The work of a paramedic often involves caring for the most disadvantaged members of the community and paramedics often witness horrific trauma. Our paramedics have genuine passion and commitment to the maintenance of high standards of care for the community.

On 20 November each year we will pay tribute to those strengths and express our sincere thanks to the frontline staff who continue to maintain those high levels of service. > Read more

Photograph: In Sydney, Thank a Paramedic Day was celebrated at the Masonic Centre. > Back to top

A community campaign has been launched to tackle the number of assaults and threatened violence against Ambulance paramedics.

During 2007/08 there were over one million ambulance responses to emergency and non-emergency incidents. The overwhelming majority of these one million patients are very appreciative and respectful of our paramedics, however there are some cases of unfounded aggression from patients, their families or the general community.

The message is simple - violence and verbal abuse towards paramedics will not be tolerated. > Read more > Back to top

Recent drowning tragedies should prove as a timely reminder to pool owners that they ensure they have taken every step possible to make their pool safe.

Drowning is the most common cause of accidental death of Australian children aged between 0-4 years. According to Royal Lifesaving records, in 2007/08 there were 27 drowning deaths of children under five in Australia. 16 of those deaths occurred in swimming pools.

Swimming pools can be a great source of fun and a great place for children to learn water confidence. However …..

• Always ensure there is constant adult supervision when your child is playing near water.

• Vigilance should never stop regardless of how safe your pool fencing may be.

• Do not expect older children to look after younger siblings. Children have a short attention span and are easily distracted.

• Have your child taught basic water familiarisation skills and how to swim.

The NSW Ambulance Service urges every adult and older child to learn Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). CPR is a skill that is extremely important, not difficult to learn and potentially life saving. In situations where CPR is required, every second counts. Good, effective CPR prior to the arrival of paramedics increases the chances of survival. To find a Workcover NSW first aid provider www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

Make sure that every pool has the most current CPR charts fixed prominently around the pool.
> Download a CPR Chart. > Back to top

The NSW Premier, Nathan Rees launched the first of three new $15 million helicopters to enhance the capacity of the Ambulance Aeromedical fleet on 6 November 2008. There was no time for pomp and ceremony, as the helicopter no sooner landed at the Albion Park facility for the official hand-over, when it was called away to a motorcycle accident in the Royal National Park.

The new Augusta AW139 helicopter will be based in the Illawarra as part of the Greater Sydney Helicopter Network. The new helicopter has a greater range, improved reliability, more space to treat patients and a cruise speed 25 to 30 per cent faster than their nearest rivals. For every two hours of flying time, patients will get to hospital nearly 30 minutes sooner. > Read more
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Ambulance Recruitment Unit attended 'Reinvent Your Career' Expo at Darling Harbour. Many potential applicants were interested in becoming trainee paramedics as well as trainee patient transport officers (more information on a career with Ambulance).These people were of all ages and included: those who are about to get their driver's licence and thinking about the new two year accelerated pathway through Charles Sturt University; those who are looking for a change in their previously chosen career and are keen to embark on a new career within emergency service; and those who are looking for a satisfying role involving community health care.

Photograph: Ambulance staff assist prospective Ambulance recruits. > Back to top

Nine volunteer ambulance officers (VAO) recently completed their induction training at Tibooburra in the far north west of NSW, approximately 300 kilometres north of Broken Hill. The volunteers descended on the small town of Tibooburra over several weekends to complete training conducted by the Ambulance Education Centre and operational staff. Volunteers travelled from far and wide including the areas of Cameron Corner, Wanaaring, Packsaddle and Tibooburra.

Induction training covered a range of skills including patient assessment, vital signs, splinting, cervical collars, NIEJ, CPR and defibrillation. Volunteers were also trained and assessed in pharmacologies such as aspirin, methoxyflurane, salbutamol and atrovent.

After an intense training schedule and assessments, the final weekend included a multi agency major incident exercise. The scene was set with a simulated plane crash and many patients with a varying degrees of injuries.

Photograph: VAOs go through the newly learnt skills.

Interested in volunteering? Go to the Ambulance website. > Back to top

When 11 year old Sijia Fan’s baby sister, Melissa, stopped breathing and suffered a febrile convulsion in the family home, Sijia’s Mum panicked. Her mother with limited English skills called on Sijia to call Triple Zero and speak to Ambulance.

Sijia spoke to an Ambulance Triple Zero operations assistant who relayed instructions for her to help her baby sister prior to the ambulance arriving.

The young girl translated the instructions from English to Mandarin so that her mum could provide the best care to the baby. Sijia remained calm on the phone and her quick thinking actions and her ability to answer the questions ensured first aid advice was followed and an ambulance was quickly on the way. Baby Melissa was taken to Auburn Hospital and has since made a full recovery.

In recognition of her actions, Sijia was presented with a “000” Star Award at her school.

Photograph: Sijia and baby Melissa Fan with Paramedic Fiona Cook.

For information designed for children on calling an ambulance visit the Ambulance website. Do you know of a child who has had to call the Ambulance Triple Zero (000) number. We would love to hear your story by contacting the Manager, Community Relations by email: community@ambulance.nsw.gov.au or tel: 9320 7795. > Back to top

Ambulance participated in an Emergency Services Open Day at North West Orange Rural Fire Station on Saturday 20 September.

The purpose of the Open Day, which is held annually, is to promote all of the emergency services in the area and demonstrate the interaction and cooperation that exists between the groups.

Ambulance helicopter Rescue 21 was undoubtedly the star attraction, with community members and emergency service personnel alike all eager to have a close look and talk to the crew.

A great day was had by all. > Back to top

During summer many people will be enjoying various forms of water based recreation. While such activities can be very enjoyable, Ambulance would like to remind everyone to play it safe this summer.

Please keep close watch of small children near water. Don’t just watch them from a distance or allow yourself to be distracted. A moment’s distraction could mean the difference between life and death.

Be wary of surf conditions, especially if you are only a “summer surfer”. Rips and undertows are almost impossible for the inexperienced swimmer to spot. Play it safe and always swim between the flags. Surf beaches have uneven sea floors where shallow sand bars can be hidden from view. Serious head and spinal injuries occur every year from people diving into shallow water. Swim according to the surf conditions. Know your limitations and don’t venture out into rough or huge surf.

When boating, respect the other users of the waterways, obey all regulations and laws and ensure that all the necessary safety equipment is on board. Remember the limitations of your boat; For example, small tinnies don’t belong out in the open ocean swells.

And remember, alcohol and water don’t mix. If you must have a few drinks, don’t venture out in the water and confine yourself to being a spectator.

Even if you play it safe, others may not. Enrol yourself to learn first aid. Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one skill that every adult and older child should know. After all, the life you save may be that of someone you love.
> Download a CPR Chart > To find a Workcover NSW first aid provider www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
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Ambulance responds to emergencies every 28 seconds across NSW. Finding out patient information is vital in helping to treat a
patient.

Ambulance has produced a Personal Health Diary to assist patients and paramedics. (Thanks to Narooma Ambulance Station staff for providing the brochure content). The Diary allows vital health and personal information to be recorded and given to paramedics on their arrival. The Diary is suitable for all age
groups and is simple and easy to follow.

The Diary is particularly recommended for the elderly, people living on their own, those with any type of medical condition or allergy or anyone taking any regular and multiple medications. Remind people to keep the details up to date and write clearly.

Personal Health Diaries can be downloaded from the Ambulance website. You can also request copies from Public Affairs by phoning 9320 7796.
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