Important amendment – Stroke has a new indicator.

G’day Frontline

I enjoy reading your posts each day but think it’s only right to let you know when something needs to be corrected.

Before retiring I was a first aid trainer and a representative on the Resuscitation Council of Australia, therefore:

In relation to your post today (Sunday 10th November 2023) whenever sending first aid info etc., I suggest you consult the following website WWW.resus.org.au and go to guidelines.

These are the guidelines for Australia & NZ for first aid.

It is better to have one set of acronyms than differing acronyms which could become confusing.

The accepted acronym for Aust/NZ is for stroke recognition is … as follows.

FAST is a simple way for remembering the most common signs of stroke.

Facial weakness – ask the person to smile. Is their mouth droopy on one side?

Arm weakness – ask the person to raise both arms. Can they only raise one arm or is one arm weaker?

Speech difficulty – ask the person to repeat a phrase. Is their speech slurred and can they understand what you say?

Time to act fast (Take Action) – if any of these signs are present send for an ambulance immediately.

I have sent several emails to organisations who send information concerning recognising stroke etc., and also the cough CPR information, without knowing what the guidelines are, only to try and ensure that all info distributed in Australia is factual and meets recognised guidelines.

I hope this information is helpful.

Regards

Graeme Furmston

Successful Live Fire Demo Clears Path for Spike NLOS Airworthiness Release Onto U.S. Apache.

Lockheed Martin Media Release

Lockheed Martin has successfully conducted a series of live-fire tests, firing eight Spike NLOS all-up rounds (AURs) from the U.S. Apache Echo Model V6 at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. The accomplishment, achieved over a five-day period, signifies a significant milestone in the development of the Spike NLOS Long Range Precision Munitions Directed Requirement (LRPM DR) system.

The positive outcome of the live-fire event has resulted in the clearance of the Spike NLOS LRPM DR system for Airworthiness Release (AWR) for integration onto the U.S. Apache platform. This achievement marks a crucial advancement, paving the way for the deployment of the system on the U.S. Army’s existing Apache V6 platforms.

Tom Bargnesi, the program management senior manager of the Precision Strike team at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, expressed confidence in the Spike NLOS system, stating, “This successful demonstration of Spike NLOS showcases that the system is ready to be integrated onto the Army’s current Apache fleet and provides a premier defence capability of choice when precision and accuracy matter. The AWR allows delivery of 21st-century security solutions to our Army customer for complex threat environments.”

The demonstration involved the firing of eight Spike NLOS AURs from an Apache platform at various targets, highlighting the system’s diverse mission capabilities across multiple scenarios. This demonstration represents a critical final step for the system to receive AWR clearance, enabling the Army to initiate the process of integrating Spike NLOS onto its Apache V6 platforms.

Looking ahead, Lockheed Martin is set to collaborate with the Army in mid-2024 to train pilots in the operation of the Spike NLOS system on the Apache V6 platforms. The Army anticipates the full integration of the Spike NLOS LRPM DR system onto all 18 Apache Echo Model V6 platforms by September 2024.

 

 

NEVER TRUST A CRICKETER – If you’re easily offended don’t read this poem.

This was MAYBE written by a cricketer’s wife in fun – New Zealand’s greatest all-rounder, the late Martin Crowe’s wife, Lorraine Downes. Apparently, he had a great sense of humour and to be a wife of a cricketer, you must’ve an even bigger sense of humor and understanding. So here it goes….

NEVER TRUST A CRICKETER

Come all ye fair young maidens,

harken unto me,

Never trust a cricketer,

whoever he may be.

 

Randier than a sailor

who’s been six months at sea,

Never let a cricketer’s hand

an inch above your knee.

 

First let’s take the paceman,

pure speed from first to last,

My darlings do be careful;

his balls are hard and fast.

 

Then there’s the medium pacer,

his balls swing either way;

He’s really most persistent

and can keep it up all day!

 

Watch out for the off-spinner girls,

another awkward chap.

If you leave him half an opening

he will slip one through the gap!

 

Then there’s the wily ‘slowy’,

pure cunning is his strength;

He’ll tempt you,

then he’ll trap you with his very subtle length.

 

So ladies, do be careful,

your mothers would agree.

Never trust a cricketer,

whoever he may be.

 

And what about the opening bat,

his struggles never cease!

He has only one ambition,

to spend all day at the crease.

 

The number three is a dasher,

he seldom prods and pokes.

When he goes into action,

he has a fine array of strokes..

 

And do beware the slogger,

not content with one or two;

When he arrives at the crease

then only six will do.

 

Then there’s the real stonewaller.

Girls! he knows what he’s about;

And if you let him settle in,

it’s hard to get him out!

 

We come now to the last man,

I hope this will not shock,

He doesn’t mind if he’s last man in,

as long as he gets a knock.

 

So, darlings, do be careful,

and be well warned by me:

Never trust a cricketer,

whoever he may be.

 

And watch the wicketkeeper.

Girls! he’s full of flair and dash;

And if you raise your heel,

he’ll whip them off in a flash.

 

If you take the field with the capt’n,

you had better know the score;

Or he’ll have you in positions

that you never knew before!

 

The cricket commentator

is a nasty sort of bloke,

He watches all the action

and describes it stroke by stroke.

 

Even the kindly umpire,

who looks as friendly as a pup.

You’ll quickly find you’ve had it,

when he puts his finger up!

 

So, darlings, please remember

and repeat it after me:

“NEVER TRUST A CRICKETER, WHOEVER HE MAY BE!!!!!”

 

Inside Ukrainian drone school teaching pilots to target Russian forces.

Ukrainian officials have given Forces News rare access inside a centre that is training hundreds of people to fly the cheap kamikaze drones that have been used to great effect against their Russian opponents. Drones have become a vital weapon of the war, supplementing regular artillery, and volunteers have set up drone schools across the country to teach soldiers and civilians how to fly them. Hundreds of men and women are being taught how to use small, cheap uncrewed aerial vehicles to seek and destroy Russian targets, wearing a headset that lets them see what the drone is seeing.

Stroke has a new indicator.

Blood Clots/Stroke – They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue.

STROKE: Remember the 1st Three Letters….. S. T. R.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a woman stumbled and took a little fall – she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) … she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Jane went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Jane’s husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital – (at 6:00 PM Jane passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ.

Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Jane would be with us today.

Some don’t die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this.

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke…totally.

He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the ‘3’ steps, STR. Read and Learn! Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.

The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.

T *Ask the person to TALK

and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)

(i.e. I like Chicken Soup)

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke ——– Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another ‘sign’ of a stroke is this: Ask the person to ‘stick’ out his tongue.

If the tongue is ‘crooked’ if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

9 Sqn Team Fit Armament to Ned Kelly.

In 1968, amidst the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the No. 9 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) introduced a groundbreaking modification to their UH-1B Iroquois helicopter, designated A2-1025 and affectionately known as “Ned Kelly.” This particular aircraft marked a significant milestone as it became the first RAAF helicopter to undergo a trial armament system enhancement, a crucial development in the ongoing conflict.

The innovative armament system integrated into the UH-1B included an XM 157 airborne rocket pod on each side of the helicopter. Each pod housed seven 2.75-inch Folding Fin Aircraft Rockets, providing the helicopter with a potent and versatile airborne firepower capability. Complementing the rocket pod were twin side-mounted M60 C machine guns, capable of unleashing a formidable barrage with a rate of fire reaching 6000 rounds per minute, utilizing 7.62mm ammunition.

Further enhancing the helicopter’s offensive capabilities were twin door-mounted M60 machine guns, strategically positioned to deliver a concentrated and suppressive stream of firepower. These door-mounted machine guns had the capacity to fire 400 rounds of ammunition, adding a dynamic and responsive element to the helicopter’s arsenal.

The introduction of this armament system represented a collaborative effort by a dedicated project team, whose members played integral roles in its development and implementation. Among them were notable individuals such as Sergeant Ernest E. Moore, Flight Lieutenant Robert C. Thompson, and Leading Aircraftman Edward G. Maxwell, the armament fitter kneeling in the helicopter doorway. Squadron Leader James H. Cox, serving as the pilot, stood beside the helicopter, embodying the skilled and courageous aviators who operated these modified gunship helicopters in the challenging and often hostile environment of the Vietnam War.

The “Ned Kelly” UH-1B Iroquois, with its advanced armament system and the skilled crew at its helm, symbolized the continuous innovation and adaptability displayed by military forces during the Vietnam War. This technological advancement contributed significantly to the evolving tactics and strategies employed in the conflict, showcasing the commitment of the RAAF to enhance the capabilities of their helicopters for the demanding conditions of aerial combat in Vietnam.

Vale 14839 RICHARD JAMES JOHNS

16 May 1938 – 2 December 2023

Richard ‘Dickie’ Johns, formally of Fairy Meadow, died in Coledale Private Hospital on Saturday 2 December 2023.

Dickie enlisted in September 1958 and attended 1 RTB and then joined 4 RAR, serving in Singapore-Malaya. He then joined 1 RAR. When 5 RAR was formed he became a founding member. In 1965 Dickie served in New Guinea and in May 1966 he deployed to Vietnam with 5RAR Mortar Platoon Support Company. Originally as an MFC with Bravo Company and later as the Mortar Platoon SGT. He retired in 1970 with the rank of WO2.

A private cremation will be held for Richard.

Sincerely

Wendy M McLean J.P.(Qual) LM

Secretary/Membership Officer

4RAR Association Qld. Inc.’

 

U BOAT – U-2540

The U-2540, a pioneering U-boat at the forefront of technological innovation, was launched into service on the 24th of February 1945. However, its operational life was abruptly cut short less than three months later on the 4th of May, when its own crew scuttled it. This decision was made as part of the broader strategy employed by the German forces during World War II to prevent the advanced submarine from falling into enemy hands.

In a remarkable turn of events, the U-2540 was not destined to remain submerged in the depths of the ocean. In 1957, twelve years after its intentional sinking, the submarine was raised from its watery grave and underwent extensive restoration. Emerging from the depths once more, the U-2540 was reintroduced into service on the 1st of September 1960, but this time under a different identity – the research submarine Wilhelm Bauer.

As Wilhelm Bauer, the submarine took on a new and crucial role in various civilian research projects. Serving as a testament to its adaptability and enduring engineering, the once-lethal war machine now contributed to scientific exploration and technological advancement. This unique chapter in the submarine’s history lasted for over two decades, until its decommissioning on the 15th of March 1982.

Recognizing the historical and technological significance of the U-2540, on the 24th of April 1984, the submarine found a new home at the Deutsches Schiffahrtsmuseum, where it was proudly displayed as the Technikmuseum Wilhelm Bauer. This final transition marked the culmination of its journey from a formidable wartime weapon to a symbol of innovation and resilience, preserving its legacy for future generations to explore and appreciate.