service remote mine site
medical staff throughout Western Australia.
During his 10 years with us, Mike was an
excellent radio technician who loved helping
people and would go out of his way to
ensure our career and volunteer staff
received the best service possible.
1936 The year the first Cadet units commenced at Fremantle.
What made him special was that radio
work to him was more than a job, it was
his passion.
The number of dedicated staff who provide
19 a flexible supply chain to SJAA WA. “What made h im special
We will miss him very much and the
things that made Michael so special to us
was that radio work to – his love of music (Elvis and ACDC), his
h im was more than a job
, endless energy, his passionate support of St
134 The number of country ambulance volunteers
recruited in the last three months.
it was h is passion.” John Ambulance and his dedication to his
dearly loved family.
We extend our sincere condolences to
The number of new Ambulances stocked by Supply this
22 financial year (the most ever recorded in one year).
Michael’s wife Cathy, their children Marco
and Nicola, and family on the tragic loss of a
wonderful young man.
The number of Country Ambulance John Watts
3,033 Volunteers at March 2011. (Manager Fleet & Radio Communication)
The actual Supply inventory value
$969,000 for February 2011 month end.
The total number of commencement or offers
New Media Guidelines
165 for Paramedics, Transport Officers, and
Communications Officers this financial year to date.
St John Ambulance Australia (Western Australia) has released new Media Guidelines.
These guidelines apply to all employees and volunteers so please make sure you familiarise
The total number of students trained during yourself. To view the new Media Guidelines visit the Corporate Affairs page on the Intranet,
46,292 2010 through the First Aid Focus Program. contact your manager or Sub Centre Coordinator.
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Fax: 08 9334 1368 Email: events@ambulance.net.au
Post: St John Ambulance Events Team, PO Box 183, BELMONT WA 6984
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are looking at ‘green’ options for Coles Group & Myer Wish Gift Card (Woolworths / Big W / Dick Smith) Target / Target Country
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options not only provide a more
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can also be a more economical option. Winners will be contacted by phone and will be announced on the Intranet.
One option is that future editions of
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email to all on-road staff, administration Physical Address:
and support staff, Sub Centres
Postal Address: (Same as above )
and volunteers.
Contact Phone: Mobile: Email:
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you think about a greener Bulletin –
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simply update your contact details and
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The Bulletin is the official magazine of St John Ambulance WA, bringing you news of what we are doing across Western Australia, published and produced by the Corporate Affairs Department.
We welcome your feedback
We welcome views, suggestions, photos and letters from readers. All contributions may be edited for legal reasons, space restrictions or clarity. Let us know what you would like to read in future issues.
To contribute to the magazine or make an enquiry, contact the Editorial Team on 08 9334 1237 or public.relations@ambulance.net.au
Copyright St John Ambulance WA, 209 Great Eastern Highway, Belmont, WA 6104