Page 7 - QARANC Vol 20 No 2 2022

Lisa’s Army training helps her save a child’s life
The Gazette QARANC Association 7
Private Lisa Whitcombe’s Army nurses training proved invaluable when a neighbour knocked on her door saying her baby was unresponsive and turning blue.
The private from Plymouth, passed out as part of the 243 (The Wessex) Field Hospital five years ago and is a healthcare professional by day.
She explains: “My neighbour knocked on my front door asking for help and my training immediately kicked in. I started CPR on the infant to which he slowly responded. Somehow, I managed to get him and his distressed mother into my car and headed for the hospital. All the training I had received from work and the Army just kicked in; it all became second nature.”
During the journey the little boy relapsed again so Lisa carried out more CPR on him. On arrival at the hospital, paramedics took over and administered emergency care. The little boy underwent emergency treatment and thankfully went on to make a full recovery.
Private Whitcombe has been called a hero for her actions, but she remains
humble.
“The only people I would say that
needed thanking for this positive outcome are those that trained me on the medical side in my civilian role and those in the military who gave me the confidence to tackle this extreme situation,” she says.
Lisa previously lived in Sussex and knew people in The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment. One of her friends was fatally injured and another had life changing injuries. Seeing what they and their families went through made her want to become a reservist and she has never looked back.
She adds: “It just felt right, it was what I wanted to do and that was to help people. Plus, you get the opportunity to do all the ‘green’ training which is something that really appealed to me as well.
“They say things happen for a reason and this was one of them. This role gives me a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose. To this day I’m so proud of my uniform and when I look at it, I think, I achieved that, it is all down to me.”
Membership fees update
General Secretary Sue McAteer writes: “I have been in post now for over 5 years and have seen many changes. One thing that has remained the same is the cost of Association membership for retired personnel.
Following a consultation with branches and approval by the Board of Trustees we will be introducing a new membership fee. The changes
will take effect in October 2022 for new members and from January 2023 for existing members. No action is required if you pay by direct debit. The cost of Reserve membership has only recently been introduced so will remain the same.
Why the increase?
Gazette production and postage costs have increased. Introduction of one flat overseas rate will reduce admin
time and cost.
We continue to send cards and flowers to members
when they reach 80 and beyond – the numbers and costs are increasing.
We are helping to subsidise more Association events and branch functions.
Improved postal communication with HQ roll members with associated costs.
Introduction of a Membership Support Fund to enable those less well off to get to events and meetings (details at the back of the Gazette)
I appreciate this comes at a time when the cost of living is increasing significantly but individual membership is well subsided and still represents good value for money. “
OUR NEW MEMBERSHIP PRICES ARE: Retired (UK) – £15 per year
(Recurring January payment each year thereafter). Retired (overseas) – £20 per year
(Recurring January payment each year thereafter).
Reserve – £36 per year
(Recurring May payment each year thereafter).
Contributions from regular personnel increase automatically as they are linked to pay and rank.