Speaker last meeting - Scott Weatherall
Scott comes from a background of Search & Rescue (he has named Volunteer of the Year) and St John’s. In December, Scott took on the position of paid paramedic at Milton St John, to lead the transition to a volunteer, first response station.
The First Response status of the Milton Ambulance means that they respond to a call and treat the patient. At the same time another team is dispatched to transport any patient to hospital – this may be Balclutha, Mosgiel etc or air ambulance.
Scott’s focus is on
- Supporting the current staff. He has been involved in discussions with all staff members about what they would like to do moving forward. This is about supporting our community to support our people.
- Supporting the volunteer staff to realise they are capable of dealing with the issues that arise.
- Moving to a volunteer station manager and training people to manage different areas / tasks.
The overall themes have been retention, reengagement and recruitment.
Retention – look after our own first
Reengagement – Mid-January and into the new year – staff are keen to move forward
Recruitment – a station open-day was held.600 flyers have been hand delivered in the community. Scott has spent time meeting with people within the community.
Scott is in Milton every day and his hours are flexible so he can work with each of the volunteer teams to help them upskill.
Julie Aitken has been appointed as Volunteer Station Manager. There are 5 new volunteers and, if we can get a 6th volunteer, training will be organised in the Milton community. The aim is to get 15 active members; there are currently 9 active members.
What is our roe in supporting Milton St John’s – encourage more volunteers
Thank you to Scott for sharing the information with us and for the work he does in our local communities.