Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Incorporated Vol 20 No 4 - May 2016

VAOAT celebrates 20 years of operation

On 4th May 1996 a group of Volunteer The photo below shows members back in Ambulance Officers met at Tarraleah. They 1999 and many are still with us twenty years adopted a constitution, elected office bearers later. and a committee, and the VAOAT was born. If you want to see just what has been From Day 1 TAS (now AT) management achieved during the past 20 years go to pages were totally supportive and that has remained 10-11 and you can also see more photos of the case ever since. some of our activities in this issue of First The Association was formed, thanks to the Response. desire of Nubeena VAO Colin Dell, to give a united voice for all Tasmanian ambulance Marg Dennis, Editor volunteers.

AGM at Campbell Town, 24th October 1999

L-R: Ian Bradbury, Kevin Jones, Neville Peake, ??, Robert Lee, Sandi-Lee Squires, Phil Dennis, Shirley Squires, Jim Morris, Cheryl Apted, David Carpenter, Colin Dell, Robyn Dell, Derek Fisher, Roger Garth, Helen Reynolds, Debra Mansfield (with Rachel), Howard Fox, Dianne Coon. (Photo by Marg Dennis)

IN THIS EDITION ...... PHIL’S THOUGHTS - Ebola & Zika 2 20 YEARS OF THE VAOAT - a pictorial history 16 COORDINATOR VOLUNTEER STRATEGY 6 P. J. PARSSEY AWARD - Tania Burke 21 VAOAT BOARD - May meeting draft summary 12 BREAK DOWN BARRIERS TO CARE - Hal Newman 25 VAOAT ACHIEVEMENTS - timeline 14 PUZZLE/WORD SEARCH/10 KWIK KWESTIONS 27 FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 - Phil’s Thoughts… “Ebola & Zika”

hen penicillin was discovered it was development. Although the most common result of a thought that most illnesses would be pregnant woman contracting the virus was a baby W overcome, yet here we are over 60 with a small brain and skull with varying degrees of years later struggling to face two viruses that have brain damage. Other cases showed up including been around for many years. poor growth in the womb and a serious reduction in Ebola first appeared with two cases, in 1976 in the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby. Some women have had stillbirths since and of six babies the Sudan, the other in the Congo. As the outbreak occurred near the Ebola river the name stuck with born – three were normal, one had severe brain the virus. injuries and the other two were underweight. The Zika virus was first discovered in Uganda in For children who survive pregnancy and are born Rhesus monkeys that were being monitored for with microcephaly, the future is bleak. In the worst Yellow fever. It was first identified in humans in cases, children will be severely intellectually and physically handicapped. But even those less severely Uganda and Tanzania in 1952. affected will likely struggle with psychomotor So both viruses have been identified for many impairment — characterised by slow thought, speech years yet there were no vaccines or drugs available and physical movements. It is quite disturbing to see when they were required. the face of a baby with this illness. Scientists have With Ebola the speed in which it immobilised its just declared Zika is the cause of microcephaly, April victims did much to limit the spread of the disease, 2016. restricting the spread to only people who made Meanwhile in authorities are spraying contact with the deceased. This kept the spread to houses and businesses near a hotel in an isolated area, but all that changed with the after a guest tested positive with the disease. The availability of modern transport that not man had recently returned from a trip to only carried people but also the virus. South America. The mosquito Aedes Luckily the outbreak has been 1 “...result of a pregnant aegypti , also known as the Yellow curtailed, for now. Fever mosquito, is endemic to north woman contracting the and has been located in Zika virus is transmitted to people virus was a baby with a through the bite of an infected mosquito the central and southwest regions of from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes small brain and skull the state. It is known that six other aegypti in tropical regions. This is the with varying degrees of species of the Aedes are capable of same mosquito that transmits dengue, brain damage.” carrying the Zika virus, and the worry is chikungunya and yellow fever. Initially it that the mosquito Culex was thought that Zika was a relatively quinuefasciatus may be a vector and benign disease, producing only mild flu-like may be able to transmit the disease, this mosquito is symptoms - if any at all. This gave the health widespread throughout much of Australia and while authorities not too much concern as it spread around uncommon in Tasmania it has been known to occur. the globe. But with the sudden rise in the number of As there is no treatment for the Zika virus cases of microcephaly in Brazil, which can cause preventative personal measures are important, you babies to be born with abnormally small heads, we may wonder what the young sports girls chosen for appear to have another global health emergency on the Olympics are thinking about the situation. For a our hands. It is all the more of concern if the reports few years Australian scientists have been leading the of sexual transmission prove valid and its spread is research into Dengue Fever, they are experimenting not limited to mosquitoes. with a new strain of mosquito that carries a bacterium One big problem was that if Zika is a factor with which stops the mosquito from growing the Dengue microcephaly, it was not entirely clear why. In the virus in its body. Let’s hope that they are successful seven decades since Zika was first discovered, such in stopping not only Dengue Fever but can use their horrific complications have never before been expertise into coming up with a similar plan to stop observed. A form of nerve damage, called Guillain- the Zika virus the same way. This would be great Barré syndrome, has been seen in a small number of news for babies and Australia. people, and in the case of pregnancies there were 17 cases of malformations of the central nervous system Cheers in foetuses, following an outbreak in French Phil Dennis Polynesia in 2014. But the alarm bells only starting to ring after some results from Brazil were announced. Scientists believe that infected pregnant women pass Source: the virus to their unborn babies through the placenta • http://www.bbc.com/news/health and that the virus then damages their brain • The Tasmanian Justice Journal, 1st Quarter 2016

2 - FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 Volunteer Ambulance Officers Ambulance Tasmania (VAOAT)

Entries from Tasmanian Volunteer Ambulance Officers around the state will be accepted between 1st June 2016 and 31st July 2016

Winners announced and calendars available for purchase in December 2016

Photo Competition 2016 Theme: Volunteers in uniform

We’re looking for photos that fit our theme for

the 2017 VAOAT fundraising calendar. Entries can be emailed to: [email protected] You or your photo could be on the front cover!

OR

Prizes to be won! A CD can be sent addressed to Laura Leworthy at Huonville Station For publishing in the calendar, the photo needs to meet the following 18 Sale St Huonville requirements:

• Be fun! OR • Have permission from the subject you are photographing to be published • Uphold the integrity of Ambulance Tasmania Placed in Huonville’s pigeon • Photo Size: 1666 by 1294 pixels; Resolution 300 dpi hole at headquarters in

southern region

FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 - 3 ON MY SOAPBOX TANIA RATTRAY MLC Independent Member for Apsley The big news for the VAOAT is that we have reached our 20 year milestone as an organisation. Legislative Council Many original members are still involved and the Board now has a good mix of newer and experienced Proudly assisting the production of the members. newsletter for the Volunteer Ambulance Phil is rather chuffed because his article “All at Officers Association of Tasmania. Sea”, printed in the Feb 2016 edition of First Response, was spotted by the Maritime Museum of Electorate Office: Tasmania. We were happy for them to include the article in their publication Maritime Times of 16 King St, Scottsdale Tasmania and they even added a few more nautical Ph: 6350 5000 terms. If you are interested in Tasmania’s maritime history why not visit the museum when you are in Mob: 0427 523 412 and by becoming a member you will also Fax: 6350 5002 receive their very interesting quarterly newsletter. Congratulations to Tania Rattray for retaining her Email: [email protected] Upper House seat of Apsley in the recent election. Tania is a wonderful supporter of local towns and community groups in her huge electorate. She was a driving force in the campaign to save our aged care facility (Aminya) here in Scottsdale and she travels A company owner was asked a question, "How do far & wide to attend and support local events. you motivate your employees to be so punctual?" If you are in Hobart on 27th May, why not attend He smiled & replied, "It's simple. I have 30 the VAOAT 20th anniversary employees and 29 free parking spaces. One is paid morning tea at Wrest Point Casino, parking." a chance to celebrate our past and look forward to the future. Seen on a baby’s grow-suit: Bye for now, Margaret “I’ve just spent 9 months inside.”

VAOAT Board 2015/16 Any concerns? - we’re here to help, but before approaching the Association please try to resolve problems first, via the correct chain of command in your region.

President: Pat Taylor Ph: 0418 538 776 Leith McHarry Ph: 0448 768 836 [email protected] [email protected]

V/President: Wayne Doran Ph: 6259 5697 Keitha Munro Ph: 0405 625 751 [email protected] [email protected]

Treasurer: Jack Van Tatenhove Jack Spinks Ph: 0428 117 512 Ph: 6428 6462 / 0467 546 865 [email protected] [email protected] OR [email protected] Steven Thompson Ph: 0457 232 515 [email protected] Secretary: Dianne Coon Ph: 6471 7017 [email protected] OR Deb Van Velzen Ph: 0427 554 264 [email protected] [email protected]

Cheryl Wilson Ph: 6265 3703 M:0439 365 335 Board members: [email protected] Lesley Green Ph: 0404 466 019 [email protected] Sue George ex officio Ph: 0438 632 649 (M) or 6425 0517 (W) Laura Leworthy Ph: 0409 158 308 [email protected] [email protected] Public Officer } Dianne Coon Ph: 6471 7017 Publicity Officer }

4 - FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 VAOAT Gathering 2016

AMBU- G16

Hello and welcome from Bicheno Summer has unfortunately gone, sleeves are back in Jackets ready for the cooler weather so its back to Flu time check Vgate for times and locations for Flu Vaccinations. Thank you all for your contributions to the Ian Bradbury Fire Appeal, at time of printing ten thousand, one hundred and twelve dollars and sixty cents has been donated, also thank you to stations that conducted other fund raising events. Check the information on Mental Health First Aid on Vgate and in first Response the course is being Everybody will be staying at the Strahan Village, offered by Lifeline at a reduced cost. There are which is the four star motel overlooking the Harbour. minimum numbers so groups may wish to combine. We are able to provide this level of accommodation Welcome to our new Volunteers in Northern and due to sponsorship and support from our hosts at Southern Regions who have just or almost Strahan Village and Strahan's growing aquaculture completed their Inductions. industry. The VAOAT has been running for 20 Years so a Attendees will have an opportunity to enjoy the morning tea will be held at Wrest Point to Celebrate harbour, and to learn more about the important the event further info will be on Vgate soon. industries which underpin the Strahan economy. Planning for the Strahan Gathering is progressing We will be providing discounts and pre and post well, this is certainly one not to be missed. Gathering packages for people who want to spend

longer on the wild west coast. Cheers & quiet times on road, Pat Taylor What’s in store... President VAOAT • Tours • Scenarios • Activities • Mingle with volunteers and staff from all over the state • Show us your skills! • Reunite with old friends • FUN!!!!

When… • Friday the 2nd of December through to the Sunday 4th • Registrations will open through Eventbrite on September 1st • Pre and post packages will be available for those who wish to stay longer • Like us on Facebook to keep up with the information for G16

On Saturday Night dress up in your most

"Jeans and Ugg boots are not approved ‘out there’ creation, themed by the letter with AT uniform. If you are out and about in uniform, W please wear it properly!"

FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 - 5 Coordinator Volunteer Strategy - Update

Volunteer Program Changes Starting 1 Jan 2016, Ambulance Tasmania has a new “volunteer assistant” role for people who just want to help out without getting involved in hands-on patient care. These new volunteers work with higher qualified officers and help with scene management, equipment handling and driving. In conjunction with this change, Ambulance Tasmania has also introduced a new classifications system for volunteers and commenced rolling out new training materials based on those used in the South Australian Ambulance Service for their Volunteer Ambulance Officers. The focus for the new classifications is as follows:

VAO-1 Non-clinical assistance and support for higher qualified staff by assisting with scene management, taking notes and completing the Patient Care Record, stretcher handling, equipment and driving

VAO-2 First response to life-threatening medical emergencies, manage a scene until additional crews arrive, and assist higher qualified officers with patient care and

during transport of patients to hospital.

VAO-3 Broad range of clinical interventions; treat and monitor patients until backup arrives (if backup is required) and transport less seriously-ill patients to hospital.

VAO-4 Broad range of clinical interventions; treat and monitor patients until backup arrives (if backup is required) and transport less seriously-ill patients to hospital.

Ambulance Tasmania has also moved responsibility for in-field training for all staff, including volunteers, to the three Regional Training Units (RTUs) as of 1 January 2016. The three RTUs will provide a more consistent approach to volunteer training and are also responsible for annual Authority to Practice certification and clinical audits of volunteer cases. As part of this process, volunteers will shortly be asked to complete a “self-audit” of training they have attended over the last three years. This will allow AT to reconcile our training records. The audit will allow RTU staff to identify any training deficiencies that some volunteers will require to complete the transfer to the new classification system. This is particularly the case for VAO Level 1 under the old system who are transferring to the new VAO-2 classification as this new classification also carries with it an expanded Scope of Practice to include life-saving drugs and pain relief. Some Level 1s under the old system will have completed the required training for these drugs and some will not. RTUs will work with volunteers to ensure any required training and assessments can be completed in a timely manner to make the transition to the new classification and Authority to Practice as smooth as possible.

New Version of Volunteer Manual Published A new version of the Volunteer Manual for 2016 has been uploaded to vGate. This version contains significant changes from the previous version and discusses in detail the new classifications for VAOs. You are strongly encouraged to read the manual online as a PDF rather than printing a copy is it exceeds 100 pages. There is also a new Information Sheet on vGate describing how the VAO-1 through VAO-4 classifications work.

2016 Tasmanian Volunteering Awards Congratulations to Derek Fisher from Sheffield for his work with AT volunteers and Pam Heiermann from Sorell for her work with St John Ambulance. Both were finalists for the Lyden Builders Emergency Services Award in the 2016 Tasmanian Volunteering Awards.

6 - FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 Coordinator Volunteer Strategy - Update

New Epaulettes Ambulance Tasmania has ordered new epaulettes for volunteers, showing their classification.

The new epaulettes are expected to be delivered shortly and will be issued by RTUs on confirmation of classification (see above). Each volunteer will receive three sets of epaulettes.

Volunteer Exchange Program 2016

Ambulance Tasmania is once again offering the opportunity for two VAOs to spend a week working with a mainland ambulance crew through the Volunteer Exchange Program. The exchange visit is part of an annual round-robin Volunteer Exchange Program with the South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS) and Ambulance (AV).

Two AT volunteers will be given the opportunity to travel to Victoria for one week departing Tasmania for Melbourne on Friday morning July 22nd and returning Friday afternoon July 29th 2016. The visit includes attending the annual AV Grampians & Barwon South West Regional Volunteer Conference in on July 23rd and 24th. Participants of the volunteer exchange program traveling to Victoria will participate as an Observer on a AV ambulance crew. A brief induction will be undertaken with the participants before commencing time on an ambulance. Participants will be required to follow directions provided by AV staff at all times and follow AV policies and procedures that are in place for observers. All costs associated with travel to Victoria including any out-of-pocket expenses for meals will be paid by Ambulance Tasmania for the two successful participants. Participants will be billeted with a local volunteer while interstate, or motel-style accommodation will be provided where a billet is not possible. AV will make all necessary travel and accommodation arrangements within Victoria. Two SAAS volunteers will travel to Tasmania in late November and will work as part of an AT crew as well as attending the VAOAT Gathering in Strahan. Further details about the exchange program and an Application Form for 2016 are available on vGate. The deadline for applications for 2016 has been extended to 5:00pm Monday 29 May 2016. If you would like to be considered for this prestigious opportunity and are available to travel to Victoria between 22-29 July 2016, please complete and return the Application Form.

FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 - 7 Coordinator Volunteer Strategy - Update

Ian Bradbury Fire Appeal A total of $10,112.60 was raised in support of long-serving VAO Ian Bradbury who lost everything in a house fire in St Marys at the end of February. The campaign closed at the end of April and 100% of the funds raised are being transferred to Ian by VAOAT who kindly made the banking arrangements for the appeal. While donations came from a wide variety of volunteers and members of the public, a special mention must go to the Beaconsfield volunteers who raised $1,360.50 by running a stall and a raffle at the Exeter market. An outstanding result and our thanks go out to everyone who supported the campaign!

Public Awareness Campaigns Ambulance Tasmania is in the process of rolling out three public awareness campaigns using the rear windows of ambulances. The messages are printed on a product called “Clearfilm” which still allows people inside the vehicle to see out. Eventually, all Type 1 ambulances across the state will have one of the three campaigns on their rear window:

Approx 35 ambulances statewide

Approx 35 ambulances, predominantly urban Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Devonport

Approx 35 ambulances, predominantly branch stations and volunteer-only stations

8 - FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 Coordinator Volunteer Strategy - Update

Coming Soon – Get Your New ID Card at Service Tasmania From 1 June 2016, volunteers will be able to get their new Ambulance Tasmania ID card simply by visiting their nearest Service Tasmania shop. When your ID expires (or if it already has!) all you need is a letter from your Regional Manager with your details. Take this letter to any Service Tasmania outlet and get a new photo taken, just like you would for a drivers license renewal. Your ambulance ID card details and the photo are then transmitted directly to the card printer on the mainland and in a few days your new card will be delivered to your regional office. For volunteers (and paramedics when this initiative is expanded to include salaried staff) the new ID Cards will only show you first name on the front and will have your Authority to Practice on the back.

Recent Staff Changes • Paul Templar was appointed as Acting Chief Executive Officer of Ambulance Tasmania at the beginning of the year, pending completion of the recruitment process for a new CEO. • Craig Westlake is currently Director Communications Reform and is overseeing several projects including the CAD upgrade, IVIS and AT’s involvement into the new whole-of-government ESCAD project. • Garry White has been appointed to the role of Manager Statewide Services but is currently Acting Manager Southern Region while Craig Westlake is heading up Communications Reform. Garry has worked in roles at Ambulance Tasmania since 2006 including as a Wilderness Helicopter Paramedic, CSO. Operations Manager and Qualified Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch System Instructor and call taker. He has also assisted EPDU in delivering lectures to Ambulance Paramedics • Lynden Ferguson is the Manager Northern Region. Lynden has worked with AT since 2000 starting out as a Student Ambulance Officer/Qualified in the Southern Region working there for four years. From there he has transitioned to the roles of BSO in Campbell Town, EPDU Volunteer Educator in the Northern Region, Intensive Care Flight Paramedic – Fixed Wing, to the position of Duty Manager while frequently acting in the role as A/Operations Manager. • Joe Pawlasty is the A/Manager NW Region while Paul Templar is in Hobart as A/CEO. • David Godfrey-Smith has been seconded to a project for the next 12 months, starting 9 May 2016. His position is being advertised internally within DHHS and will be backfilled as soon as possible. • Peter Morgan is the A/Manager Aero-Medical and Medical Retrieval while Shaun White is on leave for a year. Peter has worked with AT since 1972 and has been in a variety of roles including Acting Station Officer, Qualified Instructor Citizen CPR, Duty Officer (included work as a Communications Officer), Manager State Communications Centre, Acting Manager Statewide Operations, Supervisor Tactical Operations, Acting Manager Southern Operations, Operations Manager South, A/Regional Manager, South, A/Manager State Communications, A/Manager EDPU, A/Manager North West and management within Primary Health. • Andrew Porter has been appointed Manager, Technical Services, replacing Andrew O’Brien who has retired. Andrew Porter brings to Ambulance Tasmania a wealth of experience as a Paramedic, Regional Manager, State Manager Operational Communications in SAAS and more recently from his work with the Department of Police and Emergency Management, Child Protection Services and Purchasing, Planning and Performance for the Department of Health and Human Services in Tasmania. • Han-Wei Lee is Acting Manager Capability and Development and is looking after the IVIS Project and update of Guardian, AT’s CAD system • Bec Lynd is the Coordinator, Operational Safety, taking over from Steve Hickie. • Mike McDermott is the Acting Manager Statewide Services which includes Research and Clinical Practice, Emergency Management and Patient Safety, until Garry White returns from Southern Region. • Tegan Curtis has joined the Medical Services team as Coordinator Research and Clinical Practice until June 2016. • Anna Ekdahl is the new Coordinator Emergency Management and will be responsible for, amongst other things, the ATIRP and the VIST project. • Cathie McNamara is leading the development of resources for volunteer training in Education and Professional Development.

FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 - 9 Coordinator Volunteer Strategy - Update

• With Regional Training Units (RTUs) now responsible for in-field training for all staff, including volunteers (see above), it is also timely to introduce the three Clinical Support Managers (CSMs) who are: • Brett Gibson, Clinical Support Manager - Southern Region • Greg Edsall, Clinical Support Manager - Northern Region • Dave Curtis, Clinical Support Manager - NW Region (with Steve Trewin filling in as A/CSM while Dave is on leave).

David Godfrey-Smith Coordinator Volunteer Strategy Ambulance Tasmania 12 Brisbane Street, Hobart 7000 Phone: (03) 6230-8010 Mobile: 0488-537-000 Fax: (03) 6230-8573 Email: [email protected]

You can keep in touch with Ambulance Tasmania on social media:

Mental Health First Aid

Lifeline Tasmania in Partnership with the Volunteer Ambulance Association would like to offer Mental Health First Aid Training to volunteers at a reduced price. This training is a 2 day training course that will enable volunteers to provide mental health first aid management to people who present with anxiety, depression, psychosis, suicide risk and substance misuse issues. This is an accredited training program where participants can gain a 3 year accreditation for the training (the same as first aid). The training is run by Lorette Venables who is a Mental Health Nurse with 23 years’ experience in the mental health field. Lorette is the Early Intervention and Prevention Manager with Lifeline Tasmania. Mental Health First Aid is a generic course but the course will be delivered to suit the needs of the volunteer ambulance members and will be delivered from a practical ‘hands on’ perspective. Lifeline Tasmania have great respect for the work the Volunteer Ambulance Association provide to the Tasmanian community and are excited to provide training in this significant health area to members. Minimum number is 8 for a course Please contact Lorette for further details.

Lorette Venables Early Intervention and Prevention Manager Lifeline Tasmania Ph: 6282 1540 Mob: 0419 472 213 Fax: 6282 1502 Email: [email protected]

10 - FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 Comms Gets a New Name

The State Communications Centre has been officially renamed the State Operations Centre or “SOC”. “Operations Centre” better describes the activities of the centre and is in line with the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) which forms part of the SOC. Renaming of the unit also makes us consistent with other Ambu- lance Services across Australia. The role and responsibilities of the centre have changed markedly over the last number of years. The SOC is now the focus of tactical deployment of all AT resources across the State, and the centre’s Duty Manager has tactical responsibility of all AT resources and operationally deployed personnel for the State. The areas of responsibility for the SOC include: • The movement and deployment of all Ambulance Tasmania physical and human resources across the State, both salaried and volunteer; • Movement of all non-emergency transport vehicles including the allocation of cases to commercial pro- viders; • Making decisions based on clinical presentation including the interaction with Clinical Consultants; • Allocation and authorisation of overtime across all regions; • Responsibility of attempting to fill short time sick leave; • Call outs of branch station officers and other on-call resources; • Dispatch of rotary winged resources; • Planning and dispatch of fixed wing resources; • Mandatory notification duties of Regional Duty Managers; • Responsibility to notify the Ambulance State Controller of ‘notifiable’ incidents; • Issue of daily incident reports; • Issue and resolution of technical issues that arise in the SOC; • A command and control role in the event of an evacuation or partial evacuation of the SOC; • An overall command of operating the Business Continuity Plans of other regions out of hours; • Ensuring compliance with Work Health and Safety issues and policies and procedures; • Making high level tactical decisions based on the best service delivery model to achieve good outcomes.

All documentation and policies will be updated to reflect the name change the next time they are updated or at the next review cycle. In the meantime, any reference in AT documents to the State Communications Centre has the same meaning as a reference to the State Operations Centre.

FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 - 11 DRAFT Summary of Minutes from VAOAT Board meeting 11th February 2016 held at AT Hobart

Attending: Pat Taylor (Chair) Steven Thompson, Dianne Coon, Jack van Tatenhove, Wayne Doran, Cheryl Wilson, Leith McHarry, Lesley Green. Jack Spinks, Laura Leworthy.

Apologies: Keitha Munro, Sue George, Deb van Velzen.

Visitors: AT staff: Janet Carty, Director, Education and Professional Development; Alice Blake, RTO Compliance Coordinator; and Tammy Cornish, Southern Region OSO each attended for part of the meeting.

Matters discussed • May is the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the VAOAT, and on Friday 27th May we will be holding a celebratory morning tea at Wrest Point Casino at 1100. All volunteers and supporters are most welcome. Note, unless you are on ambulance duty, please do not wear your uniform. • A photographic competition featuring ‘Ambulance volunteering in Tasmania’ will be launched in May, judged in August and the winners will grace a calendar to be released at the Gathering in Strahan. • Tammy Cornish (OSO Southern Region) discussed her plans for improving the structure of the way we deal with volunteer applications. • Alice Blake and Janet Carty briefed us on the progress of achieving formal qualifications for elements of the training provided to VAOs. • New subjects to be delivered include Occupational Violence and Positive Workplace Culture. • The Board discussed with Janet the issues involved in implementing the new training systems and consequent operational and cultural change, and we all agreed on the importance of communication. • We are inviting a number of prominent Tasmanians to a dinner in May to help us brainstorm funding options, to be called Funding the Next 20 Years. • The 2016 Gathering will be held at the Strahan Village from 2 – 4. • December. The Board appointed Steven Thompson as Convener of the G16 Organising Committee, and authorised the Committee to seek funding from local businesses. Some significant corporate donations have already been pledged, and more are expected shortly. • The next Board meeting will be held on 28th May 2016 in AT HQ Hobart.

Dianne Coon VAOAT Secretary

WHY DO WE SAY? How to start your day with a positive outlook *** Gossip ***

Strange as it may seem gossip comes from the 1) Open a new file in your PC. word Godparent. The Old English for Godparent was 2) Name it "Housework." God+sibb, meaning a sponsor at baptism, sibb from 3) Send it to the RECYCLE BIN. sibling. Later it was used as gossip 4) Empty the RECYCLE BIN. as a form of address, then as a term for anyone engaging in familiar or 5) Your PC will ask you, "Are you sure you want to idle chatter. delete Housework permanently?" 6) Answer calmly, "Yes," and press the mouse Cheers button firmly. Phil Dennis 7) Feel better?

12 - FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 20th Anniversary Celebrations Friday 27th May, 1100 Derwent Room, Wrest Point Casino 410 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay

It was one of the few good things to come out of the Port Arthur tragedy. Just a few days after that terrible event, in early May, a group of volunteer ambulance officers gathered in Tarraleah. The meeting had been planned for weeks before, but the fact that several of its attendees had been in those first ambulances who answered the call to the shooting site gave the occasion a greater sense of urgency and importance. Those who had been affected felt supported by their colleagues, and the rest were galvanised to provide care and comfort for our fellows. We heard the stories, hugged and cried, and then got on with the business of establishing an association to represent and support these people. Two decades on, volunteer ambulance officers have been first on the scene at plane crashes on Flinders and King Islands, various boat emergencies around the coastlines, at the Cradle mountain bus crash, many traumas and car accidents, and to countless thousand medical emergency and illness patients around the state. Rural Tasmania remains as reliant on volunteers as it ever has been.

In those twenty years, the Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association has provided energetic assistance to our volunteers and the community they serve in countless ways: we unfailingly produce a quarterly magazine, established websites before many other organisations had heard of the internet, and cooperated to create ground-breaking online communication and rostering systems; forged excellent working relationships with all levels of Ambulance Tasmania and the Health Department and have collaborated on the development of numerous policies; occasionally we have publicly campaigned to persuade the government to change a policy; in partnership with UTAS and Ambulance Tasmania we conducted award- winning, nationally significant research; a Tasmanian represents the nation’s ambulance volunteers on the Australian Emergency Management Volunteers Forum, and we have been at the forefront of initiating and conducting leadership training for emergency volunteers; the Association has received substantial grants from several organisations and applied them to improve training, facilities or circumstances for ambulance volunteers; and, perhaps most importantly, the VAOAT provides opportunities for volunteers from around the state to meet their colleagues in an atmosphere of fun, celebration and sharing. So, on the 27th May we are taking the opportunity to acknowledge our first twenty years, and to look forward to the future. Please join us.

Dianne Coon On behalf of the Board of the Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association.

VAOAT is also on social media, find us on Facebook...

https://www.facebook.com/VAOAT

FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 - 13 VAOAT Achievements Timeline

May 2016 marks the 20th Anniversary of the founding of the VAOAT.

So what have we achieved over the past 20 years?

VAOAT Achievements 1996 -2000 • First Response newsletter to all Volunteer Ambulance Officers • Website set up • First ongoing Educator for volunteers funded by Ambulance Tasmania (1999). By 2011 there were four Educators • VAOAT has representatives on Ambulance Tasmania committees, such as fleet, equipment, uniform and OH&S • More than a Band-Aid project defined strategies training, uniform, vehicles and support in recruiting and retaining volunteers that was funded by Emergency Management Australia • Ambulance Tasmania strategic planning invites volunteers participation • Parliamentary Inquiry into Ambulance Services input • VAOAT is the accepted & ongoing voice for volunteers by Ambulance Tasmania management and the • Development of a national, ongoing, accredited course for volunteers, including standardised, protocol training packages

VAOAT Achievements 2001 -2006 • Part of Stand Up and Be Counted national research on factors affecting Australian and & New Zealand ambulance volunteers • Direct representation on the Australia Emergency Management Volunteer Forum, which looked at issues common to all emergency service volunteers • Driver training for all volunteers, was a volunteer initiative achieved with a grant through Tasmanian Community Funds and facilitated by VAOAT • A MegaCode Kelly manikin provided to each region, with funds from several volunteer units, VAOAT, and Tasmanian and Australian Government funding • Recruitment booklets developed for use by local volunteer groups • Ongoing improvements to vehicles and equipment, including automatic external defibrillators for all volunteer groups • Improvements to Uniforms, second jumpsuits available; two piece suits are an alternative for female volunteers. • Standardised reimbursement process for out-of-pocket expenses. • Access to Computers& e-learning for all volunteer groups • Two Training Seminars at Archers Manor - these preceded the Gatherings and were organised by the VAOAT, with some help from AT (formerly TAS). They were the first time that VAOs from all areas of the state were together in one room, and the sharing and networking were as valuable as the medical/ ambulance information presented.

14 - FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 VAOAT Achievements 2007 -2012 • Annual VAO ‘Gatherings’ commence, so volunteers can spend a funded weekend sharing experiences and learning from one another, and participate in the VAOAT AGM and General meeting. To May 2016 VAOAT has held 11 Gatherings in all areas of Tasmania – including King Island – providing hundreds of volunteers with a free weekend of fun, laughter, learning and networking. • First ambulance volunteer on the national Volunteer Leadership Program (Wayne Doran, 2007). This is run by the Australian Emergency Management Institute with emergency services volunteers applying to attend from all over Australia • Keynote speech by Dianne Coon at Forum by Ambulance 2020, a grouping of the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals, Health and Community Services Union and the VAOAT • Recruitment website to make it easier for prospective VAOs to access information and make contact with Ambulance Tasmania • Recruitment DVD “Making a Difference”, VAOAT helped develop this resource and support volunteer participation in the filming. Organised the launch to media • VAOAT Professional Association Badge is free to members, and has official approval for it to be worn on volunteer uniform • vGate website - developed by a volunteer for volunteers- for access to rosters, training, e-learning & protocols. Also provides information and reports to Ambulance Tasmania • Gathering Information Booklet for volunteer units wishing to host an annual Gathering, including Gathering policies & procedures • First Response moves to being an e-magazine, allowing longer editions and high quality pictures. However, to ensure equity of access, hard copies are still distributed to strategic locations. Thanks to the offices of Dick Adams, MP, and Tania Rattray MLC for their support in photocopying the magazine. • Coordinator Volunteer Strategy, assisted in the creation of an Ambulance Tasmania position dedicated to the support of volunteers • Recruitment Vehicle, is a high profile year-round recruitment tool. VAOAT gained ongoing sponsorship for running costs from MAIB, RACT and Searoad Shipping • Two VAOAT volunteers (Cheryl Wilson and Pat Taylor) are part of a team delivering the Australian Emergency Management Institute’s Volunteer Leadership Program. This is a national program with emergency services volunteers applying to attend from all over Australia

VAOAT Ongoing Support and Action ~ 2013 onwards • VAOAT is the accepted, ongoing, external voice for volunteers by Ambulance Tasmania management and the Tasmanian Government • Providing a combined and united voice for all volunteer units, countering prior isolation or ‘squeaky wheel’ issues • Involvement in reviewing, negotiating and updating all Ambulance Tasmania policies and procedures which impact on volunteers (e.g. Volunteer Ambulance Officers Procedures Manual, Financial Policy, Statement of Duties, and many others) • Representing and promoting the Tasmanian volunteer perspective • Promoting opportunities for volunteers to attend Leadership courses and Conferences • Ongoing activities to increase profile of volunteers at statewide events / rural shows where volunteers demonstrate their skills • Proactive in securing grants and gaining on-going sponsorships • Currently undertaking a thorough Strategic Planning process, aimed at ensuring that the VAOAT remains relevant to its members, and that the organisation is structured to ensure robust governance and sufficient funding for the next 20+ years. • Continuing to represent volunteer ambulance officers on the Australian Emergency Management Volunteers Forum. • Planning is well underway for the next Gathering, to be held 2 – 4 December 2016 in Strahan.

FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 - 15 20 Years of the VAOAT - in pictures

EMA Summit , 2001

EMA Summit Canberra, 2005

First Response 006 Vol 1, No 1, August 1996 or, 2 Man hers r Arc mina g Se The Lea ainin Tr Gathering, 2008

Sheffield Gathering, 2008

Port Sorell Gathering, 2009 Oatlands meeting,

16 - FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 20 Years of the VAOAT - in pictures

King Island Gathering, 2008 Ulverstone Gathering, Camp Clayton, 2012

First Response Vol 20, No 3, February 2016 Gumleaves Gathering, 2009

Hobart VAOAT meeting, 2005 George Town Gathering, 2015

FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 - 17 RSL TASMANIA

Will you join us?

Fiction: RSL Tasmania is for older people and only those who went to war.

Fact: Any former and present Australian Defence Force personnel can be Service Members. Any person, who is a relative of a person (living or deceased) who is or was eligible to be a Service Member, can be an Affiliate Member. Also, anyone who is, or has been a member of the Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance and SES) for at least six months can also be an Affiliate Member.

Affiliate members have their own unique badge and have voting rights and a voice for the continuance of the Sub Branch of their choice.

All RSL members receive the RSL (Tasmania Branch) “On Service” magazine three times per year, delivered to their door, plus a range of individual benefits. More importantly you join one of the hardest working charitable organisations in Tasmania.

In 2016 RSL Tasmania is 100 years old and we have been supporting former and serving members of the ADF and their families for all of that time. We hope to continue this fine work well into the future.

We need you to become a member of RSL Tasmania right now, so that we can continue to deliver our Pension, Advocacy and Support services to our members, continue to assist the community and ensure that our commemorative services such as those held on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day continue.

RSL Tasmania is very active in 52 communities throughout our State. They strive to fulfil their charitable objects including welfare, commemoration and patriotic activities. We are one of the largest charities in the country and our volunteers do a great job with no expectation of remuneration of any kind.

By joining RSL Tasmania and wearing the badge you will be showing your support for our former and current serving personnel and for those who may serve in the future.

Phone 6242-8900 or email [email protected] for the location of your nearest RSL Tasmania Sub Branch

RSL Tasmania – it’s what’s behind the badge

18 - FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 Flu Tracking Has Started for 2016

Flutracking has kicked off again for 2016. In 2016 we would really like to recruit another 3000 participants, so... Please join by forwarding the following link: http://www.flutracking.net/?inv2f It takes only 10 seconds per week to help us track flu and receive a weekly flu report and flu map. You can also tell your friends about us at http://www.facebook.com/Flutracking More information see http://www.flutracking.net or contact the Flutracking Team [email protected] Phone: (02) 4924 6477

Influenza Myths

There are a number of common misconceptions that crop up relating to influenza and the vaccine –

1) Myth : I can get the flu from the vaccine a. This is actually not possible. The vaccine contains inactivated virus.

2) Myth : Influenza is not a serious illness a. Influenza is a highly contagious and potentially life threatening disease. It is not the same as the common cold. Influenza causes an estimated 2,500 deaths and 15,000 hospitalisations annually in Australia.

3) Myth : The Influenza Vaccine is not effective a. The flu vaccine can reduce your chance of getting sick, and transmitting flu to your family, colleagues, and patients.

4) Myth : The vaccine doesn’t work because I got vaccinated last year and I still got the flu. a. There are many different strains of flu and one vaccine cannot protect against them all. The vaccine contains the most common strains of flu expected to occur in Australia. b. There are also many other illnesses that can cause flu like symptoms. The flu vaccine does not protect against these illnesses. c. It is also possible that you caught the flu virus before or just after you were vaccinated.

5) Myth : People do not need to be vaccinated if they are healthy a. Anyone can contract influenza and being fit and healthy does not protect against infection b. For some people the result of an influenza infection can be lost income through days off work, but for those at high risk of developing influenza complications results can be much more serious.

6) Myth : It is not necessary to get vaccinated against influenza every year a. Virus types circulating in the community change from year to year. New vaccines are created annually to address these changes.

For more information, please take a look at the immunise Australia web page regarding influenza for help addressing these, or alternately give this link to concerned individuals, or suggest that they give me a call for a chat on 62308582. http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/immunise-influenza

Michael Weeding Patient Safety Officer Medical Services Ambulance Tasmania

FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 - 19 20 - FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES (Tasmanian Division)

Congratulations to Tania Burke PJ Parssey Memorial Award Winner & 7BU/SeaFM Winner The award was presented to Tania at a presentation dinner held on 20th Feb at the Balmoral Motor Inn, Hobart.

Winners of the Tasmanian Broadcasters Radio Networks Emergency Service Volunteer Worker of the Year Awards, and PJ Parssey Award nominees were:

Ian Bradbury – Ambulance Tasmania – St. Mary’s – LAFM/Chilli Award Winner Tania Burke – St John – Ambulance – Wynyard – 7BU/SeaFM Winner Liz Hamer – Tasmanian Fire Service – Strahan – 7XS Winner Paul Darby – SES Ulverstone – 7AD/SeaFM Winner Colin Cunningham – Tasmanian Fire Service – Gretna – 7HOFM Winner

This was one of the hardest years yet to pick the winning nominee. We had five standout nominees, all from the Volunteer Emergency Service Awards (VESA) run by the Tasmanian Broadcasters Radio Network radio stations from around the state. The nominees were Liz Hamer from the Strahan Fire Brigade, 55 years' service (7XS West Coast Winner), lan Bradbury from Ambulance Tasmania, 25 years' service (LAFM,Chilli FM Winner), Paul Darby from SES Central Coast and North West SAR Team 30-plus years' service (7AD/SeaFM Winner), Tania Burke, St John Ambulance, Wynyard, 25-plus years' service (7BU/Sea FM Winner) and Colin Cunningham, Gretna Fire Brigade Chief 27-plus years' service (7HOFM Winner). Betty Parssey unveiled the 2016 winner as Tania Burke from St John Ambulance, Wynyard. Tania was presented with the PJ Parssey Memorial Shield and her personal trophy from Betty. Ali Tope representing the RACT presented Tania with an accommodation voucher for the Cradle Mountain Lodge as part of their ongo- ing sponsorship of the PJ Parssey Memorial Award. All nominees received an AIES shield and certificate to recognise their nomination but also a Certificate of Appreciation from Volunteering Tasmania. Ron Jones F.A.I.E.S. President AIES, Tasmanian Division National Emergency Response, Autumn 2016

L-R: Colin Cunningham, Liz Hamer, Ron Jones, Tania Burke, Ian Bradbury, Paul Darby.

FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 - 21 This (back-to-back) Life

My father and I were sitting back-to-back on his both sitting there, backs welded together; they were bedroom floor, chatting casually about his day and probably used to far more bizarre situations. mine. lt was 3am and the ambulance was on its way. "Hello there," Dad said cheerily. “What can we do Our quiet voices and the solemn ticking of the for you?" grandfather clock in the hall were the only sounds in They did plenty. Deft, caring and cracking the odd the still night. joke, they examined him thoroughly and it was only The call had come in the small hours when my after both were satisfied he was OK did they agree to father had triggered the emergency button around his his wish that he stay there, in his own home, in his neck. own bed. Dad had fallen on his way to the bathroom, then "I’m confident that you can manage here for the slowly managed to prop himself up against the rest of the night until your carer arrives at breakfast bedroom door. He suffered joint stiffness these days, time. But we could take you to hospital, or you could so now, as we waited, the best support for his back go to your family’s home ..." seemed to be my own. Thus we became bookends, "No, thanks, I’m as good as gold and l’ll be asleep propping each other up. before you get back into your ambulance," said Dad. Dad had insisted on living alone since my mother He thanked them again for their excellence and died the year before. There was domiciliary help kindness and shut his eyes. I saw them to the door. during the day and he used a walking frame - but not, apparently, for night-time trips to the bathroom. A few years later the dear man died. He had kept himself going by having long chats with all his “Did you play tennis today?" he said. charming nurses and visiting family and friends. But "Well Just when I thought you were never going to he had ceased to struggle when his body could no ask! Yes, I did - and would you like to know the longer cope and began to drag his mind down with it. scores, too?" I said. So special, our night as bookends. It was "Yes, my word!" At which point our conversation symbolic, really, of the support and strength he gave was interrupted by the sound of voices at the open to our family all the days of his life. front door. "In here!" my father called. A young man and Jan Coleman woman walked into the softly lit room carrying their medical kits. They showed no surprise at seeing us This Life, The Weekend Australian Review, August 8-9 2015

VAOAT Gathering 2016 will be held at Strahan Fri 2nd - Sun 4th December

Put this date in your diary NOW!

22 - FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 Bandages and Badinage Alan Alda speaks to a graduating class of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Ever since they announced that an actor had acquire. I only ask one thing of you: Possess your been invited to speak at this commencement, people skills, but don’t be possessed by them. have been wondering - why get someone who only You’ve had to toughen yourself to death. From plays a doctor when you could get a real one? your first autopsy when you may have been sick or Maybe the school has done everything it could to cried or just been numb, you’ve had to inure yourself show you how to be doctors, and in a moment of to death in order to be useful to the living. But I hope desperation they’ve brought in someone who can in the process you haven’t done too good a job in show you how to act like one. I’m certainly not a burying that part of you that hurts and is afraid. doctor. In the first place, I’m not a great fan of blood. I know what it’s like to be absorbed in technique. I don’t mind people’s having it, I just don’t enjoy When I write for M*A*S*H, I’m always writing about seeing them wear it. And I’ve yet to see a real people with what I hope is compassion and feeling. operation, because the mere smell of a hospital Yet one day I found myself talking to someone who reminds me of a previous appointment. was in a real crisis, in real pain, and I remember My knowledge of anatomy resides in the clear thinking, This would make a great story. understanding that the hipbone is connected to the Becoming set apart - becoming your skill - can leg bone. I am not a doctor. But you’ve asked me make it tough to face your feelings, and you get left here, and all in all I think you made a wonderful out of the loop. choice. That’s because I probably first came to your attention through a character on television that I’ve With all your study, you can name all the bones in played and helped write for the past seven years: a my body. You can read my X-rays like a telegram. surgeon called Hawkeye Pierce. He’s a remarkable But can you read my involuntary muscles? Can you person, and if you’ve chosen somehow to associate see the fear and uncertainty in my face? his character with your graduation from medical If I tell you where it hurts, can you hear in my school, then I find that very heartening. Because I voice where I ache? think it means that you’re reaching out toward a humane kind of doctoring. And toward a real kind of I show you my body, but I bring you my person. doctor. We didn’t make him up. He really lived as Can you see me through your reading glasses? several doctors who struggled to preserve life twenty- Will you tell me what you’re planning on doing to five years ago during the Korean War. me, and in words I can understand? There’s something especially engaging about him Will you tell me when you don’t know what to do? because he’s based on real doctors. He has a sense Can you face your own fear, your own uncertainty? of humor and yet he’s serious. He’s impertinent and When in doubt, can you call in help? yet he has feeling. He’s human enough to make mistakes and yet he hates death enough to push Even if, in time, you don’t deal directly with himself past his own limits to save lives. In many patients - if you’re in research, administration, if you ways, he’s the doctor patients want and doctors want write - no matter what you do - eventually there is to be. But he’s not an idealization. Finding himself in always going to be a patient at the other end of your a war, he’s sometimes angry, sometimes cynical, decisions. sometimes a little nuts. Will you care more about the case than the He’s not a magician who can come up with an person? (‘Nurse, have the gastric ulcer come in at instant cure without sweating and ruining his three.’ . . . ‘How’s the fractured femur in room 208?’) makeup. He knows he might fail. Not a god, he walks You’ll know you’re in trouble if you find yourself gingerly on the edge of disaster - alive to his own wishing they would mail you their liver in a plain mortality. brown envelope. If this image of that very human, very caring Where does money come on your list? Will it be doctor is attractive to you - if it’s ever touched you for the standard against which you reckon your a moment as something to reach for in your own life - success? then I’m here to cheer you on. Do it, go for it. Be Where will your family come on your list? How skilled, be learned, be aware of the dignity of your many days and nights, weeks and months, will you calling . . . but please don’t ever lose sight of your separate yourself from them, buried in your work, own simple humanity. before you realize that you removed yourself from an You’ve spent years in a grueling effort to important part of your life? understand the structure and processes of human And if you’re a male doctor, how will you relate to life. It’s required the knowledge of complexities within women? Women as patients, as nurses, as fellow complexities. You have skills that have been hard to (Continued on page 24)

FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 - 23 (Continued from page 23) doctors - and later as students. Will you be able to Thank You... respect your patient’s right to know and make decisions about her own body? Will you see nurses Dear Sir, as colleagues - or as handmaidens? I hope you men will work to grant the same dignity to your female I wish to thank members of your group for saving colleagues that you yourselves enjoy. my life. Perhaps you can remember, I had a heart attack in Bicheno on Feb 2nd 2015. You came promptly to my And if you’re a female doctor, I hope you’ll be aware that you didn’t get where you are all by daughter’s call and had to use compressions and the yourself. You’ve had to work hard, but you’re sitting defibrillator to bring me back to life. where you are right now in part because way back in When in the ambulance the driver asked “How fast 1848 in Seneca Falls, women you never knew began insisting you had the right to sit there. Just as they should I go?” The man looking after me replied “As fast helped a generation they would never see, I urge you as you can.” I knew I was in trouble! You and the to work for the day when your daughters and their ambulance from Launceston got me to the hospital daughters will be called not ‘a woman doctor’ or ‘my where I had a stent put in. doctor, who’s a woman,’ but simply ‘my doctor.’ It took me until May 9th to be well enough to When you think about it, there isn’t an area of return to England. I have told my story many times and your work that won’t be affected by what you decide to place a high value on and what you decide doesn’t everyone agrees it was your prompt response that saved count. my life. I am 82 years old but with help from my family Well, that’s my prescription. I’ve given you kind of I still have an independent life. Thank you once again. a big pill to swallow, but I think it’ll make you feel Amy Butler better. Nottingham, UK I thank you for taking on the enormous responsibility of caring for other people’s lives and for having the strength to have made it to this day. I Doctor: I’m sorry to have to tell you that you may don’t know how you’ve managed to learn it all. But have rabies, and it could prove fatal. there is one more thing you can learn about the body Patient: Well, doctor, please give me pencil and that only a non-doctor would tell you, and I hope paper. you’ll always remember it: Doctor: To make your will? The head bone is connected to the heart bone - Patient: No, to make a list of people I want to bite. don’t let them come apart.

Things I Overheard while Talking to Myself, The trouble with the rat race is by Alan Alda even if you win, you’re still a rat.

Ed - Did you enjoy this article? There are more like it - Lily Tomlin in the book, available from the State Library of Tasmania. Facebook for the Senior Generation

For those of my generation who do not and cannot comprehend why Facebook exists.

I am trying to make friends outside of Facebook while applying the same principles. Therefore, every day I walk down the street and tell passers by what I have eaten, how I feel at the moment, what I have done the night before, what I will do later, and with

whom. Maritime Museum of Tasmania I give them pictures of family, my dog, and of me gardening, taking things apart in the garage, watering CARNEGIE BUILDING the lawn, standing in front of landmarks, driving Cnr Davey & Argyle Sts. around town, having lunch, and doing what anybody Hobart, Tasmania and everybody does every day. Phone: (03) 6234 1427 I also listen to their conversations, give them the Fax: (03) 6234 1419 email: [email protected] "thumbs up" and tell them I like them. www.maritimetas.org And it works just like Facebook. I already have four people following me: two police officers, a Open Daily 9am–5pm private investigator, and a psychiatrist. (except for Good Friday & Christmas Day)

24 - FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 Break down barriers to care

One of my proudest moments as the head coach of CSL EMS came in the midst of a cold February day in 1997. One of our crews was quietly working their way through the floors of a highrise apartment complex that was home for many seniors. They had pulled up earlier in the day, parked in the guest lot, unloaded their gear and began their rounds. Their rounds included stops at more than a dozen apartments whose occupants were part of a locally-operated program where volunteer callers checked-in with seniors every morning. The daily calls were to assure folks they weren’t alone in the community – and they provided a small our community who had passed the threshold window into the lives of the people who answered the separating ‘feeling crappy’ from ‘critically ill’ without phone. And the day before our crews pulled into the reaching out to let anyone in the outside world know parking lot, volunteer call makers noted that several what was happening in their world. of their clients were complaining of not feeling well, I still marvel at those early days of what we called or were running a fever, and had a cough or a bit of a our ‘Partnership in Caring’ program. wheeze. We weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel or And so, they asked if ‘some nice young people anything like that. We certainly didn’t set out to from The EMS could come and check on you. They establish any trends in Canadian EMS. To share the won’t turn on their lights or sirens and they won’t rush truth, we thought we were playing catch-up with the around. They’ll just knock on your door and then rest of our colleagues. We figured everyone else check on how you’re doing. And if they think you must be busy expanding the scope of their services need more care, they’ll make the arrangements.” to serve the needs of their respective communities. It This particular highrise apartment building was no was only when I was invited out to Selkirk, Manitoba different from any others in the neighbourhood. Many to share our experience and was being peppered of the residents were seniors on fixed income whose with questions, I realized that what we had world was limited to the buildings and its immediate accomplished with our little volunteer EMS surroundings. They socialized with one another, department may have been unique in Canada. riding down the elevator to the common room to play We were doing what seemed natural for a cards or just catch-up with one another. They went community with a very high number of seniors, down to the lobby to check on their mailboxes and medically fragile residents, and people with watched the winter snow pile up outside. disabilities – we were taking care of our neighbours And in February, community-acquired-pneumonia as if they were members of our own family. [CAP] shared the elevator and the corridors and the And that’s why I was so darned proud of our lobby with them. CAP brought with it a significant crews. They were breaking down the barriers amount of misery, morbidity and mortality among the separating our residents from the care they needed more fragile of our residents. and deserved. Our medics assessed patients based on a few key criteria – mental status, respiratory rate, low Be Well. Practice big medicine. systolic or diastolic BP, and age. They also verified patients’ electrocardiograms [we had a couple of Hal Newman LP12s] , 02 sat levels and quite apart from the July 30, 2012 clinical side, any environmental factors that could be addressed that might limit or prevent exposure. http://bigmedicine.ca

I was listening on the radio as one of our crews radioed into dispatch with a 10-08 ['found a call'] and Photograph of CSL EMS 833 courtesy of Bruce Kahn requested an ambulance non-emergency for an elderly patient with mild dyspnea. It was the seventh This article is taken from a Canadian website and 10-8 call of the day. are the views of the author and not endorsed Five of them were non-emergency requests by VAOAT or AT. where our medics determined the patient required further evaluation and early intervention at the ER. However, two of those requests were for patients found in respiratory distress. Those were residents of

FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 - 25 A PRAYER FOR GENEALOGISTS For the kids - Brain Cakes Lord, help me dig into the past INGREDIENTS And sift the sands of time, 125g butter, softened That I might find the roots that made 1 teaspoon vanilla extract This family tree of mine. ¾ cup caster sugar Lord, help me trace the ancient road 2 eggs, lightly beaten On which my fathers trod 1½ cups self-raising flour, sifted And led them through so many lands ½ cup milk To find our present sod.

Pink icing Lord, help me find an ancient book 250g butter, softened Or dusty manuscript 3 cups icing sugar mixture That's safely hidden now away 2 tablespoons milk In some forgotten crypt. pink gel food colouring Lord, let it bridge the gap that haunts My soul when I can't find METHOD The missing link between some name 1) Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Line a That ends the same as mine. 12-hole, ⅓ cup-capacity muffin pan with paper cases. Ian Woolley 2) Using an electric mixer, beat butter, vanilla and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition. Add flour and milk. Stir to combine. Who is smarter, you or your dog? A Canadian 3) Spoon ¼ cup mixture into each paper case. Bake psychologist is selling a video that teaches you how for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the to test your dog’s IQ. centre of cake comes out clean. Stand cakes in Here’s how it works... If you spend $12.99 for the pan for 2 minutes. Transfer a wire rack to cool. video, your dog is the smarter one. 4) Make pink icing - using an electric mixer, beat butter until pale and fluffy. Gradually add icing People don't care how much you sugar mixture and milk, beating constantly until know until they know how much combined. Tint pale pink using pink food you care. colouring. 5) Spread cakes with icing to form a mound. Using a butter knife mark a line through icing, in the Scary Old School Surgical Tools middle of each cake. Spoon remaining icing into a piping bag fitted with a 8mm round nozzle. Using Tonsil Guillotine (1860s) the picture as a guide, pipe icing onto each cake This method of removing tonsils worked much like to form brains. a traditional guillotine, slicing off the infected tonsils. This “double guillotine” design meant that both Makes 12 tonsils could be removed at the same time. Tonsil guillotines were replaced by forceps and scalpels in Cook’s Tip - if you don’t have a piping the early 20th century due to the high rate of bag for the icing, use a snap-lock bag hemorrhaging and the imprecise nature of the and snip off the corner with scissors. device, which often left tonsil remnants in the mouth.

“Has your son decided what he wants to be when he grows up?” I asked my friend.

“He wants to be a garbageman,” he replied. “That’s an unusual ambition to have at such a young age.”

“Not really. He thinks that garbagemen work only Vital signs - http://www.surgicaltechnologists.net/blog/20- on Tuesdays.” scary-old-school-surgical-tools/

26 - FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 10 KWIK KWESTIONS

1) What does a haematologist specialise in? 2) Where in the human body is the thalamus? 3) Name the four countries that begin with the letters “A World of Differents” by Neir B’Odet “Be”. 4) Which chemical element is also known as Answers are in alphabetical order. The connection wolfram? should be apparent almost immediately. 5) Who is the only person to sing three official theme songs for James Bond films? 1) An expedition in the Serengeti, say (7,6) 6) What colour are the seats in the Australian 2) A North American apple (8,6) Senate? 3) A South American destructive insect (9,3) 7) In which state of Australia is the town of Kalbarri? 4) An Antipodean swimming stroke (l0,5) 8) Belconnen is a suburb in which Australian city? 5) A South American hard-shelled seed (6,3) 9) Which two chemical elements end in the letter 6) A game from the East (7,8) “D”? 7) Artificial bravery (5,7) 10)Which airline owns Tigerair Australia? 8) A Gallic salad accompaniment (6,8) 9) An Alsatian (6,8) (The Age, Good Weekend) Answers - The Back Page 10) An Eastern European meat dish seasoned with paprika (9,7) 11) A revolt by native troops in the 19th century (6,6) WORD SEARCH 12) A Hibernian canine (5,6) 13) A strong spirit from the West Indies (7,3) How many words of 4 letters or more can you 14) The symbol of the knights of a Mediterranean make from the given letters? island (7,5) In making a word, each letter may be used once 15) The rippling effect of spectators at a sporting only. Each word must contain the centre letter & event (7,4) there must be at least one 9-letter word in the list. No 16) A Beatles hit (9,4) plurals or verb forms ending in “s”, no words with 17) A rug under the Peacock Throne? (7,6) initial capitals and no words with a hyphen or 18) A sea creature with stinging tentacles (10, 3-2-3) apostrophe are permitted. 19) A very dangerous gamble (7,8) The first word of a 20) A fine rain in the Cairngorms? (6,4) Y E R phrase is permitted (eg 21) A European blister beetle — the cantharis (7,3) inkjet in inkjet printer). 22) Papal troops (5,5) ,

23) A gelatinous confection from Ankara (7,7) E T P 24) A savoury dish of melted cheese on toast (5,7) Target - 32 words

The Australian Crossword Club R O R Solution - The Back Page Answers - The Back Page

Why is "abbreviated" such a long REBUS word?

Decipher the rebus to find a phrase. Lost in Translation

1 1 1 1 1 1

------The Other The Other The Other The Other The Other The Other

Answer - The Back Page

Q: What's the difference between a hippo and a zippo?

A: One is heavy and the other is a little lighter....

FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016 - 27 VAOAT Online - http://www.tasmanianambulancevolunteers.asn.au

YOU CAN’T PLAY POLITICS AT WORK UNLESS YOU HAVE THE POWER, AND DO NOT FOOL YOUR BOSS THOUGH HE MAY NOT BE AS SMART AS YOU BUT HE CAN FIRE YOU ANYWAY!!

Answers to 10 KWIK KWESTIONS Answers to KWIK KWIZ

1) Blood disorders & 6) Red 1/African safari; 2/American Beauty; 3/Argentine ant; diseases 7) Western Australia 4/Australian crawl; 5/Brazil nut; 6/Chinese chequers 2) Brain 8) Canberra (checkers); 7/Dutch courage; 8/French dressing; 3) Belarus, Belgium, Belize, 9) Gold & lead 9/German Shepherd; 10/Hungarian goulash; Benin 10)Virgin Australia 11/Indian Mutiny; 12/Irish setter; 13/Jamaica rum; 4) Tungsten 14/Maltese Cross; 15/Mexican wave; 5) Shirley Bassey 16/Norwegian wood; 17/Persian carpet; (Goldfinger 1964, 18/Portuguese man-of-war; 19/Russian Roulette; Diamonds Are Forever 20/Scotch mist; 21/Spanish fly; 22/Swiss Guard; 1971, Moonraker 1979) 23/Turkish delight; 24/Welsh rarebit.

Answer to REBUS Solution to WORD SEARCH Six of one & half a dozen of the other. pert, peter, peyote, poet, poetry, port, porter, REPERTORY, report, reporter, repot, rete, retro, retry, retype, rort, rote, terror, terry, tope, toper, torr, tree, trey, trope, troy, type, tyre, tyro. VAOAT Newsletter Policy

All contributors must ensure that material for inclusion in the newsletter or on the website has the approval of any persons mentioned in the article.

Marg Dennis ~ Editor, First Response

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VAOAT reserves the right to refuse or alter ads Response must be considered general in nature and at our discretion; we do not endorse any not a substitute for the advice of a medical product advertised. professional. No warranty whatsoever is made that the content is accurate or up-to-date, and even if it Closing Date for next were it may not apply to individual cases. edition of First Response - 16th July 2016 Opinions expressed in the newsletter are not necessarily those of the editor. (but please send a.s.a.p.) Compiled by Margaret Dennis, DEADLINE DATES 11 McLennan Street, Scottsdale 7260 February - January 16th Tel: (03) 6311 4073 May - April 16th Email: [email protected] August - July 16th Printed & distributed with the assistance of November edition - October 16th Tania Rattray MLC & Ambulance Tasmania

28 - FIRST RESPONSE - MAY 2016