ST JOHN NT
NEWSROOM

Lifelike heartbeats and sounds associated with breathing make ‘Anne’ the closest that ambulance staff and volunteers can come to train for a real-life emergency.

A $21,200 gift from Masonic Charities will allow St John NT Katherine Region to implement technologically advanced medical training using a Resusci Anne Advanced SkillTrainer, or ‘Anne’ for short.

The realistic manikin, used to train millions primarily in the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) since the 1960s, simulates human breathing, pulse rate and other medical conditions.

Pre-programmed scenarios allow for a range of training from heart rhythm recognition to advanced airway management, making it a valuable training resource for St John NT ambulance staff and volunteers.

‘Anne’ supports CPR, defibrillation, IV therapy and airway management procedures, and will help ambulance staff learn to respond to human conditions in real-time.

“With a large indigenous population in Katherine, plus the increased amount of senior visitors, or Grey Nomads, coming through in the dry season, a significant amount of our calls relate to the adverse effects of cardiac, respiratory and hypertensive conditions,” St John NT Area Manager Jack Darby said.

“The Northern Territory has the highest death rates from ischaemic heart disease in the country. This manikin will help to ensure paramedics, patient transport officers and volunteers have the opportunity to practice high performance CPR, defibrillation and advanced life support skills.”

The compact nature of the manikin means it can be easily transported for community education and CPR training for the greater Katherine community.

David Booker, the Grand Master of the Freemasons of South Australia and the Northern Territory, said it was important that his organisation’s charity arm supported life-saving community programs.

“Masonic Charities is pleased to help deliver innovative tools to ensure ambulance staff and volunteers  have the best possible training for their valuable work in the community,” Mr Booker said.

“This training manikin simulates a medical incident in a more realistic way than has previously been possible and, with practice, will undoubtedly enhance procedural skills and save lives. Freemasonry has a proud history of supporting St John around the world. We are pleased to support St John NT Katherine Region, which has a deep understanding of health issues facing people in its community.” 

An official handover of the $21,200 gift from Masonic Charities to St John NT Katherine Region will be held on 16 June 2021 from 1pm at the Katherine Ambulance Centre, Lot 3159 Chardon Street, Katherine.

Media are invited to attend. Light afternoon tea and drinks will be provided.

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Image: St John NT Area Manager Katherine Jack Darby demonstrates the manikin's internal system.

Media enquiries: Kate Hulls 0428 157 762 or media@stjohnnt.asn.au