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Leo Cartwright

Traralgon Victoria

Australia

Profile Information:

Type of Organization: EMS/Rescue Squad/Hospital EMS - Paid
Job Function: Retired
Years in Fire/EMS:: 37 yrs
Primary Fire/EMS Department:: Retired \ Communications Centre
Years With Department/Agency: 37
Dept. Web Site:: http://ambulance.vic.gov.au
Web Site:: http://ses.vic.gov.au
Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations: The SES as mentioned is locally responsible for Road Crash Rescue; Land Search; Boating Search; Flood and Storm damage and recovery.
Very few Fire Services out side Metropolitan Melbourne carry out Road Crash Rescues in this state.
Its different over here where Fire Services are not combined in all rescues as it is in the USA. The Fire Service; Ambulance Services; Police and State Emergency Service are separate identities, but at the end of the day they work well together.
My Training:: Good Heavens where do I start: I have always had the sight to help as a young boy of 17 I joined St John Ambulance, (a well known volunteer organisation around the world) There I have given some 27yrs broken service to them and the community. At 18 I was a volunteer FireFighter with the Noble Park Fire Brigade. So both of these took up most of my time as a youth; Not Boring U yet??
At 25 I joined the Ambulance Service Victoria (Peninsula) and the rest is history.
This work became to involved and I gave the FireFighting away, but there will aways be a Light there for every FireFighter no matter where. 911 was a good example of where FireFighters past and present felt the sadness and related to the senseless of it it all.
About Me:: Yes I am married still to my first wife, ( I hope I do not have to explain that) I am a Justice of the Peace for the State of Victoria. I Like to collect shoulder Patches/Service Badges from all over the world, so feel free to contact me and send as many as U like.
I Became O.I.C. of the Traralgon Ambulance Station 1989. Involved in Paramedic challenges Vs other Paramedics. Lectured at Monash University for Paramedic Students. Involved in Training of new students paramedics. Managed a First Aid department for the Ambulance Service where FA courses were taught to the general public and Companies. Return to on the Road work, injured my back severally and now work full time in our 000 (911) Communication Centre.
I am a World accredited Medical Assessor for Road Crash Rescue. In July 2008 traveled to Wales (UK) and assessed 30 teams in 3 days.
I don't seam to have much time for the outdoors anymore, anyway the days of lying on the ground staring at the stars are over thanks to my back injury.
Day Job:: Retired Paramedic
Relationship Status:: Married
Facebook or Other Online Profile:: http://lecart1@bigpond.com
Why I Joined Fire/EMS: Was a volunteer firefighter, then had an inkling to join the emergency services. I then joined Ambulance Service Victoria. I was stationed at Dandenong outside of Melbourne then moved to my present address in regional country Victoria in 1986.
From there on the story grows bigger and bigger, It a life I wouldn't change for the world.
Why I Love Fire/EMS: self satifaction, The spark it puts in my life.
Top Issues Facing Responders:: Like most emergency services; We the Worker are our own worst enemy when it comes to recognition of of our work in the public eye.
Non recognition of staff by non operational senior management.
Wages will always be an issue, never enough.

Comment Wall:

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John J Markiewicz

Leo thanks for the hello. Will be emailing you about your patch collection. Have a great day!

Sep 1, 2009
Pablo

Hola Leo un placer estar en contacto con vos, australia que lindo pais hermano aca los admiramos un monton por lo profesionales que son, a nosotros se nos hace muy costosos ser profesionales pero hemos echo avanses importantisimos.
Placer sera compartir contigo lo que quieras tenemos parches, insigñas, remeras, lo que quieras. Leo amigo bienvenido !!!!!!!!!!!!

Sep 1, 2009
Manuel Ortega

Thanks, interview went well I think, will know next week. Definetely no more military for me, though. Ambulance!

Sep 3, 2009
Davi de Souza

Hello my friend, has already received my patches?

Sep 10, 2009
Milan Sosic

He there would you like to trade patches from South Africa ?

Sep 12, 2009
Milan Sosic

Hey howzit going yeah sorry havn't got around to sorting my life out yet, i have one patch for you, getting another one from my old department soon, then will post them ASAP, my address is
Milan Sosic
Po Box 75926
Gardenview
2047
Germiston,
South Africa

Sep 22, 2009
Manuel Ortega

No luck this time, they hired 3 out of 26 applicants. That was my second try, I will try again in the winter (our) and see what happens. Third is a charm they say, we will see. Passed all my FF written and got my practicals this next weekend, little nervous. The written was too easy and I mean that, practicals look harder on paper, we will see. As soon as I get my proebie hat off I will send you our patch, won't give me any until then. Many regards from Colorado, getting cold again, already some snow, winter is upon us. Good luck my friend.

Sep 23, 2009
John J Markiewicz

Leo...no problem. Did you receive the one that I had sent to you???

Sep 28, 2009
John J Markiewicz

Leo....the patch has an elephant on it and says Somers F D. I do not trust our postal system that is why I ask.

Sep 29, 2009
ROB ELLIOTT

hey leo how are things there hope all is well hey just wanting you to know that i am looking at getting married soon and i would like you to come i will be sending your invertation to you in the post soon here is my new number 0450511408 can you please foward me your contact number please stray safe brother

Oct 1, 2009
John J Markiewicz

Leo....received the patches yesterday......thank you vvery much.......John

Oct 4, 2009
John J Markiewicz

should be very not wery.....missed a key

Oct 4, 2009
Mel

hey how are you?? whats happening?Im from Sale fire brigade, i see from from tgon.

Oct 7, 2009
Geoff

No worries Leo. I'll have another hunt around my place and see if I can find any patches for you. Not sure if I've got anything but I'll have a look. Cheers mate...Geoffro

Oct 8, 2009
Mel

so what did you think when u were working in Sale? Sale aint gettin g staff for awhile yet cause we need a new station for that to happy and region dont have the money for it.
I just got back from Morwell shopping with mates, i like the shops down there better. Anyways take care

Oct 8, 2009
Andrew Strahle

hey leo, sorry its taken so long. i just hardly ever had time to get on here. i would love a service badge if the offer is still there. its nice to meet you
Andrew

Dec 1, 2009
GFDone

Hadn't heard from you in a while Leo, are you doing alright? Have you been very busy? We had a record year of calls in our little dept. but kept us very busy.
Marty

Jan 17, 2010
Ted

hey Leo... would you like to trade patches with me??... I have police patches, EMS, fire patch from my department. Drop me a line if want to trade
tad_fit @ yahoo.ca
spaces
thanks...

Feb 17, 2010
alexandre nogueira

hello leo mai e-mail is alex.fireman@hotmail.com send me a message... huggs

Feb 23, 2010
Davi de Souza

hello friend, you received my patches?
I sent some time.

Feb 25, 2010
Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp

Leo, I am sooooo glad to see you back on here Ladd. You were missed and I for one am so happy to see you here posting and welcoming folks. Hope your doing great Bro.
Again, so glad your here.

Apr 2, 2010
Pierre

Hi Leo, I also started my carreer as a Paramedic for Ottawa Ambulance Service in 1978 climbing thee ladder to Inspector of provincial Ambulance Services. I will retire from that position in June of this year. I joined the Clarence-Rockland Fire Dept. as a volunteer firefighter in 1985 and I have been the Part Time Chief since 2001.
I have all kinds of shoulder patches a few of fire but mostly from the Province of Ontario, Canada.
My personal email is psab@bell.net and my FD email is psabourin@clarence-rockland.com.
Send me an email sometime.
Pierre

Apr 3, 2010
Elzona Meyer

Hi Leo!

Sure, i'll ask around at the FIre Station for older ones from the guys. Some of them have been there since 1898 i'm sure! LoL :) just kidding. I only have one pair of pips and I use them, but I like that you're collecting them and would love to add to it! :) Keep in touch on email. emls@ourhome.co.za

Have a marvellous day!
Elzona

Apr 4, 2010
Elzona Meyer

By the way, I'm writing my own First Aid text books at the moment for government and seta approval here.. and I was wondering if I may use your pictures.. they're awesome and perfect for my books. If you don't mind and do have injury related pictures would you mind emailing them to me? Thanks Leo :0)

Apr 4, 2010
Joseph A Pugliese Sr

Hi Leo:
Thanks for the note from Down Under. I will try to dig up a patch for you, If I do all I ask is for a photo of your collection with our patch in it. Thanks Brother...

Apr 4, 2010
sarah arledge

hi Leo Cartwright welcome to ffn hope you like it here its a great place to be. have a great day stay safe take care

Apr 4, 2010
Ken Porter

Hi Leo, its nice to meet you. I will see what I can get as far as patches. My current Industrial department does not have a patch but the volunteer departments that I am associated with do have patches.

Apr 5, 2010
GFDone

Leo,
Glad to have you back! We missed you tremendously!
Even if you are on the other side of the world.
Sooo glad to have my Auzzie friend back online!

Apr 6, 2010
Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp

Leo so good to hear from you and know your doing much better. I came on tonight after not having time to be on here since Friday last week. We have been very busy here. Leaving town in the morning for two weeks. Hope to still get on here when I can. Take care Bro.

Apr 8, 2010
Jan Brammertz

Hi, thanks for the welcome. How are you? Maybe you can help me? Do you know who the producer is of the siren in the black Mad Max car?

Apr 8, 2010
Quinton Lejeune

thanks for the invite i sent u a friend request hope to hear more from you..

Apr 8, 2010
Randy Clemens

Thanks for the Welcome.

Apr 9, 2010
RON aka "LUCKY"

you'll have to excuse me, i'm just catching up on my e-mail, computer issues and an overwelming amout of mail since joining FFN ,,, please reply again with your e-mail and i'll send you a couople of our patches ,,,

Apr 10, 2010
Brock Pinder

Hey Leo, thanks for the welcome. I have family in Melbourne.....................they're coming out here this year so I'll give them one and have them mail it to ya when they get back. Stay safe!!

Apr 11, 2010
abc11323123

Hey Leo,ill see what i can hook you up with

Stay Safe,mike

Apr 11, 2010
javier aragonez

ok thanks bro

Apr 13, 2010
David Gosier

Hi Leo,

I will add you as a friend it is nice to here from other countrys fire and ems members. I will try and get you a patch, it might take me a bit I have a on the job injury that makes it a little tough getting around. But you will get one. Take care. DG

Apr 13, 2010
A.J. Johnson

Leo!! Thanks for the greeting from a world away man! Too cool. I'm sure I've got a patch or two you'd dig.... Let me see what I can do

Apr 13, 2010
Jan Brammertz

I did, but I couldn't find the right one, so I asked you :-)

Apr 14, 2010
Sylvia Yarborough

Hi Leo, I will email you my info and put a patch in the mail within the next day or so for you. Thank you for the welcome.

Apr 14, 2010
mariana hernandez

Bienvenido a esta fraternidad. Espero y compartamos muchas fotos y anecdotas. Soy bombero en Tlaquepaque, jalisco Mexico.

Apr 14, 2010
Phillip Leeder

G'day Leo. Thanks for the friend request i don't get too involved with the forum but I do read the various articles etc.
Like me you have some time under your belt, I will have served for 35 years in November and I hope to keep plodding on whilst I am still fit. I visited down under way back in 1978 as my first wife was brought up in Wombarra near Sydney.
I served for 29 years as a professional firefighter reaching the rank of Assistant Divisional Officer. i retired and the following day started at the bottom again as a Part time firefighter.
I am now the officer incharge of our local station in Reepham in Norfolk.
Married with two kids my wife Dawn helps me with my small fire consultancy business which helps boost the pension.
I was in the Royal Navy before the fire service having joined at 15.
Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards

Phillip Leeder (Taff) I was born in South Wales

Apr 14, 2010
Lee Drummond

Sorry it took me sooo long to get back with you Leo. I'll put the patch in the mail tomorrow. I'd like one of yours as well, if you can. I also collect duty t-shirts. Are ther any chances of getting one from you? Give me your size and I'll see bout getting you one if you'd like. Thanks.

Apr 14, 2010
Elijah Davis

Thanks for the welvome. I will send you a patch is there anyway you can send me a shirt.

Apr 16, 2010
Andrew Janikowski

Leo,
I will try to get some(don't have any currently) and when I do I'll let you know I will definitally swap with you buddy....

Apr 17, 2010
Johnny Keovilay

Thanks for the warm welcome, Leo. I will try to find extras to help with your collection. Ill have to ask my commander if its ok. Lately the military has been strict about uniforms and patches being given away for obvious reasons. I've considered going to Australia under the work program and be an EMT there for a bit to check it out, do you have any strong recommendations I should follow to make this become a reality?

Apr 18, 2010
Andrew(Skinny) Lingard

Thanks Leo, hope all is well with you, hope to catch up in July @ the Australasian Challenge

Apr 18, 2010
javier creus

in my job a mate collects patches, i´m telling him

Apr 19, 2010
RESCUE 540 WPIN412

WILL YOU BE A FRIEND TO RESCUE 540 WPIN412 PLEASE THANK YOU

Apr 20, 2010
Bryce Wilkens

Patch... Will do

Apr 21, 2010

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