Emergency Management –Pandemic Response and Floods

Continuing from the incredible response in 2021, St John Ambulance members were deployed to Ambulance Victoria surge shifts alongside paramedics responding to emergency incidents. 115 volunteer members were deployed for on road and communications shifts, with a total of 11,899 hours contributed in 2022.

In early October 2022, as the devastating Victorian floods inundated our regions, St John members were deployed to relief centres to support impacted communities. 90 members were deployed across five locations plus the Emergency Command Centre at headquarters for a total deployment of 3,948 hours.

Emergency Command

Centre at HQ ➤ 33 members participated in 95 shifts

Echuca ➤ 19 members participated in 61 shifts

Shepparton ➤ 35 members participated in 118 shifts

Tatura ➤ 9 members participated in 23 shifts

Rochester ➤ 13 members participated in 13 shifts

Altogether, 57 volunteers served across the state at relief centres, while 33 members were deployed to our Emergency Command Centre to facilitate communications, logistics and planning.

Combined, our total Emergency Management deployments throughout 2022 amounted to 19,000 hours of service to the community.

Volunteers Changing Lives –Jessica’s Story

Michelle is a volunteer with the Barwon division, as well as a nurse, specialising in drug, alcohol, and mental health. When she saw that an eventgoer, Jessica, wasn’t looking too well and was becoming disoriented, she acted quickly to provide reassurance and support. Michelle guided Jessica in breathing and distraction techniques, and motivational interviewing to curb her anxiety attacks.

“Michelle gave me a lot of information about what was happening. She put me at ease and just her presence was very calming. She did change my life – I think about her quite a bit,” said Jessica.