SOUTH AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADES ASSOCIATION (SAVFBA)

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VIRTUES OF A
CFS VOLUNTEER

The eight-pointed star is the traditional insignia of the SA Country Fire Service (CFS), formerly known as the Emergency Fire Service (EFS).

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The star is not unique to the CFS as it is recognised by fire services all over the world.

It is otherwise referred to as the Cross of Saint John which originally emerged from the Maltese Cross.

Used by the Knights of Saint John during the Crusades in Jerusalem, the points on the Maltese Cross represented eight different virtues of Knighthood:

•    Tact
•    Loyalty
•    Dexterity
•    Observation
•    Sympathy
•    Explicitness
•    Gallantry
•    Perseverance

Over time, firefighters have adopted these same virtues bringing about a commonality between fire services all over the world.

In most cases the only difference between fire service insignias is the centrepiece, which is specific to the organisation.

The CFS Star is seen on the official uniform worn by volunteers and staff.

However, the CFS also has a corporate logo, which represents the State in Australia in which it serves and is displayed on all vehicles and infrastructure.


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Stress Prevention Management Services (SPAM) Minimize

The CFS has a number of people available who are ready and able to assist with the health, safety and well being of volunteers.

Being a CFS volunteer is not only strenuous physically, but can also be a mental and emotional strain.

When volunteers respond to emergency situations, particularly those that involve close family and friends, trauma associated with the incident can sometimes have serious implications on their physical, mental or emotional well being.

The SA Fire and Emergency Services Commission has established a 24 hour support service available to CFS and SES volunteers known as the Stress Prevention Management and Peer Support Program commonly referred to as SPAM.

The professional service is available 24 hours for all CFS/SES members and their families for the purpose of significant incident stress debriefing, individual and family counselling, and stress prevention and management training.

An experienced SPAM peer support member can be contacted direct on 0417 700 968. Confidentially is respected at all times.

Stress Management and Peer Support Program Coordinator, Trudy Whelan can be contacted directly on 0409 155 181 or by phoning the CFS State Operations Centre on 8463 4222.

POSSIBLE STRESS REACTIONS

Cognitive
•    Reduced concentration
•    Difficulty making decisions
•    Forgetfulness
•    Inability to think straight
•    Distressing dreams
•    Flashbacks

Behavioural
•    Changes to usual behaviour
•    Irritability
•    Crying
•    Agitation
•    Withdrawing from others
•    Increased substance intake e.g. alcohol, caffeine, sugar
•    Excessive humour or silence
•    Increased or decreased eating

Emotional
•    Guilt
•    Anxiety
•    Fear
•    Grief
•    Shock
•    Anger
•    Wanting to die
•    Feeling isolated
•    Feeling helpless
•    Depression

Physical
•    Nausea
•    Vomiting
•    Upset stomach
•    Rapid heart rate
•    Muscle aches
•    Sleeping difficulties
•    Early waking
•    Difficulty going to sleep
•    Waking up intermittently
•    Fatigue
•    Headaches

Strategies for helping yourself
•    Accept your reactions as normal under the circumstances
•    Exercise
•    Eat regular, well-balanced meals
•    Talk to people you trust to help make sense of the situation
•    Limit excessive intake of alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine
•    Seek professional assistance

Strategies for helping others
•    Listen and reassure
•    Help with tasks
•    Don’t take anger personally
•    Don’t tell them they’re lucky it wasn’t worse
•    Spend time with them
      

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