On behalf of the Ambulance Service of New South Wales I am proud to launch the first edition of ambulanceonline, our new community e-newsletter. The bi-monthly newsletter will provide NSW residents with up-to-date information on our operations and service delivery as well as important health and safety messages and the latest news. Editions of ambulanceonline can be viewed electronically via our website www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au or from the links below. I encourage you to promote ambulanceonline throughout your local community and would welcome feedback.

Greg Rochford
Chief Executive
Ambulance Service of New South Wales

The Broken Hill Lions Club recently presented an Ambulance Service “Life….Live it, Save it!” session to 13 members that highlighted the importance of recognising signs and symptoms of life threatening emergencies.

The training is aimed at people 55 years and over and reinforces the fact that early recognition of medical emergencies can save lives and that people should not be embarrassed to call an ambulance. The training also demonstrated the importance of calling triple zero immediately, what to do when calling for an ambulance and the questions you would be asked.
 
All members commented that the "Life.. Life it Save it!" program was a very successful and worthwhile initiative aimed at a level people could easily understand and a great way to promote when, how and why to call an ambulance. A fun, educational night was had by all! The "Life... Live It Save It Program" is free to all community clubs in New South Wales who cater to retirees. It takes only one hour to complete and there are no exams or tests. The self-learning Program is designed to be facilitated by community members in a group environment and includes viewing an instructional DVD highlighting the Program’s key objectives, a short practical component and discussion time. No prior training is required to facilitate the Program.

If you are interested in facilitating a Program within your area or just want to know more about the "LIFE .. Life It Save It Program" please download the Program outline from the Ambulance website or contact the Manager, Community Relations by phoning 02 9320 7795 or email community@ambulance.nsw.gov.au.

Recently the Air Ambulance Emergency Medical Helicopter was transporting a critically ill patient from Nepean Hospital to Royal Prince Alfred hospital when they were lasered. A member of the public has pointed a laser at the cockpit of the helicopter filling it with a bright green light.

This is not the first time this has happened and it poses a serious risk to the crew and patients on board. The Ambulance Service of New South Wales would like to remind the public just how dangerous lasers can be especially when pointed at aircraft such as Helicopters. Click here to read the full story...

Three emergency workers who battled fire and smoke to rescue a woman buried beneath the rubble in a burning building have been commended for their courage.

Ambulance Officer James Thompson, Retained Firefighter Alex Singh and Police Officer Mick Moloy made the decision to enter a flaming structure in Peel Street, Tamworth, risking their own lives to save the life of another on 14 November 2005.

On Thursday 6 September 2007 the officers were honoured for their courageous actions at an official ceremony. The joint presentation also acknowledged the close relationship between the emergency services in Tamworth.

The explosion at Caffe Eataliano restaurant rocked Tamworth with the popular dining and shopping area of the town turned into a disaster zone. Shards of glass and debris were spread across the street and pieces of the restaurant were propelled from the structure, even becoming embedded in other buildings. An adjoining apartment was also affected.

As the framework partially collapsed, 70 year old Barbara Smith was trapped beneath the wreckage. Her husband, John, had been sitting by her side in their apartment and was relatively uninjured. He was the first to her aid but said the assistance of three emergency services personnel was vital to his wife’s survival. Click here to read the full story...

While treating a patient in Schofields, students from Rouse Hill College helped disassemble parts of a shop counter to allow a patient to be carried out. They also helped lift the patient under instruction from ambulance officers and remained on scene to assist replace the store counter.

Pictured is AO Kevin Adamson (left) and AO Peter Van Pragg, who arranged for Certificates of Appreciation to be presented to the students at morning assembly for their efforts in assisting with the patient. Click here to read the full story...

Sydney is about to stage the largest street parade in the city’s history. The Sydney Christmas Parade is to be modelled on the 80 year old traditional Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.

It is estimated that over 55 floats will take part in the inaugural event, along with a multitude of cartoon characters, dance troupes, high school marching bands, street performers, cheer leaders, celebrities, national sporting bodies and multi-cultural groups in national costumes, SANTA and his elves.

Making sure that everyone remains safe and well during the festivities will be the Ambulance Service of NSW. A number of ambulances, patient transport vehicles, a rapid responder and a motorcycle will all be placed at strategic points throughout the designated street route ready to cope with the expected large crowd.

The Sydney Christmas Parade will commence at 11.30am on Sunday the 25th November in Hunter St at the lower end of the city and travel its way through the streets via George & Liverpool and wind up at Santa’s Village in Tumbalong Park Darling Harbour. Santa’s Village will have a host of activities for children and adults and they will be treated to live entertainment throughout the day, the event will conclude at 7pm.