Engaging the Community for First Response
Western Australia's Approach
Abstract
Effective first responder programs require more than just technology and training - they need strong community engagement. This presentation explores St John WA’s approach to building community awareness, creating simple and memorable messaging, and leveraging media opportunities to strengthen the chain of survival. We share practical strategies for engaging diverse communities across Western Australia’s vast geography.
Introduction
Building an effective first responder program isn’t just about deploying technology or training volunteers - it’s about creating a movement within the community. This presentation shares St John WA’s journey in developing comprehensive community engagement strategies that have transformed how Western Australians respond to cardiac emergencies.
The Power of Simple Messaging
Call-Push-Shock
Our cornerstone message is simple, memorable, and actionable (and used across Australia):
- Call - Call for help (000)
- Push - Push hard, push fast on the chest
- Shock - Use an AED to shock the heart
This messaging:
- Is easy to recall under stress
- Uses action words that drive behavior
- Can be adapted for different contexts
- Works across age groups and cultures
International Variations
Different regions have developed their own memorable frameworks:
- Australia: Call-Push-Shock
- European Resuscitation Council: Check-Call-Compress
- Consider for Malaysia: A version that resonates with local culture and language
Proactive Media Engagement
Creating Opportunities
Rather than waiting for media interest, we actively generate opportunities:
- Success/survivor story features
- Community training events
- Equipment launches
- Partnership announcements
Visual Storytelling
Our approach emphasises:
- Real people, real stories
- Diverse representation (it is incredibly important to remind people that not just older people have cardiac arrests!)
- Action-oriented imagery and language
- Community connection
- Positive outcomes
Building Sustainable Engagement
Multi-Channel Approach
Effective engagement requires presence across multiple channels:
- Traditional media partnerships
- Social media campaigns
- Community events
- School programs
- Workplace initiatives
- Cultural group partnerships
Ongoing Awareness
Key to success is maintaining momentum:
- Regular refresher campaigns
- Integration with other health campaigns
- Celebration of community heroes
- Annual awareness events (Restart a Heart Day)
The St John WA First Response Model
Our integrated approach includes:
Simultaneous Activation
When a cardiac arrest occurs, we activate:
- ALS and BLS ambulance resources
- First Responder app notifications
- Community First Responders
- All working together seamlessly
Technology Integration
- Custom CAD system with AED visibility
- Automated first responder notifications
- Real-time response tracking
- Performance monitoring
Community Support
- Regular training opportunities
- Debriefing and support services
- Recognition programs
- Continuous improvement feedback
Measuring Success
Key Metrics
- Community awareness levels
- First responder sign-ups
- Response rates
- Bystander CPR rates
- Survival outcomes
Continuous Improvement
- Regular community surveys
- Focus groups with diverse populations
- Media reach analysis
- Social media engagement metrics
- Outcome data analysis
Overcoming Challenges
Geographic Diversity
Western Australia’s vast distances require:
- Localised messaging strategies
- Regional partnerships
- Technology solutions for remote areas
- Flexible training delivery
Cultural Sensitivity
Engaging diverse communities through:
- Translated materials
- Cultural liaison programs
- Community leader partnerships
- Adapted messaging approaches
Future Directions
Innovation in Engagement
- Virtual reality training experiences
- Gamification of learning
- Social media influencer partnerships
- School curriculum integration
Expanding Reach
- Workplace champion programs
- Sports club partnerships
- Faith community engagement
- Tourism sector integration
Call to Action
Building community engagement requires:
- Clear, simple messaging that everyone can remember
- Proactive media strategy to maintain awareness
- Diverse partnerships across the community
- Sustained effort over time
- Measurement and adaptation based on outcomes
Key Message for Malaysia
As you develop your first responder programs:
- Find your “Call-Push-Shock” - a message that works for your culture
- Build partnerships early and maintain them
- Celebrate successes publicly
- Make it easy for people to get involved
- Remember: Technology enables, but people save lives
Acknowledgments
This work represents the collective effort of St John WA’s First Responder team led by Caitlyn Pavey-Smith, our Resuscitation Specialist Jason Belcher, many across St John WA who facilitate this work, our clinicians, and the Western Australian community who have embraced the message that anyone can save a life.
Key Takeaways
- Developing simple, memorable messaging that resonates with the community (e.g., Call-Push-Shock)
- Proactively generating media opportunities to raise awareness
- Building sustainable community engagement through ongoing awareness campaigns
- Integrating first responder activation with traditional ambulance dispatch
- Creating culturally appropriate messaging for diverse communities