May 06
TomDimmockSt John
Wooo…Goodwood Season has started for the year. Was there yesterday out on course for the First four races. Thats means sitting in a Landrover Defender Ambulance, following the horses. Now, with Mr.W driving, it happens like it should. Instead of slow off-road driving I have had with some members, he keeps up with the horses.
No real casualties though, then again, it is the beginning of the Season. Should expect better communications this year. Had the Communications Officer down, to see why I have been moaning, and we have now been issued with a new frequency and coming soon a repeater system!
As I said, nothing really to talk about, just needed a break from my work!
Take Care…
Apr 25
TomDimmockGeneral, News, St John
Woooo… Firstly, I passed my AED (Automated External Defribrilator) and Medical Gasses exams on Monday.
On Saturday, I got to meet the real David Dickinson. He was filming for “Dickinsons Real Deal” in Chichester, and we provided medical cover for the programme. There is so much behind scenes on these programmes that I have never noticed befor whilst watching them on TV. Look, even had my picture taken with him!
Take Care…
Apr 10
TomDimmockSt John
If yu are a reader of volunteering2saveyouguys, you may have seen this post as one of the comments.
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Last Thursday (5/4/07) I went on duty at a Horse Show, nowhere near where we are based. Myself and two colleagues were in the 4×4 on one side, and we had some SECAmb Paramedics on the other. There were a few fallers…OK, I lie, practically everyone fell off, but the majority got back up! 
Then we got a call to a rider who hurt her leg when falling, it was pretty obvious it was more than a bruise. After she was gassed up on Entonox, the boot was cut away, just to see a lump in the sock. The sock was removed slowly, to be greeted by an open fracture of the ankle. Patched her up, sent her to the local A&E via county crews, and back to the site we went!
After watching more people fall I decided I wanted lunch…(and by this time it was about 2.30pm). Just as I went to take a bite, the event radio went off. “We need an ambulance. She fell off her horse. I need an ambulance now. She is in the water. Not moving. Help. we need an ambulanceâ€
After realizing we were closest, the lunch was left on the fence, and we went for a nice drive through the fields, still trying to tell the paramedics that we are not there yet, but want them. We found her sitting up, complaining of neck and upper back pain. This was a chance to put the long-board into use. Then carry her up a steep-ish slope covered in lose rocks. Again 999 crews were dispatched to meet us at roadside.
Then we had a young girl who hit her head…came complaining of headaches and dizziness. We called the NHS crew to visit us, whilst doing preliminary “obsâ€. As soon as they got to us, she appeared to have recovered-ish. All we could do is give advice!
Take care…
P.S. I think I got my lunch at 3.10 in the end…
Apr 02
TomDimmockSt John
Today (2/4/07) St John Ambulance reveals it’s new corporate design…
The main difference that the public will see is the new logo. The white maltese cross has been kept, but will remain simplified. A black border gives a modern look to the image. St John Ambulance has been removed from the roundel itself, and is placed to the left, making it clear who we are! The logo has not been touched since 1968!
Other differences will include re-livering vehicles and buildings, the uniform will have a fresh new look, and everything will be centralised, again making our role clear!
The new corporate identity has been developed so people will see and think of St John Ambulance as one single modern organisation. The new look will make it easier for those who need help from St John Ambulance to recognise the organisation and to see the extent of the services on offer.
It is anticipated that it will take the next four years to ensure that the new brand is implimented before St John Ambulance volunteers work the London Ambulance Service, providing medical cover at the London 2012 Olympics.
As well as updating our logo, we’ve changed the way we talk about and present ourselves, to show we are a vibrant and relevant force in today’s society
Harry Dymond
Chief Commissioner, St John Ambulance
Jan 28
TomDimmockSt John
I was on duty at the Charlton Chase last night…It was a long 16 hours, which started at 1500 yesterday, and finished at 0730 this morning.
No casualties until around 1.15 this morning. Myself and Mr.M were asked to attend a male with a swollen ankle. This is not unusual for this sort of event, where the novices wear new boots, and walk round for 6 hours non-stop…it turned out to be one of the more experienced walkers, who was in the lead until he tripped at the last minute.
He had taken his boot off straight away, and caught a minibus back to the main hall, where we paid him a visit. Even with the thick socks on, the swelling was visable. After removing the sock (it took time…he was in pain!!), we applied a “Cold Compress”, whilst telling him that it is probably best if he goes to hospital for an X-Ray. Two/Three ice packs later, the swelling had not reduced. If anything, it had increased. This is when he was offered a lift in the ambulance by Mr.W.
He transfered himself onto our chair, which was wheeled to the vehichle where he transfered himself to the cot…How I love helpful patients. After a trip to A+E and back, we found out that our collegues had been busy in the shortish time we were gone. A couple more ankles, wrists etc.
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Hamster was back on our screens today, with the new series of Top Gear. He bravely showed us the footage of his horrendous accident some weeks back…great episode, and I wonder if any roadworks suddenly speed up, after they proved that it is possible to completley re-surface a 1.5mile length of road in 24hrs.
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Anyway, got a day off sixth form tomorrow. I am gonna make my way to PC World and Staples to get a few things, then have a lazy day at home.
Can’t find any related videos today, but I found the “real” Vista Slogan….
Take Care…
Dec 25
TomDimmockSt John
May I take this chance to wish all a Merry Christmas…Hope you all enjoy the day, drink lots of mulled wine and eat tons of Mince Pies….
Just got back from the Cathedral with Mrs.B, Mr.W, Mrs.S and Mr.H(x2)…Only one casualty though…fancy going to the midnight cathedral service if you are allergic to most things on earth, including incense.
Anyway, I have a bed to go to now.
Take Care…
Dec 24
TomDimmockGeneral, St John
In the true words of Billy Mack….
   I feel it in my fingers
   I feel it in my toes
   Christmas is all around me
   and so the feeling grows
Or does it??? Has anyone else noticed that it dosen’t feel like Christmas this year. Where has the spirit gone, the feeling, the films (you have to admit, the films are a Christmas tradition!!)
I havn’t seen any of them. I can’t help, but to notice that everyone else is just carrying on, as if it were the middle of summer…not realising that Christmas is just round the corner. Well, it is actually less than a day (23hrs and 58mins).
Anyway, back to the topic in hand, where will you guys be this not so jolly Christmas??? When the bell tolls 12am on Christmas morning, I could be tucked up in my nice cosy bed, with central heating etc…Yet I have chosen to go on duty at Chichester Cathedral for the Midnight Mass!
I dunno what else to say, so…
Take Care…
Dec 23
TomDimmockSt John
Last night was our Christmas Party…We had a skittles night at the Bulls Head, somewhere in Fishbourne.
I can say I was looking forward to the party, but when it came to the idea of skittles, my face sank. Last time I played was in March, and this was at StuartM’s 18th. Put it this way, I lost. This wouldn’t have been so bad, if everyone was older, but considering I was beaten by a 3 year old, nearly smashed a window and almost knocked StuartM unconcious…You can guess how embarrassing it was.
Well, I didn’t do too badly last night. We had more of a Team score instead of individual scores. Mr.B decided to abandon me (over scores!!) until it came to annoying Mr.W.
Anyway, got to go. I can’t work out whether I am sitting at a desk in my room, or clearing a disaster zone…Better get some cleaning done!
Take Care…
Oh, before I go, I just want to say thank you to those who organised the Christmas party, not only the Bulls Head, but Sandra who spent time behind scenes organising money and whatnot.
Dec 19
TomDimmockGeneral, News, St John, Technology
If anyone has been paying attention to my Blog, they would have noticed that I haven’t been posting recently.
It all started when I powered up my laptop, a couple of weeks back, and it refused to boot. I would get the annoying
Windows Advanced Options Menu
Please select an option:
Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Enable Boot Logging
Enable VGA mode
Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked)
Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows domain controllers only)
Debugging Mode
Start Windows Normally
Reboot
Return to OS Choices Menu
Use the up and down arrow keys to move the highlight to your choice.
But, whichever option I clicked on gave me XP logo then went to the Blue Screen of Death, before restarting…
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I went on duty with SJA, to a classical event at Chichester Cathedral, which was in aid of the Macmillan trust.
The Neath Male Voice Choir were the evenings choir, however there were also a couple of solos, by Justine Davies (Soprano).
The Event was hosted by Sally Taylor from BBC South Today.
We also had readings from a few celebrities, including… Geraldine James, Robert Hardy, Keith Baxter and Rupert Penry-Jones.
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Some other stuff must have happened, I just can’t remember…O well, I break up for Christmas in the morning, so I should have things to talk about….
Take Care… and Happy Christmas
Nov 21
TomDimmockGeneral, St John
As you all already know, I am a member of St. John Ambulance, but I know that some of you don’t understand what it is, and why I do it…So, I, like TJWood, have decided to post Why and What’s…
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What is St. John Ambulance?
St. John Ambulance (SJA) is thought to be “the UK’s leading First Aid, transport and care charity”. The following is an extract form Wikipedia:
St. John Ambulance is an international charity, based in England, dedicated to the teaching and practice of medical first aid.
St. John Ambulance has over 45,000 volunteers, not only on the Medical side, but also in Admin, Support and Youth teams. Over half of the volunteers are under 26, making St. John Ambulance a major youth organisation.
St. John Ambulance are mainly known as those who provide First Aid, Ambulance and Medical cover at public events, from the London Marathon, Great North Run and major sporting or entertainment events, to local carnivals and fêtes, they are always there to provide care and save lives.
The volunteers work very closely with their local emergency services, and even provide assistance during major incidences or respond to emergency calls during busy times (only in some areas!!)
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Me and St. John Ambulance
Many a year ago, when I was about 9 or 10, I took part in my first First Aid Course, at my primary school. Who would have thought that a small introduction to First Aid would get me to where I am today (and I don’t mean sitting at my Laptop).
After the school course, I became interested in keeping my skills up to date, and putting them into use…so with a friend, I joined St. John Ambulance Cadets. At first, I was still very shy, and when my friend stopped going, I like a sheep followed and also stopped.
After about 3 months, I rejoined to see if I enjoyed it, which I obviously did, as I stayed on, and took part in lots of First Aid and Care training. I went on my first duty about a year or two later. This was to Goodwood Racecourse, where I was based with Southwick Division. They taught me all about duty life and equipment. I slowly went on more and more duties, until I was going out on every duty possible! Whether it isthe Festival-Of-Speed, or a local school football match, I was there!
I later found out that I could help with the Badgers. These are the 5-10 year olds of the division, that learn how to be healthy, have fun and of course, First Aid!
I am currently wearing the Adult Uniform, and have held the Flag in St. John Ceremonies, and this year, was asked to lay the Wreath in memory of those who had so much to give for us.
I am also part of my division’s IT and Communications team, which means I and 2 others [Mr.M and Mr.B] look after all the computers, radios, websites etc…
I don’t know where I will be in the future, hopefully still in St. John…could end up saving you one day!!
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There we go…A post on St. John… If you want to know more visit http://www.sja.org.uk OR ask Me!!
Take Care…
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