St John Ambulance Saving lives: Governor visits St John Ambulance State Operations Centre September 21, 2020 By Adele Hollywood “It was a joy to see the dedication and effectiveness of the extraordinary St John State Operations Centre and I am deeply impressed by the museum that is devoted to telling the history of St John in Western Australia.” The Governor The Governor visited the St John Ambulance State Operations Centre in Belmont. Greeted by Michelle Fyfe, CEO and Sally Carbon, Acting Chairperson, St. John WA, the Governor was given a update on the impact of COVID-19 to the organisation and the measures that have been implemented to ensure the safety of staff and patients. Michelle Fyfe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Sally Carbon, Acting Chairperson, St John’s WA State Operations Centre St John’s WA State Operations Centre The Governor was taken into the State Operations Centre to meet Mr Deon Brink, Executive Director, Ambulance Services and Dr Paul Bailey, Medical Director, to see the staff in action. When calling triple zero (000), it is the State Operations Centre that will answer your call. Receiving emergency calls 24 hours a day, every day of the year, experienced Communications Officers gather vital patient and situation information and provide emergency first aid over the phone while the caller is waiting for the ambulance to arrive. St John’s WA State Operations Centre The State Operations Centre is one of the most modern in the country and comprises the latest technologies to ensure that every triple zero (000) call received is answered and tasked as efficiently as possible. A Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system provides Communications Officers with comprehensive geographical and incident information; an Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system provides a ‘snapshot’ image of the metropolitan area and alerts staff to the location of every ambulance and of all outstanding calls. The radio system consists of a UHF and VHF network, with voice and data also utilising a Radio Over Internet Protocol (ROIP) for some country locations. St John’s WA State Operations Centre After speaking with the passionate staff inside the Operations Centre, the Governor was then given a tour of the emergency vehicles that provide life saving medical care to patients all across Western Australia. St John Ambulance and Patient Transfer Vehicle Meeting with the highly qualified ambulance officers, the Governor was treated to an up-close look at the layout and setup of the specially converted COVID-19 Ambulance. This vehicle has been specially design to assist in the patient care of potential COVID-19 sufferers. St John COVID-19 Ambulance Next, a look at the high-tech patient transfer vehicle. This ambulance can carry up to six patients at the same time while maintaining strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of both staff and patients. Rear electric hoist – St John Ambulance Patient Transfer Vehicle Inside the St John Ambulance Patient Transfer Vehicle The Governor then met with a crew that are responsible for saving West Australian lives every day. Ambulance Paramedics Mark Vowlesm and Nick Muir provided the Governor with an intimate look at the life saving equipment used when helping all who call triple zero for assistance. St John Ambulance Vehicle Finally, the Governor was escorted through the St John Heritage Centre by Dr Harry Oxer and Dr Edith Khangure. The meticulous care in preserving the history of this great organisation from its inception in 1877 to present day is to be commended. They have an extensive collection of medical equipment, clothing and literature that spans the ages of medical care in WA and St Johns involvement. Read more about St John’s history timeline. Michelle Fyfe – Chief Executive Officer, Dr Harry Oxer – ASM, KStJ – Knight of the Order of St John and Dr Edith Khangure – St John Ambulance Museum Michelle Fyfe – Chief Executive Officer, Dr Harry Oxer – ASM, KStJ – Knight of the Order of St John and Dr Edith Khangure – St John Ambulance Museum The Governor is proud to be Knight Commander of the WA Commandery of the Order of St John, Western Australia. Post navigation Governor visits Containers for Change $wan at Yagan SquareGovernor inspects submarine detection technology at L3Harris View all Articles
