#2. 2016 FEATURES

St John Ambulance AustraliaNational OfficePO Box 292,Deakin West ACT 2600www.stjohn.org.au

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FEATURES#2. 2016

News from the SJAA Board, March 2016

Medical Advisory Panel Bulletin February 2016

http://www.stjohn.org.au



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News from the SJAA Board, March 2016Welcome to this edition of the News from the SJAA Board and Federal Council which provides information about decisions made at its meetings in Canberra on 12 March 2016.

The new National Chief Executive OfficerMr Robert Hunt was welcomed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the National Office; he commenced work with St John on 10 February. This was Mr Hunt’s first attendance at the SJAA Board, Federal Council and Chief Executive Committee (CEC) meetings.

A National Strategic DirectionAs a priority, the Chairman led the Board and Council in discussions on the development of an overarching national strategy. It was unanimously agreed that formal strategy for the next five years was required to continue the growth, and cement the future of St John.

ConstitutionThe Board is continuing with the change in incorporation of the Priory, from an Association to a Company Limited by Guarantee (a very common incorporated status for not-for-profit organisations). A new Constitution is now being further reviewed by the Board, with the aim to present it to the Chapter meeting in May. Endorsement will then be sought by the International Office and ultimately to the Grand Prior.

A National diversity policyMembers of the Board tasked with writing a National diversity policy, raised further approaches to how diversity and inclusion, sharing and collaboration could be incorporated into a National diversity policy. The Board directed senior management to prepared a draft policy for consideration at its next meeting.

Research fundingThe Chair of the Medical Advisory Panel (MAP), Professor Peter Leggat, provided a report to the Board as requested, about future funding of the St John Research program, through the identification of ‘knowledge gaps’ within healthcare research. ‘Knowledge gaps’ were identified by MAP (during their meeting of 27 February 2016), from the recent first aid protocol changes as a result of the recent five-year review by ILCOR and subsequent ANZCOR changes. MAP further recommended that any research funded by St John should align with ILCOR/ANZCOR guidelines, as does all St John first aid protocols. Professor Leggat was requested to identify three ‘knowledge gaps’ that may receive research funding, and which research would benefit the organization.

The Big First Aid LessonThe Big First Aid Lesson (BFAL) is a National initiative involving input from all State and Territory offices to live-stream a first aid lesson across Australia. The Board, Federal Council and CEC were most supportive of the project, but have requested from the National Office further evaluation of costs, resources, management and potential outcomes.

First Aid in SchoolsThe Board, Federal Council and the CEC celebrated the ongoing success of the national program, First Aid in Schools. In 2016, the number of young school children receiving first aid training by St John Ambulance, will reach the millionth child. The Chancellor has requested that the National Office investigate when and where this milestone will be reached, and with the respective State or Territory office, organise a celebration of this success, with appropriate national publicity. Four years of first aid training in schools, and one million children trained, free! A marvelous community contribution by St John across Australia.

International mattersProfessor Mark Compton, Chancellor of the Australian Priory and Board Chairman, reported on various International St John matters:

Recruitment of the Lord PriorSaxton Bampfylde (a global executive search company) have been appointed to manage the recruitment of a new Lord Prior. It is anticipated that the search will be concluded with an announcement in May. Saxton Bampfylde have also conducted candidate interviews for the position of Prelate, the current term of which ends in June, with that of the Sub-Prior. The announcement of the successful candidate for Prelate is anticipated to occur over the next few months

Governance review Over the past two years, the Chancellor has participated in a governance review with the International Office Steering Committee and Grand Council. The final report of the governance review will be presented to Grand Council in May, this year.

St John Eye HospitalThe Chancellor reported on his recent visit to the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem, and commented that the Hospital is flourishing and the team are doing remarkable work. The National Office is now providing additional funding for the School of Nursing as well as the Nurse Outreach programme. This complements the funding currently provided by St John offices nationally. The Chancellor noted the high calibre of members of the Hospital Board and the impressive first world care that St John are delivering in this Hospital.The next meeting of the Board and the Federal Council will be held on Friday May 13 in Adelaide.

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On behalf of Mrs Elizabeth MellowsDear Members of the Order

It was a special pleasure (although a poignant time) for me to host Mrs Elizabeth Mellows to lunch whilst I was in London last month. I can report that Mrs Mellows is being well supported by her family and all of the St John members from around the world.

Mrs Mellows asked me to share with you, a personal message of thanks to you all—

Dear kind St John friends in Australia

I hope you will forgive me writing to you in this way. I have had so many kind letters from you all saying such generous things about my dear husband Tony.

I am so grateful to you all for your thoughts and prayers. His passing leaves such a huge gap in my life.

With all my thanks for your kind thoughts,

Elizabeth Mellows

I would also like to express my sincere thanks to you all; for your kind thoughts and for the support you have shown Mrs Elizabeth Mellows in this difficult and sad time for her and her family.

With warmest wishes and sincere thanks,

Professor Mark Compton AM KStJ Chairman Chancellor, Order of St John

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w.stjohninternational.org

AYAN team member positions openHave you been looking for an opportunity to volunteer in a different way? The Australian Youth Advisory Network (AYAN) have some exciting things on the horizon in 2016 and are looking for two motivated young (18 to 26 years of age) Team Members to join the team. Download the selection criteria here.

AYAN—New leadership opportunity availableThe Australian Youth Advisory Network (AYAN) is seeking a new Team Leader for a three year term. This position is open for those 26 years and under who are willing to work with a small team spread across the different states and territories of Australia. As a National Office volunteer role, endorsement will be sought form your State or Territory before appointment. To obtain the Position Description and Selection Criteria, please call Angela on 0431 454 066 (WST) or email [email protected]

St John Research A number of completed research projects (approved by the St John Research Ethics Committee) are available for reading on Member Connect. The reports cover topics, such as: emergency services at mass gathering; volunteer first aider’s experience post-resuscitation; mountain biking injuries; casualties referred to hospital by first aiders.

This research information is of particular benefit to trainers and senior Event Health Services volunteers. Research reports can be downloaded from: http://members.stjohn.org.au: Browse Resources/General/Medical and Research/Research

http://www.stjohninternational.org

Medical Advisory Panel Bulletin February 2016MEDICAL ADVISORY PANEL Bulletin February 2016

First aid is defined as the helping behaviours and initial care provided for an acute illness or injury. First aid can be initiated by anyone in any situation. A first aid provider is defined as someone trained in first aid who should:

• recognise, assess, and prioritise the need for first aid

• provide care by using appropriate competencies

• recognise limitations, and seek additional care when needed.

The goals of first aid are to preserve life, alleviate suffering, prevent further illness or injury, and promote recovery.

ACTION AFA 4th edition (as revised) will be modified to reflect this recommendation.

2. Rate of chest compressionsMAP supported the ANZCOR recommendation that chest compressions for all ages should be performed at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.3 In practical terms, teaching 2 compressions per second will increase the likelihood of patients receiving at least 100 compressions per minute. It is acknowledged that compression rates will vary between and within providers, and survival rates are optimised at compressions rates of 100–120 compressions per minute.


3. Depth of compressionsMAP supported the ANZCOR recommendation that the lower half of the sternum should be depressed approximately one-third of the depth of the chest with each compression. This equates to more than 5 cm in adults, approximately 5 cm in children and 4 cm in infants.4 Trainers should note that although there is some evidence suggesting detriment with compression depths greater than 6 cm, the clinical reality of being able to tell the difference between 5 or 6 cm and adjust compressions accordingly, is questionable. It is well established, however, that inadequate compression depth is associated with poor outcomes and therefore ANZCOR (unlike ILCOR) elected not to put an upper limit on compression depth,as the risk of too shallow compressions outweighs the risk of compressions that are too deep.

ACTION No revision to AFA is required.

St John Ambulance Australia Inc. National Publications ProgramPO Box 292, Deakin West ACT 2600 | 10–12 Campion Street, Deakin ACT 2600T (02) 6239 9209 | F (02) 6239 6321 | E [email protected] | www.stjohn.org.au

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The 21st meeting of the St John Medical Advisory Panel (MAP) was held in Canberra on Saturday 27 February 2016. A key focus of this meeting was the consideration of recent updates to international and national first aid guidelines1,2 from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) First Aid Taskforce, and the Australian New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR).

The following guidelines were seen by MAP has having an impact on St John first aid training and St John Event Health Services. MAP’s recommendations have been made against each of these guidelines for the information of trainers and Event Health Service personnel. Members with any queries about the following changes to the guidelines should consult their Training or EHS Manager for assistance.

Most of the protocol changes will involve addition of information to already existing protocols in Facilitators Guides, e-learning courses and other training support resources. Publications will also be updated to reflect changes. Please refer to your state/territory Training Department for detail about the implementation of these changes in your jurisdiction.

Revisions to Australian First Aid, 4th edition, (with cross reference to relevant pages in the current revised edition of AFA4, 4/2014) will be made available on Member Connect in due course.

1. Definition of first aidMAP supported the adoption of the international definition of ‘first aid’ as defined by ILCOR.3

4. Duration of CPRMAP recommends that AFA reflect the ANZCOR Guideline 85 with respect to duration of CPR.

The first aider should continue cardiopulmonary resuscitation until any of the following conditions have been met:

• the person responds or begins breathing normally, or

• it is impossible to continue (e.g. exhaustion), or

• a health care professional arrives and takes over CPR, or

• a health care professional directs that CPR be ceased.


5. Optimising attempts at resuscitationMAP broadly discussed strategies to improve the quality of CPR. It is important that trainers emphasise:

• minimising delays in commencing CPR

• any attempt at resuscitation is better than no attempt at all

• minimising interruptions to chest compressions

• that effective ventilation remains an essential component of CPR especially in situations where a lack of oxygen is the likely cause of cardiac arrest (e.g. drowning, hanging, smoke inhalation, choking). This can be achieved by ensuring that training includes an appropriate emphasis on maintaining a clear and open airway, and strategies to assess effectiveness of ventilations (e.g. chest rising and falling).

ACTION Update for trainers to reflect this emphasis. No revision to AFA is required.

6. Optimal positioning for a patient with shockMAP supported the ANZCOR recommendation6 to place patients with shock in the supine position (i.e. lying on their back) without leg raising. MAP agreed that there was risk of harm in patients with trauma who had passive leg raise (e.g. could increase bleeding in patients with pelvic or lower limb injuries). Because improvement with passive leg raise is brief, its clinical significance uncertain, and there is risk of harm in certain populations, MAP no longer recommends passive leg elevation. MAP suggests this would simplify training.


7. Stroke recognitionMAP recommends continuing to use FAST as the preferred stroke assessment tool. MAP reviewed ANZCOR Guideline 9.2.27 and agreed that reference to conditions which can mimic stroke (e.g. hypoglycaemia) should be included in first aid teaching. MAP recommends against the inclusion of blood glucose measurement for the management of stroke in Australian First Aid.

For Event Health Services personal, MAP recommends blood glucose measurement for patients with suspected stroke, to exclude hypoglycaemia mimicking stroke.


8. Suspected heart attackMAP reviewed ANZCOR Guideline 9.2.1 and did not recommend any change to aspirin administration. MAP did recommend the need for trainers to emphasise the following points.

• If practical, and resources allow, the first aider should locate the closest AED and bring it to the patient. This will minimise time to defibrillation should cardiac arrest occur, and there is a shockable rhythm.

• If the patient becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, commence resuscitation (CPR). Patients with suspected heart attack are at an elevated risk of cardiac arrest due to an abnormal rhythm.

ACTION AFA chapter ‘Heart Conditions’ is undergoing review.

PAGE 2 of 5 Thursday 31 March 2016

St John Ambulance Australia Inc. MEDICAL ADVISORY PANEL Bulletin February 2016

9. Management of hypoglycaemiaMAP reviewed the ILCOR treatment recommendation for hypoglycaemia management. MAP agreed to update current text on avoiding ‘diet’ drinks, to include reference to more contemporary language e.g. ‘Zero’. MAP emphasised that giving patients a source of glucose is of greater importance than the specific type of glucose.


10. Exertion-related dehydration and oral rehydrationMAP reviewed ANZCOR Guideline 9.3.48 and recommend that carbohydrate electrolyte fluids be included as an alternative to water for the management of exertion-related dehydration. As a guiding principle, MAP emphasised that oral rehydration should be guided by the patient’s thirst.

ACTION AFA 4th edition (as revised) will be modified to reflect this recommendation. AFA chapter ‘The Hot Environment’is undergoing review.

11. Control of bleedingMAP reviewed ANZCOR Guideline 9.1.1.9 ILCOR 2015 considered the evidence supporting various methods of bleeding control. MAP emphasised that almost all bleeding will be controlled by direct pressure to the wound, and more specifically the source (point) of bleeding, if this can be identified. This pressure can be sustained by the application of a bandage; however firm direct pressure (at the point of bleeding) may be more effective, if there is ongoing bleeding.

There was inadequate evidence to support the routine elevation of bleeding limbs and MAP recommends greater emphasis on aspects of care with greater evidence.


Use of a tourniquet The issue of severe bleeding uncontrolled by the above measures (direct pressure, dressing and bandage) was considered. For the teaching of first aid to the public, MAP recommends the application of a tourniquet above the bleeding site with the aim of cessation of arterial flow. This was previously referred to as a ‘constrictive bandage’ in AFA 4th edition. Obliterating pulses below the improvised tourniquet may be difficult to achieve using available first aid items or improvised materials. Slowing of severe bleeding, whilst waiting for the arrival of paramedics, may be all that can be achieved.

Trainers should emphasise that whilst tissue damage can occur in a limb rendered pulseless by a tourniquet, when used for severe bleeding that cannot be controlled by other means, it can be lifesaving.

MAP reiterates that it is imperative for first aiders to advise, during a handover to paramedics or medical personnel, that a tourniquet has been applied, and the time of application.

MAP also emphasises that situations requiring the application of a tourniquet will be rare and are most likely to occur in austere settings (e.g. military environment, explosions and mass casualty situations).


Use of a tourniquet (continued) MAP considered the use of ‘combat style’ tourniquets for the control of severe external haemorrhage. MAP recommends against these being taught in public courses, and recommends against this being included in AFA.

For Event Health Services personnel, MAP are supportive of the introduction of ‘combat style’ tourniquets in accordance with ANZCOR Guideline 9.1.1 ‘If severe bleeding not controlled by above measures, use a tourniquet above the bleeding point if available and trained in its use’. A commercially available tourniquet is more likely to be successful in obliterating an arterial pulse, and they have been used successfully in battle situations in the military. As described above, whilst the need for a tourniquet will be rare it can be life-saving.

MAP is supportive of the introduction of ‘combat style’ tourniquets into Event Health Service scope of practice.

Use of haemostatic dressings MAP considered the use of haemostatic dressings (dressings impregnated with chemicals which promote local coagulation of the bleeding wound).

MAP recommends against these being taught in public courses and recommends against being included in AFA.



For Event Health Services personnel, MAP are supportive of their use in accordance with ANZCOR Guideline 9.1.1: ‘If severe bleeding not controlled by above measures, use a haemostatic dressing if available and trained in its use’, and if jurisdictions wish to introduce these dressings into practice. It is important for individual jurisdictions to note that the introduction of haemostatic dressings would be associated with a significantly greater cost than existing dressings.

12. First aid treatment for an open chest woundMAP reviewed the ILCOR treatment recommendation for the first aid treatment for an open chest wound. MAP agrees with the treatment recommendation, and no longer recommends the application of an occlusive dressing (i.e. non-rebreathable dressing) to an open chest wound and taped on three sides.

This new recommendation is because there is a risk that the application of an occlusive dressing (even if only taped on three sides) will cause development of tension pneumothorax (a buildup in pressure within the chest wall causing shock), the treatment for which is to ensure communication between the chest cavity and the ambient atmosphere.

MAP recommends that if the wound is bleeding, that bleeding is controlled by applying pressure around the wound. If not bleeding, apply a sterile or clean dressing (note: the aim is not to stop air flowing in and out of the chest cavity).


13. Management of suspected spinal injuryMAP reviewed ANZCOR Guideline 9.1.610, the ILCOR 2015 consensus of science, treatment recommendation and values and preferences.

For the teaching of first aid to the public, MAP recommends that the trainer’s emphasis should be on teaching cervical spinal motion restriction (defined as the reduction or limitation of cervical spinal movement) and spinal stabilisation (defined as the physical maintenance of the spine in a neutral position) to minimise angular movements in order to reduce the risk of further injury. In conscious patients, this will be by reassurance and manual immobilisation of the head and neck to maintain neutral alignment whilst awaiting the arrival of paramedics.

The evidence supporting the use of semi-rigid collar is poor and there is some evidence of potential harm. The priority in management of a suspected spinal injury is spinal motion restriction rather than the application of a semi-rigid cervical collar. MAP recommends against the teaching of the application of any cervical collar in public courses.

For Event Health Services personnel, MAP again recommends that the priority in the management of a patient with suspected spinal injury is spinal motion restriction to minimise angular movements to reduce the risk of further injury. MAP strongly recommends that immediate management focuses on manual immobilisation the head and neck and maintaining neutral alignment of the spine in accordance with ANZCOR Guideline 9.1.1.

The application of a semi-rigid cervical collar is not a management priority and is not a definitive treatment for suspected spinal injury. MAP recommends that EHS personnel exercise extreme care with conscious patients who have sensory (e.g. tingling, numbness in the limbs and area below the injury) or motor deficits (weakness or inability to move the limbs (paralysis)) and consider waiting for expert assistance prior to applying any cervical collar or before moving the patient.

MAP was supportive of the fact that the management of patients with suspected spinal injuries is a health system responsibility and that St John EHS is one part of the health system response. Accordingly, MAP recommends that jurisdictions review their approach to spinal immobilisation and continue practice in line with local state and territory ambulance services.

Jurisdictions continuing to use semi-rigid collars must ensure that there is ongoing training in the use of these devices and an awareness of potential harms.




14. Oxygen administration for first aidMAP reviewed ANZCOR Guideline 10.4. MAP agreed that whilst the use of pulse oximetry is not essential during oxygen administration, it may, however, assist in identifying victims most likely to benefit from oxygen therapy in first aid settings. MAP recommends that the use of pulse oximetry be taught in courses of advanced resuscitation.

For Event Health Services personnel, MAP strongly recommends that pulse oximetry is available when oxygen is administered, and that the concentration of oxygen be titrated to the oximetry readings.

ACTION Advanced resuscitation print publications and courses will be reviewed and modified to reflect this recommendation.

Professor Peter Leggat Director of Training

Thursday 31 March 2016

References and resources1. Hazinski MF, Nolan JP, Aickin R, et al. ‘Part 1: executive summary: 2015 International consensus on cardiopulmonary

resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care science with treatment recommendations’, Circulation 2015;132(suppl 1):S2–S39.

2. ANZCOR Guidelines, Australian Resuscitation Council. Retrieved March 29, 2016, from http://resus.org.au/guidelines/anzcor-guidelines/

3. Singletary EM, Zideman DA, De Buck EDJ, et al. on behalf of the First Aid Chapter Collaborators. ‘Part 9: first aid: 2015 International consensus on first aid science with treatment recommendations’, Circulation 2015;132(suppl 1):S269–S311.

4. ANZCOR Guideline 6, Australian Resuscitation Council. Retrieved March 29, 2016, from http://resus.org.au/guidelines5. ANZCOR Guideline 8, Australian Resuscitation Council. Retrieved March 29, 2016, from http://resus.org.au/guidelines6. ANZCOR Guideline 9.2.3, Australian Resuscitation Council. Retrieved March 29, 2016, from http://resus.org.au/guidelines7. ANZCOR Guideline 9.2.2, Australian Resuscitation Council. Retrieved March 29, 2016, from http://resus.org.au/guidelines8. ANZCOR Guideline 9.3.4, Australian Resuscitation Council. Retrieved March 29, 2016, from http://resus.org.au/guidelines9. ANZCOR Guideline 9.1.1, Australian Resuscitation Council. Retrieved March 29, 2016, from http://resus.org.au/guidelines10. ANZCOR Guideline 9.1.6, Australian Resuscitation Council. Retrieved March 29, 2016, from http://resus.org.au/guidelines



https://circ.ahajournals.org/content/132/16_suppl_1/S1.full.pdf+html



http://resus.org.au/guidelines/anzcor-guidelines/

http://resus.org.au/guidelines/anzcor-guidelines/

http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/132/16_suppl_1/S269.full.pdf+html?sid=5c6957b6-204d-4546-900e-ff1ae8a2eb0e

http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/132/16_suppl_1/S269.full.pdf+html?sid=5c6957b6-204d-4546-900e-ff1ae8a2eb0e

http://resus.org.au/guidelines







SPOTLITE #2. 2016 9

beyondblue and First RespondersRobert Hunt, National CEO

As an invited guest of the Chairman of beyondblue, the Hon. Mr Jeff Kennett AC, I recently attended the beyondblue National Conference on the mental health of Australian first responders. Along with the CEOs of St John WA and NT, I spent the day in Sydney listening to and participating in a range of sessions that focused on the growing issue of mental health in our first responder ranks, and the role leaders, of first responder organisations, must

take to change the stigma and improve the workplace culture around mental health.

The key speakers for the day included:

• The Hon. Jeff Kennett AC who spoke of the need for those leaders to take responsibility for their organisation’s response to this growing health issue;

• Michael Pietrus, Director of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, who spoke on how we must change the way we view mental illness, with a focus on the continued stigma attached to anyone who puts their hand up for help.

There were a number of other presentations, details of which can be downloaded from the beyondblue website, www.beyondblue.org.au. One notable presentation was about beyondblue’s ‘Heads Up’, an

accessible program which gives individuals and businesses free tools and resources for taking action on mental health. The program guides users on how to develop an action plan to create a mentally healthy workplace; how to find out about taking care of your own mental health, and provides tips on having a conversation with someone you’re concerned about.

Here at St John we need to do more, collectively, on the provision of mental health services for all our acting members, including our first responders. I have heeded Jeff Kennett’s call to action, and have initiated the production of a National Mental Health Policy. I will raise this issue with the St John Board and Leadership team, and drive a commitment for a stronger policy position and action plan for St John on mental health of our workforce.

Water safety is no joke on APRIL POOLS DAYIn response to an alarming increase in the number of drownings in Australia, a coalition of like-minded organisations has pooled their resources to launch April Pools Day, a campaign squarely targeted at increasing CPR-preparedness in the community.

An initiative of Poolwerx, the inaugural April Pools Day, supported by Laurie Lawrence’s Kids Alive Do The Five program and St John Ambulance Australia, was to encourage Australian’s to stop kidding around and get serious about learning CPR.

Research conducted by Poolwerx shows 75% of people surveyed felt they did not have the necessary basic CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) skills to save a life in an emergency. This, coupled with the fact that a child is 4 times more likely to survive a drowning if their parents know CPR and start immediately, drove the desire to change this statistic and April Pools Day was created.

People can upgrade their skills by downloading and watching a CPR refresher video. There are two versions: one covering the technique for babies, and the other for children and adults at www.aprilpoolsday.com.au

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South Australians! V4V Campaign Update St John in South Australia is seeking donations to support their volunteers. See the following flyer, or contact your South Australian head office for more information.

The Priory Library—a new resource

Lt Col. Geoffrey Newman-Martin presents the hefty 3-volume Manual of Envenomation and Poisoning, to the Priory Librarian (and fellow MAP member), Professor John Pearn.

and toxinology. The manual was written from an Australian Defence Force perspective for medical officers, nurses, medics, Defence health centres, and key Defence personnel in environmental health, preventive medicine, health support and planning. Recognised as a valuable resource, the manual was also distributed to the general community, and to medical and clinical toxinology specialists.

The three volumes of the Manual of Envenomation and Poisoning—Australian Fauna and Flora may be referred to at the National Office in Canberra.

Boy, 10, saved his little brother’s life and it was all thanks to a 45-minute CPR training session he did at his primary school just weeks before with St John Ambulance Australia NSW.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/south-west/boy-10-saves-little-brother-with-cpr-learned-at-primary-school/news-story/00c7672f990250716d5f78b3644375c8

St John in Victoria received terrific cover with the launch of the CPR lab, mobile CPR learning lab, providing 10 minute non-accredited awareness training for the public. These also played over WIN TV network to a combined audience of more than 760k. View at:9News Melbourne clip: https://youtu.be/tTeBJyyNB_A

National 9News Now clip: https://youtu.be/hha-58Hmrx0

In the media

An invaluable and long-serving member of Event Health Services and the St John Medical Advisory Panel (including 6 years as Commissioner for the ACT), is Lt Col. Geoffrey Newman-Martin CStJ CSM RFD (RETD)

At the recent meeting of MAP, Geoff presented the St John Priory Library with a copy of the seminal work, the 3 volume Manual of Envenomation and Poisoning—Australian Fauna and Flora. Geoff was a fulltime Army officer who worked for many years in the areas of environmental health and preventive medicine, particularly in applied toxicology


Provides information and tips for leaders and managers in St John.

Peter LeCornu

Build your capacity for empathising with othersUnderstanding people’s wants and needs is essential to winning them over. Whether you’re persuading someone to buy your product, getting your team on board with a new way of working or asking investors to fund you, your success depends on having empathy for what matters to other people. How can you build your capacity for empathy? Try visualising stakeholders’ perspectives. Think about the important moments in their decision-making process—especially the emotionally-charged ones—and consider how you can address their concerns. Listen carefully to the stakeholders and make sure you understand what’s being said. When people feel listened to, they become more receptive to your message. Best of all, empathising with other people can help them empathise with you in return, laying the groundwork for a lasting relationship.

Leadership update

Stop underestimating your own influenceWe persistently underestimate our influence. We don’t suggest ideas to our boss or ask coworkers for help because we fear rejection. So we wind up missing opportunities because we doubt our own powers of persuasion. Yet our bosses and peers are probably more receptive to requests than we know. We don’t realise that it’s usually harder for people, even bosses, to say ‘no’ than ‘yes’. So, the next time you have a request, remember that you’re more persuasive than you think.• Just ask. Don’t psyche

yourself out.• Be direct. Don’t drop hints.

People respond more positively to direct requests.

• Go back and ask again. Don’t assume you shouldn’t approach someone because they’ve previously said ‘no’. People might be more likely to say ‘yes’ later—especially if they feel guilty about having said no in the past.

Learn how to say no to new assignmentsMost of us say ‘yes’ to requests and assignments without filtering them by what’s urgent, let alone what’s possible. We like saying ‘yes’ to our superiors, but agreeing to do too many things leaves us overstressed and overworked. A better approach is to remember that saying ‘no’ is critical to your, and the organisation’s, success. Being effective requires making tradeoffs. So, remember that it’s OK to raise questions and push back on assignments, even if it’s scary to do. You can ask

senior leaders whether a new assignment takes precedence over your other projects, or how a new task fits with the organisation’s priorities. Voicing your concerns ensures that senior leaders have fully thought through what they’re asking you to do. And it gives you a constructive way to say ‘no’ to assignments that you just don’t have the bandwidth to take on.

Get the full benefits of walking meetingsWalking meetings are a growing trend, replacing a traditional sitting meeting in a coffee shop or boardroom, with a little exercise. The benefits are plentiful: research has found that walking meetings leads to increases in creative thinking, and anecdotal evidence suggests that walking meetings spur more productive, honest conversations. Here are some tips to help your next walking meeting go well.• Include an extracurricular’

destination. Passing a point of interest provides more rationale and incentive for the walk.

• Don’t add unneeded calories. A meeting that ends with a 400-calorie beverage undermines its health goal.

• Stick to small groups. Walking meetings work best with two or three people.

• Don’t surprise colleagues or clients with walking meetings. Notify people in advance so they can dress appropriately.

• Have fun. Enjoy the fresh air—research has also found that people who use walking meetings report being more satisfied at work.


AYAN Boundless on the Gold Coast 2016

In 2015, AYAN identified a need to engage with young members of St John, to

provide opportunities for professional development, networking and consultation.

Especially on topics relating to young members which were being discussed

amongst the senior levels of the organisation.

Boundless 2016 will see young adults from across Australia collaborate to share

their idea’s on key issues within the organisation. The program has invited experts

in their field to present to young participants and engage them in hands on

learning in area’s related to leadership, volunteer management, and peers making

an impact.

WHAT IS BOUNDLESS?

Young adult members of St John Ambulance Australia will have the opportunity to

develop their personal skills, ambitions, networks, and be inspired by a leadership

speaker panel we have prepared.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

The aim of Boundless 2015 is to create a sense of belonging for young adults

in St John by expanding their networks across states, and inspiring them to find

purpose in their volunteering roles. Boundless 2016 will see members growing

their skill set through a variety of professional development and knowledge sharing

opportunities. They will also have the opportunity to submit their opinions on key

issues’ within the organisation.

AIM AND PURPOSE

QT GOLD COAST, SURFERS PARADISE, QUEENSLAND17TH-18TH SEPTEMBER 2016APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW! CLOSING JUNE 2016INFO AND APPLICATIONS ONLINE: BOUNDLESS.AYAN.ORG.AU


2016 Volunteer Community Development — Project Oecussi, Timor-LesteApplications are now being sought from members aged 18-26 years.Find out more at the St John Member Connect website or email [email protected]

... the Retired Members NetworkDoes a volunteer every really retire? Harry Delaney is one volunteer that keeps on keeping on. He is currently President of the Western Suburbs Adult Division in New South Wales, and he has successfully formed a Retired Member Network in NSW. The Network has proven to be extremely popular with ‘retired’ Members, who received regular emails or a monthly mail out (even a phone call if required) about their fellow Network Members, and any other St Johnnie news that might be of interest. They hold a self-funded lunch twice a year, with over 20 members and usually a guest speaker (the last being Malcolm Little who spoke on the Hospital in the Holy Land). It’s usually a long lunch as there is nothing better than catching up with the old Division, sharing laughs about the good times and re-establishing old friendships.

The NSW Retired Members Network greatly appreciates the support from Carmel McLean, Superintendent of the Western Suburbs Division, and the encouragement from Assistant Commissioner John Ward.Mr Delaney is interested in knowing if there are other Retired Members Networks around Australia. If you would like to get in touch with him, please email: [email protected]>

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Date post:	02-Jan-2022
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