So I got to up my St Andrew’s experience this week by going to my largest event so far at the Rangers vs. Hearts CIS semi-final. The turnout as far as crowd’s concerned was 31000, give or take. To compensate we had 14 first aiders, 4 of which have to be available on the sidelines to staff the scoop stretcher. Another couple were in the first aid room and 2 were duty officers. This gives about 6 to actually staff the crowd. I got the impression, and well it was kind of obvious, that this was a bit few.
The thing I’m not sure about is why. For me to get there I had to do a bit of persevering but if they’re that desperate then I shouldn’t need to. There’s talk about us maybe losing the contract to do the football. I can’t really see that happening because there isn’t really anyone else to do it. Anything is possible though, I guess.
The actual event was pretty good, and a fair bit different from a Queen’s Park game. I had a good conversation with the other first aider I was on with and she filled me in on a lot of basics which I had kind of gathered by now myself. I was just below a bulk of Hearts fans, who were understandably disappointed, but loved making quite comments about the ridiculous hats we have to wear. I understand that there might be some things thrown at us that wouldn’t be comforting were they to hit us on the head. That said, neither the ambulance staff, security staff or stewards have anything of the sort. A bit excessive if you ask me.
I did, however, get a kit bag! It’s one of the old ones but damn it’s better than nothing. Now all I need is a little bit free cash to stock it properly. Phlebotomy anyone? It’s worth (another) shot I think. Maybe.
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9 COMMENTS
Posted on February 2nd, 2008 at 12:48 pm by Will Matthews
You have to stock your own bag!? That’s crazy… surely St Andrew’s should be making enough income from covering the event to be able to supply consumables to volunteers?
Posted on February 2nd, 2008 at 4:19 pm by Scott
Consumables yes, or at least I hope so. The bag I got came with a good deal of consumables (although some were out of date). Things like scissors, CPR mask, torch and instant ice packs (which I’m rather fond of) I will have to get myself.
The same goes for a belt and pouches, and if I want a blue suit (like so) then that’s £60. There is a major issue over uniform at the moment.
Posted on February 3rd, 2008 at 8:24 pm by Will Matthews
Paying for uniform too!? That’s ridiculous. Surely volunteering should be zero-cost. You’re giving your time freely to these people, is that not enough?
Posted on February 4th, 2008 at 8:29 pm by Scott
I agree, it should be. Technically it could be, the basic uniform is supplied and I’ve yet to buy that one. There is also the possibility that you’ll get it refunded if it’s in “usable” condition when you leave.
The uniform, whilst it looks good, is rather impractical. Why do we need to be wearing shirt and tie going to an athletics event? I get the impression St John’s is of similar formality?
Posted on February 5th, 2008 at 8:06 pm by Will Matthews
It depends where you go.
We have an amazing NINE modes of dress. The main options for duty wear are:
White shirt, black trousers, jumper and tie, and sometimes hat.
Two-piece ‘greens’ or squadsuit
Black version of ‘greens’
Which you wear depends on where you live. We have these two lovely words that pop up a lot: “County policy“.
Some counties believe that the greens make us look like paramedics, or that the local NHS ambulance service “don’t like them” and effectively “ban” them, or restrict them to ambulance-trained volunteers.
Some counties argue that the black suits look like riot police.
We are, however, undergoing a uniform review nationally, which we’re all hoping will see the creation of one “service delivery uniform”.
So is that more confusing that St Andrew’s? ;o)
Posted on February 6th, 2008 at 10:10 pm by Scott
Nine!? Geez!
We have 3 uniforms. Numbers 1 & 2 both start with a shirt, tie (clip on tie! >.<) and black combat trousers. Number 1 is supplemented with a tunic and dress hat and used for ceremonial occasions. Thankfully I don’t own any of it, so can’t wear it.
Number 2 has a black jumper on top of the shirt and this is the one I wear most often. It can be supplemented with a black fleece and/or high vis. The high vis is unfortunately not waterproof which is a bit of a joke for Scottish weather.
Number 3 consists of a blue suit, probably similar to your greens. There is then a red (for the rainbow effect?) hard hat which we’re to wear at things like football. This is the one I have to supply the money for.
Personally, I would just go with the blue one as a standard operating uniform and keep the others for formality if it’s really needed. We should also have waterproof high vis jackets and perhaps waterproof trousers too. But hey, where’s the fun without the politics?
Posted on February 7th, 2008 at 9:59 pm by Will Matthews
Lots of parts of your last comment make me go a little crazy about St Andrews, but the worst has to be paying for your hard hat (please tell me that’s a joke…!). If it’s PPE, the organisation is obliged to provide, it, surely!?
Posted on February 8th, 2008 at 7:05 pm by Scott
Yes, I perhaps wrote that in a bit of a bad way. The hat should be provided free, not that I’ve got one yet.
I raised a number of points with one our company committee members the other day, will see what becomes of that.
Posted on March 29th, 2008 at 7:34 pm by Scott’s Spiel » Company, Attention!
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