What happened to NSW ems drama at 'gong topic
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What happened to NSW ems drama at 'gong topic
Pedalstop/Heliport,
Do you guys know what happened to the thread that was all about the isues happening at Wollongong?
This thread is very topical right now. Did you guys delete it, if so, why? Did it become a personal slanging match.
Thanks
Do you guys know what happened to the thread that was all about the isues happening at Wollongong?
This thread is very topical right now. Did you guys delete it, if so, why? Did it become a personal slanging match.
Thanks
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RT
Interesting article from the Illawarra Mercury this morning!
By JENNY DENNIS
February 10, 2005
WOLLONGONG'S iconic Life Saver rescue helicopter is unlikely to return to the city.
The Mercury understands the NSW Ambulance Service today will announce a new operator and a new aircraft for the Wollongong end of the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Service southern region operation.
It is believed the Surf Life Saving Association will no longer operate the Wollongong service.
The Wollongong-based rescue service has been under-used for months, with the distinctive red-nosed chopper constantly left sitting on the tarmac while other helicopters were called to South Coast jobs.
The rot set in last September when southern region chief executive Peter Mangles was suspended without explanation. In December, Mr Mangles was told his contract would not be renewed and he is now taking legal action.
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On Christmas Eve the Wollongong crew was stood down en masse for what new southern region chief executive Doug Menzies described as safety reasons.
The crew maintains it was suspended after approaching management with allegations of harassment and bullying by Sydney paramedics.
Mr Menzies claimed the crew was psychologically fragile and therefore unfit to fly.
On January 31 the out-of-work crew began a sit-in at the Coniston base, supported by community members who have been turning up daily offering home-cooked food and emotional support.
Many Illawarra union members have responded to the helicopter service drama by suspending weekly wage contributions towards its upkeep.
Wollongong City Council is the latest organisation to stop pay contributions.
It now seems unlikely that Life Saver 3 will return to its Coniston hangar.
The helicopter was taken to Sydney for a maintenance check without alerting the ambulance service's Southern Operations radio room at Warilla.
Despite daily assurances that its return was imminent, it has not returned.
Late yesterday Mr Menzies' spokeswoman said
the engineers working on the chopper had replaced its tail rotor blades after a crack was detected. Corrosion also had been found in the winch housing.
"At this stage we are awaiting advice on a time line for these repairs, but we are hoping to have the helicopter back online (this) afternoon," she said.
South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris is calling for urgent talks with NSW Health Minister Morris Iemma.
Mr Rorris said Mr Iemma had committed to preserving a South Coast helicopter rescue service and the community deserved answers.
Mr Mangles - now part of the community-backed push to set up an independent South Coast service - said he assumed the new operation would be an interim measure until the NSW Ambulance Service called for tenders for new contracts, expected mid-year.
"We have told the NSW Ambulance Service we want the opportunity to provide a locally run, locally based, locally managed and funded service in line with other non-government groups."
He said the move to replace the South Coast operation demonstrated that the Minister was sticking by his commitment to the Illawarra.
On Tuesday a spokesman for Mr Iemma said the Wollongong helicopter's continued unreliability was putting pressure on the rest of the state's helicopter network. This reduced flexibility if another helicopter was unavailable.
The NSW Ambulance Service's media unit yesterday refused to confirm or deny that an announcement on the South Coast service was imminent.
Interesting article from the Illawarra Mercury this morning!
CHOPPED! New rescue aircraft operator expected
February 10, 2005
WOLLONGONG'S iconic Life Saver rescue helicopter is unlikely to return to the city.
The Mercury understands the NSW Ambulance Service today will announce a new operator and a new aircraft for the Wollongong end of the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Service southern region operation.
It is believed the Surf Life Saving Association will no longer operate the Wollongong service.
The Wollongong-based rescue service has been under-used for months, with the distinctive red-nosed chopper constantly left sitting on the tarmac while other helicopters were called to South Coast jobs.
The rot set in last September when southern region chief executive Peter Mangles was suspended without explanation. In December, Mr Mangles was told his contract would not be renewed and he is now taking legal action.
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On Christmas Eve the Wollongong crew was stood down en masse for what new southern region chief executive Doug Menzies described as safety reasons.
The crew maintains it was suspended after approaching management with allegations of harassment and bullying by Sydney paramedics.
Mr Menzies claimed the crew was psychologically fragile and therefore unfit to fly.
On January 31 the out-of-work crew began a sit-in at the Coniston base, supported by community members who have been turning up daily offering home-cooked food and emotional support.
Many Illawarra union members have responded to the helicopter service drama by suspending weekly wage contributions towards its upkeep.
Wollongong City Council is the latest organisation to stop pay contributions.
It now seems unlikely that Life Saver 3 will return to its Coniston hangar.
The helicopter was taken to Sydney for a maintenance check without alerting the ambulance service's Southern Operations radio room at Warilla.
Despite daily assurances that its return was imminent, it has not returned.
Late yesterday Mr Menzies' spokeswoman said
the engineers working on the chopper had replaced its tail rotor blades after a crack was detected. Corrosion also had been found in the winch housing.
"At this stage we are awaiting advice on a time line for these repairs, but we are hoping to have the helicopter back online (this) afternoon," she said.
South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris is calling for urgent talks with NSW Health Minister Morris Iemma.
Mr Rorris said Mr Iemma had committed to preserving a South Coast helicopter rescue service and the community deserved answers.
Mr Mangles - now part of the community-backed push to set up an independent South Coast service - said he assumed the new operation would be an interim measure until the NSW Ambulance Service called for tenders for new contracts, expected mid-year.
"We have told the NSW Ambulance Service we want the opportunity to provide a locally run, locally based, locally managed and funded service in line with other non-government groups."
He said the move to replace the South Coast operation demonstrated that the Minister was sticking by his commitment to the Illawarra.
On Tuesday a spokesman for Mr Iemma said the Wollongong helicopter's continued unreliability was putting pressure on the rest of the state's helicopter network. This reduced flexibility if another helicopter was unavailable.
The NSW Ambulance Service's media unit yesterday refused to confirm or deny that an announcement on the South Coast service was imminent.
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So does this mean the originator (Helmet Fire) was wrong after all!
Too proud to eat his word and be humble so lets just rip the thread off any way so all will be forgotten.
I'm sure everone remembers the gist, wasn't Helmet Fire and co. saying they were there for the long haul as they were so committed to the community. The money stopped so they packed their bags and got the hell out of town.
Great commitment? I am not here to slag you personnaly Helmet Fire but you did stand by the company and their ethos quite strongly.
Too proud to eat his word and be humble so lets just rip the thread off any way so all will be forgotten.
I'm sure everone remembers the gist, wasn't Helmet Fire and co. saying they were there for the long haul as they were so committed to the community. The money stopped so they packed their bags and got the hell out of town.
Great commitment? I am not here to slag you personnaly Helmet Fire but you did stand by the company and their ethos quite strongly.
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Guys. Let me start by saying that I have no conection with this subject, but - along with many others reading this forum - as a professional I have followed it with interest. That said, the previous thread degenerated into some pretty nasty and personal mud-slinging. I have no doubt that this is an emotional subject and that this forum is here to allow us to voice opinions that we may not be able to elsewhere. However, could those posting please refrain from getting personal and making attacks on each other?
Just a request from one professional pilot to the others here.
Cheers
W
Just a request from one professional pilot to the others here.
Cheers
W
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Totally agree w_ocker,lets keep it at a professional level.
Can someone please explain why "elvis has left the building" and hasn't return.
The aircraft left on Sunday lunchtime for a 50 hrly. Our engineers don't work on a Sunday, does Lifesavers?
Why hasn't the aircraft returned to provide a community service. Isn't that why the community donates their money for? To have a chopper on standby in case it is needed.
Can someone please explain why "elvis has left the building" and hasn't return.
The aircraft left on Sunday lunchtime for a 50 hrly. Our engineers don't work on a Sunday, does Lifesavers?
Why hasn't the aircraft returned to provide a community service. Isn't that why the community donates their money for? To have a chopper on standby in case it is needed.
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I am distressed by the misuse of this forum by people that make unfounded allegations and speculate. The helicopter is not being used for spare parts.
With the co-operation of NSW Health it has been withdrawn from service to allow the fitting of an autopilot system.
We will be offering NSW Health an economic alternative to other more expensive proposals.
Within six months we will be operating 2 x SPIFR BK117B2s at a rate that ensures the renewal of our existing contract.
You all should know that we own our equipment when others do not. We have standardized equipment type years ago. Others have come onboard with the same equipment further proving its capabilities as a successful multi purpose rescue and EMS helicopter.
With the co-operation of NSW Health it has been withdrawn from service to allow the fitting of an autopilot system.
We will be offering NSW Health an economic alternative to other more expensive proposals.
Within six months we will be operating 2 x SPIFR BK117B2s at a rate that ensures the renewal of our existing contract.
You all should know that we own our equipment when others do not. We have standardized equipment type years ago. Others have come onboard with the same equipment further proving its capabilities as a successful multi purpose rescue and EMS helicopter.
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Gimble,
Sorry no rumours thanks
Fact: NSW Ambulance media relese this afternoon
Due to the "continued BREACH of the FPA, the contract for helicopter services in the Illawarra could not be renewed."
Can't see much coperation there from the NSW Health.
Dreaming about SP IFR aircraft mate, good luck.
Sorry no rumours thanks
Fact: NSW Ambulance media relese this afternoon
Due to the "continued BREACH of the FPA, the contract for helicopter services in the Illawarra could not be renewed."
Can't see much coperation there from the NSW Health.
Dreaming about SP IFR aircraft mate, good luck.
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Rough translation
The others are offering 412s
We can achieve every task a 412 can by sensibly and strategically loading the BK.
BK = $1M
412 =$10M
In the cold light of day a 412 is simply to expensive for what you get.
Blue has told them this.
Big toys for big boys.
Sorry, the numbers men are going to win this one.
The others are offering 412s
We can achieve every task a 412 can by sensibly and strategically loading the BK.
BK = $1M
412 =$10M
In the cold light of day a 412 is simply to expensive for what you get.
Blue has told them this.
Big toys for big boys.
Sorry, the numbers men are going to win this one.
rough T,
Thank god. I was very very worried. For a minute there I thought you were. Phew.
oh, and the bit about:
I guess I do get loyal sometimes....a weakness perhaps?
Which bit worried you SO much that you did not contribute to the discussion yourself?
Was that the bit about the chief pilot having the right to determine the operating parameters? The bit about where the crewman was recruited from? The bit about the sadness of this whole affair because of it's inevitable ending in tears and broken friendships? The bit about the fact that the client determines tasking, not any particular company? The bit about the need to educate the client about percieved better ways of doing it rather than bashing them until they see it your way? The bit about standing up for an organisation that began EMS in Oz? The bit about the blood sweat and tears that the people of Lifesaver have had to put in to get the machine established in Wollongong? The bit about the undoubted professionalism the "rebel" group would bring to a new service but that the utlisation will remain the same because the client has not changed? The bit about the last thread descending into a personalised attack by the imposing mental size and wit of Black hawk down and White hawk up, etc? The bit about the accuracy of the Illawarra Mockery?
Which bit do you want me to eat mate? I am not hungry yet.
You made no contribution to the thread, and neither did anyone after one-are and I said ciao, and a summary by Dirty Visor. Four weeks or so passed, then it was dredged up with irrelevancy, and so I removed the thread lest we descend into the personal crap again. I told you I am naive.
If you want to keep it then create it and contribute to it yourself. I think I said it in the last thread: reason is lost when emotion is high, so I am not sure anything will be achieved by a new round of biterness. w-ocker said it best.
cheers hf
edited for spellink and grammar!
I am not here to slag you personally Helmet Fire
oh, and the bit about:
you did stand by the company and their ethos quite strongly
Which bit worried you SO much that you did not contribute to the discussion yourself?
Was that the bit about the chief pilot having the right to determine the operating parameters? The bit about where the crewman was recruited from? The bit about the sadness of this whole affair because of it's inevitable ending in tears and broken friendships? The bit about the fact that the client determines tasking, not any particular company? The bit about the need to educate the client about percieved better ways of doing it rather than bashing them until they see it your way? The bit about standing up for an organisation that began EMS in Oz? The bit about the blood sweat and tears that the people of Lifesaver have had to put in to get the machine established in Wollongong? The bit about the undoubted professionalism the "rebel" group would bring to a new service but that the utlisation will remain the same because the client has not changed? The bit about the last thread descending into a personalised attack by the imposing mental size and wit of Black hawk down and White hawk up, etc? The bit about the accuracy of the Illawarra Mockery?
Which bit do you want me to eat mate? I am not hungry yet.
You made no contribution to the thread, and neither did anyone after one-are and I said ciao, and a summary by Dirty Visor. Four weeks or so passed, then it was dredged up with irrelevancy, and so I removed the thread lest we descend into the personal crap again. I told you I am naive.
If you want to keep it then create it and contribute to it yourself. I think I said it in the last thread: reason is lost when emotion is high, so I am not sure anything will be achieved by a new round of biterness. w-ocker said it best.
cheers hf
edited for spellink and grammar!
Last edited by helmet fire; 11th Feb 2005 at 01:37.
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H F,
Call me a cynic but it is amazing how you decided to pull this topic off the site about 2 days before something big like this went down.
Maybe you may not have too much egg on your face as I see you did have good points throughout the topical thread but I reckon some of your para's who contributed to your thread are eating a little humble pie after today's big setback for LifeSaver. Unfortunately I see them the one that will get away scott free in this whole saga. I am sure they haven't been dragged around by the boys in blue like YOUR crewmates experienced.
You may go back to the start of this thread, I just wanted to know why it got pulled at the most opportunistic time, don't you think it was more than just a coincidence?
Remember I am not getting personal but LifeSaver at the end of the day has just been kicked out of town and are not welcome back because of there mismanagement of there staff (period)!
Call me a cynic but it is amazing how you decided to pull this topic off the site about 2 days before something big like this went down.
Maybe you may not have too much egg on your face as I see you did have good points throughout the topical thread but I reckon some of your para's who contributed to your thread are eating a little humble pie after today's big setback for LifeSaver. Unfortunately I see them the one that will get away scott free in this whole saga. I am sure they haven't been dragged around by the boys in blue like YOUR crewmates experienced.
You may go back to the start of this thread, I just wanted to know why it got pulled at the most opportunistic time, don't you think it was more than just a coincidence?
Remember I am not getting personal but LifeSaver at the end of the day has just been kicked out of town and are not welcome back because of there mismanagement of there staff (period)!
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The contract has already been offered to CHC and the only reason they arn't there now is that they didn't have the machines and crews available at the time. Now, I don't know if they have them available now or not, but I wouldn't discount CHC yet because the powers to be were deperate to get them in. My bet is CHC; with the outside (and clapped out) chance going to careflight.
Time for the "chook rafflers" to pack up and go back to the beach.
P.S. $1M for a bk117 and $10m for a 412, well careflight always did pay to much for that 412, I wonder if anyone got a backhander?????????
Time for the "chook rafflers" to pack up and go back to the beach.
P.S. $1M for a bk117 and $10m for a 412, well careflight always did pay to much for that 412, I wonder if anyone got a backhander?????????