358 replies to this topic

[Sgt Alex4028]

Hello Fellow St John Ambulance Members or Forum Browsers,

I thought It would be nice to put up a thread about other SJA members where we can get to know them, and also where we can show off kit I look forward to reading posts, and I'll kick this off with some stuff about me/Kit


About
I am Sergeant Alex Penn of Southend on Sea Cadets in Essex. I am Community First Aid Trained, as well as a Cadet Trainer. In 2011 alone, I have done 145 hours service, and counting. I have been in st John Ambulance since july 2010, and I can honestly say it was the best decision in my life. I love it! I have 2 Kit bags which are used sometimes! If its a huge scale duty, they go out.. Very Expensive to keep going though :/

Kit
This first is an Argus Trauma Bag Large Edition, kitted to the teeth with top notch SP Services Equipment.
The Second is an SP Services BackPack large, kitted with bandages and Spillage kits from multiple companies. There is a Sharps bin in one of the pictures which I must highlight, had nothing to do with me! It wasn't on the order list, it arrived in the bag, but I gave it to a Private Company

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[theocd]

I'm OC-D, I'm a member with Vale Of Aylesbury Division, I am Advanced First Aid, AED and Med Gas trained. I only have a Zenith Fast Response bag of my own, cost me £60 and that's quite enough when I'm buying uniform and giving my time as well. I don't think I've used it, I always get a FIT Kit on the day. I'm currently doing very few duties as I'm at Southampton Uni, so I can only help the LINKs unit sometimes. I've been a member for 2 years now.

I suppose Michael will be next to post

The OC-D

[Entonox]

*waves*

<- that's Me in the Ambo

I've been a Member of SJA For the Past 2 years, Gained so much experience from it & Made some great friends!


I've Gained the privilege of Running Our divisions Cadets for the Past year and hope to continue for quiet a while to come

No kit to show off We're a Very small division, All kit is stored away until we need it, But we're getting there with everything, Doesn't help with the New service uniform coming in, Would Rather get the current Ambulance greens for Adults.

you guys Get many people reporting crimes to you? I have amongst a few others at my division, Seems a fair few people lack the ability to read the "AMBULANCE" Part on the Uniforms.

Also, Someone thought i was a traffic warden.

[theocd]

I've had people think I'm many things, I made someone throw their mobile phone on the floor when they were driving because I was in white shirt, black tie and black epaullettes and my dad had worn white shirt and black tie for work so he though we were coppers. Ah, the new uniform's really messy, I don't like it, we should have stayed black and white and let PTA and over get greens, so much simpler, not this really random mix. They're not going to implement it nationwide any time soon, we had a brochure from 2008 and there's still no word of it and its almost 2012.

The OC-D

[Entonox]

We've been informed the New Service uniform comes into action Mid 2012 and our order has been put in, Also, In some counties, Adults (FA+ Qualified) Get the Greens, Imo, Looks alot better as it's alot easier identifiable as Ambulance.

Also, I have people think I'm police whilst driving for the same reasons, Even in the Jumper, Very helpful when you have an impatient moron on your bumper, Just flash the shoulders

[BritishArmyReserveCadets]

Im in the Army Cadet Force (UK) and have done the Youth First Aid Course, and a Civilian AED Course, provoided by SJA, probably one of the most useful courses ive ever done. Im actually planning to become a Military Paramedic, so it all helps.

[Entonox]

Goodluck

[gizmo719]

Im a Fire Fighter/EMT and I cut people out of cars and then get to do pt. care!!

[Sgt Alex4028]

Staying on the topic of uniform: I had an idea for the rank slides which I put forward to the Essex Commander, but was declined. It was to have the regular rank slide, but have the division above the rank.. at least that way although we all have uniformity, some diversity too

[Entonox]

Would have been nice to have that on the uniform, Probably on the sleeve, Although, I have caused a little confusion with my uniform whilst on Duty with West midlands ambulance service wearing A) SJA Uniform B) Leicestershire Markings (east Midlands)

Also, Having your Division shown on your uniform would show members of the public with little knowledge of SJA That we're not just one big organization, But made up of little groups.

the issue with our Division is that we're a very small group, One of the Few that is still Called a Quadrilateral and when on county events, I personally would love to show where we're from and get a little publicity for us.

Chances are, The reason it was declined was due to the cost, SJA Aren't really doing well, in a fair amount of debt, and having Unique parts of the uniform is an added cost that they probably don't want to take on.

I Put forward a suggestion a while back, But it was shot down, Was to have the "AMBULANCE" Marking on the Back of all Jumpers and Shirts, As it's fairly Dangerous for us to be mistaken for police, As we're more of a target than we already are now. (Authoritative Person = Target for Drunks + General idiots)

If anyone is Interested, There's a program on CBS Reality called "Rapid Response" Based on New Zealand St John (As they're the primary ambo service there) It's very interesting

[theocd]

I think we should keep all the old badges for where we come from. Being from a Buckinghamshire I get the third County Badge on my sleeve, the County Swan and it looks really cool and as far as I understand not all counties get them. What I do think is clever about the new uniform is the interchangable Role slides, so if you're PTA trained but working as a First Aider, you wear a 'First Aid' strip to avoid confusion. Although it possibly prevents those Med Gas trained, for example, from helping out as it "Says their working as a First Aider..."
The problem with having "AMBULANCE" across all out uniform is we're not the or even an Ambulance Service, we're a volunteer organisation that helps with First Aid and the like. If I'm helping at a Village Fete do I need "AMBULANCE" emblazoned across my shoulders? Not really. And the places where you do need it, you're either in Greens or Hi-Viz, both of which should have "AMBULANCE" or "St JOHN AMBULANCE" with the eight pointed Maltese Cross. (How do you make a Maltese Cross? Slap him for no reason!)
I've been watching a bit of Rapid Response, its quite good. Wonder if I could rock over in my Black and Whites to help out!

The OC-D

[Sgt Alex4028]

I have just ordered myself a new Patrol bag, Should arrive within the next couple of hours.. Will post pics, and also include some fresher ones of my bags

[Entonox]

Fair point with regards to the AMBULANCE Section

Also, "Wonder if I could rock over in my Black and Whites to help out" Is what i think each time i watch it.

Just received my new copy of the 9th edition (revised) F/A Book, If anyone is interested in them, Amazon is the place to go, £7 Brand new, RRP £13.99 Bargain

[Entonox]

As it's related, Here's something I've created inspired by SJA

[BritishArmyReserveCadets]

^thats damn nice.

And does anyone know if SJA do a work experience course on the frontline ambulances? or a taster of some Technician/Paramedic Course

[theocd]

I don't think so, you'd need to become a member and then work your way up from First Aider-->Advanced First Aider-->Patient Transport Attendant-->Emergency Transport Attendant-->Paramedic. Takes about 4 years

Hope that helps, and kinda hope I'm wrong because I'd be interested.

The OC-D

[Entonox]

The way i got frontline experience (with the NHS) was by speaking with my divisional Paramedic, He offered a Shift on a frontline RRV for West Midlands Ambulance service. He also told me that They're Allowed to take SJA Members out on a shift with them at any point if there is general interest in the service by the SJA Member.

So it may be worth having a chat with them if you have one or joining SJA if you're not already a member.

Also, Glad you like the ambulance

If there isn't one, you can always approach your service and explain you're a member of St John with an interest in the service, And would it be possible to go out on shift as an observer.

[BritishArmyReserveCadets]

I Spoke to the lady from WMAS about work experience, but shes pretty useless and only replied once, so thats why i was wondering about SJA, ill give the local SJA a call tomorrow and just ask the question. Thanks for your help.

[Entonox]

Royal Visit Duty, Hopefully no casualties and a nice easy day

[Entonox]

My New Jacket Bought from a private supplier, Much better quality, Approved for use