FIRST Magazine issue 14

ISSUE 14 | SUMMER 2023/24

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

The Aka Strategy Meet Dan Spearing, National Equity Manager - Ambulance Operations from Hato Hone St John

Discover our 2023 Symposium and the Scholarship winner

THE FLEET OF THE FUTURE Doing what we do today may not be how we do things tomorrow

www.caa.net.au

Ventilation in EMS: Manually or Mechanical?

Presented by Jan-Thorsten Gräsner MD FERC German Anesthesiologist, Emergency Physician, University Professor, Health Services Researcher and Director of the Institute for Rescue and Emergency Medicine at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein.

Supported by

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Palliative Paramedicine: Challenging Perceptions, Building Paramedic Capacity and Embracing Integrated Models of Care Presented by Ms Madeleine Juhrmann, PhD Candidate at the University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health Research and Research Assistant at the Palliative Centre, HammondCare

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Welcome to FIRST #14, our last edition for 2023. This has been a great opportunity to share with you all that’s been happening with the CAA, our member services and the ambulance health sector at large before we head off to the silly season, which as many of you know is a really busy time for ambulance services and in particular, frontline people.

Since 2002 the CAA has complied the Patient Experience Survey, and in this edition, we present the highlights of 2023’s results, which saw increases in patient satisfaction across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.

The full report is available on our website, caa.net.au, and I encourage you to take a closer look.

We are also pleased to be able to share with you details on four of the CAA’s marquee events, the CAA Congress, the Awards for Excellence, the Women in Leadership Forum, and the Women in Leadership Scholarship. Each of these events and activities goes to the heart of what we do – bringing people together, sharing best practise, and encouraging learning and innovation.

Talking of Congress, this year’s program was full of speakers and presentations who spoke to four of the CAA’s strategic pillars: the role of the ambulance sector, demand management, the changing workforce landscape and ambulance sustainability.

In this edition of FIRST we take the opportunity to share with you a bit more detail from one of our speakers, Dan Spearing, Hato Hone St John’s National Equity Manager – Ambulance Operations. Dan shared with the audience Hato Hone St John’s Aka Strategy, and I’m sure you’ll find it interesting and agree that the path to health equity amongst the indigenous Maori population has been well prepared with this innovative strategy.

Forums and Groups are the very DNA of the CAA, and I am proud to be able to share with you some updates on what a number of our formal groups have been working on over the past few months, something that we’ve not covered in FIRST before. We hope to make this an ongoing feature to keep you informed of the types of longer-term planning and discussions that are being had as our members work towards the ambulance health service of the future.

And, as ever we are delighted to share with you stories and activities within each of the individual ambulance services that make up the CAA. Ours is a unique organisation, and it is wonderful to be able to present who you are and what you’ve been doing to an audience that is not just Australasian but truly international.

I hope you enjoy Issue 14 of FIRST, and as ever warmly invite any suggestions you may have for articles in future editions by contacting us at admin@caa.net.au.

Until next year,

Mojca x

Contents ISSUE 14 | SUMMER 2023/24

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Letter from the Editor

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Data First A snapshot of the 2023 Patient Experience Survey.

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34

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Focus First Delve into Restart a Heart Day and discover the 2023 Women in Leadership Scholarship.

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Opinion First

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Industry First Read the latest news from across the sector.

Do you “Ask the Question”? – Australian Stroke Alliance.

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Services First

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CAA First A recap of the past quarter with the CAA including Forums and Groups, Congress, Awards for Excellence, and the Women in Leadership Symposium.

Showcasing the latest projects and achievements from across CAA member services.

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Feature First FIRST speaks with HHSJ National Equity Manager of Ambulance Operations, Dan Spearing, on the Hato Hone Aka Strategy.

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www.caa.net.au

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In this edition of FIRST we share articles from the Australasian College of Paramedicine, the Emergency Medical Information Book, Respondr, and the FNQ Emergency Services Gala Ball.

Meet just some of the wonderful people that make up the Australian Ambulance services.

Partners First

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People First

65

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The Directory

Research First Dementia – a significant public health challenge worldwide by the CAA’s very own Dr Shohreh Majd, David Waters, and Mojca Bizjak-Mikic.

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Wellness First Approach this festive season feeling your best!

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Sustainability In this edition of FIRST, we take a look at what the fleet of the future might look like.

THE TEAM

PUBLISHED BY:

Editor: Mojca Bizjak-Mikic Relationship and Content Manager: Joshua McNally Editorial Team: Joshua McNally & Courtney Waters Publication Design: Kade Marsh, Alpha State

The Council Of Ambulance Authorities 2/141 Sir Donald Bradman Drive Hilton SA 5033 Australia admin@caa.net.au

Magazine published from paper that is sustainably sourced.

For article submissions or to advertise in FIRST by CAA magazine please contact admin@caa.net.au

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Data First

Patient Experience Survey Since 2002 the CAA has been running the Patient Experience Survey designed to monitor patient experience across all our members with the aim of identifying the quality of ambulance services as reported by the patient. And in 2023, we again see that our members are doing a wonderful job looking after their patients with overall satisfaction sitting at 97% in Australia, 98% in New Zealand and 98% in Papua New Guinea.

Australia

3,941,385

21,740

4,153,511

7,367

patients

All salaried staff (FTE)

incidents

volunteers & first responders

4,089,594

82% OF CALLS

‘000’ calls

93%

overall satisfaction

found the call taker helpful & reassuring

93%

97%

95%

94%

97

%

rated the paramedic/ ambulance care as good

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answered in under 10 seconds

found the staff explanation to be clear

rated the level of confidence & trust as high

found the quality of ride to be comfortable

www.caa.net.au

New Zealand

518,979

3,167

patients

All salaried staff (FTE)

incidents

volunteers & first responders

618,609

83% OF CALLS

650,263

4,034

answered in under 10 seconds

‘111’ calls

98%

92%

95%

98

93%

overall satisfaction

found the call taker helpful & reassuring

93%

95%

94%

93%

overall satisfaction

found the call taker helpful & reassuring

found the staff explanation to be clear

Papua New Guinea %

rated the paramedic/ ambulance care as good

found the staff explanation to be clear

rated the level of confidence & trust as high

found the quality of ride to be comfortable

For more detailed information please read the full report www.caa.net.au/patient-experience-survey CAA Patient Experience Survey 2023 / CAA 2021-22 Consolidated Returns / PNG 2021-22

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Industry First

Industry News

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Ambulance Victoria's New State-of-the-Art Ambulance Branch

SA Ambulance Service's Clinical Educators

Ambulance Victoria’s service to the community in Melbourne’s north-west is being bolstered by a new state-of-the-art ambulance branch at Oak Park.

The multi-million-dollar facility is home to around 80 paramedics from Ambulance Victoria’s Oak Park and Broadmeadows crews. The project involved a complete knock-down and rebuild of the existing branch, which had been in place for over 50 years, replacing it with custom-built modern and safe facilities.

SA Ambulance Service and the ADF have been working together on training, and they recently got the chance to share their skills. SAAS’ clinical educators took medics from the 3rd Health Battalion through a number of scenarios, including chest trauma and a cardiac arrest.

Wellington Free Ambulance's Onesie Appeal

Queensland Ambulance Service's 'Heard and Understood Educational Program'

Wellington Free Ambulance are the only emergency ambulance service for Greater Wellington and Wairapa, providing free emergency support for tens of thousands of people each year across the region. Wellington Free Ambulance rely on fundraising and donations to ensure that their service is free for the region. This year during their annual Onesie Appeal, they were able to raise a onesie-ful $266,500 to support their services.

The Queensland Ambulance Service ‘Heard and Understood Educational Program’ has been recognised with the Earle Duus Award at the Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards. The program was designed to raise awareness and confidence of Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs) to develop an empathetic approach to communicating with a person experiencing a mental health crisis.

www.caa.net.au

NSW Ambulance Achieve Gender Parity Across the Service

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Aircraft 'Whiskey'

Women in NSW Ambulance joined NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison, and other dignitaries to mark the historic achievement of gender parity across the service. NSW Ambulance is the first emergency service agency in NSW to achieve gender parity within its ranks. NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan congratulated the women who have helped grow NSW Ambulance into the respected, skilled, and diverse organisation it is today.

Elders Limited has signed another three-year agreement with the Royal Flying Doctor Service SA/NT, guaranteeing its commitment to rural and remote health and wellbeing until 2026. In recognition of the major sponsorship, the medically-equipped RFDS aircraft VH-FXW, or ‘Whiskey’ as it is known, will continue to airlift two patients a day throughout South Australia bearing the Elders brand on its fuselage. Over the past year alone, 'Whiskey’ has flown more than half a million kilometres and airlifted more than 1,100 patients from 62 different regional and remote communities to specialist medical treatment.

Ambulance Tasmania's Radio Network is Live The Tasmanian Government Radio Network (TasGRN) is fully live at Ambulance Tasmania and their Critical Care and Retrieval (CCR) Unit has been utilising the new handsets for the past few months. TasGRN was incredibly useful in August when multiple emergency services were deployed to rescue a woman at Liffey Falls in the Great Western Tiers. Intensive Care Flight Paramedic Rob said communications capability is often limited in these types of areas due to the old network, but Tas GRN made life much easier for the crews.

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CAA First

CAA Board

CAA Secretariat

Strategic Business Committee

Emergency Management Committee

Women in Ambulance Forum

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Forum

Data Group

Ambulance Sustainability Networking Group

Operations Committee

Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum

Business Intelligence Group

Ambulance Education Committee

Fleet and Equipment Forum

Occupational Violence Networking Group

Stroke Capable Project Group

Clinical and Patient Safety Committee

Aeromedical Forum

Quality Standards and Accreditation Forum

Global Resuscitation Alliance Networking Group

Infection Control and Prevention Networking Group

T

he Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA) has ten committees and forums established to provide direction to, drive and coordinate the collective work of the public ambulance sector in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.

The purpose of these groups is to assist the CAA in meeting its strategic aim, identify emerging issues, promote, and collaborate on best practice methods to benefit the ambulance services, and provide an

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opportunity for discussion and exchange of information.

Over the past 3 months each of the committees and forums have meetings to discuss key issues, challenges, and learnings in their area.

www.caa.net.au

Aeromedical Forum

Ambulance Education Committee

The CAA Aeromedical Forum was formed to bring together ambulance aeromedical services from across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea to gain a broader understanding of aeromedical operations across the region and identify challenges and solutions relating to all aspects of aeromedical operations.

The Ambulance Education Committee provides a focal point for best practice on matters related to ambulance education, training, professional practice, and development.

The Aeromedical Forum held in September featured updates from the CAA and ambulance services in Australia, New Zealand, and PNG, highlighting operational challenges and improvements. Emphasis was placed on resilience, fleet expansion, operational KPIs, cross-country collaboration, and helipad safety.

Discussions included Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) and flexible work options and focusing on the changing workforce landscape.

September’s committee discussed the critical aspects of paramedic education and service quality. The meeting featured survey results from the Australian College of Paramedics, covering paramedicine recognition and clinical practice frameworks. Discussions included leadership programs, the need for a versatile national placement tool, assessing student experiences, and international paramedic recruitment challenges.

Updates from ambulance services highlighted various initiatives including indigenous/cultural education initiatives, redesigning graduate programs, and adopting postgraduate models for ICP.

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CAA First

Clinical and Patient Safety Committee

Emergency Management Committee

The Clinical and Patient Safety committee pro-actively provides and strengthens the quality improvement and patient safety culture within the CAA member services. It provides opportunities for Medical Directors and Clinical Managers of member services, to consider clinical matters relevant to the provision of quality ambulance services and ensure the patients safety and continuous quality improvement systems address areas of patient risk.

The Emergency Management Committee provides a mechanism to share information between services to provide advice related to emergency management on issues including the impact on resource capacities and development, national standards, and technical advice across CAA member ambulance services.

In October, the Clinical and Patient Safety Committee meeting comprised updates from various fields, including expansions in paramedic scope, response time improvements, and equipment procurement. An essential discussion revolved around clinical governance, contemplating alignment with the national framework proposed by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards. The committee received an update on the Australian Stroke Alliance's project, focusing on enhanced prehospital stroke care through technology and education, along with examining the development of 10 voluntary paramedic care clinical indicators.

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The Committee met in early September to discuss learning from recent major events, including the FIFA World Cup, and major incidents including the Hunter Valley bus crash in NSW and Cyclone Gabriel in New Zealand. During the meeting members also participated in a chemical, biological agents, radiological agents, nuclear materials capabilities workshop which included presentations from the Australian Defence Force, Defence Materials Technology Centre, and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.

www.caa.net.au

Fleet and Equipment Forum The Forum addresses the unique requirements of ambulance fleet and ensures ongoing oversight of their maintenance, equipment, infection control procedures amid other essential features to ensure safe and effective service.

The Forum met in late October including study tours which included site visits to Motorola, MDI International, Mercedes Benz Vans and the AV Chas Martin Historical Museum. The Forum received a demonstration by Care Company, and presentations from ZOLL, Electric Vehicle Infrastructure NHP Electrical, and Directed Technologies – Telemetry service. As well as the study tour, other items discussed included fleet & equipment management, procurement, and testing and compliance. There was also a special interest section on stroke, 4WD vehicles, bariatric vehicles and equipment, and CADDA group update.

Finally, the October meeting discussed sustainability in the ambulance health sector, including discussions on electric vehicles, net zero carbon plans, and sustainable procurement.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum The Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum was created to proactively provide and strengthen member ambulance services to significantly reduce the likelihood of psychological harm to staff due to workplace factors.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum came together in mid-October. Key discussions included developing a ten-step position statement aimed for improving psychological wellbeing at workplace, presentations on well-being resources for adults and children, a digital hub for first responders, and an innovative project by "Loffty." During the meeting, the representatives from various ambulance services provided updates on their efforts to improve mental health support and address psychosocial safety risks within their organizations.

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CAA First

Operations Committee The Operations Committee supports high quality and efficient service delivery through the exchange of knowledge, perspectives, and information on service delivery matters between member services.

A key discussion point during the September’s meeting was services discussing initiatives implemented to help manage workload and demand growth. The committee members also heard from the Australian Digital Health Authority on the Aged Care Patient Data Transfer Summary Project.

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Quality Standards and Accreditation Forum The CAA formed the Quality Standards & Accreditation Forum to provide support towards member services achieving or maintaining accreditation.

The forum’s September meeting featured updates from ambulance services, covering a range of topics, including clinical governance, accreditation efforts, patient safety, clinical guidelines, medication management, and telemetry audit preparations. The forum also included presentations on advancements in medication management systems.

www.caa.net.au

Strategic Business Committee The Strategic Business Committee is CAA’s key advisory group providing strategic direction, business development, resourcing, planning, and reporting. It provides oversight of the CAA’s data collection including the comprehensive collation of statistics for the Annual Report on Government Services (ROGS) and a comprehensive patient experience survey.

In July the Committee discussed the workplan for the 2022/23 data collections including the annual CAA Consolidated Returns, Workforce and Gender data collection, the Patient Experience Survey, and numerous internal collections.

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CAA First

S S E R G N O C A CA S

ince 2009, the CAA Congress has been the only ambulance-specific conference and supplier exhibition in Australasia.

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www.caa.net.au

P U P A R W 3 2 20 This year’s Congress was held from August 1-3 at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre (BCEC) and featured various social events, plenary sessions, and a supplier exhibition hall.

The 2023 Congress focused on the theme, “Inspire, Innovate, Elevate” and the program was specifically designed around the 2023-2028 CAA Strategic Plan and covering the topics of Role of Ambulance Services, Demand Management, the Changing Workforce Landscape and Sustainability.

A diverse and international range of speakers featured, both internal and external to the Australasian ambulance health sector.

Over two full days, Congress attendees heard from speakers across a range of subjects including personalising healthcare, the Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration (RRAD) project, the Evaluation of the Mental Health Co-Responder (MHCORE) Program, gender diversity in the workforce, Maori health equity, AI in paramedicine and sustainability strategies and innovation.

There were keynote addresses and important updates from local and international speakers including Darren Mochrie (Chair, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, UK), Dr Yih Yng Ng (Digital and Smart Health Office, Singapore), Professor Kerrianne Watt (Queensland Ambulance Service), Kevin Smith (President, Paramedic Chiefs of Canada), Dr Ross Goldstone (NHS, England) and Jon Dee, (Founder, Planet Ark).

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CAA First

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www.caa.net.au

Congress is also the time for attendees and suppliers to the ambulance health sector to meet and share innovations in products and services, discuss emerging challenges or just learn about innovations outside of Australasia. The Exhibition space in 2023 featured over 30 world-leading organisations. The CAA thanks all exhibitors and sponsors for their support, without whom hosting a Congress would simply not be possible.

One of the most valuable aspects of Congress is the ability to meet and share ideas and information with sector peers from across Australasia. Conviviality and networking amongst people in the ambulance community was an important consideration in Congress planning. The ORH Meet and Mingle Function, GoodSAM Delegate Breakfast and Medical Device International ICU Later events helped attendees put faces to names and build on their professional network, as well as have some fun in a relaxed environment.

With Congress 2023 done and dusted, we’re excited to share with you that Congress 2024 has now been announced. Save the date – August 14-16 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia.

Tickets go on sale shortly and we hope to see you there!

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CAA First

Awards for Excellence

A

ugust 2nd saw the Australasian Ambulance Health sector community, sponsors, international guests, and other allied organisations enjoying a gala evening recognising innovation, hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to improving patient outcomes that are very much what the Council of Ambulance Authorities Awards for Excellence are all about.

The awards were developed to encourage and acknowledge innovations from CAA members throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. In 2023 there were more than fifty submissions across six categories from all over Australasia, once again showcasing the best of the best within the sector.

“The level of transformative thinking and creativity that has gone into these projects and initiatives is truly astounding,” CAA Chief Executive David Waters said.

“Some of these projects have the potential to change the landscape for ambulance, not just amongst our 11 member services, but worldwide.”

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www.caa.net.au

Some of these projects have the potential to change the landscape for ambulance, not just amongst our 11 member services, but worldwide.”

David Waters

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CAA First

The six category winners for 2023 were: • Excellence in Technology Ambulance Victoria for their project ‘2021 Clinical Response Model’ • Excellence in Clinical Practice St John WA for their project ‘Leave behind Nalaxone’

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the Star Award, which is selected from amongst the six category winners by the panel of international judges.

• Excellence in Staff Development St John WA for their project ‘Critical Care Paramedic Internship’ • Excellence in Patient Care Wellington Free Ambulance for their project ‘The Case for Prehospital Telestroke’ • Excellence in Leadership Queensland Ambulance Service, for their project ‘Development of the QAS Strategy 2022-2027’ • Excellence in Mental Health and Wellbeing Wellington Free Ambulance for their project ‘Review of Shift Pattern and Fatigue at Wellington Free Ambulance’.

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www.caa.net.au

The Star Award is given to the most innovative and ground-breaking initiative, and this year was taken home by Wellington Free Ambulance (WFA) for their project, ‘Review of Shift Pattern and Fatigue at Wellington Free Ambulance’.

This project, recognising the impact that shift work has not only for staff and their families, but also for patients and the wider community, exploring options that reduce the burden of fatigue in the long term.

The project aimed to explore and evaluate the impact of differing shift patterns on fatigue, using robust evidence-based research, including if ways to explore and quantify, if possible, a causal link between shift pattern and levels of fatigue amongst frontline Emergency Ambulance Staff (EAS) in Wellington.

This link would allow WFA to consider options for change to their existing shift pattern and/or the introduction of a new shift pattern to reduce the burden of fatigue on staff.

“This initiative by WFA is another example of the innovative thinking, collaboration and capability on display in the ambulance sector,” said Mr Waters.

“The care and long-term welfare of our highly skilled people in each member service is one of the key strategic pillars of the CAA, and initiatives like WFA’s prize-winning project is a great example of new thinking to tackle what we all know is an increase in demand for our services and on our people.”

Entries for the 2024 Awards for Excellence will open very shortly, so make sure you are signed up to receive updates by visiting www.caa.net.au/enews.

To see the full list and project details of 2023 Awards Finalists for every category, scan the QR code below or visit www.caa.net.au/awards.

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CAA First

Women in Leadership Forum

D

id you know that men apply for a job when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 100% of them?

Amongst all CAA members, women make up 53% of the workforce, but these numbers are not reflected in management and executive roles, with only around one third of these roles occupied by women.

Armed with this knowledge, on October 26, the Women in Leadership Forum hosted by the CAA in Melbourne, Australia saw over one hundred attendees learn practical skills, tools, perspectives, and takeaway tips to help them on the next step of their career journey.

With a target audience of women currently in leadership roles or who aspire to leadership, the program covered a range of topics from women’s health and wellbeing, personal career journeys and insights into management styles of the future as well as a Q&A panel session featuring several CAA Board members.

The forum was also the perfect setting to announce the 2023 Women in Leadership Scholarship winner, and to recognise all the finalists.

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Previously a part of the annual Congress program, this year’s standalone one-day forum, saw a range of speakers give their unique insights and share their experiences. Speakers covered a range of topics and included presentations by Ambulance Tasmania’s CE Jordan Emery and Executive Medical Director, Erica Kreismann, St John WA’s Senior Operations Manager, Karen Stewart, Jennie S. Helmer from the British Columbia Emergency Health Services, Mindy Thomas, the 2022 Women in Leadership Scholarship winner, Julie Piantadosi from Total Coaching Academy, and regular FIRST Magazine contributor, paramedic and health & wellbeing instructor, Mitch Mullooly.

We believe that the Ambulance sector has a large pool of hidden talent - women currently in leadership roles or who aspire to leadership but are unsure about how to take that next step in their careers. Judging from feedback so far, many of the people who joined us at the Forum are feeling more certain about their next steps.

www.caa.net.au

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All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.© 2023 Motorola Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved. (10-23)

Focus First

R

estart a Heart is a global initiative of the European Resuscitation Council. The Restart a Heart campaign hopes to improve the 1 in 10 survival rates for patients in Australia and New Zealand who have experienced an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

For more than three years, the CAA has played the role of coordinating International Restart a Heart Day communications and sometimes assets across member services, partners, and community groups.

Building on a successful partnership in 2022, the CAA once again performed in-store events at several Builda-Bear retail outlets in Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney with the assistance of local volunteers and member services.

With thanks to the generosity of Big Outdoor, QMS Media and SA Power Networks, the CAA was also able to promote the campaign on outdoor advertising in several locations including atop the SA Water building at one of Adelaide’s busiest intersections, large digital screens in 7-11 outlets in Victoria and a range of outdoor billboards in metropolitan Brisbane.

Restart a Heart Day 2023 also saw the launch of a new website (restartaheart.net), made possible with the kind assistance of Laerdal.

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Focus First

T

his year on October 16, Restart a Heart Day events and activities were held across Australasia, aiming to increase and engage public awareness of the importance of learning CPR. Check out just a few of the CAA member services initiatives.

ce

bulan m A W

NS

ctoria

Queensland Ambulance Service

e Vi Ambulanc

NSW Ambulance NSW Ambulance hosted free CPR education sessions in Bondi Park on October 16, where kids were able to take a close look at an ambulance and fire truck, and also meet Bondi lifeguards.

Ambulance Victoria For Restart a Heart Day, Ambulance Victoria landed at Melbourne Airport to teach terminal staff, passengers and bystanders how to perform CPR and use an AED. During October Ambulance Victoria paramedics travelled all over Victoria, spreading life-saving messaging about CPR, the use of AEDs and the importance of signing up to the GoodSAM app.

Queensland Ambulance Service Queensland Ambulance Service held numerous Emergency Service Expos around Restart a Heart Day. Hundreds of visitors headed to the Queensland Ambulance Service displays to chat with the local paramedics, learn lifesaving CPR, and first aid skills.

ervice

nce S a l u b m A SA

SA Ambulance Service SA Ambulance Service partnered with The Council of Ambulance Authorities, St John Ambulance SA, Surf Life Saving SA, and Flinders University, to host an event in Rundle Mall, Adelaide. The event held CPR and AED demonstrations to teach the importance of Call, Push, Shock during an out-ofhospital cardiac arrest.

St John WA To bring awareness to Restart a Heart Day, St John WA was invited to speak at the City of South Perth Business Networking Sundowner, about the ways local businesses can help save a life. St John WA Resuscitation Improvement Specialist Jason Belcher spoke about the crucial role public defibrillators play in improving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates.

St John WA 28

www.caa.net.au

Ambulance Tasmania

St John NT

Ambulance Tasmania held events across the state to celebrate Restart a Heart Day and offer communities the chance to learn about CPR, Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and what to do if someone is in cardiac arrest. One of these events were hosted at the Southgate Shopping Centre in Dover, where Ambulance Tasmania’s Chief Executive Jordan Emery, and Executive Medical Director Erica Kreismann joined in.

St John NT hosted an event at Raintree Park on Restart a Heart Day, where they encouraged the public to engage in CPR demonstrations. At the event St John NT challenged Northern Territory Police, and Fire and Emergency Services to a friendly CPR throwdown.

ACT Ambulance Service On Restart a Heart Day, ACT Ambulance Service visited Merici College to educate students about what to do if someone is in cardiac arrest. Spreading the message that anyone can learn CPR by getting everyone involved during the session.

Ambulance Tasmania

ervice

AC

lance S T Ambu

Hato Hone St John Hato Hone St John hosted numerous Restart a Heart Day events through their Shocktober campaign, where dozens of community members have been equipped with essential lifesaving skills at local training sessions, including their ASB Bank Greymouth event.

T St John N

Hato Hone St John

Wellington Free Ambulance Wellington Free Ambulance held an event at Wellington International Airport, where paramedics taught vital life-saving CPR skills, including how to use an AED. Throughout the event, Wellington Free Ambulance helped 120 participants give CPR a go.

St John Ambulance Papua New Guinea On Restart a Heart Day St John Ambulance Papua New Guinea hosted an awareness session and first aid training on what to do in the event of a cardiac arrest. During this session, St John Ambulance completed demonstrations and answered questions related to a cardiac arrest.

Wellin

gton Am

bulance

Free

ce PNG

ulan St John Amb

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Focus First

2023 CAA Women in Leadership Scholarship Winner

D

uring our 2023 Women in Leadership Forum, we were delighted to introduce the 2023 Women in Leadership Scholarship.

This scholarship was established in 2022 to promote leadership development and mentoring, encouraging more women to take on leadership roles and supporting the ongoing growth of existing women leaders in ambulance health services.

The recipient of the scholarship, Fiona Windsor from Ambulance Victoria, was awarded a fully funded oneon-one 12-month virtual leadership course with Julie Piantadosi from Total Coaching Academy. Additionally, the two runners-up, Belinda Callaghan and Heidi McGuire from NSW Ambulance, received a fully funded one-on-one 6-month leadership course with Julie. All the scholarship finalists were also given two group online leadership sessions with Julie.

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Julie Piantadosi is a highly sought-after coach in Australia, specializing in empowering mindset, leadership, and rapid acceleration. Her program facilitates the transition from ordinary to extraordinary through simple and effective tools for personal and professional improvement.

Fiona shared her reflections on winning the scholarship, emphasizing the importance of using her role to promote the work of others in the ambulance sector.

Belinda and Heidi, the runners-up, expressed their pride in being recognized and the impact it had on them personally and professionally.

www.caa.net.au

Fiona WIndsor (left), Heidi McGuire (centre) and Belinda Callaghan (Right)

We also extend our congratulations to the other 12 finalists of the 2023 Women in Leadership Scholarship, recognizing their dedication to leadership development in the ambulance sector.

Serina Abraham, St John WA

In interviews with Fiona, Belinda, and Heidi, they discussed their motivations for applying for the scholarship. Fiona's experience of being discouraged from applying for a leadership position due to maternity leave inspired her to ensure future generations of women don't face similar obstacles. Belinda emphasized the importance of the CAA's focus on women in leadership, while Heidi credited her senior manager's encouragement for giving her the courage to apply.

Looking ahead, Fiona aims to positively influence her colleagues and create a meaningful, safe, and rewarding career for paramedics and first responders. Belinda aspires to move into various managerial roles, focusing on mentoring and empowering her colleagues. Heidi wants to continue showing up authentically in her role, invest in her team, seek new opportunities, and contribute to the next generation.

Emily Byers, Ambulance Tasmania Melinda Ellis, NSW Ambulance Joannah Gaut, NSW Ambulance Gabrielle Harding, Hato Hone St John Laura Jefferies, Wellington Free Ambulance Nicole Jones, Hato Hone St John Melinda Leigh, Ambulance Victoria Tori Passarin, St John Ambulance NT Lianne Pepperell, Hato Hone St John Len Power, SA Ambulance Service Chantel Taylor, Ambulance Victoria

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CHECKING IN ON OUR ORANGE FAMILY Ashleigh, a volunteer crew member, and training officer with the State Emergency Services (SES), has shared her story to normalise R U OK? conversations among emergency services workers and volunteers nationwide.

Ashleigh (she/they) first put on her SES uniform at 18 years old, immediately feeling part of the orange family. Eleven years on, she’s responded to some of our country’s major floods and fires, and at times felt the brunt of natural disasters on their mental wellbeing.

“When you respond to a natural disaster you’re running on adrenaline, the devastation is in front of you, emotions are high within the community, but you’re razor focused on getting people the help they need. When you return home, and take the uniform off, it can be quite lonely and isolating trying to process and understand what just happened.”

Left: Luke (Ashleigh’s Unit Controller) Right: Ashleigh

“After a deployment in 2022, I hit a wall and began to fear putting my uniform back on. I was so anxious about getting paged to another job. I was struggling to cope but was too scared to admit it to anyone, so I faced it alone for months.”

Ashleigh says she internalised how she was feeling because she believed that to do her job, she had to remain strong. “I was worried I had failed as an emergency services volunteer because I’d reached a point where I couldn’t do it on my own.

I couldn’t keep everything in and deal with it.”

A colleague of Ashleigh’s noticed she seemed different and took the time to check in.

“One day my controller approached me to ask if I was OK. He said ‘I don’t know you as well as other people in your life probably do, but I have noticed you’ve been different. You don’t have the same enthusiasm as usual, so I wanted to check in and see how you are doing.’”

“Him starting that conversation gave me the permission I wasn’t giving myself to open-up. Feeling heard and understood took the weight off my shoulders and made me realise I wasn’t failing as an emergency services volunteer, I just needed a bit of support, and that’s perfectly OK.”

Ashleigh and her crew

Ashleigh wants everyone to understand the power of having an R U OK? conversation.

“Without that conversation I wouldn’t be in my uniform anymore, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I now know I don’t have to go at it alone and I can bounce back stronger.”

“If you notice someone isn’t themselves, trust your gut and check in. Most importantly, make sure you have enough time to really hear their concerns if they say they aren’t OK. It changed my life, and it could change theirs.”

Ashleigh’s story can be found at ruok.org.au along with the free ‘Are They Triple OK?’ resources for police and emergency services workers and volunteers, as well as their family and friends. These include a conversation guide, a podcast and other personal stories.

If you’re worried about someone, encourage them to contact their Employee Assistance Program (EAP), agency support service or connect with their GP. For 24/7 for crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Text support is also available: 0477 13 11 14.

Opinion First

Do you “Ask the Question”?

By Amanda Place, Australian Stroke Alliance

T

he Australian Stroke Alliance is checking-in with paramedics around the nation. While we are all dedicated to improving prehospital stroke response times and treatment, we are asking our colleagues: • Do you always ask if a patient identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?

• Are you opening up the pathway for culturally safe care by asking this routine question?

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Stroke care is undergoing a transformation, thanks to the use of advanced telehealth, time-critical thrombolysis, thrombectomy and the imminent arrival of portable brain imaging – expected to begin trials in 2024.

Paramedics are on the frontline and already, we’re seeing faster treatment as stroke patient data arrives at emergency departments well before the ambulance. Paramedics are working with tele-neurologists to transform care.

But changing routine practice is always a challenge. And yes, we are all driven to offer optimal care for every patient. But there are times when a nuanced approach pays dividends.

By routinely asking “Do you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?” you can ensure First Nations patients are offered specific and culturally appropriate care.

www.caa.net.au

Paramedics are members of a growing research community, helping to accurately categorise patients and test outcomes from clinical interventions in the prehospital setting.

Aboriginal neurologist, Dr Angela Dos Santos, works on Melbourne’s mobile stroke unit and sees firsthand the impact when paramedics take this approach - which is a standard requirement. As well as ‘asking the question’, Angie suggests adding a line to bring comfort to a nervous patient: “Do you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?”…

“I only ask so we can offer everyone the best care”.

Her colleague, Aboriginal paramedic Michelle Crilly adds: “Asking the question ensures we have a full picture of the patient’s background, allowing us to identify potential opportunities to strengthen health and health related care, linking to culture and ethnicity.”

The Stroke Alliance and health services are recording this essential information, often through the telehealth app, Zeus, being rolled-out in SA, Vic, NSW, and NT (with more to come).

By asking the question and recording the response, paramedics are contributing to the collection of essential data, while measuring the impact of our care.

Paramedics are members of a growing research community, helping to accurately categorise patients and test outcomes from clinical interventions in the prehospital setting.

The push to ‘ask the question’ is driven by the Stroke Alliance’s Indigenous team known as Darak.

Both Angela, a Kwiamble and Gumbaynggirr woman, and Michelle, a Yorta Yorta woman, are working with a team of researchers to ensure Indigenous voices are front and centre of the Stroke Alliance’s medical research, health care and education.

“Asking the question encourages a health service to consider how it engages with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

It’s part of safety and quality and is just as important as determining age and gender,” says Michelle, who is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program lead in Equality and Workplace Reform at Ambulance Victoria.

“For the patient, the opportunity to identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or both can be empowering while they are receiving health care.

By asking, we provide evidencebased care that is culturally and clinically responsive.”

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023 acknowledges that accurate data is needed to properly monitor health outcomes and redress systemic racism in the healthcare system.

Under-identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients is a key issue in data collection, resulting in data gaps that may impede policy development and service provision.

When it comes to stroke care, some paramedics may not realise that these patients experience strokes at much younger age, often missing the chance to trigger an urgent stroke response.

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Opinion First Stroke disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

The Darak team is determined to close the data gaps and influence care to address disparities in health outcomes. As Michelle says: “We need paramedics to help us collect data so we can determine the approaches that are most effective.”

“For the patient, the opportunity to identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or both can be empowering while they are receiving health care. By asking, we provide evidence-based care that is culturally and clinically responsive.”

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023 acknowledges that accurate data is needed to properly monitor health outcomes and redress systemic racism in the healthcare system.

Under-identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients is a key issue in data collection, resulting in data gaps that may impede policy development and service provision.

Indigenous Australians have a stroke incidence rate that is 2–3 fold that of non-Indigenous Australians.

In the under 55 years population the stroke incidence rate is 6–9 fold.

Indigenous Australians have higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors, are 10–30 years younger at stroke onset, and less likely to receive secondary prevention or access rehabilitation services.

When it comes to stroke care, some paramedics may not realise that these patients experience strokes at much younger age, often missing the chance to trigger an urgent stroke response.

Their mortality rate from stroke is 3–5 fold that of non-Indigenous Australians.

A patient’s story:

W

iradjuri woman Charlotte Dodds Porter is a member of the Darak team at the Stroke Alliance, and a mother of four.

She was working a 12-hour shift as a disability support worker in Condobolin, NSW, when she experienced a stroke. Aged 30 at the time, she was not identified by health workers as being at risk of stroke. She was driven to a regional hospital where she waited six hours to be seen by a nurse, and 20 hours before she was diagnosed.

“I believe my diagnosis might’ve been made more quickly if the medical team had asked me if I was Aboriginal,” Charlotte says. “They also might’ve connected me with Aboriginal liaison and culturally appropriate care.”

Dr Anna Balabanski, another member of the Stroke Alliance team, has carried out the largest study of its kind, looking at the records of 12,000 stroke patients in the NT, WA and SA.

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“Indigenous people are most at risk of stroke, and earlier,” Dr Balabanski says.

“Particularly in younger Aboriginal women, the rate of bleeding on the brain was 11 times higher than in non-Aboriginal women.

“The average age in the Aboriginal population for a stroke is 54.5 years, and that is 16 years younger than the average in non-Aboriginal people, which is over 70 years old at the time of their first stroke.”

By asking if someone identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, we can then make life-altering connections to assist with faster diagnosis and appropriate support and treatment.

www.caa.net.au

About the Australian Stroke Alliance The Australian Stroke Alliance is a powerful collaboration dedicated to improving the care of the growing number of people suffering stroke.

The CAA is a principal partner of the Alliance, and proud to be a part of this health initiative.

Australians have poor access to stroke care, particularly those in rural and remote locations, because of a lack of brain imaging and expertise.

The solution is to develop light-weight brain scanners to rapidly deliver pre-hospital stroke care by air and road ambulances to all Australians. Underpin the direct intervention with education and a national telehealth platform.

If the Australian Stroke Alliance realises its dream, those who experience a stroke will collectively gain 235,000 years of life, free of disability; we will create 1700 new jobs and save the nation $15.6 billion by 2050.

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Portable brain imaging anywhere, anytime.

EMVision’s world first point-of-care brain scanners are on their way.

emvisionmedical.com

Brain imaging at the scene of a stroke will save lives.

EMVision is partnering with national telehealth provider, Titan, on a critical mission: to deliver urgent prehospital stroke care to all Australians, regardless of location.

Caution: EMVision’s products are unapproved – For Clinical Investigational Use Only.

Device safety, effectiveness and compliance with regulatory requirements have not been evaluated by the TGA.

Services First

ECU paramedicine students join St John WA team for disaster response From St John WA

S

t John WA is delivering additional specialist training to paramedicine students at Edith Cowan University to enable students to deploy with emergency ambulance services in the event of a disaster.

The new surge workforce program provides Western Australia’s emergency ambulance service with a reserve team which can deploy as volunteers to support the response to major incidents involving multiple casualties.

Under the expanded partnership between ECU and St John, all 52 students who have signed up to join the program will receive mass casualty and disaster principles training.

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• 33 students will receive specialized training to become St John Emergency Medical Assistants (EMAs), further bolstering the response capabilities during surge events with the aid of ECU. • 19 students are already trained through St John WA's volunteer system and will join the surge workforce team.

Training for the participating students is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of July.

www.caa.net.au

The time students spend volunteering with St John WA will also contribute to completing their required clinical hours as part of their studies, helping cement their paramedicine careers. All expenses covered by St John WA.

Edith Cowan University Associate Dean of Allied Health, Associate Professor David Reid said the university was pleased to support the surge workforce program and further the partnership with St John WA for the benefit of the WA public.

St John WA Head of Specialist Operations Joe Cuthbertson said the collaboration between St John WA and ECU signified a significant step forward in preparing for and responding to emergency situations in WA.

“With its robust program design, this collaboration between ECU and St John WA will support ambulance response, whilst promoting high-quality and safe patient care,” Dr Reid said.

“By harnessing the skills and dedication of ECU Paramedicine students, the surge workforce program aims to ensure a robust emergency response system, capable of effectively managing high-demand scenarios,” Mr Cuthbertson said.

“This program contributes to St John WA’s organisational resilience for surge events such as natural hazards like bushfires, cyclones and floods.”

“Our paramedicine students will gain supervised experience in the ambulance environment, being able to directly relate their surge workforce activities back to their university studies.”

St John WA has more than 4000 Country Ambulance volunteers in a range or roles which responded to almost 80,000 Triple Zero (000) emergency cases in FY 22-23.

To learn more about volunteering with St John WA, visit stjohnwa.com.au/changelives/volunteer.

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Services First

Image courtesy of Ryan Imray Photography

Hato Hone St John delighted with FIFA Women’s World Cup event From Hato Hone St John

H

ato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance are still on a high after delivering “world class” event health services to the FIFA Women’s World Cup earlier this year.

The two New Zealand ambulance providers worked side by side to develop and deliver the largest event medical program they had ever taken on to the major international sporting tournament with an estimated two billion people tuning in globally (seventh largest sports tournament in history).

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Natalie Lang, Hato Hone St John Event Health Services (EHS) National Operations Manager says it was massive.

“Both in terms of how long the event went for, the volume of events each day, the pure scale across the country with our major football venues being sold out almost every match, the amount of people and resource required

to meet FIFAs stringent demands, the months of dedicated planning, travel arrangements, hotels, and significant budget attributed to the event.”

While it was a huge amount of work behind the scenes and during the tournament, Natalie says she still feeling elated about how well it went.

www.caa.net.au

“Everything ran seamlessly which I must say was thanks to the huge amount of preparation mahi we had done over the past 18 months to get ready.”

“Lessons learned from this experience provides an opportunity to make those adjustments and deliver an even better event next time.”

This included designing, building, and implementing a well-structured, integrated, and sustainable medical services program to provide the necessary, appropriate, and comprehensive health care to all participants and stakeholders across the tournament.

Glen Hoult, Hato Hone St John Event Risk and Specialist Team Manager says overall the effort from staff and volunteers couldn’t be faulted.

“The effort behind the scenes paid off, especially when you hear feedback from the Chief Medical Officer for FIFA NZ, Dr Mike O’Reilly, and from FIFA Match Day doctors – who all have vast experience in delivering medical services to FIFA globally –that without a doubt HHSJ along with WFA had delivered a world class event.

“They even went as far to say it is the best team they’ve worked with and will use our model as an exemplar to other tournaments around the world and wished they were able to take ‘our team’ with them wherever they were going next.

“That was the best compliment we could have ever wished for.”

Natalie says while they know they did a superb job, there were always things to improve, including the amount of time needed to prepare.

“It’s amazing, you think that you have long enough, but we really could have used an extra six months, particularly for recruitment and rostering of all the key positions we needed to fill.”

“I am incredibly proud of our team, hearing feedback from doctors with international sporting experience like they have just reinforces the extremely high standard that we deliver.”

Glen says his biggest highlights was witnessing New Zealand score a goal at the opening match at Eden Park in front of over 40,000 people.

“The other was watching our medical team go to work on the Field of Play, treating an injured player in front of tens of millions of worldwide television viewers and they did it flawlessly.”

Working alongside Wellington Free Ambulance was also a great experience, he says.

“We both had the same goal of ensuring we delivered a safe and successful event, and WFA were super excited to be a part of the FWWC2023 with Hato Hone St John.

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 New Zealand & Australia July 20 to August 20

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days

251 29

Training Sessions

Official Matches

250 53 4

Wellington Free Ambulance staff supported the Wellington region

players assessed and treated

170 8

Hato Hone St John members worked the events

spectators assessed and treated

patients transported to hospital

6972 840

crew hours

volunteer hours

“We learned that other medical providers can sometimes have better ideas than us, especially in their hometown, so learning to change and adapt to different ways of working to achieve a better result for our patients was a takeaway for me.

Glen and Nat are looking forward to collaborating again with WFA at future major events in the Wellington region.

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Services First

OHCA ECMO trial up and running in NSW NSW Ambulance’s latest out-of-hospital cardiac arrest trial is underway.

From NSW Ambulance

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www.caa.net.au

N

SW Ambulance’s E-CPR trial for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients went live on Sunday 13 August - the same day as Sydney’s annual City2Surf run.

“No patient actually needed our ECMO car that day,” Senior Manager, Clinical Systems Candice Andrews said. “Ahead of the race though, all our clinicians in the PRECARE trial were fully briefed, trained up and ready to go, in case an eligible case occurred.”

ECMO is short for ‘extracorporeal membrane oxygenation’ – sometimes referred to as a ‘heart-lung machine’. It’s a procedure up till now only delivered in hospital.

Practice makes PRECARE An intensive training day for the PRECARE trial was held in late July at the Bankstown Aeromedical Base, involving a number of realistic live simulations.

What is the PRECARE trial?

The PRECARE trial aims to bring ECMO to patients on scene in refractory cardiac arrest within the first 45 minutes of their arrest. To be eligible for the trial, patients must have no return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) from either 15 minutes of CPR and three shocks from a defibrillator.

The PRECARE team is made up of two doctors specifically trained in ECMO and one CCP who is also specifically trained and credentialled.

Phase 1 of the PRECARE trial runs until the end of November 2023, and will only be eligible for patients who are transported to Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) or St Vincent’s Hospital. Plans are underway to add Westmead Hospital as a future site.

“The focus was on refining workflows to seamlessly integrate on-road Critical Care Paramedics (CCPs) and paramedics jointly working on patients eligible to be part of the PRECARE trial,” Candice explained.

As of early November, five patients have been successfully put onto ECMO during CPR in the prehospital setting.

“Teams also engaged in specialised skill training and assessments, covering ECMO cannulation and pump management.”

The PRECARE trial will run in parallel with the final months of NSW Ambulance’s EVIDENCE trial – a randomised control trial that tests two forms of OHCA response – a Standard arm and an Expedited arm.

The out-of-hospital ECMO procedure requires strong paramedic involvement and leadership, with proficient basic life support (BLS), advanced life support (ALS), and precise documentation referencing the criteria of both of NSW Ambulance’s out-of-hospital cardiac arrest trials — EVIDENCE and PRECARE.

“Unfortunately, survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests remain stubbornly low,” Candice Andrews said.

The simulations provided paramedics with an understanding of the clinical objectives of the PRECARE team, while reciprocally allowing the PRECARE team to understand the standard clinical and logistical workflow of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

PRECARE trial Criteria for participants

“Our goal is to find procedures that improve survival rates with good neurological outcomes.”

To be included in the PRECARE trial, participants need to meet the following criteria: • Age: Adults under 70 years • Witnessed arrest with bystander CPR • Rhythm: VF/VT/PEA When looking at exclusions, people who have significant co-morbidities, metastatic cancer, end-stage heart/lung disease, severe functional impairment can’t participate in the trial.

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Services First

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www.caa.net.au

Meet Kirby the Kangaroo!

From ACT Ambulance Service

I

n July this year ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) welcomed the newest member to their team – Kirby the Kangaroo! Just like joeys being carried in kangaroo pouches, we all need assistance from time to time.

Kirby is designed to help ACTAS connect with the younger people in the community, assist with public education campaigns, and raise awareness about the role of paramedics in the ACT.

We hope that by having this Kirby will not only build and strengthen the awareness of ACTAS in our community but make it easier to engage and educate people on how to Be Emergency Ready.

With ACTAS being part of the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA), Kirby joins fellow ESA mascots Sparkie the Dog from ACT Fire & Rescue, Ember the Echidna from ACT Rural Fire Service, and Paddy the Platypus from ACT State Emergency Service, completing our mascot family.

Topics which Kirby will help us educate the community on include:

As emergency service workers, ACTAS is responsible for providing emergency and non-emergency ambulance services to the ACT community. However, they also play a role in educating the community on what to do if an emergency occurs and steps, they can take now to prevent an emergency situation.

• What to do if you see an ambulance with its lights and sirens on

When our community are engaging with ACT paramedics, they are usually feeling very vulnerable or could potentially be experiencing the worst day of their life.

It is paramount that proactive and long-term education messaging is shared with the community before these difficult times occur. That’s where Kirby comes in.

Kirby will give ACTAS a consistent face, a character, and a personality, complementing our already amazing paramedics that are out in the community day in day out.

• How and when to dial 000 in and ask for an ambulance • How to administer CPR

However, Kirby does not exist just to engage with the ACT community, but also ACTAS staff. Kirby was created by paramedics for paramedics. ACTAS staff not only picked Kirby’s name but also voted to select the animal of the Kangaroo to represent their service. With ACTAS staff being involved in the design process from day one, this helps us ensure that Kirby embodies, the tone, ethics, and values of ACTAS, truly making Kirby a member of the team.

In addition to community education and engagement Kirby will also play a role in internal communications, staff engagement and wellbeing. They are sure going to be one busy Kangaroo.

ACTAS can’t wait to see all the work that Kirby will do and are excited to have them join the team!.

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Feature First

DS Dan Spearing The CAA prides itself on the speakers who present to our Congress delegates each year. In 2023 we were honoured to be able to introduce Dan Spearing, National Equity Manager – Ambulance Operations from Hato Hone St John to our audience to discuss Hato Hone St John’s Aka Strategy.

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www.caa.net.au

I

n Aotearoa New Zealand, health statistics report high Maori health deficits and poor health outcomes compared to non-Maori.

People who identify as M aori have an average life expectancy that is approximately seven years less than non-M aori.

Reducing inequities like this requires working with Maori to rebalance opportunities to proactively manage health, an undertaking Hato Hone St John has embraced.

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Feature First Dan, thanks for your time and for sharing the Aka strategy at Congress 2023. Could you share with us the journey Hato Hone St John has been on working - to improve the health deficit leading to the with Maori Aka Strategy?

Hato Hone St John has always had a close relationship and worked alongside supporting iwi M aori throughout its history. The priority of acknowledging and addressing inequities began in 2009 when the first M aori Advisor was appointed to deliver the first Hato Hone St John M aori Strategy.

A further development was the establishment of the M aori Advisory Group Tahuhu in 2014 to see the implementation of cultural competency being adopted into the organisation’s clinical education.

Building on the experiences over the prior years, in 2019 a National M aori Advisor was appointed, and the M aori Responsiveness Team, later renamed Kahui Mauaka was established.

This group’s first job was to design and lead the Aka Strategy that would sit under Hato Hone St John’s strategic aims in its Manaaki Ora Strategy - .

– ‘Committing to Equity for M aori’ There are a few parts to the strategy, but how could you best summarise the purpose of the Aka strategy?

Since it’s launch, what has been a major area of focus for the team and for Hato Hone St John?

Aka means ‘vines’ and Hato Hone St John have identified three interconnected vines within the strategy based on the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi). Simply put, the overall purpose is to achieve Kia roa te ora o aku mokopuna – ‘may the lives of our mokopuna, our descendants be longer than ours’.

The biggest thing from an organisational perspective is the intentional commitment to Maori health equity through Manaaki Ora. It’s a deliberate signal, both internally and externally. We have acknowledged the past, and present, and intentionally committed to change by embedding this in our overarching strategy. It lays the foundation for the entire organisation to move in this direction.

One of the key considerations for the team is taking people along the journey – establishing and educating around the ‘why’ we need to move into the space of M aori health equity. Helping people understand why we should deliberately be focusing on certain populations as opposed to just treating everyone the same is really important.

As an example, what is the difference between equity and equality and what can our history teach us to help guide the future.

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In your presentation at Congress you talked about the ‘thousand cups of tea’ idea. Could you tell us what you meant by this, and why it’s important to the success of the Aka strategy?

The first step to improving equity is building the relationships and trust with those communities or ‘whanaungatanga’ because in te ao M aori it is vital to create that rapport. Once you have that in place, you will be better able to identify the needs and aspirations within those communities. Once you build a rapport and better understanding, that’s when you can work in the right direction to support that community.

The answers to improving the inequities that exist lie within the community and therefore, at Hato Hone St John we’re committed to having ‘a thousand cups of tea’ with these communities.

With any new initiative, there are learnings and enhancements to the plan along the way. Have there been any unexpected hurdles in getting the Aka strategy out and into the community, do you think?

You can probably imagine that given this commitment to M aori health equity, there is a lot of work involved to delivering the outcomes we are all working towards. The ongoing challenge will be to truly and continuously committing to this work – which means resourcing and funding, so we’re really only at the beginning of our journey.

Continuing to lay the foundation and convincing hearts and minds to continue is the ongoing challenge, but the rewards and tangible differences will make it worth it.

During the presentation, you introduced us all to the excellent Aka Whiri app. Could you share with our readers just what it is and how it’s being used?

Trying to make it easier for Hato Hone St John staff to ‘get on the waka’ is a key priority and so important to the success of the strategy. To help with building internal understanding of our direction forward, we launched the Aka Whiri app, which simply put is an app designed to guide users on their te ao M aori journey.

We worked in partnership with Kiwa Digital so that means it’s entirely unique and bespoke to us.

It’s tailored specifically to Hato Hone St John and a Hauora (health) perspective.

The Aka Whiri is a simple guiding tool that provides an introduction to Te Ao M aori, Te Reo (language), and Tikanga (M aori customs and protocols). The app also gives users a number of tips and tricks about how to incorporate Te Ao into everyday work in office and frontfacing such as ambulance so in time it becomes second nature, further building rapport and better health outcomes. www.caa.net.au

During the presentation at Congress, your colleague Emma Sutherland talked about ‘Small Dose/High Frequency’ training and education for Hato Hone St John team members. Could you expand on what you meant by this for us?

Rather than load up our people with lots of information all at once, we’ve taken the small dose/high frequency approach to training, literally meaning small bite-sized pieces over a short time frame. This approach is really important if we’re going to be successful in taking our people on the journey as they’re more likely to learn.

Frontline staff can have snap shots of training where they can feel confident, they’ve learned this aspect, then go onto implementation and feeling comfortable with that. Then, in a couple of weeks or month they can learn another aspect and so on. It’s a forever growing kaupapa (focus/ initiative) and we’re working to weave this cultural teaching throughout all clinical education that front facing staff have each year.

We have an amazing ambulance education team that focuses on building resources that support clinical competency and confidence. There’s an intranet page ‘on demand’ with a range of resources. In this space we’ve worked to build resources from a M aori perspective.

My colleague, National M aori Advisor Aroha Brett and I have also done video podcasts that look at cultural considerations from a M aori world view perspective and how to incorporate this safe cultural practice into clinical practice.

We also support online learning modules and other resources that speak to the M aori world view.

Based on you and your team’s experiences so far, what do you think are some opportunities that other Ambulance Health services could implement as part of their equity planning journey?

Start with understanding. For any other ambulance or health service looking to implement their equity planning journey, I would say that the first and foremost step is to look to the indigenous people of those communities and the nation.

Continuing to focus on planting the seed of understanding around equity vs equality and how inequity and inequality has come to exist is vital and will help unlock the potential.

Any nation moving forward in this space needs to focus growing their ability to look through the lens of the indigenous people, otherwise how will you know if the solutions being suggested will be right for the people they are intended for?

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Feature First

One of the deliverables of the strategy is to ensure a wider and more culturally diverse workforce. Can you share with us some of the ways this is being done?

We know that having better representation of the communities we serve in our workforce helps create natural connection and rapport. Rapport and connection are vital when it comes to addressing health inequity.

There’s a lot of work being done alongside our recruitment team to create a culturally safe process – this means making the front door of our organisation as culturally affirming and enhancing as possible.

On top of this, we are moving into targeted recruitment initiatives – showcasing career opportunities within those areas with high needs.

The organisation is also partnering with tertiary providers in supporting them to get more Maori and Pasifika into paramedic related study options.

Looking at your career specifically, you’ve done many different things from sales to paramedicine right up to your current role. How, if at all, do you think those experiences shape what you do as National Equity Manager?

When working on the Aka Strategy for Hato Hone St John I most definitely have drawn on my professional and lived experiences, as well as the indigenous knowledge that has been passed down to me.

I think it’s important to remember that your experience doesn’t begin from your first day on the job – it’s from the day you are born. I bring with me all my lived experiences as a man of Maori descent, and the experiences of inequities shared by me and my whanau.

I was taught humility at a young age. Humble beginnings produce humble leaders. Humble leaders are the most effective leaders in this world.

Working as a paramedic has also helped me to understand the impact that inequities have on families across the motu – you see this play out in real life.

Thanks very much for you time today and for your great presentation at Congress, Dan. We are excited for the future of the Aka strategy and wish you and the team all the best in bringing it to life.

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www.caa.net.au

About Dan Spearing Dan is a humble man of Maori descent and Pakeh adescent, proud husband, and father to three daughters.

A paramedic by trade, he has been working in the health sector for a decade, now sitting in the Senior Leadership team at Hato Hone St John championing Maori heath equity.

Dan’s whakapapa/genealogy/ bones connect him back to two iwi (tribes) on the east coast of Aotearoa New - Kahungunu Zealand – Ngati and Rongomaiwahine.

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Partners First

The crucial need for workplace flexibility in paramedicine

By John Bruning, CEO, Australasian College of Paramedicine

D

uring the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed the extraordinary dedication and sacrifice of all healthcare professionals, who continued to deliver the healthcare our communities needed during this challenging time.

While many people, if not most at some stage, worked from home, our frontline healthcare professionals attended to patients in hospitals, clinics and in the community. This had a significant impact on our health workforce; confronting the COVID virus daily, isolating from family and friends, long shifts dressed in PPE, and perhaps more so than ever this highlighted the crucial need for workplace flexibility for our healthcare professionals. The past 18 months have seen a push for much greater flexibility from the healthcare workforce.

One of the College’s recent consultations looked at Building a future-ready workforce and highlighted several priority areas for paramedicine.

The priority areas were: • Creating positive work environments; • Supporting diversity, inclusion and cultural safety in the workplace; • Supporting and engaging paramedics to work to their full potential; • Utilisation of education and qualifications to align capabilities and the impact of new roles on the workforce, and; • Attracting and retaining the workforce.

The need to create positive work environments saw workplace flexibility stand out as a key theme, with 91% of respondents identifying that workplace flexibility was important to them.

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The top three opportunities to create positive work environments ranked similarly, and they were: Programs and initiatives that help the workforce feel valued, productive and supported; workplace flexibility initiatives that help the workforce maintain a balanced life; and career advancement and pathways that deliver a rewarding career.

It has been pleasing to see the issue of workplace flexibility in healthcare highlighted across several health and ambulance services’ draft workforce plans. Greater flexibility allows paramedics to be more in control of their careers, mitigates burnout, improves mental health and wellbeing, and creates better balance with personal goals. For employers who get it right, they can look forward to improved recruitment and retention rates while also being recognised as an employer of choice. The next five to 10 years will see considerable advancement and evolution in the paramedicine workforce, and I expect flexibility to be a key driver.

For many years, paramedics working clinically, with the shift structure required, have been forced to choose between career paths such as on-road, management, academic or research. There are too many examples of good paramedics moving over to academia and having to forgo their clinical role, which they still enjoy, due to a lack of flexibility in shift structure. The College recently released a position statement on Recognising conjoint appointments for paramedics to work across clinical and academic settings. Many paramedics want the opportunity for dual roles; clinical and research or clinical and lecturing, and as a result, we have lost good paramedics to one side or the other.

www.caa.net.au

What we really need is for these dual roles to be recognised as they will enhance the evidence and, more importantly, the assimilation of research into practice contexts. This is best achieved through these dual roles conjoint appointments.

Speaking about flexibility, at the College we are currently undertaking a four-day work week trial for six months.

The four-day week movement has been gathering pace over the past few years, and the College Board and executive have seen the opportunity to put our money where our mouth is and trial the new work structure to give greater flexibility and, importantly, more personal time back to our dedicated team.

Our full-time load is 32 hours over four days, with Friday’s now a day off with the team able to prioritise their personal and family goals.

If the past few years have taught us anything, it is that the gift of time, and time doing the things we love with the people we care for most, is the most important thing.

While work for some is that important thing, for most it is family, friends, hobbies, and passions separate of work, and we all deserve the flexibility to make that the focus of more of our lives.

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A new look and major milestone for the Emergency Medical Information Book

By Chris Martin

N

ow in its 23rd year, the Emergency Medical Information Book (EMIB) is back in 2023 with an all-new look that we’re excited to share with FIRST readers.

Since we last highlighted the EMIB in FIRST #9, distribution of the EMIB has passed the 1.5 million mark, and we have high hopes to see this strong uptake continue in communities around Australia.

This major milestone has been achieved by Rotary and Lions Clubs across Australia undertaking distribution projects within their local districts. It is also important that Rotary and Lions acknowledge the support and involvement of State Health Departments and an upsurge in interest from Local Government.

For readers who are not familiar with the EMIB, the Rotary Clubs of Tea Tree Gully, Modbury, and Golden Grove in South Australia, commenced the Emergency Medical Information Book (EMIB) project some 23 years ago.

The idea for the book stemmed from the actions of a mother who was keeping track of questions asked of her by Ambulance Paramedics when they were called to her child.

One of the Paramedics who was a recipient of this information on several visits felt that having the history readily available was invaluable.

their purse/wallet whilst they are out and about, an enhancement to the former ‘on the fridge’ record users of the EMIB and paramedics might be used to.

This officer’s idea of developing a system to capture historical and current information eventually arrived at the book attached to the refrigerator that we have today, this was achieved in collaboration with the Rotary clubs who funded and promoted the original project.

As well as introducing a pocket edition, the cover of the book has also been a focus of the upgrade.

The EMIB is now longer defined by a separate colour for each state, and instead we’ve gone for all books to be coloured green, similar to the look and feel of our friends at the CAA. We have also emphasised the potential lifesaving of the book with a bold red EMERGENY MEDICAL INFORMATION BOOK that can’t be missed!

The Books and now Pocket Editions are distributed by Rotary and Lions Club nationwide. Clubs have several methods to get the books out to their communities, including countertop boxes complete with stock for people to access for a gold coin donation.

These boxes are often located at Pharmacies, Doctors Surgeries, Physios, in fact, just about anywhere that can afford counter space.

The introduction of the "Pocket Edition" of the book has meant that a lot of folk are now carrying their appropriate medical information in

Service Clubs across the country form both Rotary and Lions continue to support the project and trust that it continues to assist in providing the most appropriate treatment in a timely fashion.

To learn more about the EMIB, you can visit www.emib.org.au.

59

Partners First

Transforming First Responder Support: Respondr's Vision for a Healthier Community

R

espondr launched their digital platform in May this year. In this article, we delve into the Respondr vision of proactive support and the vast potential of a digital platform in improving the lives of first responders across Australia.

First responders are the unsung heroes, they are the frontlines of our safety, sacrificing their own peace to protect ours. However, the profound impact of their work often takes a toll, leading to high stress, trauma and limited support systems.

Respondr, a groundbreaking tech startup based in Australia, is stepping in to redefine the paradigm of first responder support.

Their easy-to-use digital platform is transforming the way we provide pro-active care, education and services to these remarkable individuals who dedicate their lives to our well-being. In this article, we delve into Respondr's inspiring journey, the crucial benefits of proactive support, and the vast potential of a digital platform in transforming the lives of first responders across Australia.

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A Vision That Embraces Change: Respondr's Inception Respondr was born out of the genuine desire to make a difference.

The Founder, Shannon, had founded a company supporting Veterans who were transitioning out of the ADF. Through this experience, Shannon identified the need for better support of our first responder community.

Despite the invaluable role they play in our society, first responders often find themselves isolated in times of need, grappling with stress, trauma and a lack of accessible support. This compelled Shannon to envision a new, more effective support system for first responders. The result?

Respondr - an easy-to-use platform committed to enhancing the wellbeing of our everyday heroes.

The Burden of Being a First Responder: Why Proactive Support is Critical First responders - including paramedics, firefighters, police officers, emergency services and more - bear a tremendous weight on their shoulders. They are our lifelines in emergencies, responding to accidents, fires and medical crises with unwavering dedication.

However, the gravity of their roles is not without consequences.

Responders often face high stress, emotional trauma, and physical exhaustion. These demands, if left unaddressed, can have a profound impact on their mental and emotional health. Proactive support is essential for recognizing the silent struggles they face and preventing these issues from reaching a breaking point. www.caa.net.au

The Digital Platform Revolution: Unlocking the Power of Technology

Education as a Shield: Respondr's Focus on Knowledge

Respondr is at the forefront of this support revolution. Their digital platform is the key to ensuring that first responders receive the care and education they need, precisely when they need it. It's a one-stop destination for a wealth of resources, including wellness programs, educational content and connection with professional services. The platform is accessible 24/7, providing responders with immediate assistance, regardless of their location or shift schedules. This convenience is a game-changer; it means that responders can access support at their own pace, reducing the stigma often associated with seeking help. Respondr's intuitive interface is user-friendly and designed to address the unique challenges of the first responder community.

To truly empower first responders, Respondr recognizes the importance of knowledge and education.

The platform offers an extensive library of articles, courses and resources, covering a wide array of topics. Responders can expand their understanding of stress management, physical health and more. By equipping them with these tools, Respondr aims to enhance resilience, reduce the impact of traumatic events, and improve their overall quality of life.

Strengthening First Responders: A Holistic Approach to Well-being and Resilience Beyond providing immediate support, Respondr is constructing a robust ecosystem for first responders. Responders can access valuable resources about financial literacy and education, where experts share insights on managing finances and securing their future.

They can also delve into health and nutrition, learning how to fuel their bodies for the unique challenges they face daily. This interconnected network can address shared concerns, building knowledge around common issues. With Respondr, we're working together to create a brighter, healthier future for those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.

The Ripple Effect: Transforming First Responders and Communities Respondr's commitment to bettering the lives of first responders goes beyond the individual. The positive impact of their work on first responders trickles down to the very communities they serve.

When responders are happier, healthier, and better equipped, they can provide more effective and compassionate care, leading to improved outcomes in emergency situations. In essence, Respondr isn't just enhancing the lives of first responders; it's strengthening the well-being of entire communities.

A Beacon of Hope In the vast landscape of first responder support, Respondr stands out through innovation. The digital platform is poised to reshape the way we approach the well-being of those who risk their lives for us every day. Through pro-active care, accessible education, and a sense of community, Respondr's vision is to create a healthier, more resilient first responder community in Australia.

The transformation has begun, but it is only the beginning, as Respondr continues its mission to transform support for these extraordinary individuals, ensuring they receive the care they truly deserve. Learn more at respondr.com.au.

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First Responders need access to information quickly and easily: The platform will prioritize relevant information and services based on your profile and selections.

Security and privacy are critical: It is essential to ensure that the platform is secure and privacyfocused, protecting the confidentiality and integrity of the data.

User-centred design is key: The platform is designed with the end-users in mind, minimizing the time it takes to find the required information or services.

Collaboration is essential: The platform is providing holistic support, across several areas. No one issue should be treated in isolation.

Mobile accessibility is crucial: This allows first responders to access information and services on-the-go, no matter where they are.

Ongoing support and guidance are necessary: The platform will have regular communication, ensuring that first responders are aware of new features or services.

Respondr Transforming Lives, One Responder at a Time.

61

Partners First

FNQ Emergency Services Gala Ball

T

he FNQ (Far North Queensland) Emergency Gala Ball is an annual event held to support the local community, while also celebrating the hard work that local Emergency Services provide.

The committee was established in 2015 to generate fund raising for survivors of the Ravenshoe tragedy and since then have supported a wide range of foundations, including Make a Wish (2016), Dr Edward Koch Foundation (2017), FNQ Youth Assistance Fund (2018), Street Level Youth Care (2019), Kick On for Mental Health Awareness (2021) and Friends on the Street (2022).

Held on August 20, this year the 2023 Gala Ball beneficiary are an organisation called ‘Fire Project’.

Aiming to promote positive life skills in young people by identifying youth at risk, establishing meaningful relationships, providing adult and peer mentoring opportunities, and building outdoor recreational activities that link to promote positive social interaction and ancient connections with the local Cairns region.

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The project assists in diverting young people from unstructured and unsupported environments where they may be at risk of offending or further offending. Tailored programs allow youth the chance to get to know themselves better and create a brighter future.

The FNQESA membership is made up of members from the emergency services in FNQ including: • Queensland Fire and Emergency Services encompassing Fire and Rescue, State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service and Emergency Management

The objects and purpose of the association includes undertaking fundraising events throughout Far North Queensland to raise money to be added to the capital of the trust fund, to be distributed to non-for-profit community organisations in Far North Queensland that relieve poverty, distress or disadvantage of individuals or families in Far North Queensland.

Support, donate and learn more about The Fire Project at fnqesa.org.au.

• Queensland Ambulance Service • Queensland Police Service • State Emergency Service (SES) • Airport Rescue Fire Fighting.

www.caa.net.au

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Research First

Dementia - a significant public health challenge worldwide.

By Dr Shohreh Majd, David Waters, and Mojca Bizjak-Mikic

I

n Australia, dementia is a major health issue, with over 472,000 cases as of 2022. As the population ages, it is expected for this number to increase to 1.1 million by 2058, if no effective interventions are found.

The CAA’s very own Dr Shohreh Majd, David Waters, and Mojca Bizjak-Mikic have recently authored a paper, “Addressing Gaps in Ambulance Services for Individuals with Dementia: A Critical Review and Future Directions” published in the International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews1.

In the paper, the challenges faced by individuals with dementia when seeking access to ambulance services is examined.

A short summary of the issues and findings has been outlined, and you can find the full paper by visiting www.ijrpr.com/uploads/V4ISSUE6/IJRPR14596.pdf.

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Research First

The Escalating Prevalence of Dementia: There is an escalating prevalence of dementia, both in Australia and worldwide and an urgency to address this public health challenge, especially in the context of an aging global population.

The increasing numbers of people living with dementia is placing a growing demand on healthcare and emergency services. The article also highlights factors contributing to the increased demand for ambulance services for dementia patients, including improved awareness.

The multifaceted nature of dementia, which often necessitates the involvement of various healthcare professionals, further strains the healthcare system and ambulance services.

One of the significant findings in this article is the profound impact of dementia on individuals, caregivers, and society. The emotional, physical, and financial burdens placed on caregivers, along with the substantial economic costs associated with dementia care, underscore the urgent need for effective interventions to ensure individuals with dementia receive appropriate and timely care in prehospital settings.

Challenges in Accessing Ambulance Services: In this review article the challenges individuals with dementia face when accessing ambulance services is also discussed. Cognitive impairments may result in delayed recognition of medical emergencies, leading to increased morbidity

and mortality rates. Challenging behaviours, such as agitation and resistance to care, can slow down the assessment, treatment, and transportation to the hospital.

Communication difficulties, mobility issues, and difficulties with decisionmaking all present additional hurdles for dementia patients.

The findings show that individuals with dementia are more likely to use ambulance services and are more likely to have repeated ambulance use within a short timeframe. The reasons for ambulance calls vary, with falls being the most common cause. Altered mental status, respiratory distress, and chest pain also contribute to ambulance utilisation. Importantly, dementia itself can exacerbate existing health conditions, leading to an increased need for medical attention.

The increasing numbers of people living with dementia is placing a growing demand on healthcare and emergency services.

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www.caa.net.au

Interventions to Improve Access: The article explores existing interventions to improve access to ambulance services for individuals with dementia. It has been shown that dementia-friendly training for ambulance personnel enhances their knowledge, confidence, and ability to provide person-cantered

The roles of telehealth and telemedicine in improving access to healthcare services, particularly in remote and rural areas are highlighted in the article. By facilitating remote consultations and support, these technologies can lead to improved decision-making, reduced hospitalisation rates, and increased access to specialist care. The article also mentions

It has been shown that dementia-friendly training for ambulance personnel enhances their knowledge, confidence, and ability to provide person-cantered care. care. Dementia-specific protocols and guidelines are recommended to ensure standardised procedures in responding to dementiarelated emergencies. Community partnerships and collaborations have also proven effective in facilitating communication and coordination among stakeholders to enhance care for dementia patients.

the use of mobile apps and digital technologies to support ambulance personnel in managing dementiarelated emergencies. These tools can provide essential information, support, and communication resources to enhance the quality and timeliness of care provided by ambulance services.

Addressing Research Gaps: This research article identifies several significant gaps in understanding and providing ambulance services for individuals with dementia.

These gaps include limited research on the challenges faced by dementia patients when accessing ambulance services, the role of caregivers in facilitating access, the need for dementiarelated training for ambulance personnel, and the impact of social and environmental factors on ambulance service accessibility.

The authors conclude by proposing several critical areas for future research, encompassing the investigation of coping mechanisms, improving ambulance dispatch protocols, and the development of standardised guidelines for dementia patients.

Reference 1Addressing Gaps in Ambulance Services for Individuals with Dementia: A Critical Review and Future Directions Shohreh Majd, David Waters, and Mojca Bizjak-Mikic - International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, Vol 4, no6, pp 3742-3753 June 2023. DOI: 10.55248/gengpi.4.623.46724

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Sustainability

The

Fleet of the

Future

In 2020-21, the Australasian ambulance services travelled a collective 182,397,610 km by road and spent 39,625 hours flying in the air. Collectively we need to look at practices that will offer a more sustainable future for our teams and community, a fact recognised in the CAA 5-year strategic aims.

At Congress 2023, Sustainability was a major focus of the plenary sessions, and delegates were introduced to a whole range of innovations in sustainability by international expert Jon Dee, including the developments in electric vehicles ranging from charging technology to passenger cars to larger fleet and delivery vehicles.

In this edition of FIRST, we take a look at what the fleet of the future might look like, knowing that in all aspects of how ambulance services operate, doing what we do today may not be how we do things tomorrow.

What is sustainability and how does it apply to ambulance?

In just about every area of ambulance operations, from consumables to workforce management there is a strong focus on sustainability – doing things differently today so we can keep doing them tomorrow while also managing resources so we can do them well in to the future.

One obvious and exciting area of development is in electric vehicles, large and small ranging from fleet personnel vehicles right up to ambulances and people movers. It may well be that the ambulance of the future is a battery-powered, rapid charge vehicle, challenging the very notion of what an electric vehicle is and can do, so great is the development in materials, manufacturing, storage and charging technology in this area.

A basic but accepted definition of sustainability is “the degree to which a process or enterprise can be maintained or continued while avoiding the long-term depletion of natural resources.”

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www.caa.net.au

What are the benefits of electric ambulances?

Moving from existing transport technology to electric has many benefits to ambulance services and the wider community.

Electric vehicles are powered by electricity stored in batteries. Electric vehicles have gained attention in recent years due to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels compared to combustion engine vehicles, which of course has a long-term benefit to the environment.

Although the initial cost of electric vehicles may be higher, they tend to have lower operating costs due to lower maintenance and fuel costs, resulting in cost savings over time – an important consideration for ambulance services looking to provide the best possible service they can within their resources.

Electric vehicles operate without the noise and vibrations associated with internal combustion engines.

In an ambulance environment, the reduced noise may create a more comfortable environment for patients during transportation and allowing for better communication between healthcare professionals and patients.

Additionally, quiet operation can also benefit the ambulance crew by reducing noise-related fatigue during long shifts.

Electric vehicles are also known for their instant torque and smooth acceleration, which can result in improved performance compared to traditional ambulances. This can be particularly useful in emergency situations where quick response times are critical. The instant torque of electric ambulances allows for faster acceleration, helping them to reach the scene of an emergency quickly and efficient.

Electronic vehicles in ambulance?

The technology – particularly around battery storage and charge times – might not be quite there yet, but technology is moving very quickly in this area, and costs are falling.

Electric vans are used heavily by Amazon, an area in which the need for long-lasting batteries is similar to ambulance operations.

Amazon has rolled out a number of innovative vehicles, with a few to improving service delivery at lower cost and reduced long-term impact on the environment. The research kickstarted from USbased Rivan Automotive alongside Amazon has seen an increase in the understanding of electric vehicles whilst decreasing carbon emissions.

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Sustainability

E

lectric vehicles within the ambulance fleet are, in many ways, already a reality. Below are just a few examples of manufacturers and technology available or under development.

In 2020, in partnership with Care Flight, Sydney-based university students created the electric 'aero ambulance.', a vehicle with capabilities to take off like a helicopter and fly like a plane that aims to be the most efficient and longest-range electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft globally. The vehicle has the capability to travel at speeds upwards of 300 kilometres per hour whilst being far safer than helicopters and significantly quieter than combustion engines. The introduction of these is expected to happen in the next few years according to Care Flight.

As we saw at the CAA Congress, Mercedes-Benz Vans have produced vans that allow for indicative ranges from 240 to 420 kilometres. With these distances the vans hold the ability to also rapidly charge, allowing for multiple vehicles to be out at a time, with a stated ability to fast charge from 0 to 80% in 35 minutes.

KIA has introduced the Niro electric vehicle with a 64.8kWh battery and a range up to 460 kilometres. This vehicle uses regenerative breaking to assist with charging the battery and produces 150kW of power and 255Nm of torque. The Niro electric vehicle uses DC charging for the fast charging, with a stated charge time of 0 to 80% in 45min.

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The Hart van Brabant Ambulance Service in the Netherlands has introduced electric ambulances as part of their fleet. These electric ambulances have a range up to 250 kilometres (155 miles) on a single charge.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service in the United Kingdom has introduced a pilot program that includes electric ambulance. These ambulances are converted from existing diesel-powered ambulances and feature electric drivetrains, reducing emissions and noise pollution. And in June 2022, London Ambulance Service introduced new greener vehicles, including vans, cars, and motorbikes.

In the United States, DocGo unveiled the first all-electric, zero-emissions Ambulance in 2023.

Before that in California, the Los Angeles County Fire Department tested an electric ambulance built

by Zero Emissions Systems (ZES).

The ZES ambulance is equipped with advanced medical equipment and has a range of up to 250 miles (402km) on a single charge.

The future is now.

Many CAA member services are investigating the potential for electrifying some elements of their fleet. Why not share your organisation’s initiatives by getting in touch with us so we can showcase it for the next edition of FIRST, our regular e-news, or even an entry for the 2024 CAA Awards for Excellence.

References: https://www.caa.net.au/ sustainability https://www.aboutamazon.com/ news/transportation/amazonselectric-delivery-vehicles-fromrivian-roll-out-across-the-u-s https://www.londonambulance. nhs.uk/2022/06/10/new-greenerlondon-ambulance-vehiclesofficially-hit-the-road/ https://www.mercedes-benz.com. au/vans/en/electric-vans/electricvans-faqs https://www.sydney.edu.au/newsopinion/news/2020/11/25/electric-aero-ambulance--developed-at-theuniversity-of-sydney-.html

www.caa.net.au

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#bakeoff 73

CQU

Mercedes-Benz

With a vast footprint spanning Australia' and a digital one that's global, CQUniversity Australia truly embodies our approach to education: we believe higher education should be for everyone.

Our accessibility, flexibility, student support and wide range of courses available help our students be what they want to be.

One of the world’s largest manufacturers of commercial vehicles, offering tailored fleet solutions for new and existing customers. The future is electric, with a strong electric portfolio of Vans, with our goal to offer electrified models across its entire range. mercedes-benz.com.au/vans/en

cqu.edu.au

Device Technologies

Laerdal

Since 1992 we have been dedicated to improving patients’ lives through leading-edge medical technologies and services such as defibrillation & monitoring, mechanical CPR, ventilation, airway management products, and vascular access solutions to the pre-hospital sector.

Laerdal is dedicated to the mission of Helping Save Lives. We will do this through the advancement of resuscitation, patient safety and quality of healthcare, and saving lives at birth in low-resource settings. laerdal.com/au/

device.com.au

NEANN

Stryker

Through the NEANN brand RAPP Australia Pty Ltd specialises in designing, manufacturing, and distributing a wide variety of products for use in the wider emergency services industry throughout Australia and overseas.

For decades, we’ve been focused on innovations that help improve patient outcomes, help prevent caregiver injuries, and increase operational efficiencies so you can do what you do best: save lives.

neann.com.au

stryker.com/au/en

ORH

Corvanta

Supporting ambulance services in Australia for over 20 years, we have helped solve station location problems, quantify demand and capacity challenges, and set efficiency targets throughout our consultancy-based approach.

When every second counts, Corvanta partners with out-of-hospital care providers to advance and deliver the technology they to deliver timely, integrated, patient-centric services to improve healthcare outcomes. corvanta.com

orhltd.com

74

www.caa.net.au

CAA helps provide an important link between the ambulance sector and businesses that provide goods and services for this industry. It’s instrumental in providing networking and partnering opportunities. Don’t hesitate to reach out to organisations of interest.

ZOLL ZOLL® Medical Corporation, an Asahi Kasei company, develops and markets medical devices and software solutions that help advance emergency care and save lives, while increasing clinical and operational efficiencies. With products for defibrillation and cardiac monitoring, circulation enhancement and CPR feedback, supersaturated oxygen therapy, data management, ventilation,

and therapeutic temperature management, ZOLL provides a comprehensive set of technologies that help clinicians, EMS and fire professionals, as well as lay rescuers, improve patient outcomes in critical cardiopulmonary conditions. www.zoll.com/au

Tactical Medical Degrees Learn to deal with acute trauma situations and be uniquely qualified to respond in resource limited, dynamic and high threat environments with a qualification in Tactical Medicine. These online, highly flexible courses are ideal for paramedics and first-responders. Gain the critical skills needed to assess, plan, prepare and implement strategies for successful operations and patient management within a tactical environment. www.cqu.edu.au

Integrated Patient Care Records The next generation of ePCR, the Corvanta iPCR is our complete, end-to-end solution for the out-ofhospital care sector – from the emergency call to the clinical handover. It’s the only solution of its kind.

The Corvanta iPCR is more than a patient record system; the solution is also an intuitive decision support tool capable of improving patient safety and decision support, increasing operational resource availability, streaming of diagnostic quality vital signs, a seamless transfer of records, and more! Our iPCR technology is used by over 12,000 paramedics, is installed in 2,700 ambulances, and handles over 200,000 patients every month. corvanta.com

Interested in becoming a part of The Directory? Contact admin@caa.net.au

75

Wellness First

on s a e s e v i st e f s i th Approach feeling your best.

Mitch Mullooly Health and Wellness Strategist Specialising in the wellbeing of first responders, Mitch is Council member of Te Kaunihera Manapou, New Zealand Paramedic Council; Advisory Board member for Te Kiwi Maia, The Courageous Kiwi; and proud CAA2020 Women in Ambulance honour recipient.

Mitch is also a published author, speaker and feature columnist for several sector related magazines, blogs, webinars, and podcasts.

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www.caa.net.au

Here’s how!

I

f your life is like that of most modern people, then you’re very busy. And if you’re busy most of the year, then you’re likely to be extra busy at Christmas time!

As a result, you may be feeling more and more stressed as Christmas gets closer and closer. According to the festive jingles that we’re already hearing in the shops ‘it’s the most wonderful time of the year’, yet the Christmas season often brings with it enormous stress.

As the gift-giving guides spam our inboxes, and we’re trying to remember if we sent RSVPs to all those Christmas events, sorted the tree, the decorations and candy canes for the big day, and what about the menu, have we scheduled a time for the kids to see Santa, and did you send your Aunt Doris that Christmas letter because you know she’ll be expecting it? Whoa…. on top of our already very full schedules, and all our work-related commitments, the lead-up to Christmas can be incredibly overwhelming and can easily lead to exhaustion. With your festive calendar already full to the brim, taking care of yourself is key to getting through this time of year, and with a few simple tricks, it is much easier to do than you think. Here’s some ideas of how you can approach the lead-up to Christmas and keep your sanity in check!

Get your ducks in a row at work As December is already upon us, you might feel like a hamster on a wheel at work. With projects to wrap up before the new year and an impending out-of-office status, or you are on shift or on-call (yep, that’s me!) during this time, your workload might feel like it’s only getting bigger.

Avoiding the overwhelm is all about getting organised: write an action list at the start of each week, divide the jobs by five days, and tick them off each day. Delegate tasks to colleagues, if need be, and put anything unimportant on hold for next year.

Have quiet, slow mornings Rather than jumping out of bed at the sound of the alarm and rushing to check your email or social media, try to wake up slowly. Sip your coffee and simply stare out the window for 15 minutes. Don’t turn on the computer or look at your planner, just ease into the day. There will be plenty of time for everything else later.

Appreciate the little things When was the last time that you stopped to appreciate the sky on a nice day? Or even the home you work so hard to pay for? If you want to slow down your life, then you’ve got the take the time to appreciate all the small, beautiful things. And there are a lot of small, beautiful things in life.

Feel okay about saying no Social engagements can quickly get out of hand during the festive season.

If you’re inundated with invitations most nights throughout December, politely declining a couple, like your cousin’s boyfriend’s sister’s Christmas dinner party or other trivial gettogethers, is key to avoiding burnout.

Choose your non-negotiables and avoid attending anything else.

Try to accomplish less This is a biggie, as it seems that one of the major sources of stress in modern society is… yep, you guessed it busyness. The problem is that society sees being busy as a good thing. But in reality, being busy all day every day is really stressful. If you want to live more simply, you have got to slow down and try to accomplish less.

You may get less done each day, but you will be happier and most likely healthier as well.

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Wellness First

Schedule some quiet time

Move slower

If you are a busy person, then the only way for you to slow down may be by scheduling some quiet time, just for you. Moments of solitude are highly beneficial, so carve out some time for you during your day to just have some quiet time and use this time to read or engage in a quiet activity.

This is an interesting one, especially coming from me, but if you want to slow your life down, then you’ve got to slow your body down too. Stop power walking everywhere and stop wolfing down your meals. Take the time to get where you are going to and savour each bite of food.

Leave your email alone

Turn off the tech

If you genuinely want to be less stressed, then you have to learn to stop obsessively checking your email. Yes, you do still need to check it occasionally but no, you do not need to check it every 10 minutes. Imagine what you could get done if you took all the 1-minute email checks you do during the day and put that time toward something truly proactive!

There are a lot of pros to living in our modern technologically advanced world, and there are a number of cons too. A major con is that all of our tech allows us to constantly be communicating and working. Learn to turn off your computer and phone for a while and see how much simpler your life instantly becomes!

Spend face-to-face time with others If the main way you communicate with family and friends is through your phone and social media, this has to change, especially at Christmas time!

People who have happy, more fulfilled lives take the time to talk to loved ones face-to-face. So, rather than tik-toking your best friend, find a way to schedule time for the two of you to meet up at a café. Sure, you’ll probably discuss the same things anyway, but there’s just something different (and so much better!) about talking to a person in real life!

Do only one thing at a time As society praises those who are busy, it loves those who multitask.

However, multitasking is really quite stressful, and the constant switching of focus may actually lead you to being less productive. Slow down and focus on one task at a time. You will accomplish just as much (if not more) and will ultimately feel less stressed and overwhelmed (believe me, it works!).

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If you’re starting to dream of the simple olden days, moving to a deserted tropical island, or burying your head in the sand, that’s a sign that you need to slow down your life and try living more simply. Luckily, it’s not too hard to reduce your busy, stressed life down into a simple one that will allow you to enjoy the festive season, weather you’re working or enjoying some down time. If you’re like me, and this sounds like something you’d like to do, then join me in implementing these tactics of how to slow down before the Christmas mayhem begins!

Christmas doesn’t come from a store.

Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”

Dr Seuss

www.caa.net.au

Introducing

Mitch Mullooly’s eBook DOWNLOAD NOW

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