Update 1

From the General Manager…

Hi folks, as we draw closer to winter and what is normally our quite period, it’s exciting to see that there are still a number of large events on the calendar. Most of these are centred on the Burswood Dome, including; Kylie, The Dalai Lama and more. Ambulance Service Director, Len Fiori and I were fortunate enough to attend the Justin Bieber concert to chat with the members on duty that night. Well done to all for the night, as dealing with 15000 screaming teenagers would test even the best of us. Burswood Dome has also announced they will host Elton John for a concert in December.

ANZAC day saw the launch of the new uniform and apart from a couple of minor issues everyone looked fantastic. We have identified a couple of oversights regarding the uniform that we will be looking into over the coming weeks and making some small changes to accommodate these issues. Please be patient while we review and please be mindful that you are not permitted to alter the look of the uniform that conflicts from the VFAS state uniform policy that is currently in place.

April 29 was the start of the Cadet Camp which had almost 40 cadet participants. Special thanks to Alex Treweek, Scott Russell, Amy Russell, Alan Davies, Sarena Hyland and Stephanie Moss for their assistance with the camp. I believe a great time was had by all and that Alex once again entertained the Camp with a sing along. I recently had the opportunity to hear her myself and was more then impressed!

Phil Martin and I have also visited a number of Divisions over the last few weeks. Thanks to Glen Willan at Eastern Hills and Elena Dunn at Fremantle and all the members for entertaining us for a few hours. We appreciate you providing us the time to chat and the receptive, cooperative nature in which you engaged with us. The chocolate biscuits and cake didn’t hurt either.

Finally, as we get closer to the end of this financial year and we wrap up planning for the next, I am excited at the new initiatives and ideas we hope to implement in 2011/12 and beyond. Change is often hard to understand, but at times is an important part in our development and an opportunity to set new roads of discovery. It is also important for St John Ambulance to remain the leader wherever possible in the event services arena, to do this we must ‘change with the times’.

Over the next month and beyond your Divisional Managers will be kept well informed of all the new exciting happenings in VFAS, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Ashley Wilson

General Manager, Volunteer First Aid Services

Revised Circulation

Welcome to the latest edition of Circulation. Circulation has moved to a monthly editorial and we have asked Divisional Mangers and their teams to be involved each month to run articles specific to their division. This month we have an article written by Vicki Oliver, Divisional Manager of Gosnells about what St John means to her.

We ask that if any member has anything they would like to write about in Circulation, please feel free to send it in, after all, this is your newsletter. Managers will let their division know when it is time for submitting articles. You can be as creative as you feel, whether it be relating to a duty, an experience, your thoughts on volunteering or a training session, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit any photos you wish to include to help bring the story to life.

May 2011

Executive Manager P.1

Vicki’s Perspective P.1

Uniform Update P.2

DM Meeting Notes P.2

Dinner Dance P.3

Good News Stories P.3

VFAS Facebook P.4

Clinical Corner P.5

Update 2

Vicki’s Perspective

Seeing a look of relief and trust on a stranger’s face and knowing that I was partially responsible and accountable.

A sense of pride and accomplishment in doing the things that we do so well.

Nothing is more special to me than a simple smile and that little word which so many of us take for granted, ‘thank you’. It may not seem like much but it means the world to me and keeps me coming back.

Being part of the St John family is an interesting experience. I have met some wonderful and pretty special people. We are all so very different and we relish these differences. We come from all over the world united in this one great cause ‘For the Service of Humanity’.

While first aid is the reason we are all part of VFAS, it’s also a bonus to attend concerts and events that you otherwise may never have had the opportunity to attend.

Like all families we squabble, we laugh, we learn, we cry together and we are always there for one another. A special part of St John is that there is always room for one more. We are committed to growing our family.

I have the honour of being a Divisional Manager in my small world. Like most, I have the assistance of a brilliant, motivated, enthusiastic and talented team of volunteers that forms our management committee. My job is to ensure that all my members are happy, their training is top rate and up to date and that they wear the St John uniform with pride.

While this on occasions, feels like a chore there are some very rewarding aspects. I see timid and sometimes insecure people walk through the door. I watch their expressions as they are quickly absorbed into the division. I can see the relief on their faces as they are accepted into the group. I feel a sense of pride as I watch their confidence grow. Like a mother hen letting her chicks out into the big wide world, knowing they are ready and able to concur the world if they choose.

They develop that swagger, that sense of accomplishment and you can see the glow in their faces. I see them take these qualities into their private lives, watch them blossom into confident young men and women. They in turn help the next person lucky enough to come through our door. For we are one and that’s the way it should be, and one of the many reasons why I’m still there.

Vicki Oliver

Divisional Manager, Gosnells

Uniform Update

The launch date for the new uniform was ANZAC Day 25 April it was fantastic to see you all wearing the new uniform.

In the initial roll out of uniform items, members will receive a shirt, pants, belt and badges. Once the initial roll out has been completed a review of additional requirements will be undertaken, this will be actioned on a case by case basis. At present affiliates will receive a polo shirt and trousers, this may be reviewed in the future. There are shortages, and as a result members may not receive all their items at once. Unfortunately jackets are further delayed and we are hoping to see them arriving early next month.

If members receive incorrect sizes or items, please contact YAKKA directly on 9373 0000, to arrange a time to visit their

office and exchange the items. Members must quote the delivery docket number when speaking with YAKKA and members must specify they are from VFAS. Any exchange will definitely result in a delay, due to high demand for items, YAKKA have very little stock. If members have received name badges with incorrect spelling or qualifications please contact YAKKA and also let us know as soon as possible.

YAKKA have work boots available for purchase, these are optional purchases and must be paid for by members using either cash or debit/credit cards over the counter at YAKKA.

Just a reminder, that new and existing uniforms are not to be worn as a mixed uniform. The new uniform policy has been written to accommodate the new uniform style, there are a few small issues that have arisen and will be amended. Please ensure you read the policy and familiarise yourself with the guidelines. The uniform policy can be located at http://webserver.ambulance.net.au/intranet/docs/doc5506.pdf

If members have not yet placed an order for the new uniform, they should do so now. There will be a six to eight week wait for new orders to be processed. New volunteers will place their order at Induction with their membership application.

Members will receive the uniform delivered to their home address unless specified otherwise on the uniform order. If a postal address wasn’t specified, please speak with your Divisional Manager who will contact the office on behalf of the division as a whole.

Chief Commissioner’s News

You can view an electronic version of the Chief Commissioner’s News by clicking this link http://www.stjohn.org.au/images/stjohn/operations/chiefcommissionersnews/2011/ccnmay11.pdf

You are also able to register to receive the Chief Commissioner’s News and other National newsletters straight to your inbox by visiting the link and subscribing with your details http://www.stjohn.org.au/index.php?searchword=chief+commissioners&ordering=&searchphrase=all&Itemid=25&option=com_search

Divisional Managers Meeting

The bullet points below are taken from the Divisional Manager’s meeting, to be disseminated back to all members. For further clarification on these issues, please speak with your Manager.

Update 3

Facebook

� Official Facebook page has been opened.

� To communicate good news stories and general discussions.

� For current members only.

VFAS Training

� As of the 1 July 2011, all VFAS member training will be coordinated by the college of pre-hospital care.

� Bulk of VFAS training will be coordinated during the quieter time of the year away from busier summer months.

� Induction courses will still be conducted all year round.

� Stage 1 and 2 books can only be signed by a Cert IV trainer.

Reimbursements

� Reimbursements will only paid up to 60 days post event.

� Looking to move away from reimbursement forms, avoiding overload of paperwork.

� Auto re-imburse for meals according to DTR’s.

� Due to commence in 2011/2012 financial year.

Items for Actioning

� Major events – equipment needs to be returned to the vehicles they belong to.

� Various building maintenance.

� Include on next month’s ‘Circulation’ – process for damaged vehicles.

Volunteer Story of the Month

Recently Aaron Del Pino visited Cambodia to spread the word of good health and hygiene.

Aaron has been kind enough to share a few words and photographs with us.

Please see the document attached to the ‘Circulation’ email, it’s worth a read. It’s amazing to see just how many ways VFAS members help out, not only with their local community, but also nationally and internationally. Well done Aaron.

2011 Dinner Dance

With the 2010 Dinner Dance proving to be a HUGE success, the 2011 Dinner Dance promises to be bigger and better!

SAVE THE DATE! Saturday 27th August 2011, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. More details to follow soon! For any immediate Dinner Dance queries please contact Tahlia Simmonds on 9334 6787 or Tahlia.Simmonds@ambulance.net.au

Good News Stories

Quite often we receive little snippets from newspapers or letters thanking our volunteers for their assistance or commending them for their contributions. We received so many fantastic stories this month, we couldn’t include them all. Enjoy.

St John Volunteers Praise the New Uniform

‘St John Ambulance Volunteers in Gosnells are boasting a new uniform, which is designed to be more comfortable, durable and practical.

The volunteers wore the new bottle-green uniforms, which are in keeping with paramedic and ambulance officer uniforms, for the first time while on duty on Anzac Day.

The shirts of the new uniform are of a more durable fabric, with better airflow designed to release trapped heat during summer.

Cargo pants have also been added to the uniform so volunteers can carry a greater range of equipment with them.

Reflective striping and name badges will improve the safety of volunteers, who frequently work in the dark.

Gosnells Volunteer First Aid Service divisional manager Vicki Oliver said a visible presence was important in emergency situations, especially if working in the dark or near a roadside.

"Safety is our number one priority and anything that we can do to improve our safety and visibility is welcomed," she said.

"We have been looking forward to receiving the new uniform and member feedback has been positive.

They feel more comfortable and enjoy the practicality of the design."

Gosnells volunteer Lynne Fallows wasn't sold on the new look, but agreed with colleague Jen Oxford that the uniform had many practical improvements, including padding on the knees, plenty of pockets and was easier to keep clean due to its colour and durability’

Comment News, 26 April 2011

Outstanding Effort from Everyone

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your members for the wonderful effort in covering what was without a doubt, our busiest 5 days in a long time. There was more than 170 members needed to cover the duties over the 5 days of the long weekend, and only all but two positions were covered.

This is an outstanding effort. Thank you!

I would like also to give a special mention to those that braved the early morning on Anzac Day at the many locations around the metropolitan area. For those that I was fortunate enough to see on the day, you all looked fantastic in the new uniform. We have taken lots of photos and hope to send them around as soon as possible.

Lastly may I congratulate the Cadets, The Cadet Managers and Leaders who very proudly joined the Anzac day march. You all looked great and I believe out numbered many of the other cadet units taking place in the march. Well done to you all.

Ashley Wilson, Email to DM’s, 27 April 2011

Update 4

Thanks for Being There

Dear St John team,

On behalf of the RSL and the veteran community we would like to express our sincere thanks to you all for being a part of ANZAC Day 2011.

As you may be aware, the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and March are the most significant commemorative events held in Western Australia each year. The Dawn service is one of the biggest in the world and the march through the city grows each year.

Each event attracts enormous numbers who turn out to pay their respects to Australia’s service men and women, past and present. With this comes the responsibility to ensure their safety and service and to make sure they are all honored with the dignity and respect they so richly deserve.

We could not do this without the support, advice and great work from the St John team.

Please pass on our personal thanks to everyone who gave their time and energy so willingly to ensure a great outcome for ANZAC Day 2011. We look forward to working with you again next year.

With best wishes and much gratitude,

The RSL ANZAC Day Team

Reward for Decade of St John Service

A Midland resident has been recognised for exceptional service to the St John Ambulance Volunteer First Aid Service. Glenn Willan has been admitted as a Member to the Order of St John for his dedication to the service for more than 10 years. He has taken on various roles within St John and is currently a Divisional Manager, providing for the care of volunteers and their well-being.

Glenn has served many divisions, primarily with the Mundaring adult division and more recently with the Eastern Hills division based in Kalamunda.

He is used to putting his leadership skills to use and making members feel completely at ease.

Glenn has previously received a commendation for his efforts in assisting in the Bali bombing disaster. He also attended the Commonwealth Games in 2006.

Glenn senses when members need his help and works with them. "I am very proud and it is an honour to receive this medal," he said.

St John Ambulance commends its volunteers for their commitment.

Hills Gazette, 30 April 2011

VFAS Volunteers save a Life

On Sunday 1 May, two of our VFAS Members were on duty at the Golden Oldies Rugby in Rockingham.

Pat Hawkins and David Ashill both from Rockingham Division, had just finished treating a casualty when they were called to a middle aged man having a seizure.

Once the casualty stopped fitting Pat and David completed the St John Action Plan and found the casualty had no respirations and no pulse, Pat immediately commenced CPR with the assistance of a doctor from the crowd while David called for the Ambulance.

After just one shock Pat and David managed to get a return of spontaneous circulation and respirations. In fact by the time the Ambulance arrived the patient was on his hands and knees trying to get up and get back to watching the Rugby.

The casualty was transported to Fremantle Hospital where he was thrombolised and had stents fitted.

Thanks to the rapid and professional response by our VFAS members the patient had no neurological deficits and the patient made a full recovery.

This job serves as a timely reminder that the most definitive treatment that we have to treat cardiac arrest is defibrillation, while CPR buys the patient time by maintaining perfusion to the brain and essential organs, defib can revert the dysrhythmia and hopefully restore normal cardiac function.

As they say in training “Nothing Delays Defib”, get the shock in as soon as possible. Well done Pat and David on the great result.

The organisers of the Golden Oldies Rugby Emailed the office to thank Pam and David for their efforts.

“We have one member that is extremely lucky that your services were on site prepared and available… A HUGE thanks is in order for their help, the patient is alive and doing well. A result that may well not be the case without St John”

Mike Butler, SCRUM Secretary

VFAS Facebook

We have created an official St John Ambulance VFAS WA Facebook Group.

www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_203013569733116

Keep in touch with what’s happening in the St John Ambulance WA Volunteer First Aid Service.

The group is a discussion board for members to communicate news and info about your division and for Head Office to communicate directly with members.

This site will not in any way replace the normal chain of communication via DM’s. While all feedback is appreciated we aim to keep the group for good news stories and not a forum to air grievances.

Any inappropriate comments and/or images will be removed from the group.

The group is only open to current VFAS members.

Update 5

Opthalmic Week October 10-16

Our first ever National St John Ophthalmic Week will take place from 10-16 October, 2011. During this week we are asking St John members to donate a gold coin to provide critical support for the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem.

The Eye Hospital in Jerusalem is a vital part of the St John family and needs funding to continue the amazing, life changing work that its staff provides to the people of Jerusalem. They are counting on us!

So get involved in this inaugural event and start spreading the word! Just a gold coin donation from every member will help provide the critical funding that is required. Your division could save sight and change the life of someone in need.

In the lead up to and during Ophthalmic Week in October, there will be a number of materials, resources and activities provided. Divisions are encouraged to use these prepared materials to enjoy Ophthalmic Week and raise as many funds as possible. It is a chance to learn about eyes, first aid for eyes and the support that St John provides to the Eye Hospital in Jerusalem.

Find out more by logging in to the St John Member website: www.stjohn.org.au

Find out more about the St John Eye Hospital at http://www.stjohneyehospital.org/

Clinical Corner

Each month we will provide information on a clinical skill, a drug or an interesting fact relevant to first aid.

Drug of the Month

ASPIRIN (Acetyl-Salicylic Acid)

Indication – Chest pain, of presumed cardiac origin.

Dose – 300mg once only, even if the patient is already taking Aspirin.

Contraindications

Don’t forget to ask the triple A’s;

� Are you allergic to ASPRIN?

� Are you taking any other ANTICOAGULANT?

� Are you ASTHMATIC? Only give to asthmatics that have had Aspirin in the past without any problems.

Too nauseated to swallow.

Doctor has stated patient should never take Aspirin.

Not to be given to children.

Pharmacology and Action: Mild anti-clotting agent. Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. Reduces aggregation and adhesion of platelets, hence prevents extension of clots. Shown to reduce mortality significantly in Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Did you know???

� Ancient Egyptians took an infusion of dried myrtle leaves to treat muscle pain, while Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, prescribed willow bark tea for the pain of childbirth (to the relief of expectant mothers we now have far stronger analgesia for childbirth). The active ingredient of both these remedies is salicylic acid - aspirin's active ingredient.

� In 1948 Dr. Lawrence Craven, an American GP, noticed that the 400 men he prescribed aspirin to hadn’t suffered any heart attacks. However it wasn’t until 1971 that Professor John Vane discovered how aspirin works, he later won the Nobel prize for Medicine.

� Today we consume 100 billion aspirin tablets, world-wide every year. It has been estimated that aspirin saves more than 110,000 lives world-wide each year by helping combat cardiovascular disease.

Feedback for Incentives Survey

Would you support incentives like the one on offer for the AFL ?

Yes 77%

No 23%

Which would you prefer an incentive for?

Particular event 33%

Achieving a number of events 65%

Neither 2%

Has this incentive encourage you to do AFL fixtures?

Yes 32%

No 68%

Has this incentive discouraged you from doing AFL Events?

Yes 8%

No 92%

If you had a choice of incentives would you prefer?

Gift card 75%

A Gift 7%

Neither 17%

Sample size 90 (17%) of possible 529

Volunteer First Aid Services St John Ambulance Australia (Western Australia) Inc.

209 Great Eastern Highway, Belmont, WA 6104 www.stjohnambulance.com.au

Volunteer First Aid Service T. 08 9334 1310 F. 08 9334 1330