Implementation of javascript "stop" code for page.tpl.php

I read this thread on the javascript "stop" code which will stop the 1pixelout player if another one on the same page starts to play.

I am trying to implement this on a page.tpl.php but I am stumped how to retreive the playerID.

I have the following:

print swf($node->field_audio_reading[0]['filepath'],
                 array(
                    'params' => array('width' => '400px', 'wmode' => 'transparent'),
                    'flashvars' => array('playerID' => $item->id),
                 )
            );

But I cannot work out how to call the equivalent of $item->id for access the swf object like I am.

Am I going about access the data from the swf object in the wrong way?