Contents 13 A long ride home (Chinook rescue) ................................ 8 16 Algester oil spill ............................................................ 10 State firefighter champions . .........................................12 CPR Challenge ...............................................................14 19 Minister’s awards for excellence ...................................21 Smoking guns .............................................................. 18 22 SES new uniforms ........................................................ 27 Variety Bash ’07 ........................................................... 35 26 www.emergency.qld.gov.au EMERGENCY September 2007 3 From the Minister A fter one of the busiest winter fire periods we’ve ever had, bushfire season is already beginning to threaten people and property around the state. Between our rural volunteers, our urban crews and our waterbombing choppers, I congratulate everyone on their efforts to combat the dangers bushfires bring. Just recently I toured Rural Fire facilities near Bundaberg, and apart from the magnificent hospitality on display, I was greatly impressed by the dedication and commitment that was evident among the Perry River, Bullyard, Winfield and surrounding units. During my brief time as Minister, I know they’re traits common to Rural Fire and other Emergency Services agencies across the state. Fire Awareness Week has been and gone, and congratulations must go to staff and officers of QFRS who organised launch events at Toowoomba, Durack and elsewhere around the state. The important messages such as the Prepare, Stay and Defend, or Go Early initiative, the new compulsory smoke alarm laws and others were all delivered in a fun and informative way. We hope Queenslanders take heed of those messages for their own safety and that of those close to them. With Fire Awareness Week out of the way, we now look towards Ambulance Week which begins on September 10. In what should be a great seven days, I’ll be visiting various regions with the Ambulance Commissioner to hand out Star Care Awards and take part in other functions designed to pay tribute to our ambos. Of course, we’re all looking forward to the CPR Challenge, where we’ll attempt to join the record books, and I encourage all Emergency Services staff and volunteers to take part if possible. Lastly a big congratulations to all the volunteers who took part in the parade at the Ekka. I was one of the many in the crowd who took the opportunity to pay tribute to you all, and I thank you for once again upholding the fine reputation of your individual organisations and this department. Neil Roberts MP From the Director-General I would like to congratulate the nominees and, of course, the award recipients for the 2007 Emergency Services Minister’s Awards for Excellence. The Ambulance Pandemic Planning Project for Leadership Excellence, the WatchOut! Project for Engaging and Serving Communities, the QFRS CISM Disaster Response Team for Focussing on our People, the Ambulance Service eARF Project for Innovation and Creativity and the First Step Indigenous Training Program for Partnerships and Reconciliation have all been independently assessed by a panel of external judges as having demonstrated high levels of excellence and achievement against the specific criteria for each category. I would also like to acknowledge the Fire Awareness Week Award recipients for their professionalism and high level commitment and thank all staff and volunteers who assisted throughout the state with the 2007 Fire Awareness Week events. The Ekka also provided a wonderful opportunity for many show visitors to see and recognise the work undertaken 4 EMERGENCY September 2007 by Emergency Services staff and volunteers in serving their communities. I would also like to thank all the staff and volunteers who gave their time to support the department’s display in the government pavillion and participate in the parade. During this past month I have had the opportunity to visit the North Coast Region to discuss the department’s Workplace Health and Safety ZEROharm strategy and I continue to be impressed with the very significant progress being made and the initiatives planned for implementation. I would like to congratulate all members of the Regional Team and particularly the Ambulance team who have contributed to a 41 per cent reduction in their lost time injury frequency rate, in comparison to the previous year. I look forward to continuing my regional visits over this month, with trips to Northern and Far Northern Regions to discuss their progress with the implementation of the ZEROharm strategy. In early August I spent four days visiting a number of Cape York and Torres Strait Island communities with Frank Pagano, Executive Director, Emergency Management Queensland and key members of the Far Northern Emergency Services team. We visited the following communities and homelands: Wujal Wujal, Cooktown, Lakeland Downs, Welcome Station and Kulpa Station, Coen, Weipa and Bamaga before flying to Warraber (Sue) Island, Poruma (Coconut) Island and Saibai Island. The main purpose of our trip was to meet with a number of our staff and volunteers who provide critical services and support to their own communities in times of emergencies and disasters and to see first-hand the impact of the initiatives which have been put in place and are planned to enhance community safety and emergency management preparedness in these communities. We are working collaboratively with these communities to build their capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to a range of emergencies and disasters. As a statewide organisation it is important to have an appreciation of the challenges faced by our staff and volunteers working in remote areas and this visit certainly provided that opportunity. This month will see the launch of the DES Corporate Plan 2007-2011, which consolidates and builds on what we’ve achieved to date and outlines the necessary strategies that need to be put in place to optimise our service delivery to the community. The plan provides pertinent strategic directions around maintaining the focus on supporting our staff and volunteers and on continuously improving our operations right across all services. I look forward to working with all staff across the portfolio to translate this plan into action over the coming months. I would like to thank QSuper for accepting our invitation to include an article (pg 30) in this edition on changes to superannuation entitlements and specifically on their new Transition to Retirement strategy. I’m sure you will agree that under this strategy there are a wider range of choices out there today for staff considering such a transition. I look forward to participating in the 2007 Ambulance Week and wish to thank all the staff and volunteers across the state for their continued professionalism, commitment and dedication to creating a safer Queensland. Fiona McKersie www.emergency.qld.gov.au Photo by Craig Burridge Strategic planning workshop a success The QAS is busier than ever and as ambulance officers we deal with the community every day under sometimes very distressing circumstances. We are there for some of the most emotional times in people’s lives and while we witness a lot of tragedy, we also have some very satisfying moments when lives are saved. community and to interact with the community under less stressful circumstances. It’s also a time when we can highlight, through community and media events, some of our most important safety messages. I’m very proud of the achievements we have made in the past year, including the new Rural and Remote program, the roll-out of the meningococcal vaccine in ambulances, the new defibrillator program and the ongoing relationship with China. Ambulance Week is a time when we can publicly recognise and acknowledge the dedicated and professional team who make the QAS a world leader in emergency medical care. I ask and encourage everyone to get behind this week-long celebration and rejoice in being part of the Queensland Ambulance Service. Our service to the community does not go unnoticed. Ambulance Week is a time for us to celebrate our role within the Jim Higgins ASM QAS Commissioner the high level of interaction from all the participants. I was particularly heartened by the willingness of staff to explain their concerns to me and air their views about current challenges and opportunities to improve our service into the future. A number of issues were closely examined, including our relationship with Queensland Health, improving communications with staff and of course rostering arrangements. A broad cross-section of ambulance staff have attended a highly successful Strategic Planning Workshop on the Sunshine Coast. One hundred and fifty stakeholders from the Queensland Ambulance Service, Local Ambulance Committees, Queensland Health, the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers’ Union and universities attended. The purpose was to develop a common vision for the QAS as we confront new challenges. It was a highly productive and rewarding workshop and I was impressed by www.emergency.qld.gov.au A draft strategic plan will be available in the near future for further consultation. Meanwhile, Ambulance Week is here. EMERGENCY September 2007 5 Volunteering for the future and remote areas, where volunteers are essential to ensuring the safe management of incidents. As an organisation we need to ensure we have the right volunteers in the right places and in sufficient numbers to respond in an appropriate manner. However, factors such as regional growth and population shifts within rural and remote Queensland make attracting and retaining volunteers more and more difficult. Q FRS is committed to providing effective emergency response services through our rural fire service volunteers. We rely heavily on more than 36,000 volunteers who make up 1,541 rural fire brigades around the state. However, among the challenges identified in the 2007-11 QFRS Strategic Plan is our organisation’s ability to continue to build on our capacity to attract, retain and train volunteers to meet future challenges and community expectations. The challenge of attracting and retaining volunteers is especially evident in rural 6 EMERGENCY September 2007 QFRS is one of several community service providers competing for those same volunteers to support their own service delivery needs in these communities. An ageing population and changing work patterns means the need to attract younger people to volunteering is a growing priority of many community service providers. Ensuring our volunteer base continues to remain strong, and our recruiting of volunteers into the future is steady, will spread the workload crucial to our organisation’s ability to reduce the risk of injury in line with the department’s ZEROharm – All Injuries Are Preventable policy. Also crucial in this area will be our ability to deliver world-class training to all QFRS volunteer firefighters, in line with the department’s aligned training systems. As we enter the traditional bushfire period in Queensland, the training, skills and above all commitment of all rural fire volunteers will again be relied upon to meet community expectations in the areas of bushfire mitigation and emergency response. I believe, through the commitment of our volunteers and those involved in QFRS Rural Operations, we are currently meeting those expectations. However, the time is right to ensure we are in a position to meet community expectation well into the future. Lee A Johnson AFSM MIFireE QFRS Commissioner www.emergency.qld.gov.au Photo by Sarah Scragg SES Training Rolls Out particularly in the area of training. EMQ is currently rolling out the Enhancing Equipment and Training to Emergency Service Volunteers package which is part of the government’s $52 million commitment to all Emergency Service volunteers. I recently had the opportunity to visit several SES units around the state and was impressed with the progress which has been made in a number of areas throughout the organisation. The purpose of the trip was to give those working at the service delivery level the opportunity to raise issues and discuss progress and I was impressed with the quality of the feedback and range of opinions expressed. The trip reaffirmed views that we are on the right track in regards to the direction and priorities for SES volunteers, www.emergency.qld.gov.au One of the key components in EMQ’s ability to enhance volunteer training both within the SES and across the department will be the appointment of 13 extra staff into the regions and additional staff to EMQ headquarters. As this column goes to print some of these appointments have been filled, while the remaining positions are well on the way to being finalised. Those appointed to the positions will be involved in overseeing and delivering training, while also ensuring an appropriate standard of training for volunteers and other local and state government agencies participating in the disaster management system. By having these staff in place, EMQ will be able to increase the flexibility of training available for all our volunteers and improve our capacity to delivering training. That means more volunteers will have access to more training, right across the state. I’ve set a target to double the number of courses available to volunteers over the next 12 months. By offering more widespread training and flexibility within our training regime, we are effectively improving our service to Queenslanders and ensuring all volunteers are more skilled and able to perform tasks more efficiently and safely. There will also be an increase in support and development offered across all disciplines to trainers, who are also volunteers. This is an exciting development for the SES and I look forward to getting more feedback on these initiatives. Frank Pagano AFSM Executive Director Emergency Management Queensland EMERGENCY September 2007 7 A long ride home By Jonathon Hall I t’s not every day you see a rescue helicopter being given a ride home. But that’s exactly what happened last month when an Army helicopter flew into Cairns carrying the EMQ rescue chopper beneath it. An incredible sight as the army Chinook airlifts the EMQ helicopter back to Cairns airport. The drama began on Sunday 22 July at 4:48am when the pilot had to make a precautionary landing during an aerial search near Palmer River Camp, approximately 184 kilometres northwest of Cairns. The pilot landed safely and no-one was injured but the chopper could not be moved. EMQ Chief Pilot Trevor Wilson was one of the first notified. “Once we found out it was on the ground we had to get as much data as we could from the pilot to ascertain the extent of the problem. “That information was passed onto our engineers who determined considerable preventative maintenance inspections had to be done. “Due to the inaccessibility of the area the only option was to retrieve the aircraft rather than take those parts to the site,” Trevor said. It quickly became apparent the retrieval was going to take some time. The Townsville EMQ helicopter was sent on the Sunday afternoon to pick up the stranded crew, while SES members camped out next to the aircraft to provide security. Palmer River Camp is very isolated, with the nearest sealed road more than 40 kilometres away. “Because the helicopter was inaccessible by road, we couldn’t get a low-loader truck to the scene. “The terrain, dirt and sand would’ve made it an almost impossible task to get a truck in even if it could use the road. “We knew moving it by road had the potential to cause vibration levels which could damage the avionics and gyros on board,” Trevor said. An airlift quickly became the favoured method of retrieval. “We knew within Australia there really was only one option which was an Army Chinook.” 8 EMERGENCY September 2007 Photo by Elenor Tedenborg, Cairns Post After negotiations with the Federal Government an agreement was reached for the Defence Force to airlift the helicopter. aerial survey of the site while Army riggers headed to Townsville to practice the airlift procedures on the EMQ helicopter based there. The operation required precision planning. EMQ engineers went on site on Wednesday, 25 July to defuel the helicopter and remove the HF antenna, four main rotor blades and tail rotor. A Boeing CH-47 Chinook was provided by the 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville. A Blackhawk helicopter conducted an “Due to the inaccessibility of the area the only option was to retrieve the aircraft rather than take those parts to the site.” www.emergency.qld.gov.au The stranded helicopter had to be moved onto a makeshift dirt helipad ahead of the airlift by the Army Chinook. Defence Force personnel connected the two helicopters with an intricate set of cables and slings. At 11:47am on Friday, amid a cloud of red dust, the Chinook took to the sky with the four tonne EMQ chopper slung below. “Seeing it come back in was a huge relief, it was pretty weird seeing it being carried home like that and it’s a sight I hope we don’t ever have to see again.” It was shadowed by the Central Queensland Rescue Helicopter from Mackay. “When it touched down it was perfect, there wasn’t even one bounce. Flying at speeds of 60 knots the convoy arrived at the EMQ Helicopter Rescue base at Cairns at 1:30pm. “The defence guys set it down very gently, which is a tribute to their professionalism,” Paul said. The flight would normally take an hour but with headwinds it took two hours. EMQ Executive Director Frank Pagano said the rescue mission went smoothly. EMQ Senior Air Crew Officer Paul Tongue was given the task of explaining the operation to the gathered media at Cairns airport. “This operation demonstrated the capability of our staff, volunteers and other agencies to work together seamlessly. “The logistics of retrieving our helicopter were extremely complicated and we were grateful for the assistance of the Australian Defence Force. “I would like to commend everyone involved, particularly the Australian Defence Force, the SES and our own EMQ staff in Helicopter Services and at the rescue bases in Cairns and Brisbane.” “Seeing it coming back into the airport there was such a sense of relief as it was the end of a successful mission where so many things may have gone wrong. www.emergency.qld.gov.au Frank also praised the various community helicopter providers who supported the mission. “I’d like to thank the Rockhampton Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service which covered CQ Rescue’s Mackay operations while it assisted with the retrieval,” Frank said. EMQ deployed its Brisbane based Bell 412 helicopter to Cairns on 30 July to provide emergency helicopter services for Cairns. With the mission complete, chief pilot Trevor Wilson said he was just happy to have the helicopter back in the hangar. “Seeing it come back in was a huge relief, it was pretty weird seeing it being carried home like that and it’s a sight I hope we don’t ever have to see again.” n EMERGENCY September 2007 9 Multi-agency response to oil leak By Jonathon Hall and Gemma Marks “The various agencies worked extremely well together ensuring residents were fed and kept comfortable as they waited for news.” A full scale inter-agency incident that occurred at Algester, Brisbane on July 27 has highlighted the teamwork and cooperation shown daily by the Emergency Services. At 5:40am on Saturday morning, a resident leaving for work phoned Triple Zero to report a gas smell near his home. Firefighters responded to the area and determined that the smell was crude oil which was leaking from a ruptured pipeline. The leak had come from the Santos Oil pipeline which passed under bushland next to Mount Maroon Street. This pipeline usually carries up to one million litres of oil every day to the Caltex Refinery at Lytton. Oil had begun pouring into a nearby storm water drain and pooling on the 10 EMERGENCY September 2007 ground, and it became clear a large-scale response would be needed. By 5:48am a massive evacuation was underway. Doorknocking began and approximately 400 homes in Algester, and the surrounding area, were evacuated. At 6:05am, and at 6:15am Police invoked the Public Safety Preservation Act 1986 and called for all homes within a one kilometre radius of the leak to be evacuated. Residents were advised to go to the Algester Primary School, just a few streets away, which was set up as an evacuation point. The overall incident was managed very efficiently by QFRS, who had a total of 17 appliances on scene, including 11 support vehicles. www.emergency.qld.gov.au “Everything had been thought of, from baby changing areas to tea and coffee facilities and toys for the kids to play with.” The Regional Fire Co-ordination Centre (RFCC) at AFcom in Spring Hill was also activated to assist in incident management. with,” Mr Roberts said. Multiple agencies attended the scene and supported QFRS, including EMQ, QAS, Queensland Police Service (QPS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Brisbane City Council (BCC). Many residents chose not to stay at the centre, instead visiting family and friends and continuing with their weekend plans. The BCC, in conjunction with Santos, called in vacuum trucks to help remove the oil pools and earth moving equipment to help contain the leak. Contaminated topsoil was also removed from the site around the pipeline. More than 125 000 litres of oil and topsoil were removed from the site during the first day alone. During the incident, QFRS scientific officers continually monitored the air quality. The owners of the pipeline sent two staff to the school and paid for food and drinks for the evacuees. However, there was still a large group of residents who did stay at the school; some having nowhere else to go. Some tried to sleep, while SES members started an impromptu game of basketball with the children in the hall to help them pass the time. Other residents provided their own entertainment strumming away on guitars. A 16-year-old resident celebrating her birthday received a song and a piece of cake complete with candles from SES members. At 4:45pm, 11 hours after the drama began, the QPS revoked the safety cordon. At 5.00pm residents were given the all clear to return home. However a select few were informed that it wouldn’t be advisable to return home until the following day. Back at the site, clean-up crews still faced a long night ahead. By 10.00pm all QFRS resources had left the site, leaving the EPA to monitor environmental and community impact, and also to manage the incident and the remaining clean-up operation in conjunction with Santos, QPS, Chubb Security and the Salvation Army. n Various agencies worked together to establish the evacuation centre at the Algester Primary School. Local SES members set up seating and refreshments, while Police registered details of evacuated residents. QFRS media liaison staff provided information updates to residents and the public, and QAS paramedics checked on elderly evacuees. An 1800 number was also set up for residents seeking advice on the incident. Department of Communities, Red Cross and EMQ representatives also assisted. Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts dropped by to speak to families in the evacuation centre. “I was very impressed by the operation, to see so many agencies working side by side and looking after the residents was great.” The Minister also praised the high level of organisation. “The various agencies worked extremely well together ensuring residents were fed and kept comfortable as they waited for news. “Everything had been thought of, from baby changing areas to tea and coffee facilities and toys for the kids to play www.emergency.qld.gov.au EMERGENCY September 2007 11 Atherton firies top the State Director-General Fiona McKersie with winning Atheton Firefighting Championship team Trent Freeman, Jimmy Isabella, Jacob Wedman and Robert Zappala. by Gemma Marks A therton Fire Station was crowned the Queensland champions after taking out the prestigious winning flag at the 2007 State Firefighter Championships at Munroe Martin Park, Cairns on July 27-28. Trent Freeman, Jimmy Isabella, Robert Zappala and Jacob Wedman have won the right to represent QFRS at the Australasian Firefighter Championships to be held in October at Lakes Entrance, Victoria. They will be joined by runners-up Mt Tamborine, along with last year’s winners, Monto and Wondai. QFRS Commissioner Lee Johnson said the event continues to grow and showcase the quality of skills being produced by Queensland firefighters. “It was so competitive that the judges couldn’t split the top three competitors in the race for the title of Champion Firefighter,” Lee said. The Champion Firefighter was a three-way tie between Shane Weber (Wondai), Matt Given (Mt Tamborine) and Gary Larter (Mt Tamborine). 12 “It was so competitive that the judges couldn’t split the top three competitors for the title of Champion Firefighter.” All teams performed drills and displayed their skills to the public, showcasing the teamwork and dedication firefighters display every day as they respond to a range of emergency incidents. “Competitions give firefighters the opportunity to enhance their operational skills, build stronger teams, establish camaraderie with other stations and brigades around the state and pass invaluable fire safety information on to local communities,” said Lee. “A Community Safety Expo was held in conjunction with this event and in excess of 3,000 people were treated to the highest quality of community safety demonstrations, education, advice and displays. “Fire Awareness Week began the day after the championships and this Expo highlights our commitment to ensuring our fire safety message is heard in all corners of the community.” EMERGENCY September 2007 There were 21 teams, including two from NSW, contesting this year’s event, and good support, good competition and good camaraderie was shown by all. The 2008 State Championships will be held in Toowoomba. The top 10 teams for 2007 were: 1. Atherton 2. Mt Tamborine 3. Wondai 4. Monto 5. Kawana 6. Kilcoy 7. Mareeba 8. Moranbah 9. Kilcoy 10. Killarney www.emergency.qld.gov.au QAS Paramedics face foreign challenge to use lifts as precedence was not given to the sick or injured. Another challenge the couple experienced was negotiating the busy highways and uneducated drivers blocking emergency vehicles. “Most of the highways have eight lanes of traffic and are separated by concrete barriers or gardens so you needed to know the precise location of the accident, whether it is inbound or outbound,” Mrs Barnett said. She said Singapore’s government enticed drivers to move out of the way of emergency vehicles by rewarding them or fining them if they didn’t get out of the way. Day crew paramedics at Singapore’s central ambulance station. H igh rise buildings without lifts and congested eight-lane highways were some of the challenges two Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics faced while working in Singapore this year. Millaa Millaa Officer-in-Charge Sandi Barnett and her husband Bob, an Advanced Care Paramedic, travelled to the island nation as part of a 10-day working and information sharing trip organised by the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals (ACAP). flats have elevators that only service every three floors,” Mrs Barnett said. “Patients have to be carried out on a canvas carry stretcher, down at least three flights of stairs, manoeuvred onto a stretcher which converts to a large wheelchair, crammed into an elevator which holds the patient, a paramedic and one other person if they are very slim.” She said it was often the case that patients would have to wait in line “Paramedics can take a picture of the car and number plate of a driver who obstructs them and they are fined and if they see someone get out of the way they get points as part of a reward system.” “One of the challenges paramedics faced in Singapore was the lack of access to high-rise buildings.” The couple, who were married in Singapore 23 years ago, worked with Singapore’s ambulance service, which is a division of Singapore’s Civil Defence Force. ACAP and the defence force share a memorandum of understanding. Mrs Barnett said the trip had been a valuable learning experience. “It opened my eyes to the quality of the QAS and the high standards it has,” Mrs Barnett said. “They (Singapore’s paramedics) do the best they can with what they have. They are very dedicated.” She said one of the challenges paramedics faced in Singapore was the lack of access to high-rise buildings where much of the country’s older population resides. “The majority of Singaporeans live in high-rise flats formed into miniature all-inclusive communities and the older www.emergency.qld.gov.au QAS Paramedic Sandy Barnett observes a Singapore Quarantine Unit training drill. EMERGENCY September 2007 13 Multi-agency response to oil leak Ambulance Week 2007 Jonathon Halland Gemma Marks By Craig Burridge Photo by Michael Marston Ambulance Week (September 10–16) is an opportunity to recognise staff and promote important community safety initiatives such as learning CPR. QAS Commissioner Jim Higgins said this year’s theme “Every Second Counts” highlighted the need for people to learn skills such as CPR and first aid. “It is critical that everyone knows what to do in an emergency,” Commissioner Higgins said. He said Ambulance Week was a time to celebrate the role of the QAS within the community. “I ask and encourage everyone to get behind this week-long celebration and celebrate being part of the Queensland Ambulance Service.” Ambulance Week is also the time to recognise the dedication of staff and the support of the community with a number of award ceremonies being held across the seven regions. The Star Care and Commissioner’s Awards recognise outstanding service to QAS and include: • Paramedic of the Year • Station of the Year • Emergency Medical Dispatcher • Young Hero of the Year Emergency will have details of the winners in the next edition. Non-denominational memorial services to remember officers who have died while on duty and those that have died following devoted service are also a significant part of Ambulance Week. Since 1920, 31 paramedics have died in an effort to save a life. QAS Commissioner Jim Higgins said saving lives is by nature a dangerous occupation. “I ask and encourage everyone to get behind this week-long celebration and celebrate being part of the Queensland Ambulance Service.” 14 EMERGENCY September 2007 “Paramedics understand the dangers involved in the job and are highly trained to avoid such hazards.” To assist ambulance stations plan and promote local activities all stations received an electronic Ambulance Week CD-ROM. www.emergency.qld.gov.au “Without these people I wouldn’t be here now, they saved my life.” Team effort saves life An undertaker is not the first person you’d expect to be part of a team of good samaritans who saved the life of a 48-year-old Arana Hills man. The irony still makes heart attack survivor Chris Hays chuckle after one of his life savers Egan Blinkhorn told him he worked at a morgue. Looking at him, you’d never think Mr Hays had suffered a heart attack after collapsing during his regular afternoon walk on Osborne Road at Arana Hills. The self-confessed healthy eater and exerciser said if it wasn’t for the actions of three Mount Maria High School students, an off-duty nurse, the undertaker and one man who still remains a mystery, he would not be here today. A First Aid class practices CPR on mannequins. Photo by Craig Burridge “Since 1920, 31 paramedics have died in an effort to save a life.” The CD offers suggestions about activities to run for the community during Ambulance Week and provides media tips and resources to publicise events. The September CPR Challenge, running in conjunction with Queensland Ambulance Week, was held on Monday. Emergency will let you know whether it was a world-record breaking event. The challenge was designed to expose more people to CPR and raise awareness of the importance of knowing the new ratio: 30 compressions to every two breaths. Without these skills many people might not be around today. The following accounts put a face to the theory of CPR and show the need for people of all ages to learn it. n www.emergency.qld.gov.au “I’ve almost recovered 100 per cent now. But without these people I wouldn’t be here now, they saved my life,” Mr Hays said. “I’m one of the very, very lucky few.” According to Mr Hays’s wife Colleen, the three students Alec McInerney, Zane Yow Yeh and Zack Wiggins were the first to sound the alarm to the Queensland Ambulance Service, followed by Mr Blinkhorn who was relaying CPR instructions from the Emergency Medical Dispatcher to the others. She said they were followed by nurse Louise Kozlovskis and a mystery man who continued CPR until paramedics arrived. Now six months on Mr Hays has returned to his regular walk and will be taking part in this month’s CPR Challenge held during Queensland Ambulance Week. “I’ve been a first aider for 10 years at work,” Mr Hays said. “I would encourage everyone to learn CPR, you’ll never know when you might need it.” But he is still yet to meet the final person who offered the vital help which kept him alive. “It would be nice to meet him,” he said. “I went back to the club, shook each of their hands and thanked them from the bottom of my heart.” Survivor bowled over by support This time next year Ezzi Sciani will celebrate 50 years of playing bowls. The sprightly 75-year-old from Home Hill, just south of Ayr on the North Queensland coast, is itching to get back on the green after recovering from a cardiac arrest which nearly drew the curtains on a sparkling bowls career. “They reckon I was already gone,” Mr Sciani said. But a retired doctor and a couple of bowls partners used their skills in CPR to breathe life back into Mr Sciani. “Without them I wouldn’t be here,” he said. “I went back to the club to thank them and shook each of their hands and thanked them from the bottom of my heart.” Mr Sciani said he had recovered from the ordeal and was slowly getting back into his regular lifestyle. “I’m doing very well now, just waiting for the doctor to let me play bowls again.” And if 50 years of bowls wasn’t enough of an anniversary, Mr Sciani recently celebrated his son’s 50th birthday. “I guess my time just wasn’t up,” he said. EMERGENCY September 2007 15 The way it’s done in the far north Thursday Island paramedic Deidre Whap. Photo by Nicola Mitchell Sunset in the Cape by Nicola Mitchell “I mostly help the local people to be able to respond to emergency situations. I get them to a point where they can get themselves over the line.” H they’re going to run a first aid course for the first time. It’s a different way of life out here, a different way of thinking. Being so remote, it’s critical residents learn life saving procedures such as CPR to be able to handle medical situations until help arrives. undreds of kilometres away from Cairns, along rocky, windy four-wheel-drive tracks, you’ll find the communities of Cape York. There isn’t a shop on every corner, or even every half hour. You won’t necessarily find the ambulance station just down-town either, or the Fire Service. Property owners live hours from the closest large centre and that’s just the way they like it. At Lakeland Downs where the population is just 126, the majority of residents are involved with the Emergency Services. Many are members for all three volunteer units – the SES, Ambulance First Responders and the Rural Fire Service. At Crocodile Station, just out of Laura, 16 EMERGENCY September 2007 “We really need to do it because most of us don’t have a clue,” said the manager of Crocodile Station, Roy Shepherd. “We’ve been talking about it for a while because we’ve got a few people about the place now. We’ve got first aid kits in all the cars.” Queensland Ambulance field officers, like Rod Muller, take care of many such courses and also encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to consider a career in the QAS. The QAS now sets aside five per cent of its intake for Indigenous people. They can be trained as paramedics, www.emergency.qld.gov.au “I’ve been on the Cape for four years. I’ve had some really good moments up here. You also get to travel heaps and the fishing’s not bad either.” Emergency Medical Dispatchers or as patient transport officers. The Indigenous owners of Kulpa Station, beyond Laura, will also be asking the QAS to run first aid courses for their workers. During Cyclone Monica, they had to get medications flown in and it was a frightening time for them all. Rod Muller is the QAS Field Officer for their region. He’s based at Coen and runs various first aid courses around his patch, which extends from Lockhardt to Mapoon. “I do courses for all kinds of people, including Indigenous groups and cray fishermen. “I’m going to run one on the traditional lands at Kulpa. It’s better to run it here than at Coen because that way I get a captive audience. There’s nowhere else for them to go out here. I also do a lot of work teaching injury prevention. “I also do a lot of work with health workers. They’re the ones who run the ambulances out here. I usually go out with the nurses but they have to know how to work in a pre-hospital environment – I teach them that. “Most of my work is community work. I’m also a volunteer firie. “If I’m in the community when something goes down, I’ll go to it. For example, there was a big car accident recently, with seven people injured and five flown out. I mostly help the local people to be able to respond to emergency situations. I get them to a point where they can get themselves over the line. “There are some cultural sensitivities to take into account. You have to learn the significance of specific words. “I’ve been on the Cape for four years. I’ve had some really good moments up here. You get a real sense of ownership and achievement. You also get to travel heaps and the fishing’s not bad either.” Andrew Fritsche is the Officer-inCharge at Bamaga. There are two paramedics stationed there, working from the tip of mainland Australia to Heathlands, three hours away. Cook MP Jason O’Brien and Wujal Wujal Council CHairman Desmond Tayley open the Wujal Wujal SES Shed. “We don’t get a great deal of emergency work – about 30 jobs a month. It’s mostly local work. We get quite a few motorbike accidents,” Andrew said. “If we got a big job though, it is a big community effort. There are challenges to how you can work out here. It changes how you operate. It’s not so much working on-scene. The hospital is very close fortunately. It’s generally easier to bring patients here and treat them here. “We also help the hospital staff out a lot. We do intubations for them and stuff like that. We assist in stabilising patients,” Andrew said. n DES Director-General Fiona McKersie and EMQ Executive Director Frank Pagano visited Warraber Station SES members on their recent trip to the Cape. www.emergency.qld.gov.au EMERGENCY September 2007 17 “At the end of the day it is exercises like ‘Smoking Guns’ that give QFRS the ability to train in a controlled environment and improve our operational capacity.” observation and one fixed-wing craft for aerial ignition. The exercise included the establishment of an air base adjacent to the airstrip (maintained by Millmerran Shire Council) on the Sporting Shooters’ land and gave QFRS an opportunity to monitor its effectiveness. Smoking guns burn around Millmerran by Chantelle Rule T he fields of the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia, south-west of Millmerran, were a flurry of activity at the end of July for the ‘Smoking Guns’ operational exercise. Nearly 80 QFRS, Parks and Wildlife, Natural Resources and Water and Forest Products personnel (including 40 rural volunteers), conducted a large scale fuel reduction burn over around 2,800 hectares on July 28–29. operation which was divided into three burns. Rural Division Commander for the exercise, Brian Cook said extensive planning and preparation took place before the burn. “From the moment the crews arrived to the moment they left we had their itinerary mapped out for them,” he said. While 613 hectares of the burn took place on the Sporting Shooters’ site, more than 2,200 hectares of state forest was burnt adjacent to the property as part of the inter-agency exercise. “On the Saturday morning every person who took part in the exercise was briefed on the weekend’s activities and was told when, where and what they were expected to do.” A joint agency Incident Management Team was established at the Millmerran Auxiliary Fire Station to manage the Ten air operations personnel took to the skies operating two fixed-wing water bombers, one fixed-wing craft for air 18 EMERGENCY September 2007 The exercise aimed to assess the effectiveness of the establishment and operations of the Millmerran Incident Control Centre and monitor the effectiveness of the interoperability between agencies. It also gave personnel a chance to enhance their skills gaining new competencies and qualifications, while preparing for the upcoming bushfire season. “Because of the degree of professionalism from each crew, the weekend ran very smoothly,” Brian said. “The burn was very successful in reducing fuel loads and the exercise went according to plan. “Of course, as with every exercise, there were observations to be made and lessons to be learnt and we will take all of these on board to improve future operations. “At the end of the day it is exercises like ‘Smoking Guns’ that give QFRS the ability to train in a controlled environment and improve our operational capacity. We are confident that operations like this one make the South West Region a safer place for all,” Brian said. www.emergency.qld.gov.au Dazzling DES display By Kylie McIntosh Photos by Kylie McIntosh I n among the fairy floss, ferris wheels and funky show bags Department of Emergency Services (DES) staff were hard at work in the Queensland Government pavillion at this year’s Ekka. Over 107,000 people visited the pavillion and many of them stopped in at the DES display to play the ‘Kidna’ computer games, pick up tattoos, magnets and scratch ‘n’ sniff cards or just brush up on their safety knowledge. Other key messages featured at the display included: 0 0 0 0 0 phoning Triple Zero in an emergency joining the CPR challenge and learning first aid installing smoke alarms becoming an emergency services volunteer promoting the new SES number: 132 500 On behalf of DES a big thank you to all the volunteers who staffed this year’s display. Below: Station Officer Trevor Butterfield congratulates Jack Bruce after he adds his ‘footprint’ to the wall. The computer games and DES ‘Kidna’ characters were used to convey safety messages. Children who demonstrated preparation in an emergency were encouraged to attach their velcro footprint to the wall display. By the end of the show over 13,000 footprints had been stuck onto the ultra-violet lit wall. The kids loved it. They thought the scratch ‘n’ sniff smoke cards were ‘cool’. And they couldn’t wait to put their ‘footprints’ on the wall. www.emergency.qld.gov.au EMERGENCY September 2007 19 Out in the cold - Cadet’s bush camp By Anna Warby E mergency Service Cadets across the state had a busy month attending exercises, workshops and award ceremonies. The Maroochydore Cadet Group won the HS Christie Award for Excellence which recognises cadet group proficiency. The whole crew O ne of the coldest nights on record greeted 39 Emergency Services’ cadets from the Far Northern Region during their recent five-day bush camp. Groups huddled close to the camp fire as the minus seven degree temperatures proved to be a shock to the system, particularly for Torres Strait cadets. Daytime activities for the camp at Mt Carbine, two hours north-west of Cairns, included a bush trek locating waypoints and searching for evidence of a plane crash. Raft building, orienteering and obstacle course activities were interspersed with challenging games of Laser Tag where the adult leaders were a popular target. The recent Cadet Achievement Awards for outstanding achievements of individual cadets in the categories of community service, community safety, leadership and inspiration were awarded to Cadets from Cairns, Rosewood, Southport, Goodna, South West and Maroochydore. At night, the soft sand of the Macleod River bank was a welcome respite as camp activities continued with oven cooking and a damper competition. Cadets also took part in an exciting display of practise/training drops at an old airfield near the camp, involving the Australian Maritime Safety Authorities’ new Dornier 328 dedicated search and rescue aircraft. As new friendships formed, when it was time to go home there was a chorus of ‘Noooooo, we want more, more.’ Everyone agreed it was the best camp ever. Clifton Cadets May Day march at Chinchilla. Photo by Lara Wilde. Tough Book enhancements give paramedics more time next stage of the project was finished later next year. Under the plan, paramedics would be able to transfer data directly from tough books to hospital computers in a bid to save more time and reduce paperwork. A state-wide rollout of the tough book was completed in December last year and since its introduction in mid-2006; it has been used to complete more than 510,000 reports. Mr Folliot said so far paramedics had provided positive feedback about the electronic forms. “I heard about one guy who started emailing his daughter in England after he learnt to use a tough book,” he said. Q Paramedics will have the chance to voice any ideas or concerns they have about the tough books at workshops to be held this month. ueensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics will soon be able to access and transfer completed patient reports with the touch of a button. SIMI project co-ordinator Anthony Folliot said access to the reports electronically meant stations would no longer need a printed copy. The Strategic Information Management Initiative (SIMI) project team is working to enhance the already successful electronic Ambulance Report Forms (eARF) by storing the reports on a database. “We hope to phase out having to print station copies by the end of the year,” Mr Folliot said. “We’re holding a series of workshops around the state to confirm what we have planned and to see what suggestions people have,” Mr Folliot said. He said hospitals would still require a paper version of the report until the “The project is about time saving and accuracy for paramedics.” 20 EMERGENCY September 2007 www.emergency.qld.gov.au And the winners are… E mergency Services Minister Neil Roberts presented his awards for excellence at Customs House last month. The Awards for Excellence are designed to recognise outstanding achievements within Emergency Services and recognise teams, units and volunteer groups that have set new standards within their field. They must also promote the department’s vision of creating a safer community and a better quality of life in Queensland through world-class emergency and disaster management services. Darren Hall and Bronwyn Roulstone showcase their winning award. The winning projects ranged across the fields of volunteering, indigenous training and community safety, ZEROharm, and new technology. “I was incredibly impressed with all those nominated for awards. “My congratulations go to the winners. The department’s obviously in very good shape,” Mr Roberts said. Debbie Taylor, Sergeant Rodney Bell (QPS) and Wendy Wakefield (Education Queensland), display their winning plaque for Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts and Director-General Fiona McKersie. Winning eARF team members Anthony Folliott, Scott McKinnon, Rachel Chambers, Yekshsh Chetty, John Little. Minister Neil Roberts with Kate Broadley, Kia Daylight-Cashman, Deb Clayton, Helen Smith and Director-General Fiona McKersie. QFRS-Critical Incident Stress Management Disaster Response Team members on the night Julie Spain, Susan Peters, John Harrison and Rod Pickett proudly display their plaque. Five nominations have progressed to the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Public Sector Management to be held this month. Director-General Fiona McKersie also congratulated recipients for their hard work and high level of commitment to the projects/initiatives that were recognised. “Congratulations to all teams, units and volunteer groups for their invaluable contribution to creating a safer Queensland,” Ms McKersie said. CATEGORY WINNER HIGHLY COMMENDED LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE QAS – Pandemic Planning Project Valuing Volunteering: The Queensland Government Policy on Volunteering 2007–2010 ENGAGING AND SERVING COMMUNITIES SP&ES – Watch Out! QAS – Local Numbering Scheme – Thursday Island LAC QAS – Community Education Program FOCUSSING ON OUR PEOPLE QFRS – CISM Disaster Response Teams QAS – Regional Implementation of ZEROharm as part of WHS strategy INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY QAS – eARF QFRS – Interactive Fire Evacuation Program QAS – Torres Strait Emergency Ground Transport Project QFRS – Rural Operations Training Trailer and Fire Simulator EMQ – 132 500 SES Telephone Number PARTNERSHIPS AND RECONCILIATION BSS – First Step Indigenous Training Program QAS, QFRS and EMQ – Woorabinda Community Safety Project www.emergency.qld.gov.au EMERGENCY September 2007 21 I did it! – Stuart Maclachlan. QFRS reigns victorious at Anaconda Adventure Race by Chantelle Rule S everal QFRS personnel braved the chilly ocean waters and hilly terrain around the Gold Coast at the beginning of August to compete in the 2007 Anaconda Adventure Race. Sixteen firefighters from South East and Brisbane regions formed four teams and donned their race gear to endure the 1.9km ocean swim, 14km ocean/ river paddle, 12km creek and mountain run, 17km mountain bike ride and 2km beach run. More than 500 people competed in the event with Guy Andrews taking out first place. While there were individual and team categories, Emergency Services teams were in a field of their own, racing for the coveted Emergency Services Shield. The QFRS Backdraft Burglars team crossed the line first in a time of four hours, 38 minutes and 55 seconds. Team captain Stuart MacLachlan said it was great to compete against fellow Emergency Services personnel. “The race provided the perfect stage for a bit of friendly competition,” he said. “This was our second crack at the race and we were keen to keep the emergency shield among the firies.” With all firies completing the course in less than five-and-a-half hours, QFRS was successful in retaining the Emergency Services Shield for a second year. In a couple of outstanding performances, ocean swimmer for Arson Around, Anthony Brewin blew competitors out of the water placing third overall after the first leg, just behind Coolangatta Gold champ 2006, Caine Eckstein and Greg Forrestal from the Flashover Freaks stepped up to cover for a sick team mate and covered two legs of the race (paddle and mountain run) for his team. As the Wellness program coordinator for South East Region, Stuart said events like these are great for firies. “Once the program comes into force around the South East and Brisbane regions, staff will be further encouraged to have a go in future events such as this one,” he said. “The group training provided by the Wellness program is a fantastic way to socialise and improve your health and wellbeing at the same time as working towards a goal like completing one of these races.” Stuart said the teams are looking forward to future events. “We will definitely be in next year and our target then will be to retain the shield and improve on our time,” he said. QFRS results: 1. Backdraft Burglars (Gold Coast) Four hours, 38 minutes, 55 seconds 2. Arson Around (Gold Coast) Four hours, 58 minutes, 32 seconds 3. Long Hoses (Brisbane) Five hours, 15 minutes, 11 seconds 4. Flashover Freaks (Gold Coast) Five hours, 22 minutes, 50 seconds Novovirus triggers quick response Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics took no chances on the Gold Coast recently, donning full protection suits while treating an 89-year-old woman suffering from the infectious Norovirus. More than 120 cases of the gastroenteritis bug were detected in South East Queensland during July and August. Decked out in their alien-like goggles, masks and protective equipment, paramedics worked quickly to take the patient to hospital. 22 EMERGENCY September 2007 www.emergency.qld.gov.au Fire Awareness Week inFire theAwareness regions Week across the regions Top: Toowoomba Grand Central children participate in Fire Awareness Week. A Yeppoon firefighter explaining the gear used for Road Accident Rescue www.emergency.qld.gov.au Firefighter Cameron Riggs demonstrates how dangerous it is to throw water on an oil fire at the kitchen fire display out front of Town Hall on Market Day in Maryborough. Durack locals gather to watch the fire extinguisher display and ride on the ladder platform truck. EMERGENCY September 2007 23 Fire Awareness Week across the regions Central region Rural Fire Service Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Sue Ward from Mutdapilly Rural Brigade. By Gemma Marks F ire Awareness Week (FAW) was celebrated around the state from 29th July–4th August with several open days, barbeques and activities being held to very successfully promote fire safety in the community. This year’s FAW continued to evolve with Bunning’s Hardware contributing $30,000 in sponsorship, IPG Print agreeing to print all promotional materials, and a new Memorandum of Understanding put in place with the long-term partner Fire Protection Association of Australia (FPAA). This year also saw the introduction of the FAW Awards to recognise staff who have contributed to QFRS’ continued success throughout the past 12 months. This year’s important message was ‘Don’t gamble with your family’s life; smoke alarms – have you got yours yet?’, and there was also a focus on the new bushfire preparedness initiative, ‘Prepare, Stay and Defend or Go Early’. Hundreds of events were held to promote these fire safety messages. There were walks through children’s hospitals, letterbox drops with information regarding the new smoke alarm legislation, school colouring competitions, static displays, fire evacuation drills and open days held at stations and Bunnings stores across Queensland. At many event locations the local firies touched up on their barbecue skills, established fire safety and kitchen fire displays and talked to the public about fire safety. Blazer with a budding young firefighter. “At many event locations the local firies touched up on their barbecue skills, established fire safety and kitchen fire displays and talked to the public about fire safety.” 24 EMERGENCY September 2007 There was also a lot of support from the media, with widespread print, television and radio coverage helping to spread the fire safety messages. For example, Toowoomba’s radio station CFM conducted live crosses each morning from the Community Safety Office, Warwick Fire Station, Queens Park (to promote the Dalby Muster) and Dalby Fire Station. www.emergency.qld.gov.au FAW Award Winners FAR NORTHERN REGION Fire Officer of the Year Paul Caesar Auxiliary Fire Officer of the Year Bert Dwyer Rural Fire Service Volunteer of the Year Ronald Beacroft Non-operational Officer of the Year Matt Tucker Communications Officer of the Year Lyn Webb Station of the Year Cooktown Fire Station NORTHERN REGION Fire Officer of the Year John Williams Rural Fire Service Volunteer of the Year Paul Cauchi Non-operational Officer of the Year Michelle Lawrence This year also saw the introduction of the FAW Awards to recognise staff who have contributed to QFRS’ continued success throughout the past 12 months. CENTRAL REGION Fire Station of the Year Blackwater Fire Station Rural Fire Service Volunteer of the Year Alistair Chapman Communications Officer of the Year Darren McCulloch Fire Officer of the Year Barry Semple Non-operational Officer of the Year Leisa Christie NORTH COAST REGION Rural Fire Service Volunteer of the Year Lesley Brand Non-operational Officer of the Year Neil Kaminski Communications Officer of the Year Moira Radel SOUTH WEST REGION Rural Fire Service Volunteer of the Year Malcom Stacey SOUTH EAST REGION Rural Fire Service Volunteer of the Year Sue Ward BRISBANE REGION Auxiliary Fire Officer of the Year Stephen Kranenburg Rural Fire Service Volunteer of the Year Allan Wells STATE OFFICE Fire Officer of the Year Bruce Budge Rural Operations Officer of the Year Eric Lanham Non-operational Officer of the Year Michelle Burgess www.emergency.qld.gov.au Top: Award recipients with Commissioner Lee Johnson, Michelle Burgess, Bruce Budge and Eric Lanham; Middle: “I want to be a fireman when I grow up.” Bottom: Firefighter Mary Stark guiding Lil’ Squirt at the Sarina Show. EMERGENCY September 2007 25 QAS to launch new corporate DVD By Craig Burridge T of Cairns and through the busy streets of Brisbane’s CBD. The DVD will be used for a number of purposes including recruitment of student paramedics and screening at corporate functions to promote the high level of QAS service provision. Every facet of what makes a paramedic tick has been captured on video, including the treatment of traffic accident victims, children learning about the QAS as part of the PrimeSafe program, baby capsule fittings, first aid training and the Local Ambulance Committees. Reel Image Productions will produce the DVD as a series of shots backed by a soundtrack by local musician Pete Murray. A number of emergency situations were captured by cameras att ached to ambulances to provide an insight into the day of a paramedic. The aim of the DVD is to provide an extensive overview of all QAS activities and services. Paramedics are captured on the job in recognisable Queensland locations including the dusty tracks of Chinchilla, the beaches and cane fields Everything from what happens in the ambulance on the way to an emergency to treatment on scene and transport to the hospital was recorded. he Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) will release a new corporate DVD as part of Ambulance Week celebrations this month. Milton State School students learn about the Queensland Ambulance Service as part of the PrimeSafe program. The video also highlights the strong working relationship between all emergency services including the Emergency Management Queensland rescue helicopter. Paramedics treat a patient at a popular tourist spot in Cairns while being filmed. Photos by Craig Burridge won’t quite be the same Farewell Mr NDRA Things around EMQ following the recent retirement of Keith Hansen. Keith joined the state government in 1964 and has supported EMQ and previous divisions for more than 15 years. Many know Keith as ‘Mr NDRA’ for his expertise in natural disaster finance. Keith represented the department during many disaster operations, including 1990 and 1997 Charleville floods, Cyclone Winifred 1986, citrus canker and numerous re-supply operations to flood affected areas of the Gulf. During an afternoon ceremony held at the Department of Emergency Services complex at Kedron, Keith discussed some of his creative solutions to assist disaster-affected communities. He encouraged EMQ staff to maintain networks across units. Executive Director of EMQ Frank Pagano presents Keith Hansen with a certificate of appreciation as Di Hansen looks on. 26 EMERGENCY September 2007 www.emergency.qld.gov.au “The new shirt component will be manufactured from a lighter weight version of the existing fabric, which is particularly suitable for the Queensland climate.” jumpsuit including reflective piping, radio attachment point and additional pockets for small items of equipment. Paramedics will now have the option of a two-piece jumpsuit. No sweat for paramedics this summer W ith summer just around the corner Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics will have the choice of a new, cooler uniform. “The new two-piece jumpsuit incorporates all the practical design features of the existing jumpsuit,” he said. A new two-piece jumpsuit will incorporate a shirt made from lighter weight fabric for enhanced breatheability and comfort. “The new shirt component will be manufactured from a lighter weight version of the existing fabric, which is particularly suitable for the Queensland climate.” QAS Commissioner Jim Higgins said the new two-piece uniform had been designed with functionality and comfort in mind. The new jumpsuit includes a dark teal shirt and cargo style trousers and has all the features of the current Commissioner Higgins said the new uniform was an initiative of the State-wide Equipment and Vehicle Committee (SEVC) and was the result of extensive consultation with operational paramedics. “The jumpsuit is a practical uniform item that has become very popular with officers; meeting the needs of paramedics in the pre-hospital care environment,” he said. “However, while officers appreciated the functionality of the jumpsuit, they preferred the practicalities and comfort of two separate items of clothing.” As part of the introduction of the new uniform, cargo trousers will now only be available with reflective piping. State Emergency Service (SES) Week 2007 P lanning is underway for SES Week 2007 with the date set for this year’s event. to assist their local communities by volunteering with the State Emergency Service,“ Eddie said. This year, SES Week will be celebrated around Australia from Saturday 10 November to Monday 18 November. Eddie said this year’s theme will again focus on thanking volunteers for their continued service. The national theme for this year’s SES Week is: “Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things”. “The week is a fantastic opportunity for communities and residents to come along and say thank you to the SES volunteers who have assisted their local communities.” Director of the Queensland SES Eddie Bennet said units around the country will be holding events to celebrate all that is great about SES volunteers. “SES Week is a chance to celebrate the dedication and commitment of our volunteers. “In Queensland and across the country, thousands of men and women selflessly give up their own time and energy www.emergency.qld.gov.au There will also be a national “Wear Orange to Work” day held on Wednesday 14 November. “I’d encourage as many people as possible to support the day and find something orange in the wardrobe to wear as a sign of support for our amazing volunteers,” Eddie said. EMERGENCY September 2007 27 Noosa Coast Guards J eff Kitchen and Gloria Bruzzone are two community-minded volunteers who share a common bond. Both are Noosa Coast Guard QF5 crew members. About four years ago, completely independent of each other they both decided to join the local Noosa Shire SES unit. Their motivations for community volunteering were completely different. Jeff said: “Initially I joined the Coast Guard because I used to get a bit sea sick but now I’m as good as gold on boats. I joined the SES because I enjoy the community service.” Gloria joined the Coast Guard to utilise her public relations expertise. “I went out to see how it went on the boats and I loved it, so now I’m on the crew,” she explains. “I joined the SES because someone mentioned the flood boats.” The two were on SES duty together during the recent NSW flood deployments. Volunteers Gloria Bruzzone and Jeff Kitchen. Rural firies prepare Qld media for bushfire season Paul Storrs and Brian Cook deliver fire ground training to ABC staff in Toowoomba. T hroughout July, August and September QFRS rural firefighters visited several media organisations across the state to deliver vital training packages to journalists, photographers and cameramen who may find themselves on the fire ground during the 2007 bushfire season. Fire ground training sessions were held along the coast from the Gold Coast to Cairns and west to Longreach for organisations including: 28 EMERGENCY September 2007 • ABC • Channel Seven • WIN TV • APN newspapers • News Limited newspapers The training sessions informed the media about bushfire behaviour, advised them on bushfire safety, and also how QFRS expects them to act on the fire ground. It importantly gave the media an opportunity to ask questions about bushfire operations and gain an insight into the various roles firefighters play on the fire ground. Many thanks go to Brian Cook, Paul Storrs, Paul Womersley, Corey Bock, Winston Williams, John Fisher, Gavin Fryar, Andrew Houley, Fiona Quirk, Michael Dodds, Brett Weston, Brendan Ridgwell, Phil Williams, Gary Seaman, Andrew Allan, Larry Lewis and Ian Melody for presenting this safety information to thankful media crews. www.emergency.qld.gov.au Giant of the sea farewells Brisbane The USS Kittyhawk made an impressive sight in the Brisbane River taking up the entire grain wharf berth. O ver four days in July thousands of Brisbane residents flocked to the river to get a glimpse of the giant American aircraft carrier the USS Kittyhawk. Huge crowds lined the river at Luggage Point opposite the grain wharf where the carrier was berthed. Many took to the river to get an even closer look, with water police and the SES on hand to control traffic. The USS Kittyhawk arrived on Thursday 19 July for its last visit to Brisbane before it’s decommissioned. The US Navy invited EMQ staff and SES members aboard the vessel. Brisbane SES Headquarters support staff Dawn Ford, Ja Kunchanawatta, Patricia Carnes and Tracey Hudson were among those invited aboard for a tour of the Kittyhawk. Fifty EMQ staff and 60 SES members from Brisbane and the South East were given a tour of the warship. Looking at the statistics gives an idea of just how big the Kittyhawk is with a weight of 60,000 tonnes, a length of just under 324 metres, this leviathan carries 85 aircraft and a crew of 5,300. After four days as a tourist attraction the Kittyhawk departed Brisbane on Monday 23 July. CPR knowledge saves bus driver’s life I t was lucky for the driver of a bus that crashed on the Gold Coast that an off-duty paramedic happened to live across the road from the accident scene. The bus driver had suffered a heart attack while transporting 18 tourists to the airport. A passenger managed to steer the out-of-control bus to a relatively safe stop at Surfers Paradise, crashing into four parked cars along the way. In a fortunate twist of fate, paramedic Shane McEvoy was at home nearby and heard the crash. While the passengers were all ok; the driver was in cardiac arrest. Mr McEvoy’s CPR knowledge undoubtedly saved the man’s life. www.emergency.qld.gov.au EMERGENCY September 2007 29 Not ready to retire yet? I f you’ve reached the age when you’re able to leave work and access your superannuation (currently 55 and over), you may be finding yourself struggling over that big question – when’s the right time for me to retire? It’s common for people to put off retirement because they see it as an irrevocable decision, and because they still enjoy their work and the social benefits of being part of a team. “You don’t even have to change your working conditions to access an allocated pension through a transition to retirement strategy.” If you’re one of those people who finds themself umming and ahhing about the ifs, whens, and maybes of retirement then you’re in for a pleasant surprise. A relatively new government initiative called transition to retirement can help you ease into retirement at your own pace while using your super to supplement your income as you cut back your hours. A transition to retirement strategy allows you to use your super to start up a QSuper Allocated Pension account and draw an income from it while still working. This kind of strategy can be used to help you achieve your lifestyle goals and cut back your work commitments, so you can get a taste of retirement without retiring completely. 30 EMERGENCY September 2007 What are the benefits? Defined Benefit account Transition to retirement lets you cut down the hours you work but still take home the same amount of income. You could work part-time, and the income you receive from your QSuper Allocated Pension account would supplement your new salary, so you could still receive the same total income as you would have had previously. If you have a Defined Benefit account, your multiple will reduce proportionately by the amount you transfer to a QSuper Allocated Pension account. For example, if you have a final average salary of $50,000 and your benefit is calculated as six x final average salary ($50,000), your benefit would be $300,000. If you transfer $150,000 of this to a QSuper Allocated Pension account, your benefit would reduce by half to three x final average salary. You don’t even have to change your working conditions to access an allocated pension through a transition to retirement strategy. You could continue to work full-time and use a Once you have transferred this money QSuper Allocated Pension to provide from your Defined Benefit account some or all of your income, allowing it cannot be returned to the Defined you to either: Benefit account – however, if you close 0salary sacrifice more of your pay . salary sacrifice of your pay you can transfer yourmore Allocated Pension (limits apply) and accumulate more any remaining funds into a QSuper money for your retirement Accumulation account. 0 .use the additional money for other investments outside of super, or to reduce debt. How does it work? You can open a QSuper Allocated Pension account with as little as $30,000 or as much as the whole balance of your superannuation account. Once you’ve nominated how much super you want transferred to a QSuper Allocated Pension account, your new account will begin paying you a pension (a maximum annual limit of 10% of your allocated pension account balance applies) to supplement your other income. However, you generally cannot withdraw lump sums from your allocated pension account until you’ve reached your preservation age and permanently retired. Accumulation account If you have an accumulation account, you simply nominate the amount, or percentage of your account, you want to transfer into a QSuper Allocated Pension account. All your future superannuation contributions will continue to be made to your Accumulation account, regardless of your allocated pension income payments or arrangements. Any super contributions made into your Defined Benefit account after the transfer will increase your remaining multiple at your normal accrual rate. Of course, if you transferred your entire balance into your new QSuper Allocated Pension account, your multiple would restart from zero. What happens to my Defined Benefit account if I work part-time? Your defined benefit is calculated using a multiple of your salary. When you’re working full-time and contributing five per cent of your salary, your multiple grows by 0.21 each year. If you start working part-time, any multiple you’ve accrued while working full-time is unaffected. Once you start working part-time, your benefit will continue to be based on the full-time equivalent of your salary, but your future multiple growth will be adjusted proportionally to reflect your part-time work arrangements. For example, if you reduce your working hours from five days a week to four, you would be working 80% of your fulltime hours, so your annual multiple growth in the future would be 0.168 www.emergency.qld.gov.au “If you’re one of those people who finds themself umming and ahhing about the ifs, whens, and maybes of retirement then you’re in for a pleasant surprise.” (0.21 x 80%). Your standard contributions are calculated using your full-time equivalent salary, with a proportionate reduction for the hours you work. What do I do next? You need to be over your preservation age to take advantage of a transition to retirement strategy, but you don’t need to meet any working conditions. Transition to retirement strategies aren’t suitable for everyone, and there are many issues you need to consider, so if you think you may be interested in a transition to retirement strategy, talking with a financial adviser is a great place to start. Q Invest offers competitivelypriced advice to QSuper members – for more info on Q Invest’s products and services check out www.qinvest.com.au If you are thinking of changing your work arrangements, you should also talk with your employer to find out what options may be available to you. You can find more information about these issues in QSuper’s Transition to retirement fact sheet and the Working less than full time guide, which you can download from the QSuper website at www.qsuper.com.au. Alternatively you can give one of QSuper’s friendly Information Officers a call on 1300 360 750. www.emergency.qld.gov.au Clever Networks project Cooeenet@qld means fast, accessible DES communications M inister for Communications, Information Technology and Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan, announced funding of $5 million for the Cooeenet project on 31 July 2007. The funding will provide high-capacity broadband services to support health care and emergency services in Queensland. Queensland Health and its partners, the Department of Emergency Services (DES) and the e-Health Research Centre have also committed $6 million to the initiative and have established the Cooeenet@qld project to deliver the identified outcomes. Cooeenet@qld is primarily focused on creating the ability to deliver health and emergency services at the point of demand, rather than to a fixed location. DES will develop generic, modular and scalable “Emergency Communications Systems” (ECS) as the core mobile infrastructure for small teams of officers and for all forms of transport as part of the project. In summary, DES will develop ECS to address four operational areas: • Pre-Hospital Care Connect • Incident Communications • Community Communications • Event/Incident Management The work will be undertaken over a two-year period. “Over the past five years, DES has invested in ICT to support operations and to ensure timely information (verbal, written and visual) is accessible to whoever and wherever it is needed within DES. “Cyclone Larry and recent disasters overseas have demonstrated that DES needed to expand its mobile and deployable ICT infrastructure,” Nicholas said. For more details call Nicholas Moss on (07) 3247 8052. The project is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Clever Networks program. (L-R) The Hon. Peter Lindsay MP, Federal Member for Herbert; Alan Taylor, Manager, Strategy and Planning, Queensland Health – Cooeenet@qld Project Director; The Hon. Mike Reynolds AM MP, Speaker for the Queensland Parliament; Paul Carroll, Senior Director, Radiology Support, Clinical and Statewide Services, Queensland Health; Senator the Hon. Helen Coonan, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts; Nicholas Moss, Manager, ICT Business Development, Department of Emergency Services; Alex Stefan, Director, Information Services, Department of Emergency Services at the Cooeenet@qld launch in Townsville last month. EMERGENCY September 2007 31 PART 2 Comparing notes between nations – The challenge to improve wildfire operations in an increasingly complex environment US Firies I n part two of his interview, QFRS Superintendent Andrew Short has an in-depth discussion with Chief Mike Rohde, a Battalion Chief with the Orange County, CA about common challenges confronting their individual organisations. Andrew: It would be great if you could expand on your thoughts about what you refer to as the Incident Controllers’ (I/C) ‘big decisions’ of life safety, opportunities for containment, and property protection. Does keeping a focus on these key aspects help simplify what can be a very complex situation? Mike: I’m sure my Australian counterparts suffer as we do from an onslaught of radio traffic and information during a developing wildfire emergency. The question is for both of us, ‘what is important’ and ‘how do I separate the critical communications from the minutia that I experience?’. From my experience, it seems that 80 per cent of the communications I receive may be less than critical. 32 EMERGENCY September 2007 www.emergency.qld.gov.au Thanks and good luck from all your mates in the States! We train our fire officers to concentrate on what we believe are the critical command issues, and to hone their skills at recognising them when they are presented, keeping in mind they are buried in 80 per cent of other stuff. only deploy so fast. This community has been the focus of our planning and education efforts, but the most successful effort so far has been the one the community started themselves. Using a U.S. federal government We believe that the important issues include: • Life safety (both public and firefighter) • Exercising opportunities for containment or control • Protecting property • Reinforcing productivity, giving more resources to successful efforts • Capturing and coordinating all responding forces under one command • Predicting fire growth and resourcing needs in a timely and accurate way. We ask I/Cs to develop disciplines and skills to pull this data out of what’s presented and to act on it. We find the use of an aid or assistant to manage the radio and support the I/C early-on in a developing fire allows an I/C much more freedom to concentrate on these important issues. Andrew: Finally Mike, I am interested in whether you are seeing communities (individually and as a collective) taking a larger degree of wildfire preparedness responsibility for their local situation? This has been a strong focus in recent years for us here in Queensland. Mike: This is such an important aspect of our ability to protect communities and indeed it is growing! When you were here in the States for a visit we drove through a very high-risk community called Silverado Canyon. This community of 2,000 people is located along a narrow, one way in-andout, steep canyon that is choked with heavy brush. A fire in this community that takes the worst-case path will certainly lead to the loss of hundreds of homes and perhaps many lives. We know that as a fire service we can www.emergency.qld.gov.au program, they obtained funding grants and developed the “Silverado Fire Safe Council”, and joined many other communities in the National Fire Safe Program, a program that helps citizens face Wildland Urban Interface risks throughout the US. The fire safe council sponsors brush clearance, communitywide fire defence projects, education efforts, a volunteer firefighting unit, and takes on many issues that are beyond the reach of single homeowners acting alone or with fire services. With their partnership, we and the Silverado Canyon residents are tackling our common problems. This is producing strong results for this community and many like it throughout America. Andrew: Well it’s been good comparing notes Mike; I’m quite confident in saying there are so many common challenges across different fire services, nationally and internationally. Comparing notes, like we just did in this simple exchange of challenges certainly is a step in the right direction for finding solutions. Perhaps we should continue this dialogue another time. As many of your colleagues regularly tell me: ‘stay safe and keep one foot in the black’. Mike: It is great to exchange notes with our Australian brothers and sisters, we share both a common problem and a strong professionalism in our fire services. Thanks and good luck from all your mates in the States! n See Chief Rohde’s paper ‘Command Decisions During Catastrophic Interface Wildfires’ on DES Portal by entering ‘Izone research’ into the search engine. EMERGENCY September 2007 33 10 things you didn’t know about… Rank restructure for SES the SES flag 1 The Queensland SES flag was . 2 The flag features the SES crest . 3. 4. 5 The flag is designated for use . 6. A new rank insignia is being The Queensland SES flag was introduced for State Emergency officially launched during the Service (SES) units across Queensland. 2001 SES Week. New epaulettes will be issued to all SES The flag features the SES crest members over the next few months. on a blue background with EMQ Executive Director Frank Pagano orange checks on the left said it follows extensive discussion hand edge. among SES volunteers on changing the The flag is used by all existing rank insignia to represent a 156 Queensland SES Units. more contemporary look. It was designed to create “This change follows extensive a unique symbol for the SES. consultation with EMQ staff, the SES The flag is designated for use Volunteer Executive Committee (VEC) by SES Units and can’t be used and SES members. by any other organisation or “We looked at current SES, Fire and community group. Rescue Services and Ambulance For official functions it can Services rank insignia both in be used as a supporting flag Queensland and in other States and and flown alongside the state Territories to see what system they use. government flag. 7 . As with all government flags there are many rules for its use: it can’t be used as a curtain to unveil a monument or plaque, it can’t be used as a table cover or seat cover and it is not allowed to fall to or lie on the ground. “The proposed new SES rank insignia aligns with those currently provided to QFRS and QAS officers and ensures a common approach across the department,” Frank said. SES Director Eddie Bennet said the new epaulettes are an important addition. “This means people will be able to see the rank of SES members and know what that rank means. “It will also provide consistency across the department and the State with members in all areas having the same rank structure. “Another benefit of the new system is that it provides recognition of the experience and training of our SES members and the potential to progress through the various ranks. “The new epaulettes are now part of the SES uniform and will be distributed in the coming weeks. “In the future training and skills will also form a key part of the new structure and key competencies for each rank will be phased in over time,” Eddie said. 8 . It is not an official State Government flag and cannot be used on its own in an official capacity. 9 . The flag may also not be flown at night unless it is properly lit. Flags are flown at half-mast position as a sign of mourning only with the express permission of the Director SES. Laidley SES members at the SES flag launch in 2001. 34 EMERGENCY September 2007 www.emergency.qld.gov.au Variety Bash: A great time for a great cause Ambulance has a variety of roles By Kylie McIntosh Photo by Kylie McIntosh QAS Commissioner, Jim Higgins hands the keys of the F250 ambulance to paramedic Wayne Tester as Variety QLD Director Motoring Events, Rob Goodwin, thanks him for the generous donation. By Kylie McIntosh Variety QLD Bash entrants are a colourful bunch which was apparent when they gathered at this year’s starting point, Twin Waters Resort, for the 10-day bash ending in Airlie Beach. S even thousand dollars is a lot of money to shell out for a party. But it’s worth it according to the 450 participants in this year’s Variety QLD Bash. Particularly when the funds go towards helping sick, disabled and disadvantaged children under 18 years of age. and pay for Braille systems for children who require them,” Rob said. This year’s Variety QLD Bash started on August 16 at Twin Waters, Sunshine Coast and finished on August 25 at Airlie Beach. It comprised 425 participants travelling in 157 vehicles. Each entrant was required to pay a $200 entrance fee and $850/head for meals. In addition, they were each required to raise $7,000 for charity and cover their accommodation costs. “We visit towns that only have 17 kids in their school and then 450 people converge on them. It takes a lot of planning. We have to take our own toilets to some places. And water too. In 2006 Bash participants raised $1.4 million and this year they are aiming to beat that amount according to Variety QLD Director Motoring Events, Rob Goodwin. “Last year we raised $1.4 million. This year we’re aiming for $1.6 million and we are on track to reach our goal. “The funds will be used to build things like Liberty Swings for children in wheel chairs The logistics of an event this size are mind boggling. Effectively, it’s like taking a small town on the road for a fortnight. And, according to Variety QLD CEO, Linda Graham, it takes serious preparation to hold an event this size. I t was a case of something old is new again when QAS Commissioner, Jim Higgins, donated a 1997 F250 ambulance to the Director of Variety QLD Motoring Events, Rob Goodwin, in July. Variety QLD is a charity which raises funds to support children in need. The F250 will replace the previous Variety Bash QLD ambulance which is over 30- years-old and ready for retirement. The Variety QLD Bash is one of the organisation’s key fund-raising events. Commissioner Higgins said he was “happy to be able to support a good cause like Variety.” “We have to find accommodation and arrange meals for over 400 people. We start planning a year ahead. Rob said the donation was fantastic. “Channel 7 comes along; we have our own band, a plane, 16 police, two paramedics, four doctors and four firefighters,” Linda said. Southport paramedic and bash veteran Wayne Tester has been driving the old ambulance in the bash for the past 10 years. But it’s all worth it when the Bashees see the look on a child’s face as they put on a pair of leg braces for the first time. Or watch a wheelchair-bound child swing in the park on one of the Liberty Swings Variety QLD has funded. “Every year I take six weeks holidays: two for the bash; two for the party and two to recover,” Wayne said. “Not only do we have a new ambulance, we also have a fire truck,” Rob said. To donate to this worthy cause visit: www.varietyqld.org.au Fundraising firefighters I magine taking your holidays and spending them driving around Queensland raising funds ($9,000) for sick and disabled children. That’s what four QFRS staff did last month. David Lloyd, Trevor Jarvis, Geoff Rogers and Nigel Jones lined up with Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts before hitting the road to participate in this year’s Variety QLD Bash. www.emergency.qld.gov.au EMERGENCY September 2007 35 Clinical challenge By Advanced Care Paramedic Michael Holmes History Y QAS develops award-winning Influenza Pandemic Response Plan Q ueensland paramedics can be safe in the knowledge they will be protected during a pandemic or other large scale public health emergency. Over the past 12 months the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Pandemic Planning Project Team has developed several strategies and initiatives to deal with such emergencies. Acting Director, Risk and Management Services Unit, Darren Hall, says some significant achievements have been made. ou are called to an 82-year-old female at 8.30am in a suburb of Brisbane. On arrival you find the patient in her lounge room looking very anxious and fidgety. Patient states that she was preparing for an Australia Day barbecue when she was scratched by something on her hand while she was under her house. Patient described the area under her house as cool and dark with a lot of clutter. What is your management of this patient? Clinical Presentation On examination you find the following observations 0 Skin – Pale and clammy “We have created a number of stockpiles of patient care and infection control consumables throughout Queensland. 0 ECG – Sinus Tachycardia To assist operational commanders and decision-makers plan and deal with incidents like an influenza pandemic a detailed plan was developed. The QAS Influenza Pandemic Response Plan can be viewed on DESPortal: http://desportal/content/Planning_and_ Management/Projects_and_Initiatives/ Operational/Index%20QAS%20Pandemi c%20Planning%20Page.jsp Darren said he was extremely pleased with the recognition of the project team’s work following the recent win in ‘Leadership Excellence’ at the Minister’s Awards for Excellence for the Influenza Pandemic Response Plan last month. 36 EMERGENCY September 2007 0 A.A.A. She says she did not see what scratched her but says she had immediate pain and some minor bleeding to the webbing between her forefinger and thumb on her right hand. 0 Pulse – 110 weak and thready “We also have in place command and control arrangements with allied health agencies and we have developed more detailed planning at local levels,” Darren said. What is your provisional diagnosis? Abdominal aortic aneurysm may not cause any symptoms at first. When symptoms do occur, they include a pulsing sensation in the abdomen, and pain ranging from mild to severe. Pain may be located in the abdominal, back, or groin area. Sudden, excruciating pain in the lower abdomen and back pain usually indicates a ruptured aorta, which needs to be treated immediately. “To date we have initiated a program to roll out advanced respiratory protection and personal protective equipment for 2,800 operational QAS staff. “And we have developed notification protocols for these types of diseases along with protocols for staff screening. Last month’s answers 0 Blood Pressure – 180/90 0 Spo2 – 96% 0 BSL – 6.5mmol Patient states that she is usually in good health and takes half an aspirin a day and Lipitor for her cholesterol. The patient is complaining of 8 out of 10 burning pain to her right hand. She is very anxious and cannot be calmed regardless of the amount of reassurance given. The patient denies any other significant medical history including cardiac, respiratory and anxiety disorders. Within 10 minutes of being on scene you notice that the patient has become diaphoretic and her anxiety has increased. Questions • What is your provisional diagnosis? Basic Cares including posture (supine with legs elevated), high flow oxygen, ICP should be requested. Continue ECG monitoring and regular vital signs. Gained I.V access and administered Maxalon to reduce vomiting and to decrease intraabdominal pressure caused from vomiting. Enroute, the patient’s BP was maintained around 110/60. Due to the patient’s complaint of pain and him becoming restless, administered 2.5mg Morphine Sulphate with good effect. No fluid bolus was given apart from Saline flushes. The receiving hospital was notified. What further management would the hospital initiate? On arrival at hospital we were directed immediately from triage to the Resuscitation Area where the medical team were waiting with U/S, portable x-ray and the surgeon ready to go. The ultrasound was conducted before the ambulance trolley was removed and revealed an 8cmxcm leaking aneurysm. With the surgeon ready, the patient was taken straight to surgery before paper work was complete and made a full recovery. • What is your management of this patient? www.emergency.qld.gov.au station profile Station 34: North Rockhampton Opened on 21 September 1999, the North Rockhampton Station and the Central Region’s mechanical workshops are surrounded by a quiet bush setting close to picturesque Mt Archer. The station services areas up to 165 kilometres east, 65 kilometres south and as far west as required. A contracted plane is used if long-distance (more than three hours) travel is needed. The station services 70,000 people in the area. Along with the serenity, the station boasts a family atmosphere with a number of firefighters sharing similar careers with other relatives. Brothers Ian and Gavin Shuker are both firies in the local area, following the career path of their father, Alan. Father and son duo Pat Maloney senior and Pat Maloney junior continue to work together at the station and workshops. The firefighters from A shift agree that the bush setting provides a perfect background to the station. “Working with my father can be frustrating and stressful,” said Pat Malone junior. “The sight we’re faced with out our windows is a lot better than staring at brick walls and concrete skylines,” said Station Officer Bruce Thomasson. But apart from the occasional family feud, the firefighters are kept busy attending around 550 incidents per year, most of these are MVAs. The landscape does however provide the station with challenges from time to time. “About six months ago, we had two snakes in the station in two days,” said firie Ian Shuker. Aside from car crashes, the North Rockhampton firefighters say one of the most challenging issues for them are fires in the Berserker Ranges and through Mt Archer. “We had one man on the hoe and one on the broom. “They died of metal fatigue,” said Bruce. “Fires coming down from those areas are fires that can burn for weeks,” said Bruce. www.emergency.qld.gov.au “About six months ago, we had two snakes in the station in two days.” Apology: Last month’s station profile headline should have read Quilpie Fire Station. We apologise for the error. EMERGENCY September 2007 37 Caloundra Following their recent win at the State Rescue Competition in Cairns in June, Caloundra SES is looking forward to competing at the national competition in November in Western Australia. O ne hour north of Brisbane is Caloundra City, the gateway to the Sunshine Coast. By 2026 Caloundra City will have an estimated population of 155,500 and Jim said this presents a challenge. “In six or seven years we had more cyclones than we have had in the entire time since.” The area is a mix of sandy beaches and mountainous hinterland. “In the past if a thunderstorm went through a rural area it would’ve hit just paddocks and trees. In 1993 the area was battered by waves up to 13 metres high after Cyclone Roger passed the coast. “Now with all the subdivision, if a storm hits there’s a much greater chance of damage.” The unit has been involved in several high profile operations including Cyclone Larry and the Newcastle floods earlier this year. Caloundra has a long history of indigenous habitation. The first Europeans arrived in the 1820s. Landsborough Shire was created in 1912 and was renamed Caloundra City in 1987. Today Caloundra is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia with an estimated population of 88,500. Serving that population is the Caloundra SES Unit which has groups at Kawana, Pelican Waters and Glasshouse. Local controller Jim Case was there when the unit formed in December 1975. The area is also a major tourist destination, with beaches, rainforests and attractions including Australia Zoo. The zoo provided the unit with its most famous members — Steve and Terri Irwin. Steve and Terri joined in June 1993 and remained members until 2005. One of the more unusual events the unit responded to happened just off Caloundra. In October 1981 the 16,000 tonne container ship, Anro Asia, grounded off Bribie Island and began leaking oil. The SES was tasked to remove oil from beaches along Bribie Island. “We didn’t have a building, my vehicle had a tow bar and we had a rescue trailer. “The Irwins both joined the Glasshouse group on the same night and Steve went on to be involved in several rescues.” “It started with nine council staff and spread from there.” Jim said tourists keep the Glasshouse group busy. The Anro Asia was refloated a week later. The unit now has a two storey headquarters in Caloundra and more than 90 members. “A lot of people climb the mountains and get in trouble, we probably average one rescue every month on the Glasshouse Mountains.” Despite Jim’s description of the unit as “members of the Queensland Tarping Company”, apart from cyclones and storms they are also involved in responses to bushfires and community events. “The age range is 16-year-olds to people in their 70s and we have all kinds of professions from doctors to students.” 38 EMERGENCY September 2007 Multiple cyclones hit the area in the late 1970s. “It was slow and dirty work, it was all done by shovel and carted back to the mainland by the SES boats.” www.emergency.qld.gov.au Two minutes with… Ron Smith Emergency Magazine e-Survey W e need your input. Don’t forget to fill out the 2007 Emergency Reader e-Survey for your chance to win one of three great prizes. 0. The first entry drawn will win a 30Gb iPod valued at approximately $380. 0. The second entry drawn will win an Digital Photo Frame valued at approximately $270. Job Title Seniors Fire Education Coordinator Location Ipswich and local country area Years of service Eight years as a retired firefighter volunteer, 24 years full-time firefighter Best part of your job Sharing knowledge on fire safety with the community Most interesting incident All groups I speak with are interesting in different ways and continually amuse me with their tales of ‘close encounters’, ‘mistaking flat smoke alarm batteries for chirping insects’ and accounts of other situations that only ‘seniors’ could get themselves into. Each presentation is challenging but enjoyable. Last book you read The Bulletin magazine Favourite movie I have two - The Big Country (Greg Peck & Jean Simmons) & Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne & Katherine Hepburn) 0. The third entry drawn will win a CANON digital camera valued at approximately $190. To enter the competition, simply fill out our short survey at http://desportal/survey/s?s=1952 Volunteers visit http://www.emergency.qld.gov. au/esurvey.doc Due to demand the deadline has been extended until October 1. Winners will be announced in the November 2007 edition of Emergency. In brief Paramedics play hand in miracle Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) paramedics played a hand in a miracle on the Gold Coast recently when one of their patients walked out of hospital after almost losing both legs in a truck accident. With the help of Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) officers and the Careflight crew Colin Robertson was transported to hospital in just 90 minutes after he was pinned between his vehicle and a pole. QAS Paramedic Darrin Hatchman said seeing Mr Robertson leave hospital was special for all those involved. Favourite music Slim Dusty Three-year-old saves day Your dream weekend A flight over Antarctica Mackay three-year-old Billy Richardson is the talk of the town after he helped call for an ambulance when his baby-sitter collapsed and wasn’t able to move. 2008 Australia Day Achievement Awards The Australia Day Achievement Awards are a proud part of the department’s tradition of recognising excellence and distinguished service. Nominations for the 2008 awards will open in September 2007. Further information and nomination forms are available on DES Portal. www.emergency.qld.gov.au His father Anthony said he was extremely proud of his son for showing courage far beyond his years. Buddies The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) has put the call out to all operational staff to join the Qualified Paramedic buddies program. Buddies are assigned to qualified paramedics recruited from interstate and overseas to help with the transition to living in Queensland. For more information about the program phone 07 3109 7740. EMERGENCY September 2007 39 40 EMERGENCY September 2007 www.emergency.qld.gov.au