AMBULANCE MATTERS May 2009
Water Hazards
Recent rains have reminded us all that this area has several locations that are subject to flash flooding and standing water.
Such hazards present serious risk to most groups in the community. They provide ample opportunity for the emergency services to get called out and provide many extra complications for those who respond.
Many people, especially younger people, do not understand how quickly water can move in these events and how quickly what appears to be dry safe land becomes a raging watercourse. Water is a powerful medium quite capable of washing cars off roads and children down storm water drains.
There is only one real way to remain safe in water hazards and that is to stay out of them. When driving, particularly at night, a flooded road can appear quite shallow and simple to cross. The problem is that if the water gets close to the bottom of the car it lightens the car to a point where it can float. Once that happens you are no longer in control and cars become unstable when floating often overturning and drowning occupants.
Your children really need to understand the difference between safe swimming places and dangerous hazards. Teach them never to go into water in places where there is normally not water. Teach them and yourself that if someone is in the water in trouble, going in after them may only mean there are more people in the water in trouble.
If you see anyone in trouble in water call 000 and tell the operator exactly where the problem is. If you can, have someone keep constant visual contact with the victim until help arrives. Remember the first and most important step in any first aid situation is to protect yourself from danger.
If you want to learn how to deal with casualties in these situations consider taking a First Aid Course. The Queensland Ambulance Service runs regular First Aid Courses for all levels at a variety of locations. To get more information on First Aid Courses call 1300 369 003 or look on the Website at www.ambulance.qld.gov.au and go to the First Aid link.
Dayboro QAS Community First Responders
As most of you know, the First Responder group was formed to provide assistance to the community when ambulance services are needed. We do this in two main ways.
As the Dayboro Station is a one officer station, there will be times when our ambulance is already assigned to a case or transporting a patient. On those occasions the First Responders are trained to provide immediate care and to communicate with the QAS to ensure the best treatment for the patient is provided as quickly as possible.
On other occasions, the First Responders work with the local Queensland Ambulance Service Officers to assist with treatment and transportation to hospital if needed.
Provided that we can maintain our numbers of trained people, the intention is that there will be two First Responders on call at any time, thus providing assistance to the Ambulance Officers and cover whilst they are absent from the area transporting or treating patients.
First Responders are a highly dedicated group who make large commitments of time to be on call and to continually increase our training.
We train at least one night each week and often individuals will fit extra training into their busy schedules. Whilst we provide an important local volunteer service, we also try to have a good time and enjoy each other’s company.
Each month we will profile one of our members (in no particular order). This month we profile Tarn.
Tarn has lived in Dayboro for all of her 24 years of life. Tarn is the proud mother of a beautiful two and a half year old daughter who provides much entertainment at First responder gatherings.
Tarn currently works as a swimming teacher and is committed to various community based activities.
Her long term ambition is to get accepted as a trainee paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service and progress to become a skilled paramedic.
We all wish her well in this endeavour. When asked why did you become a First Responder? Tarn said “My two obsessions, apart from my child are, First Aid and community service. I saw the First Responder program as offering the ideal blend of these two passions.” For more information about First Responders contact Chresten at the Dayboro Ambulance Station. Keep your eyes out for details of a new recruitment drive to commence soon.
Many people, especially younger people, do not understand how quickly water can move in these events and how quickly what appears to be dry safe land becomes a raging watercourse. Water is a powerful medium quite capable of washing cars off roads and children down storm water drains.
There is only one real way to remain safe in water hazards and that is to stay out of them. When driving, particularly at night, a flooded road can appear quite shallow and simple to cross. The problem is that if the water gets close to the bottom of the car it lightens the car to a point where it can float. Once that happens you are no longer in control and cars become unstable when floating often overturning and drowning occupants.
Your children really need to understand the difference between safe swimming places and dangerous hazards. Teach them never to go into water in places where there is normally not water. Teach them and yourself that if someone is in the water in trouble, going in after them may only mean there are more people in the water in trouble.
If you see anyone in trouble in water call 000 and tell the operator exactly where the problem is. If you can, have someone keep constant visual contact with the victim until help arrives. Remember the first and most important step in any first aid situation is to protect yourself from danger.
If you want to learn how to deal with casualties in these situations consider taking a First Aid Course. The Queensland Ambulance Service runs regular First Aid Courses for all levels at a variety of locations. To get more information on First Aid Courses call 1300 369 003 or look on the Website at www.ambulance.qld.gov.au and go to the First Aid link.
Dayboro QAS Community First Responders
As most of you know, the First Responder group was formed to provide assistance to the community when ambulance services are needed. We do this in two main ways.
As the Dayboro Station is a one officer station, there will be times when our ambulance is already assigned to a case or transporting a patient. On those occasions the First Responders are trained to provide immediate care and to communicate with the QAS to ensure the best treatment for the patient is provided as quickly as possible.
On other occasions, the First Responders work with the local Queensland Ambulance Service Officers to assist with treatment and transportation to hospital if needed.
Provided that we can maintain our numbers of trained people, the intention is that there will be two First Responders on call at any time, thus providing assistance to the Ambulance Officers and cover whilst they are absent from the area transporting or treating patients.
First Responders are a highly dedicated group who make large commitments of time to be on call and to continually increase our training.
We train at least one night each week and often individuals will fit extra training into their busy schedules. Whilst we provide an important local volunteer service, we also try to have a good time and enjoy each other’s company.
Each month we will profile one of our members (in no particular order). This month we profile Tarn.
Tarn has lived in Dayboro for all of her 24 years of life. Tarn is the proud mother of a beautiful two and a half year old daughter who provides much entertainment at First responder gatherings.
Tarn currently works as a swimming teacher and is committed to various community based activities.
Her long term ambition is to get accepted as a trainee paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service and progress to become a skilled paramedic.
We all wish her well in this endeavour. When asked why did you become a First Responder? Tarn said “My two obsessions, apart from my child are, First Aid and community service. I saw the First Responder program as offering the ideal blend of these two passions.” For more information about First Responders contact Chresten at the Dayboro Ambulance Station. Keep your eyes out for details of a new recruitment drive to commence soon.
