Lorraine received a plaque and flowers, the Kadina team presented her with a patchwork quilt, and the Moonta crew a dressing gown and warm socks in which to relax.
Although SA Ambulance has been the focus of Lorraine’s career, it has been in tandem with St John, with which she is in her 41st year, and Lorraine will be continuing with the latter as superintendent in Kadina.
Ambulances, training, stretchers, first aid kits and uniforms have been a part of her life since 1967.
Lorraine moved to the Copper Coast area from Darwin in 1972, and already a member of St John Ambulance there, readily joined the Kadina Division.
“I had a medical background in nursing, but had to give it away because I contracted hepatitis,” retiring Kadina SA Ambulance officer Lorraine Griffin recalls.
“I worked in a chemist shop and I guess I joined St John as a medical offshoot.
“I have gained a lot of experience, knowledge, and many friendships — both with patients and colleagues — and have had an opportunity to help my community.
“Changes have been many, including equipment and procedures, such as now administering some drugs, which was an absolute no-no.
“We have better facilities and vehicles. My first ambulance was a Holden panel van, and then we moved up to Toyota combi vans, Ford F1010s and F250s and now we drive a Mercedes.
“We have gone from carrying two stretchers to one, which I believe is not a good idea in the country, where often multiple carries require the attendance of several ambulances, and this is not without some consequences in smaller communities
“The biggest highlight of my career is seeing a very sick patient in good health again.
“Many times in the street I will be approached by someone who says, ‘You don’t know me, but I know you — you are the ambulance lady, and I’m feeling good again now.
“The sad times have been transporting people I know, being unable to do anything for them, and knowing this is their last ride.
“Retirement will bring travel — and a bit of metal detecting; I have many orchids that have lacked attention and a shed full of furniture in need of some TLC.
“Generally, though, I will still be around for the community. I have made this my home and I can see no sense in moving.”Think ambulance, think Lorraine
“Lorraine has been SA Ambulance volunteer team leader at Kadina and the backbone of the service for most of that time, filling the roster when other volunteers have been too busy,” fellow team member Julie Frost said.
“There have been many times when other volunteers have been tucked up in their beds and she has been out there picking up someone off the roadside, taking the night shifts.
“Often Lorraine has been the first responder, going out to an incident on her own. There is not much she has not seen or done in her ambulance service.
“In this area, when you think ambulance, you think Lorraine. She is the ‘elder’, the all-knowing one in the team, and her experience and contribution has been invaluable to us in training and support.
“She has been absolutely dedicated to her team and her community. If she hasn’t been into their house, attended them at the roadside or in hospital, people still know her.
“Her community involvement has also included conducting first aid classes for many years, being a Justice of the Peace and Sheriff of the Kadina Magistrates Court, and conducting furniture restoration classes.
“Lorraine has been seen in ambulance service at many peninsula events, including sporting matches, go carts, trots, the Kadina Show and YP Field Days.
“She has been a real ambassador for the ambulance service.”
Lorraine recalls years on call
“I worked in a chemist shop and I guess I joined St John as a medical offshoot.
“I have gained a lot of experience, knowledge, and many friendships — both with patients and colleagues — and have had an opportunity to help my community.
“Changes have been many, including equipment and procedures, such as now administering some drugs, which was an absolute no-no.
“We have better facilities and vehicles. My first ambulance was a Holden panel van, and then we moved up to Toyota combi vans, Ford F1010s and F250s and now we drive a Mercedes.
“We have gone from carrying two stretchers to one, which I believe is not a good idea in the country, where often multiple carries require the attendance of several ambulances, and this is not without some consequences in smaller communities.
“The biggest highlight of my career is seeing a very sick patient in good health again.
“Many times in the street I will be approached by someone who says, ‘You don’t know me, but I know you — you are the ambulance lady, and I’m feeling good again now.
“The sad times have been transporting people I know, being unable to do anything for them, and knowing this is their last ride.
“Retirement will bring travel — and a bit of metal detecting; I have many orchids that have lacked attention and a shed full of furniture in need of some TLC.
“Generally, though, I will still be around for the community. I have made this my home and I can see no sense in moving.”