Portrait of a VMR
Volunteer
JOHN SINCLAIR
RADIO OPERATOR
JOINED VMR JANUARY 2006
WHY DID I JOIN VMR?
Having a history of boating activity, both with sail and power, I
needed an interest following my retirement. VMR seemed a logical
choice, giving me hope that it would keep me associated with boats,
whilst at the same time allowing me to make a contribution to the
community.
WHAT DO I ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A MEMBER
OF VMR?
Without a doubt it is the opportunity to associate with the most
interesting group of people one can meet.
During my time with VMR I have met and become friends with a lot
of great people, all of whom have a tale to tell.
WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE ACTIVATION YOU
HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN?
During my initial training all of those years ago I was being
instructed by two gentleman by the names of Sam Shnukal and
Bruce Parkes. We unexpectedly became involved in relaying a
MAYDAY radio message from the Central Pacific Ocean. Our
involvement was minimal, but knowing that we had a part to do in
hopefully saving peoples lives added quite a bit of excitement to our
shift.
WHAT DO I DO IN MY SPARE TIME?
Apart from my daily home duties, I like to have a dabble trading on
the stock exchange.
MY FUTURE INTENTIONS WITH VMR?
As long as I can make a useful contribution to the Organisation, I
would like to carry on enjoying the service I help to provide.
8
Volunteer Marine Rescue SOUTHPORT
What a difference
one phone call
can make!!
by Peter Tatham
VMR Southport’s support for the Gold Coast boating
community over a New Year’s Eve and New Year’s
Day is normally provided by a volunteer crew, and the
most recent exit of 2018 and entrance into 2019 was no
exception.
Eight members of the Squadron mustered just before 1800 hours
on New Year’s Eve, as ready as ever to deal with the routine, as well
as the unexpected. Typically, the evening is spent in relative peace
enjoying the multiple firework displays, but this tranquillity was
shattered when a phone call was received from VMR Currumbin.
This indicated that their Duty Officer had been contacted by a vessel
on the Broadwater with a serious medical emergency occurring on
board. The mobile phone number of the vessel requiring assistance
was immediately relayed to the VMR Southport Radio Operator
taking this initial message.
In parallel with a call to the vessel to obtain further details, rescue
vessel Marine Rescue 1 was crewed up and dispatched, swiftly
arriving at a large cruiser anchored near the VMR Base, where a male
person had clearly suffered a significant medical episode. The VMR
team, led by one of our trained First Responders and supported by a
Recruit member who had just completed a First Aid Course, initiated
assistance which included both CPR and defibrillation. Unfortunately,
this was hampered by large transom rails and relatively narrow
gangways around the side of the vessel, which meant that treatment
was extremely difficult. It was immediately clear that the patient
needed swift transfer to the flat rear deck of Marine Rescue 1 so that
resuscitation attempts could continue.
This was achieved within a few minutes and the team were
able to continue as a hasty return was made to the VMR Base
where a Critical Care Paramedic had arrived and was preparing to
undertake more advanced treatments. The patient was transferred to
the VMR pontoon and CPR was continued whilst other Paramedic
reinforcements arrived to support the attempts to save this person’s
life. Sadly however, after about another 30 minutes, all attempts were
deemed to be unsuccessful.
Inevitably, this put something of a dampener on the otherwise
spectacular fireworks and music of the evening, but all of those
taking part were able to reflect on their contribution with the clear
understanding that they had done everything possible to save this life.
Given the swift activation, the very quick attendance of the VMR
crew, and the professional backup support of Ambulance Paramedics,
who all worked tirelessly, it was a great team effort – albeit,
ultimately, with a sad result.