Final Push on to Complete VAO Information Updates

December 08 2011

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VAO_2011 ... password = "ambulance"

A final push is on to complete the VAO Information Update process which began in June. So far 440 responses have been received; it is hoped the remaining surveys can be received within a week.

The information in the survey, which takes about 10 minutes to complete, is critical to Ambulance Tasmania meeting its' legal obligations and to continue planning for future equipment requirements, training needs and volunteer recruitment i9nitiatives into the future.

All current volunteers are required to complete the survey.

The preferred way of completing the survey is online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VAO_2011 ... the password for the survey is "ambulance".

If you are unable to complete the survey online please complete a printed version, available from the Protocls page on vGate, your Volunteer Coordinator, Branch Station Officer or from your Regional Office.

If you completed the survey some time ago, there is no need to complete it again. You can check with the Operational Support Officer in your region if you are unsure whether you have completed it.

Annual General Meeting

October 20 2011

The AGM of the Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania Incorporated will be held on Sunday 20th November at 11.00am at the Queenstown Memorial Hall, Orr St, Queenstown.

Dianne Coon
Public Officer

National Volunteering Survey

October 12 2011 (Volunteering Australia)

The National Survey of Volunteering Issues is a critical tool to help drive and shape Volunteering Australia’s policy and advocacy for the coming year.

The survey has been conducted annually for more than five years and the data has been used by many sources to influence decision makers about the key issues affecting volunteering.

This year we are giving more emphasis to asking what priority volunteers, organisations and companies give to particular issues, what would make a difference, and what makes volunteering work well.

We need your input to ensure that the survey is relevant and reflects the views of the voluntary sector. If you are a VOLUNTEER go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NSVI_Volunteers

The survey closes November 6th.

Queenstown Gathering Online Registration

August 31 2011

VAOAT's Queenstown Gathering will be held at Silver Hills Motel from Friday evening 18th November (check in from 2pm) and will finish about 3pm on Sunday 20th November.

Online registrations are now being accepted via Eventbrite. Click here for details.

All active Volunteers will receive $25.00 for fuel/travelling costs so car pooling is the way to go! Can you please keep your fuel receipts prior to the day or when you fill up in Queenstown.

Details about discounts offered for tourist venues, activities planned and also our Sponsors for this Gathering will be posted shortly.

Islanders donate time for ambulance services

May 24 2011 (The Examiner)

WHEN five people were critically injured in a motor vehicle accident on King Island in 2008, Pam Fanning was ready to assist.

Mrs Fanning is one of 530 volunteer ambulance officers in the state who are there for the community in times of medical trauma, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.

Mrs Fanning, president of the Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania, said the association held a remote gathering for volunteers for the first time on King Island between May 13-16.

She said the gathering was to provide theoretical sessions, skill development and training and to review new equipment and techniques to assist ambulance volunteers.

Mrs Fanning said the conference, themed Remoteness and Resourcefulness, addressed the challenges of volunteering in an isolated community with a diverse landscape.

She said the conference occurred thanks to a government donation of $50,000 under former premier David Bartlett.

Mrs Fanning became a volunteer ambulance officer after retiring from nursing more than 10 years ago and wanted to continue to use her skills to assist the community.

The King Island ambulance unit is run entirely by volunteers, with 13 trained ambulance volunteers and another six set to undergo training.

Mrs Fanning dedicates one week every four weeks or less to be on call to assist with any job during that time.

She said she wanted to continue to volunteer for as long as she could.

Gathering Photos Uploaded

May 20 2011

Photographs from King Island and Coles Bay have been uploaded and can be viewed from the "Events" page on the VAOAT website ... just click on the "more photos" link under each event.

Volunteer Ambulance Officer's Gathering

May 18 2011 (King Island Courier)

King Island was awash with a sea of royal blue Volunteer Ambulance Officers last weekend, when the island hosted the bi-annual Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania’s remote area
meeting.

Fifty mainland VAO joined the local band of 19, to review their vital roles and enjoy a well deserved break. Pictured: Ambulance Tasmania CEO Dominic Morgan (standing at left) opened the weekend at the KI Golf & Bowling Club.

Ambo volunteers weekend

May 11 2011 (King Island Courier)

This weekend, King Island welcomes volunteer ambulance officers from all over Tasmania for their bi-annual gathering. CLick on link to read full article from the King Island Courier.

Peers recognise volunteer

May 10 2011 (from The Examiner)

RECOGNITION from peers is one of the highest accolades a person can receive.

Last month ambulance volunteer Colleen Wellard, 58, received an award from her peers in recognition of her 14 years at the Campbell Town Volunteer Ambulance service.

A farewell dinner was held in honour of Mrs Wellard.

"It was pretty special," she said.

Mrs Wellard joined the volunteer service in 1996 after moving to Campbell Town from Tunbridge.

"I always had an interest in medical things - they intrigued me," Mrs Wellard said.

"It was a way of being in the community without getting into the political side of things."

She said she was sad to be leaving the service, which at times saw her dedicating 300 hours a month to the community.

"I've had to give up something that I thoroughly enjoy," she said.

"The ambulance has been such a major part of my life ... it is leaving a big hole.

"We are not heroes, we are people doing a job, no different from doctors, police and nurses who have to deal with tragedy."

Mrs Wellard said more people should get involved in the ambulance service.

"People think this is something they couldn't do (but) if it's family, a friend or a work colleague who falls down people are there and they perform their bit.

"Sometimes you see the relief on someone's face - and you feel good that you have supported that person in their time of need."

Mrs Wellard will miss the friendship, camaraderie and learning opportunities that she gained from her community service.

She said she would contact the Campbell Town Online Access Centre to volunteer and keep in touch with the community.

King Island Gathering

May 03 2011 (King Island Courier)

For the first time VAOAT are holding a "Remote Area" gathering, to be held on King Island between 13th & 16th May 2011. Read more about the upcoming event in the King Island Courier article attached.

New Items Available in VAOAT Online Shop

April 20 2011

The Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania has just released a Coffee Mug (with logo), LED Torch and Pen. Click on Online Shop for more details.



These items are available as a set or as separate items. Please note: the LED torch (as with all LED torches) is not suitable for checking pupil reaction.

Purchase the set for $19.80, or as individual items:
Insulated blue 16oz coffee mug with VAOAT logo $11.00
Silver LED Torch with caribiner clip & battery $8.25
Silver Pen with caribiner clip $3.30

You can buy online with your Visa or MasterCard (a small fee to cover transaction costs will be automatically added) or you can pay by direct deposit and avoid the fee. Postage extra on all items, or have your item(s) delivered for free by internal mail to the nearest salaried station.

See VAOAT Online Shop for more details.

Ambulance Tasmania Staff Opinion Survey

April 13 2011 (Dominic Morgan, Chief Executive Officer)

As many of you know the pace of change in all organsations is increasing all the time. As a result it is important that we stop and take stock of how these changes are impacting on the individuals in our organisation. It is for this reason that I am seeking your assistance in completing the attached survey. Don't rely on everybody else to have your say.

Specifically it will help us understand better the things we are doing well and more importantly those things in your opinion that we need to do further work on.

All staff members, salaried and volunteer are encouraged to complete the survey to help create a comprehensive snapshot of the Service. The survey will cover a number of topics including professional development, team work, strategic direction and communication. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and needs to be completed in one session. Please use the "DONE" button to save your responses.

The survey is anonymous. No one, including the researcher, will associate your responses with your identity. The survey will be open for four weeks closing 11 May 2011 at 5pm; it can be accessed by clicking on the link below and can only be completed once.

All staff are encouraged to complete the survey to ensure that every aspect of Ambulance Tasmania is represented in the results. This is your opportunity to help build a blueprint for the future.

To access the survey please click on the link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5WN9K3B

If you have any difficulties or questions please contact Heather on 6230 8020 or email heather.stokes@dhhs.tas.gov.au

Thanks you in advance for your participation.

Partners in Depression 3rd May - 7th June 2011 in Burnie

April 07 2011 (Anglicare Tasmania Inc.)

Partners in Depression is a FREE six week group program that aims to address the information and support needs of those who live with or love someone experiencing depression.

Do you know, love or care for someone experiencing depression?

Did you know those who love, care for or support people with depression can experience significant stress and are themselves at greater risk of developing mental health problems?
Would you be interested in finding out more about a program shown to be effective in supporting the partners, family members and friends of people with depression?


The program covers a range of topics including:
What is depression
Treatments for depression
Suicidality and self harmHow do you best support someone with depression
Communication strategies


The program is run by health professionals and provides a forum in which to receive information and ask questions about depression and your support role, with others with similar experiences.

Session Dates: 3rd May - 7th June 2011
Time: 6:45pm - 8:45pm
Venue: Sth Burnie TAS
Facilitators: John Clark, Kristry Jackson
Cost: N/A (funded by Anglicare Tasmania Inc.)
Register your interest: 6430-3333 l.jackson@anglicare-tas.org.au

Partners in Depression www.partnersindepression.com.au is now available in Burnie Tasmania - register your interest today!

Queenstown VAO Wins State Award

February 26 2011

Congratualtions to Queenstown VAO Greg Whittington who was recently named the State Winner of the Emergency Services Volunteer of the year for 2010-11 and recieves of the PJ Parssey Memorial Prize.

The awards started back in 1993 with discussion between Ron Jones and the then West Coast 7XS Radio station Manager, Steve Adermann, with the idea of running the 7XS Emergency Services Worker of the Year competition for the volunteers on the West Coast with the view of promoting the fantastic work the volunteers do on the isolated West Coast.

Partners in Depression Program for Burnie

February 09 2011 (Anglicare)

Partners in Depression is a FREE six week group program that aims to address the information and support needs of those who live with or love someone experiencing depression.

Do you know, love or care for someone experiencing depression?

• Did you know those who love, care for or support people with depression can experience significant stress and are themselves at greater risk of developing mental health problems?
• Would you be interested in finding out more about a program shown to be effective in supporting the partners, family members and friends of people with depression?

• What is depression
• Treatments for depression
• Suicidality and self harmHow do you best support someone with depression
• Communication strategies

New Issue of First Response Now Available

February 08 2011 (Volunteer Ambulance Officers association of Tasmania)

The lastest issue of "First Response" in now available online.

PHIL'S THOUGHTS - 'A Shocking Story'

COLES BAY GATHERING - the stories and the pictures

HI FROM K.I. - Information about the upcoming Gathering in May.

COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - read about Volunteering Tasmania's 2010 Community Achievement Awards.

RADIO STATION VOLUNTEER AWARDS - Winners of the Emergency Services Volunteer Awards 2010 (including Queenstown's Greg Whittington!)

HOW TO GET YOUR DHHS EMAIL - step by step instructions for forwarding your DHHS email to your personal email account.

DONATE LIFE! - read about Tasmania's organ donation scheme.

... and much more.

VAOAT AGM Documents

October 25 2010 (Dianne Coon, Public Officer)

The following documents are provided in advance of the upcoming Annual General General Meeting (AGM), to be held on Sunday November 21st at Iluka Holiday Resort, Coles Bay, starting at 10.45am.

The meeting will include a Special Resolution to adopt an updated Constitution, a draft of which is attached along with some explanatory notes. A Notice of Meeting is also attached.

Any member who wishes to be nominated for a position on the Management Committee and/or wishes to be considered for a position as an Officer of the Association should complete the attached nomination form and submit it to Dianne Coon, Public Officer at least 10 days prior to the meeting. Nominations must be signed by the nominee and two operational members and can be mailed to P.O.Box 131, STRAHAN 7468 or scanned and sent by email to secretary @tasmanianambulancevolunteers.asn.au

If you have any questions or comments about the AGM, please phone Dianne Coon on 6471-7017.

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2010 (360Kb)
Proposed Constitution (Draft) (267Kb)
Explanation of Changes (529Kb)
Nomination Form (229Kb)

Tasmanian Broadcasters Emergency Volunteer Worker of the Year Awards

October 22 2010 (Ron Jones F.A.I.E.S. Tasmanian Emergency Service Support Association)

The awards started back in 1993 with discussion between myself (Ron Jones) and the then West Coast 7XS Radio station Manager, Steve Adermann, with the idea of running the 7XS Emergency Services Worker of the Year competition for the volunteers on the West Coast with the view of promoting the fantastic work the volunteers do on the isolated West Coast.

The winners were presented with 7XS Perpetual Shield, a Personal Trophy and a Certificate at a function with representatives from local government, fellow emergency workers, family and friends.

Each winning nomination was then sent to the Australian Institute of Emergency Services (Tasmanian Division) as an entrant in the State Award, the PJ Parssey Memorial Prize. We have had four West Coast winners who have gone on and won the prestigious PJ Parssey award. The 7XS Awards are still ongoing under the guidance of the current Station Manager, Helen Wiggins.

In the past 3 years the award has �been taken up in the North West by local Radio Stations, 7AD/SeaFM in Devonport, managed by Sylvia Sayer & 7BU/SeaFM , managed by Lee Dick. The awards are based on the success of the 7XS Awards. Both station have tasted success with a winner from each station awards going on to win the PJ Parssey Award.

The volunteer winners have also had their stories published in local newspapers, and also in state wide and national emergency services publication.

This year we are running the awards state wide through the other 2 Tasmanian Broadcasters stations 7HO/FM in Hobart & 7LA/FM in Launceston.

I believe that this is a first in Australia. Well Done to all involved.

What Are We Looking For

We are looking for someone or a group within your volunteer emergency service community who is the quiet achiever, dedicated to their service and community, remembering they not be on the front line all the time, they may work behind the scene, or involved in a particular incident, shown courage and comfort in a time of need, providing welfare services or in an affiliated support role. If you someone, nominate them now and send the information to your relevant regional radio station.

To all involved in this promotion I would like to place my heart felt thanks on behalf of all the volunteers.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE ON THE 19th NOVEMBER 2010​
�
Details in the next issue of First Response, or for more information please contact any of the above radio stations or Ron Jones at the Tasmanian Emergency Service Support Association Email tessa@harboursat.com.au � Phone 64293223 �Mobile 0427 008705

Discussion Forum

October 13 2010

For the last two weeks, the VAOAT Discussion Forums have been under spam attack from China, with multiple attempts being made to register users that are clearly not Volunteer Ambulance Officers in Tasmania or anyone with a legitimate interest in Ambulance Tasmania VAOs.

So far, the system's security has prevented any ineligible registrations, but as added security a number of accounts that appear to have nothing whatsoever to do with ambulance volunteers have been deleted (as opposed to disabled or not-authorised).

While we have been careful, it is possible however that we have inadvertently deleted some user accounts that have been inactive for more than six months. If you previously had access to the VAOAT forums and have now lost that access, please email info@vgate.net.au and we will restore your account as quickly as possible. For security purposes, please specify in your email the name of your unit and the date your stated as a VAO.

Please accept our apology if your account has been disabled or deleted in error.

Paramedics boost emergency services

October 07 2010 (The Examiner)

SCOTTSDALE now has two paramedics as part of its 24-hour emergency response, along with 12 volunteer ambulance officers, operating from a new $700,000 ambulance station.

Health Minister Michelle O'Byrne officially opened the station yesterday, from which the services came online in July.

Ms O'Byrne thanked the nurses and drivers from the North-East Soldiers Memorial Hospital, who responded to ambulance calls across the region before the introduction of the paramedics.

Statewide, emergency ambulance responses last year increased by 17.4 per cent, urgent responses remained steady and non-urgent callouts decreased by 3.1 per cent, according to figures released by the Health Department.

Overall there were increases in all of the main response categories, leading to an increase of 7.4 per cent on the previous year, up to 69,899 call outs.

A key factor in the increase was the ageing population, and the increased numbers of people with chronic illnesses who were cared for at home and who required emergency or urgent care and transport when their conditions became acute.

The median response time for Launceston was 9.6 minutes.

In Hobart it was 10.2 minutes, Devonport 8.6 and Burnie 9.1 minutes. Statewide, the median response time had risen from 10.5 in 2007 to 11.0 in 2010.

VAOAT Gathering in Coles Bay (November 19-21)

September 07 2010

The Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania Incorporated & Ambulance Tasmania invite you to join us for the 5th Volunteer Ambulance Officer Gathering on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 19th - 21st November 2010 at Iluka Holiday Resort, Coles Bay.

Register online now or download an invitation by clicking here.

Sessions include learning more about ambulance work, including ---
• a seaside scenario, including sea & beach rescues, hypothermia, loading & unloading, CPR in a boat in transit - be prepared to get wet.
• handling injuries when in remote locations - advice from an Ambulance Tasmania paramedic on how to look after the patient and yourself.
• briefings from AT Committees will update you on uniforms, equipment and protocols being considered.

Visit www.colesbay.eventbrite.com for tickets and more information.

Latest issue of First Response now available online

July 22 2010

The latest issue of First Response, the quarterly newsletter published by the Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association is now available on the VAOAT website.

Click here to download the new issue (Vol 15 No 1 August 2010) or you can download this and many previous issues from the Newletters page on the VAOAT website.

If you would like to receive an email as soon as each new issue is published, join the VAOAT's free Newsletter Subscription service by going to www.tasmanianambulancevolunteers.asn.au/subscribe

Training and accreditation survey for VAOs

June 18 2010

The Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania wants to here your views as a volunteer ambulance officer about training and accreditation. [Survey closed July 28th -- results in next issue of First Response].

For the last 10 years, Ambulance Tasmania has offered a Certificate IV in Basic Emergency Care from the AQTF Health Training Package. In July 2009, the Service was required to discontinue issuing this qualification and apply for accreditation to offer a new Health Training Package, a Certificate IV in Health Care.

After reviewing the accreditation requirements, AT believes the workload for VAOs is excessive, with significant additional training and the requirement for an additional eight elective units that generally do not relate to VAO work with AT. AT believes that most VAOs enrolling in the course would ultimately not be able to complete the requirements for the new Certificate IV in Health Care.

AT proposes to continue to offer the current Level 1 and Level 2 courses and accredit VAOs through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), with a Statement of Attainment on completion of each module and level. This amounts to an "internal qualification" with Ambulance Tasmania.

AT will, upon request, provide any VAO with information on each module in Level 1 and Level 2 mapping it against AQTF requirements so that they can apply through any RTO in Australia for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) on all course modules completed. This is a routine process and will allow VAOs who want to progress their studies in the health science or pre-hospital care area the ability to do so without penalty.

The Association wants to know how important national accreditation is to you.

Click here to take a short online survey and make your opinion count! [Survey closed July 28th -- results in next issue of First Response].

VAOAT receives funding boost for King Island "Gathering"

June 17 2010

The Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania has received $50,000 from the Premier, David Bartlett, to host a Gathering on King Island in May 2011.

VAOAT President, Pam Fanning who is part of the organising committee for the event on King Island said the Association was extremely grateful to the government and the recognition this contribution gives to volunteer ambulance officers who work in remote regions of the state.

Volunteers who have community at heart

May 27 2010 (The Mercury)

It was an ordinary day in the office for Telstra project manager Colin Partridge.

That was until a woman ran into his office yelling for help because a man had been hit by a Metro bus outside in Collins St

Mr Partridge ran to assist the seriously injured man, and was able to clear his airways and keep him stable until an ambulance arrived.

It's times like this that the 34-year-old is thankful he trained as a volunteer ambulance officer in his hometown of Deloraine 12 years ago.

Four years ago, Mr Partridge moved to Hobart and now does at least one ambulance shift a week at Kingston – in addition to his full-time Telstra job. Yesterday, he was on the road with paid paramedic Peter Stride treating Tasmanians including Kingston's Paul Davies who suffered a heart attack.

After receiving a call from the Kingborough Medical Centre, the paramedics jump into the ambulance – better known as the "truck" – and rushed to the surgery with the siren blazing.

Mr Davies visited his doctor with what he thought was persistent indigestion, only to be told he was having a heart attack.

It is a common story: ambulances are frequently called to treat chest pain as well as people suffering strokes, respiratory problems, seizures and diabetes-related conditions.

Despite the scare, Mr Davies is in good spirits as he's loaded into the ambulance by Mr Stride and given medication to regulate his heart.

There's plenty of banter between the men who once played indoor cricket against each other and Mr Stride reveals that after 30 years in the job - and being an active part of the RSL, the football club and other community groups - it's common to work on people he knows, which can be tough.

One paramedic once worked on a man at a car crash and after five minutes realized it was his brother.

Mr Partridge's callout was just one of a string of jobs attended yesterday by the men, who are among 275 paramedics and 550 ambulance volunteers statewide.

The minute they clocked on at 8am they were called to help a woman in her 30s who'd had a seizure. A 64-year-old woman needed treatment after falling -down stairs and breaking her ankle, and then there were two more people with heart problems and a man with breathing difficulties to attend to before knocking off at 6pm.

Some days there are fewer jobs and officers spend downtime studying, sleeping or enjoying a meal. There's a TV and DVD player at the station, but watching a movie is rarely worthwhile as the men say they almost always miss the ending.

One thing is certain: the minute they boil the kettle to make a drink, the pager is sure to beep.

"There's a lot of sitting around waiting for the pager to go off, but usually we don't have to wait too long," Mr Partridge explains.

The variety and unpredictability is what attracted Mr Partridge.

"With my day job, it's pretty structured and you know your routine," he explains. "But here you have no idea what'll happen ... it's a different environment and it pushes your boundaries."

He once waded through knee-deep mud to treat an injured logger and has stood in freezing water pulling injured patients from boats.

He likes delivering babies and describes his first delivery, in the back of an ambulance between Deloraine and Latrobe, as an "enlightening experience".

"It was the best thing – it makes you think 'this is why we do this'," he says.

Mr Partridge's first job was assisting a seven-year-old hit by a car.

"l remember going and thinking: 'How am I going to react? What if l don't remember what I've been taught? Could I cope if it was graphic?'," he says.

"Some people find the trauma hard to take, but I got through it and knew I'd be able to do the job."

He’s often helped out when off duty. He’s come across car crashes and helped a lady who collapsed in a shopping centre.

"I'm happy being a volunteer and doing my part for the community," he says.

Mr Stride joined the St .John Ambulance cadets at Claremont at age 14. He worked as a fitter and turner for several years, but then ran into a man he went to trade school with who quit his trade to join the ambulance service. Mr Stride decided to do the same.

He worked as a volunteer for two years until a full-time position came up and is now branch station officer at Kingston and is often on call for helicopter rescues.

The 56-year-old says working as a paramedic makes him realise how precious life is.

"One thing that sticks in my mind is how short your life is" he says.

"You can be fit and healthy one day and gone the next."

A colleague in his 30s died of cancer a few years ago and Mr Stride often treats heart attack patients as young as he is.
He and his wife, a nurse, -were going to wait until retirement to buy a caravan and travel, but instead they did it early and now travel together every year.

"You've gotta make the best of life while you can," he explains. "You never know when your number is up."

Nominate NOW for prestigious Awards!

May 19 2010 (Awards Australia)

The Community Achievement Awards have been launched!

A state-wide search has now begun for our outstanding, inspirational and high achieving individuals, volunteers, businesses, achievers with a disability, Primary Industries, environmental initiatives and community groups who are involved in serving their community and making our State a better place to live.

We invite you to nominate, or alternatively nominate someone you know that deserves recognition for their commitment and community contribution. A nomination form and guidelines are attached for your convenience.

The Volunteering Tasmania Volunteering Award applauds excellence in the leadership and management of volunteers. Volunteers are integral to the social, cultural and economic development of Tasmania but in order for volunteering to flourish it requires effective management and organisational commitment. The Volunteering Tasmania Volunteering Award recognises those organisations that effectively support volunteers by providing them with management systems and processes that are based on best practice volunteer management.

Also The Kleenheat Gas Community of the Year Award provides projects, groups, organisations, cities, towns or local government initiatives with an opportunity to gain recognition for their achievements and contributions to their community. These community groups share a strong sense of community spirit, which plays a vital role in enhancing the social and economic prosperity of their community. It is important to recognise and encourage these groups and organisations as their efforts help to make our State a stronger and more vibrant place to live and will develop and promote true camaraderie and community spirit for future generations to come.

Nominations are now open in the following categories:
· Tamar Valley Dairy Business Enterprise Award
· Franklin Press Events and Tourism Award
· Volunteering Tasmania Volunteering Award
· MAIB Disability Achievement Award
· Nyrstar Environment and Sustainability Award
· Qew Orchards Outstanding Achiever Award
· Angove Family Winemakers Primary Industries and Agricultural Award
· Kleenheat Gas Community of the Year Award

Great prizes are up for grabs including television exposure for your company on Southern Cross Television or $1,000 AwardSaver Accounts from the Commonwealth Bank.

Nominations close Tuesday 27th July 2010 and winners will be announced at a Gala Awards Presentation Dinner to be held on Saturday 9th October at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart.

Southern Cross Television, SeaFM and The Advocate seek your help to promote these important awards. We would be delighted if you would also forward this email on to your contacts.

For more information or if you have any questions call the Awards office on 1300 556 265 email: caa@awardsaustralia.com or via http://www.awardsaustralia.com/CAA_tas.html

Volunteer Ambulance Officer Online Survey

May 10 2010

The Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania is conducting an online survery for VAOs in Tasmania. Click here ... it will take less than two minutes!

Reward for 16 years of help

May 07 2010 (The Mercury)

BEING a volunteer ambulance officer is a tough job but, in remote communities, somebody has to do it.

In Wayatinah that includes Brian "Knocka" Knowles and his wife Vicki.

Mr Knowles, 55, today collects an Ambulance Service Medal after 16 years of service.

"It's giving something back to the community," he said of the 24-hours-a-day seven-days-a-week job.

Mr Knowles shares the workload with his wife and other Wayatinah residents David McMillan, daughter-in-law Sandra McMillan and Kirsty Chalmers.

Two of them are on call at all times, typically for seven-day stints. Their territory ranges from the Collingwood River to Ouse, both on the Lyell Highway, as well as Bronte Park.

Mr Knowles said his pager-beeper was his constant companion.

He said he got a kick out of helping, and saving, members of the tight-knit community, but it was people passing through who demanded most of the volunteers' attention.

"Crashes are most common," he said.

"I've been to a few nasty ones.

"It's people who are not familiar with the roads and who don't slow down for corners.

"Motorbikes are the worst."

Mr Knowles said crashes could be unsettling for volunteers.

"You've probably got to have a strong will to be able to do it," he said.

"Even so we are there to talk to each other afterwards and we can get support from the Ambulance Service."

Recently retired from the Hydro, Mr Knowles plans to move back to Strahan.

From Spinal Patient to Red Dress Runner

March 18 2010

TEN years ago, as he lay in the back of an ambulance with a severely broken neck, John Ellsmore thought he would never walk again.

He was one of eight Hash House Harriers in a mini-bus that had overturned and rolled several time on the Midland Highway outside Oatlands. The ambulance, crewed by two volunteer officers, had come from Bothwell to attend to the injured and immediately recognised the urgent need to get Mr Ellsmore to hospital. Their task was made doubly difficult by roadworks on a stretch of the highway – any sudden jarring could have consigned their injured passenger to life in a wheelchair.

Thanks in part to their efforts, Mr Ellsmore was able not only to walk again but to resume running with the Hash House Harriers.

So ‘Honkers’, as he’s known to other Hashers, was delighted to learn that the beneficiaries of this year’s annual charity Red Dress Run organised by Hobart Full Moon Hash House Harriers would be the Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania.
Honkers was one of 80 Hashers from around the state who squeezed into all manner of red finery to follow a marked trail through Sandy Bay, Battery Point, Salamanca and the central business district.

Run organiser Beverley ‘Wee Bev’ Curry said the response from Hashers and the public alike was fantastic. “Hashers love this event and the cooler weather wasn’t going to discourage them from wearing some rather skimpy outfits,” she said. “The public responded to the spectacle by making some very generous donations.”

As a result, the Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association will receive more than $3,400 for its work in supporting the 520 volunteer ambulance officers around the state. The handover of the cheque will take place at Hobart Ambulance Station at 1.00pm on Thursday 18th March


At the post-Red Dress Run celebrations, Honkers, in his role as MC, spoke of the attention he received after the bus accident in February 2000. It was only then that he discovered that the Volunteer Ambulance Officer who attended to him that day was the very man he was about to introduce to the gathering, VAOAT past-president Wayne Doran.

Next year’s Red Dress charity run will be a much larger event, with more than 400 participants expected to ‘frock up’ as the run will be held in conjunction with the biennial national gathering of Hash House Harriers, known as Aussie Nash Hash.

Hash House Harriers

March 03 2010

The Hash House Harriers annual Red Dress Fun Run on Saturday, Feb 27 has raised nearly $2,000 in support of the Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania's next gathering on King island.

The runners dress in red and ladies clothing and the group run a set route. This year they ran through Battery Point, Salamanca Place (with the market in operation) and on into the Elizabeth Mall, returning to the Civic Club for lunch and a few beverages.

Lesley Blackburn, a VAO and Hash House Harrier first suggested that the runners raise funds for the VAO Gathering, and was assisted by Keitha Munro and Wayne Doran. Lesley Blackburn, a VAO and Hash House Harrier first suggested that the runners raise funds for the VAO Gathering.

The Harriers were very pleased that reps from the organisation they were donating to came along and helped, and it was interesting that many people were not aware of VAO’s being an integral part of Ambulance Tasmania.

It is hoped that more VAOs will join the next red dress run. Invitations will be issued in December.

GP Assist delivers

February 05 2010 (The Mercury - Letters to the Editor)

While holidaying in the Central Highlands over the Australia Day period, a family member became unwell at night and a call was made to the GP Assist service (1300 780 011).

The operator dispatched ambulances from both Bronte Park and Wayatinah as well as organising for a paramedic to come from New Norfolk, Folowing consultation at the scene, the ambulance officers transferred our family member to Wayatinah to meet the paramedic coming from New Norfolk.

All of this was done within an hour of our initial phone call. Our family cannot speak highly enough of all involved, all of whom are volunteers.

Tasmanians in rural areas should be reminded of this excellent service and be comforted by the fact that it is highly efficient and professional.

M. Kaye
Dynnyrne

Emergency Services Water Exercise at Dodges Ferry

January 16 2010 (by Colin George)

An exercise involving Volunteer Ambulance Officers, Sea Rescue Dodges Ferry and Tasmania Police has shown the value in emergency services training together.

Volunteer Ambulance Officers (VAOs) from Dodges Ferry, Sorell and Bridgewater were part of the exercise held recently in the Lewisham Sand Dunes.

Participants were presented with three scenarios on the beach and in the dunes. The scenarios included included a patient with a fractured leg, one with chest pain, and one suffering an anaphalactic reaction to a bite or sting.

VAO's were transferred to the sand dunes from the nearest road access point by Tasmania Police and Sea Rescue vessels.

Sea Rescue also practiced retrieving a body from the water and performing CPR, using a manikin.

This was a most worthwhile exercise, enhancing the skills of all participants and allowing them to practice working with other Emergency Services. Exercises like these make everyone better prepared for when these kids of incidents occur.

Thanks to Dominic Morgan for his support and encouragement on the day, and Tony Chadwick and Peter Morgan for their assistance on the day which ensured a safe and successful outcome and made the day a valuable learning experience.

Ambo angels have hearts of gold

October 05 2009 (The Examiner)

SHIRLEY Squires and the Avoca Angels have built a relationship with the people of the area they serve.

They have years of experience and - according to Northern Midlands Mayor Kim Polley - hearts of gold, which resonates with their patients.

Mrs Squires recalls when a boy's mother made a house visit.

"He had a broken arm and they didn't call for the ambulance, they just took him straight here," she said. "People in the community look to you ... they come around just if they have a cut finger or whatever."

She, or the other five members of her team, may be the first face you see if you are involved in an accident on the Midland Highway or have a medical emergency.

Their commitment to the people of their community and their training can be seen replicated in regional areas across the state.

The Avoca Angels are among more than 500 volunteer ambulance officers in Tasmania.

Most of the 40 ambulance stations across Tasmania are staffed solely by volunteers.

Regional leaders and the Tasmanian Ambulance Service agree that the volunteers are vital to the delivery of services.

Mary Knowles, another of the Angels, summed it up: "Without volunteers there would be no ambulance service in the rural areas of Tasmania."

Volunteers a vital part of rural life across state

October 05 2009 (The Examiner)

If you have a medical emergency in regional Tasmania, chances are one of the first faces you'll see is a volunteer ambulance officer. ANGUS LONERGAN reports

THE Tasmanian Ambulance Service's volunteers are the state's unsung heroes.

In a state with more than 500,000 people, about 500 volunteer ambulance officers are required to work day in, day out to keep our regional areas safe.

Of the 40 ambulance stations across Tasmania, 25 are staffed solely by volunteers.

Another 13 are staffed by both the volunteers and the state's 280 full-time paramedics.

All four of the state's first response units are volunteer-run.

They are often the first to an accident scene yet some believe their work goes largely unrecognised.

Extensive training, knowledge and commitment are required by all volunteers.

Tasmanian Ambulance Service superintendent Andrew O'Brien said volunteers were vital to the delivery of services across the state.

"Without the support of the VAOs, many communities would wait much longer for their ambulance response," Mr O'Brien said.

A group of regional leaders agree on the important role that volunteers play in serving their areas.

Dorset Mayor Peter Partridge has had personal experience with the officers.

"They provide an excellent service up this way, there is no question about that," Cr Partridge said.

Break O'Day Mayor Robert Legge said the East Cost was highly dependent on volunteers.

"The effort the volunteers put in for the ambulance service is terrific and we certainly couldn't do without it," Cr Legge said.

The Avoca Angels are a perfect example of the positive role that volunteers have on a regional community.

The group of six women includes teacher aides, a postal services officer, a volunteer firefighter and some retired residents.

"The women who have manned the service up at Avoca ... they have hearts of gold," Northern Midlands Mayor Kim Polley said.

"Not only do they volunteer there but they also are involved in other organisations."

The commitment shown by volunteers is apparent in the time they sacrifice for shifts and training, which involves at least 12 sessions a year.

Avoca Angels are a team

October 05 2009 (The Examiner)

THE Avoca Angels are aptly named.

For some people, they could mean the difference between life and death.

The six Angels - Sandi-Lee Squires and her mother Shirley Squires, Margaret Dennis, Mary Knowles, Helen Reynolds and her granddaughter DeArne Reynolds - are volunteer ambulance officers who serve the Fingal Valley.

Between them they have more than 100 years of ambulance experience.

The Angels formed 36 years ago when the townspeople of Avoca bought the ambulance from a private operator.

It started as a subscription service, with families paying a small fee each year, but it was not enough to keep the service afloat.

In 1990, the Tasmanian Ambulance Service brought the Angels under its banner.

Through the service the Avoca volunteers receive their training, vehicles, equipment and uniforms.

The Angels are like a tight-knit family, as you might expect given the family links in the group.

"Our crew works so well together because we don't have arguments and disagreements," Mrs Squires said.

Avoca does not have a full-time paramedic, which the Angels say makes members of the team rely on each other.

"We have to make all the decisions," Mrs Dennis said.

"It gives you more confidence ... you make the decisions between the two that go out ... quite often we have gone and sorted whatever it is because we have the confidence to do so."

The closest paramedic is stationed at Campbell Town and there is also one at Scamander.

A lot of the volunteers' time is sacrificed to be able to respond quickly.

All the women recall being woken from sleep, interrupted at dinner and called from work.

Mrs Knowles said being a volunteer could sometimes place a strain on the family.

"If someone has to get up in the middle of the night or go in the middle of tea or disrupt something and just head off because there is an ambulance needed, the rest of the family has just got to cope with that," she said.

VAOAT Gathering

September 25 2009

Joys of volunteer ambos highlighted

September 10 2009 (ABC News)

Tasmanians are being called on to step up for the state's volunteer ambulance service.

The Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association has 500 trained officers at 42 sites around the state and has today released a DVD to drum up recruits and to recognise the efforts of existing officers.

Association secretary, and Strahan volunteer, Dianne Coon says more are needed, especially in smaller rural towns.

"Most ambulance officers have saved a life or two and that's prety wonderful when you do that,"she said.

"For as many lives as I've saved I've given a fair few more dignity. I've helped deliver a couple of babies in my community, watching those children grow is a great reward."

Tasmanian Ambulance Service CEO, Dominic Morgan says the volunteer officers are critically important.

"My experience on the national level suggests that there are many, many places on the mainland that simply wouldn't have ambulance services in the way that we have our service here, simply because of the time and commitment that our volunteers give to the organisation and the state generally."

Call to step up and stay

September 09 2009 (The Mercury)

The Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania yesterday launched a DVD in a strategy to attract new volunteers and acknowledge its existing ones.

Launched at the Sorell Ambulance Station by House of Assembly Speaker Michael Polley, Making a Difference features real Tasmanian ambulance volunteers in action.

Volunteers Dianne Coon, of Strahan and Collette Harrold, of Sorell, said they hoped the DVD would have a positive impact.

"It showcases the different reasons that people volunteer and the things they get out of it, the satisfaction and the pride and that it can be for anybody; from all walks of life," Ms Harrold said.

Ms Coon said the DVD was designed to support current volunteers and attract suitable new applicants.

"It's to make sure that we attract people who, because of their attitude and their life circumstances, are going to be able to stay for a while," she said.

"They tend to be more rewarded by being there for a while and it's certainly more rewarding for both their fellow volunteers and the ambulance service if they are able to stay and be stable for a while."

The DVD features volunteers from Beaconsfield, Bicheno, Coles Bay, Dodges Ferry and Strahan.

Nubeena VAO awarded National Medal

June 04 2009

Kaye Fox, a Nubeena based VAO, has received the prestigious National Medal to recognise her fifteen-plus years of service to the community.

The National Medal was established in February 1975 and recognises diligent long service in organisations that protect life and property at some risk to their members.

The medal is bronze, 38mm in diameter, ensigned with the Crown of Saint Edward, and contains the Arms of the Commonwealth of Australia within a rim carrying the inscription "The National Medal: For Service".

A full list of medal holders can be found at www.itsanhonour.gov.au.

Thank You to Tasmania's Volunteer Ambulance Officers

May 15 2009 (Press Release: Lara Giddings, MP Minister for Health)

Health Minister Lara Giddings today thanked Tasmania’s volunteer ambulance officers for their tireless efforts in supporting regional communities.

“The work of these hard-working Tasmanians should never be under-estimated and Volunteers Week 2009 provides us with a good opportunity to recognise their efforts,” Ms Giddings said.

“With their support Tasmania has widespread ambulance coverage.

“This includes remote locations such as our three larger islands and smaller towns.

“Volunteers provide an invaluable service to their community and it is a rewarding experience to know you are helping fellow Tasmanians in their time of need.

“The efforts of the volunteers, often unknown to large portions of the community, are greatly appreciated by those who need their services.

“Those who receive care and life saving help are no doubt eternally grateful.

There are more than 500 Volunteer Ambulance Officers in Tasmania, with 23 Tasmanian ambulance stations fully staffed by volunteers.

Additionally, 14 stations are staffed by paramedics who are assisted by volunteers.

A recent expansion of ambulance coverage has seen the introduction of 1st Responder units - community based groups which respond to life threatening emergencies in their local area.

The newest 1st Responder group at South Arm in Tasmania’s south was acknowledged earlier this week for their wonderful efforts.

Ms Giddings said it was also timely to put out a call for more Tasmanians willing to give their time and energy to become volunteer ambulance officers.

“We are in need of more volunteers in many areas and of course increased numbers mean a reduced burden on those who already give up their time to help.

“Volunteers are trained to provide pre-hospital emergency care using specialist ambulance equipment which is well in advance of public first aid, Ms Giddings said.

National Volunteer Week runs from the 11–17 May.

This weekend volunteer ambulance officers will hold their third Volunteer Ambulance Gathering at Camp Banksia, Port Sorell.

New St Marys Emergency Services Station Open

May 15 2009 (Press Release: Jim Cox, MP Minister for Police and Emergency Management)

The Minister for Police and Emergency Management, Jim Cox today officially opened a new Emergency Services Station at St Marys.

Mr Cox said the new $600,000 building, located in the main street of St Marys, is a single facility bringing all three local emergency services together under one roof.

“The joint facility will go a long way to enhancing the co-operative relationship already existing between the agencies with the ultimate benefit of that being an even more effective and efficient emergency service for the communities in the area.”

“The Tasmania Fire Service, State Emergency Service and the Tasmanian Ambulance Service collaborated closely throughout the project to ensure that the finished complex would meet their collective needs.

“The building is configured to accommodate the full fleet of local response vehicles and also provides for separate and secure storage of equipment, independent office space, a common and well appointed meeting/training room and ample on-site parking.

“Disabled showers and toilets are incorporated and the grounds have been landscaped to ensure that the overall look is one that the St Marys community can be enormously proud of.”

Mr Cox said the new station was the result of a large amount of support from not only the emergency services, but the Break O’Day Council and the broader community.

“The State Government is committed to providing modern and functional facilities to our emergency service workers and volunteers to ensure that they can go about their extremely important work in helping the public in the most safe and efficient way.

“This new centre will enable the St Marys’ emergency services to continue serving the community well into the future,” Mr Cox said.

Meeting re Swine Flu

May 02 2009

Steve Moore is holding a meeting at Sorell Station on Sunday 3rd May 12 noon to let volies know about relevant issues to do with the current Swine Flu epidemic

Women keep community on the move

March 14 2009 (The Examiner)

LIFE doesn't come easy to the people of the Fingal Valley.

Whether the men have been farmers during drought years like 2009 when the hills around Avoca are nothing but bare, brown dirt, or miners, truck drivers or timber cutters, they've worked hard to feed their families. But the tough conditions have produced a close community that takes care of itself and fights for the services it needs. And often it's the women who keep it all working.

Women like Mary Knowles, who lives at Gipps Creek, 37km drive into the hills behind Avoca who has been part of the volunteer ambulance service known as the Avoca Angels almost since she moved into the district 20 years ago. She works at Avoca School as an aid, runs the Red Cross group and helps coordinate the community garden. "We grow vegies and each Thursday, the children cook something from the garden," she said. Mary is a member of the Greater Esk Tourism group set up two years ago to promote the area as a tourist destination. And she has helped produce a booklet on the history of Rossarden and Storys Creek which is handed out to visitors taken on bus tours of the area as one of the fund-raisers for the annual Christmas party.

Then there is Helen Reynolds who has been an Avoca Angel on the all- women volunteer ambulance team for 16 years. "We used to live at Royal George until my husband retired down here," Helen said. "I love it here at Avoca - we've got just about everything we need like the pub, the cafe, the Billy Bag shop, the gift shop across the road and the road house." Helen's favourite place at Avoca is the local swimming hole at St Pauls River. "I swam down there when I was eight months pregnant with Sandi-Lee - she's 36 now," she said. "There is a big rock in the river and when I got tired, I knew exactly where the rock was and I'd stand on it for a rest."

[read full article]

Urgent call for volunteers

February 02 2009 (The Mercury)

A CRITICAL shortage of volunteers is undermining the work of charities and emergency services.

Recruitment drives by organisations including the Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania and the Country Women's Association have failed to meet serious volunteer shortfalls.

Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association president Wayne Doran said strategies to combat the problem could include government intervention and provision of a volunteer allowance.

"The Government has to look at volunteers at all agencies and say, 'How can we better help you recruit and retain them?' If it comes down to providing an allowance, we need to look at that," Mr Doran said.

Compared with other states, Tasmania has a high rate of volunteering - about 36 per cent of the population.

But the Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association, SES in country areas, Red Cross, CWA and Meals on Wheels all say they are finding it harder to recruit new volunteers.

"People have a lot of commitments," said former CWA state president Jill Hayes.

"Their focus is on working to pay their mortgage and school fees."

Volunteering Tasmania acting CEO Adrienne Picone said younger people, who were especially hard to recruit, preferred short-term or one-off projects.

"What's happening is people are volunteering in different ways rather than in more traditional roles like Meals on Wheels or CWA," Ms Picone said.

"There's more episodic volunteering."

Red Cross Tasmania marketing manager Jane Crosswell said: "The focus of volunteering has changed quite a lot. We used to get volunteers who would stay for years and years but that doesn't seem to be the case now."

Mr Doran said the shortfalls in volunteer ambulance officers had become critical in some areas of the state.

In Bothwell, for instance, the ambulance service was manned by seven volunteers but required 12 to run effectively, he said.

"Our volunteers are drying up and we don't know why," Mr Doran said.

"Gen-Xers and Ys will join us but they want to be paid.

"It's time for the Government to look at providing some support."

Urgent call for volunteers

February 02 2009 (The Mercury)

A CRITICAL shortage of volunteers is undermining the work of charities and emergency services.

Recruitment drives by organisations including the Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania and the Country Women's Association have failed to meet serious volunteer shortfalls.

Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association president Wayne Doran said strategies to combat the problem could include government intervention and provision of a volunteer allowance.

"The Government has to look at volunteers at all agencies and say, 'How can we better help you recruit and retain them?' If it comes down to providing an allowance, we need to look at that," Mr Doran said.

Compared with other states, Tasmania has a high rate of volunteering - about 36 per cent of the population.

But the Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association, SES in country areas, Red Cross, CWA and Meals on Wheels all say they are finding it harder to recruit new volunteers.

"People have a lot of commitments," said former CWA state president Jill Hayes.

"Their focus is on working to pay their mortgage and school fees."

Volunteering Tasmania acting CEO Adrienne Picone said younger people, who were especially hard to recruit, preferred short-term or one-off projects.

"What's happening is people are volunteering in different ways rather than in more traditional roles like Meals on Wheels or CWA," Ms Picone said.

"There's more episodic volunteering."

Red Cross Tasmania marketing manager Jane Crosswell said: "The focus of volunteering has changed quite a lot. We used to get volunteers who would stay for years and years but that doesn't seem to be the case now."

Mr Doran said the shortfalls in volunteer ambulance officers had become critical in some areas of the state.

In Bothwell, for instance, the ambulance service was manned by seven volunteers but required 12 to run effectively, he said.

"Our volunteers are drying up and we don't know why," Mr Doran said.

"Gen-Xers and Ys will join us but they want to be paid.

"It's time for the Government to look at providing some support."

VAO wins Australia Day medal

February 01 2009

Congratulations to Wayne Doran, volunteer coordinator at TAS Bothwell, for being awarded the Ambulance Services Medal on Australia Day 2009.

Wayne Doran, of Bothwell, was involved in re- establishing the Bothwell Volunteer Ambulance Unit and has been its leader (volunteer coordinator) for the past 15 years.

Mr Doran has also made a significant contribution to volunteer ambulance issues at State level as member of the Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania since its inception in 1995.

Two other Ambulance Service Medals were awarded this year; one to supervisor Peter William Berry who was recognised for his contribution over 30 years and Paul Templar, of Heybridge, for his service as a manager and instructor.

Register Now for King Island Gathering

January 10 2009

Expressions of Interest are now being accepted for the VAOAT Gathering on King Island, scheduled for May 13-16 2010.

The Gathering will run over four days between May 13th and May 16th 2011. Due to flight capacity restrictions, attendees may have to arrive one or two days early or stay one or two days after the formal program program concludes.

Please note that due to airline restrictions there are strict cancellation policies in effect for this event. Please read the Disclaimer carefully before registering.

Recognition for service to the St Helens community

November 25 2008 (from The Examiner)

THEY are ordinary people that perform extraordinary community deeds.

They witness the horrors of car accidents, assist in the transfer of patients between hospitals, and fill the gaps in paramedic services in rural communities.

The Tasmanian Ambulance Service volunteer unit in St Helens are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and last week received some due recognition from Rio Tinto Alcan in the form of $2000. They were selected as part of the company's community grants fund and this money will assist in the purchase of a wish list of equipment and training aides for their station.

With 22 volunteers covering 1100sqkm along the North-East, paramedic Garry Webb said there was always room in the group for more people to join, and that the summer months would bring on a swell of traumatic activity.

"These are a good group of people that give up a large amount of time for community and ambulance service, and after late nights, they are still able to respond to family and employment commitments," he said.

"You find an overlap with a few members in their involvement with the SES and the (volunteer) fire service, so they have a large skill base of practicality.

"And in smaller communities, there tends to be that closeness with the police force, hospital staff and the fire service that there isn't there in metropolitan areas."

The units longest- serving member, Col Gordon, 76, of Stieglitz joined the volunteers 14 years ago and was attracted by the prospect of a challenge.

"I've learnt a hell of a lot from paramedics about how to care for people over the years, and I'd advise anyone to join because you make a difference at the scene of a car accident, or even in your own home," he said.

"Here in a small town, you are highly likely to come across an accident that involves someone you know or love.

"You never forget the skills, plus there is a whole social side of it - which has kept me young."

New SES facility on track for opening

August 12 2008 (from The Examiner)

A NEW all- encompassing State Emergency Service facility at St Marys is scheduled to be opened before Christmas.

On Friday, senior members of the Tasmania Fire Service, SES, Tasmania Police and Lyons Labor MHAs David Llewellyn and Michael Polley gathered for the official announcement that building contractors INNIS Tasmania had won the contract to construct the new complex. The company had started work on the site in June.

TFS South Esk district officer Rodney Reid said the construction followed several delays since the idea of the facility was first conceived in 2002 when the limitations of the current St Marys Fire Station were discussed.

He said it was then acknowledged there was the need for a complex that could serve a wider Break O' Day community.

This was made no more apparent following the 2006 East Coast bushfires and the subsequent problems encountered by emergency services.

The 24sq m x 20sq m building will house a large meeting room with in-built training equipment, office space, overnight accommodation and kitchen and hygiene amenities.

Three double-length engine bays will provide space for response vehicles.

Not only will the building enable the Tasmanian Fire Service, Tasmanian Ambulance Service and SES personnel to train new members, there is scope for community functions to be held in its confines.

Mr Llewellyn said that local volunteers from all three services had been involved in the planning of the development, to which the State Government had contributed $600,000.

Response units prove a vital asset

July 08 2008 (from The Examiner)

"PERSONALLY I've really enjoyed the last year with the first response unit it's been a great experience for me and the rest of the team."

That's the view of Longford first response coordinator Greg Knight. It's been just over a year since first response emergency medical units were set up at both Longford and Poatina.

The units were created to deal with isolation problems facing emergency services.

The role of the first response unit is to be on the scene before the ambulance to provide emergency first aid.

"The first five minutes of an incident are the most critical," Mr Knight said.

"Often because of our location an ambulance won't reach Longford for 10 or 15 minutes."

Armed with pagers the nine trained volunteers of the Longford response team are ready night and day to respond in an emergency.

In the past 12 months Mr Knight and his team have been called out to more than 50 incidents but have only had to use their automatic defibrillator once.

The first response unit works closely with paramedics but ultimately it is up to the professionals when they arrive on the scene.

"When there is an accident we are paged by 000 at the same time as the ambulance," Mr Knight said.

"We monitor and perform emergency first aid as well as informing the incoming ambulance on the situation."

Mr Knight and Ms Dougall said the first response teams were in need of volunteers and anyone interested should contact Greg Knight on 0418343569 or Anita Dougall 0427598625.

Volunteers the focus of field day

May 08 2008 (from The Examiner)

BREAK O'Day emergency services were out in force at St Helens yesterday. But it wasn't another East Coast bushfire, or any other disaster, that brought them together.

Personnel from the police, ambulance, fire brigade, SES, and St Helens marine rescue services were participating at the inaugural Break O'Day Emergency Services Field Day.

Break O'Day SES unit manager Mark Latham said that he was pleased with the attendance of about 300 spectators. "The original idea for the field day came after I found out the ambulance and some of the other emergency services were getting low on volunteers," he said. "I thought about an information field day to get local people interested in joining one of the emergency services.

"As I got further into the planning, it turned into a full-scale emergency service exercise. "Each of the services demonstrated their particular skills and that, hopefully, made the public aware of what we do and increased their interest in joining." Mr Latham said that people wanting to learn more about a particular service should go along to a meeting.

SES and ambulance combined to free a car accident victim, the fire brigade attended a car fire and Launceston SES members completed a cliff rescue.

The police and St Helens flotilla of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard demonstrated a rescue from an overturned dinghy. The exercise was delayed for a short time while a second flare was ferried out to the victims after the first went off prematurely.

Mum's best in Tasmania

April 09 2008 (The Examiner)

MOTHER of four Judy- Ann Vienna-Hallam, of Lauderdale, was named 2008 Tasmanian Mother of the Year by children's charity Barnardos yesterday.

She was nominated by her daughter Krista.

Mrs Vienna-Hallam's children have varying levels of disabilities, but she still finds time to be a part-time mum to many of the children in her neighbourhood.

Mrs Vienna-Hallam is also a volunteer ambulance officer, often working 10- to 14-hour shifts with her local crew.

She said she was shocked, humbled and honoured to have been chosen.

Mrs Vienna-Hallam will take part in the national finals in Sydney on May 8.