QAS Insight Autumn 2022

Autumn 2022

Workforce Forums discuss QAS Strategy 2022-2027 Also inside ASM recipients

Ambulance Australia

Country connection

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Thank you From the first positive COVID-19 case, to lockdowns, N95s, RATs and everything in between, we would like to extend a special thank you to all who stepped up to support our staff and communities during the state’s COVID-19 crisis.

We couldn’t keep Queenslanders safe without you.

CONTENTS • Autumn 2022

Features

Regulars Minister’s message

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Commissioner’s message

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ASM Recipients

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Priority One Report

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LARU Report

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HARU Report

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OpCen Report

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HCC Report

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Clinical Hub Report

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FIPU Report

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Happenings

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Thank yous

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Movers and shakers

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CHILD PROTECTION

MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT

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STRONG PLANNING

DIRT CHANGE

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NEW HARU DOCTORS

SARAH’S SPECIAL MONTH

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CHILD CALLER’S TOPIC TITLE MESSAGE

VALE LARA DARBY

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QAS INSIGHT is published quarterly by the QAS Media Unit, GPO Box 1425, Brisbane QLD 4001.

Editorial and photographic contributions are welcome and can be submitted to: QASInsight@ambulance.qld.gov.au Want to contribute?

If you know of a QAS ‘quiet achiever’ or an event or program with a story worth sharing with our colleagues, please get in touch with INSIGHT editor Caroline Page by email (above) or phone 3635 3900.

Autumn 2022 edition contributors: Caroline Page, Jo Mitchell, Madolyn Sushames, Matt Stirling, Melissa Mangan, Michael Augustus, Tracey Cater and Trinette Stevens.

Designed by: Paper & Desk

Front cover: Hundreds of staff travelled from all parts of Queensland have turned out to attend this year’s Workforce Forums in Brisbane and Cairns.

Read more about them on Page 3.

Autumn 2022

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Minister

Commissioner

One of the best parts about contributing to Insight is the opportunity to sit back and reflect on how things have changed in the past few months.

I would like to start this message with a very heart felt thank you.

We have seen Commissioner Craig Emery officially appointed to his position, I congratulate him and look forward to the leadership, commitment and innovation he will bring to the service.

In my last message, I commented on how the word ‘unprecedented’ had become a little too familiar lately, but predicted it likely wasn’t leaving our vernacular any time soon.

Unfortunately, I was right.

We’ve seen history-making days of demand on top of historymaking flood events, on top of history-making pandemics.

COVID-19 numbers reached highs we had never seen before.

Sadly, so did the number of those in ICU, and lives lost.

I know you see these impacts on the road and in Emergency Departments across the state.

But there have been some incredible patient stories too. From babies to falls, rescues and resus and everything in between.

Since taking up this portfolio I have visited the state from top to tail. I have celebrated new paramedic graduates at Whyte Island and had a chat with the amazing health workers in teal at Fever Clinics. We have put new ambulances on roads, opened new stations and welcomed new ambulance officers.

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I watched Ambulance Australia, alongside the nation, as some of our best and brightest treated Queenslanders in their hour of need. I could not have been prouder to see the care, dedication, empathy and good humour on display. What a fantastic indication of ‘business as usual’ at QAS. I know that business has been busier than ever. The past few months have been the busiest the service has ever seen. I am not shying away from the reality we are faced with as the nation continues to deal with the lasting impacts of COVID-19.

We are working to tackle the record demand on our health system and support our COVID-19 response.

We know part of addressing the load on QAS is supporting the system as a whole. In April we celebrated the $540 million-plus Logan hospital expansion powering ahead, soon to deliver 206 new beds. By June this year we should see an addition 26 beds come online at QEII after a $12 million investment.

As we move into winter, and a largely unpredictable flu season, the importance of your contribution to our communities cannot be overstated. On behalf of the Premier and the entire government I offer my sincere thanks to you all for your care and dedication.

Many communities will continue needing your care into the future. We are lucky to have you.

We were prepared for a busy start to 2022, but the Omicron wave put demands on our service on a scale we had never seen before. February saw Queenslanders also dealing with a historical flood event that impacted homes, property and families across Southeast Queensland.

We know each of you has felt the impact. We know it has been hard, these are extreme circumstances in extreme times.

In fact, this year alone QAS has recorded four of the highest days on record for calls to Triple Zero.

We also know patients have continued to receive the highest quality of care, advice and attention you can provide, and that is all we can ask. I thank you, sincerely, for your dedication and the effort you have continued to give not only the service, but the communities we serve.

My job is to not only ensure we continue to meet the demands of Queenslanders, but also to progress as a modern, innovative health service. In order to guide that progress and evolution as a service, QAS has invested in the development and delivery of the renewed QAS Strategy. The Strategy will be produced with a focus on culture and our workforce agenda, aligning with our focus on respect, fairness and inclusion.

Other senior leaders and I have taken these topics to Workplace Forums in both Brisbane and Cairns. In June, we will complete the trio with one last forum. The feedback and input from these forums, and other staff consultation will help us produce a final document ready for launch later in the year.

I have greatly enjoyed attending these forums. Talking with Paramedics, Patient Transport Officers, Emergency Medical Dispatchers, Health Contact Centre staff, Administrative and Support staff and Supervisors has given me a genuine insight into the perspectives of our workforce at all levels. It is incredibly valuable for us to understand and appreciate all viewpoints on what we are doing right as an organisation, and where we have space to grow and improve.

I want to thank everyone who put their hands up to participate in these sessions and share their thoughts with us over a moderately-rated instant coffee or two. I look forward to sharing more progress and updates on the Strategy as the year goes on.

It has been a hard few months, tucked into a hard few years.

Help is there if you need it, and I greatly encourage you to reach out. We have a wonderful support crew available to us and within our ranks. Our Priority One staff are available 24/7 and we also have our Chaplains and our Peer Support Officers.

Thank you, again.

Yvette D’Ath Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Craig Emery ASM QAS Commissioner

Autumn 2022

QAS Workforce Forums 2022

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QAS Workforce Forums 2022: A tale of two cities Two cities and almost 300 Queensland Ambulance Service staff later, the first two Workforce Forums focusing on the draft QAS Strategy 2022-27 have now wrapped up.

Kicking off in Brisbane before making its way to Cairns, the Workforce Forums are designed to create an open forum for staff from all areas to give feedback, share suggestions and collaborate in ways often not available to such a geographically diverse service.

QAS Commissioner Craig Emery said the forums were an excellent opportunity to gather staff together to innovate and engage.

“These first two forums were incredibly important, as it was a chance for us to engage on our proposed new Strategy,” Craig said.

“We heard some industry-changing ideas from our best and brightest across the state, from changes to healthcare delivery to ideas on how to reduce waste and support our staff on the ground.

“We are very excited to take some of these staff-led ideas to a third forum in early June and determine which ones we can integrate into our Strategy.”

Craig and his executive team have also been engaged in conversations with employees from across the organisation about the QAS’s strategic direction.

“As I travel across the State, I am thoroughly enjoying meeting ambulance colleagues face-to-face again, after the disruption of the last two years,” he said.

“The ideas I have heard will help us shape the QAS’s future direction.”

The workforce consultation on the QAS Strategy Plan 2022‑2027 is expected to be completed by June 2022, with launch and implementation activities for the new Strategy being planned from July 2022.

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QAS celebrates our outstanding ASM recipients Two Queensland paramedics were honoured with Ambulance Service Medals (ASMs) on Australia Day this year for their outstanding service to the community.

On behalf of the QAS family, we would like to extend our congratulations to our ASM recipients Cairns and Hinterland District Acting Director Rita Kelly and Metropolitan North Clinical Support Officer (CSO) Crad Smith.

Crad Smith, Ambulance Service Medal Recipient, Australia Day 2022 Honours List

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“We have a responsibility not only to the Service and to treat the public, but certainly to pass on our experiences, good or bad, and provide that opportunity for learning. I never saw being a paramedic as a job, for me it felt probably more like an adventure, it was never hard to come to work that’s for sure.”

The ASM is a prestigious award recognising distinguished and outstanding service from the men and women of Australia’s ambulance organisations and acknowledges their outstanding service to the community and as role models within the QAS. Commissioner Craig Emery said both officers were exceptional role models to their peers and junior staff and demonstrated the high level of professionalism expected of today’s officers.

“Rita is a passionate and highly skilled leader within the QAS who many officers look up to,” Craig said.

“She provides advice and guidance on ambulance operations on a daily basis and has a superior understanding of the operational landscape.

“Crad is also very highly regarded in the service after starting out in the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (QATB) days as an Honorary Ambulance Officer at Caboolture Ambulance Station until his full-time appointment in 1987.”

Rita Kelly, Ambulance Service Medal Recipient, Australia Day 2022 Honours List

“I do what I do to show my children that a life of contribution is a life well had and so they learn all of the material things in the world that exist, when it all boils down to it, don’t really mean anything. If you can come home every day knowing you’ve contributed positively to your community, then that gives you a real purpose in life.”

Crad said he became an Intensive Care Paramedic in 2006 before gaining a position as a Clinical Support Officer for Metro North where his continued dedication and commitment remains highly valued by the Queensland community, his peers and the QAS. “For me it became about helping other paramedics achieve their dreams and goals – we have a responsibility not only to the Service and to treat the public, but certainly to pass on our experiences, good or bad, and provide that opportunity for learning,” he said.

“It wasn’t all about just saving lives, there were other things I was helping people with, including helping people get their lives back on track.”

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Crad has coordinated several large-scale incidents, most notably the evacuation of 250 patients from Cairns Hospital during Cyclone Yasi in 2011, doing so with the highest level of patient care, something which has been a hallmark of his 36‑year career.

The 2005 QAS Star Care Mentor of The Year said he was humbled and honoured just to be nominated for an ASM award, let alone receive one.

“I never saw being a paramedic as a job, for me it felt probably more like an adventure, it was never hard to come to work that’s for sure,” he said.

Rita first joined the service in 2008 at the Mt Isa Ambulance Station after turning personal tragedy into motivation.

“My partner was killed in a car accident, and I wanted to change my career path to be more of a path of service,” Rita said.

“I do what I do to show my children that a life of contribution is a life well had and so they learn all of the material things in the world that exist, when it all boils down to it, don’t really mean anything.

“If you can come home every day knowing you’ve contributed positively to your community, then that gives you a real purpose in life.”

Rita worked regionally for many years from Doomadgee to Cloncurry, Julia Creek to Normanton before moving to Cairns where she has been based since 2011.

“I’ve obviously been to a lot of big jobs being a Senior Operations Supervisor and working in rural and remote areas you really do get exposed to some really big, traumatic jobs and I remember them all like they were just yesterday,” she said.

“Even during the worst tragedies for others, I feel like that is my time to shine and be supportive and helpful and there for other people.”

Crad and Rita’s dedication and passion to their roles are second to none and we are proud to be able to celebrate their wonderful achievements.

Child protection – we all have a role to play Queensland Ambulance Service staff will play an additional and important legal role protecting some of the state’s most vulnerable, as the organisation works towards becoming a Child Safe organisation.

Medical Director Dr Steve Rashford said these changes were made in response to changes to the Queensland Criminal Code last year. (You can read the Medical Circular 39/2021 here.)

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“These changes mean all QAS staff, both corporate and operational, now have a legal duty to protect the vulnerable from sexual abuse, particularly children under the age of 16 and people with a mental impairment under the age of 18 years,” Dr Rashford said.

The Criminal Code changes were made as part of a national response to the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which uncovered shocking abuse of children within Australian institutions.

The Australian Human Rights Commission was tasked with developing guidelines for this national response, National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

“The QAS recognises all children and young people attending Queensland Health services have the right to feel safe, valued, listened to, and informed,” Dr Rashford said.

“The QAS has formed a working group to review, develop and implement a Child Protection Framework to ensure we meet our legislative responsibilities, address the National Principles and ensure Queensland Health’s commitment is upheld.”

Working group Secretariat Elizabeth Santillan said this group included representatives from Clinical, Corporate, Cultural Safety, Health Contact Centre (HCC), and Human Resources and Operations.

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“We want to this framework ensure our staff feel educated and supported to report any concerns they may have about the safety of a child or vulnerable person under 18, as it is now a mandatory obligation,” Ms Santillan said.

“We will be working closely with Queensland Health and other relevant agencies to develop a reporting process and a mandatory training package for our workforce.”

Dr Rashford said the QAS was proud to work towards becoming a Child Safe organisation.

For QAS to be a Child Safe organisation, this means we consciously and systematically: •

create an environment where a child’s safety and wellbeing are at the centre of our thought, values and actions

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place emphasis on genuine engagement with, and valuing of children and vulnerable young people

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create conditions that reduce the likelihood of harm to children and vulnerable young people

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create conditions that increase the likelihood of identifying any harm and respond to any concerns, disclosures, allegations, or suspicions.

“While our workforce has a longstanding high level of trust in our community, this strengthens our reputation as a safe place for children and vulnerable people in our care,” he said.

Information about QAS’s Child Protection Framework is available on the Portal and the page will be updated as more resources become available to staff.

Child protection

Putting the framework into action

By Luke Hinds, Senior Clinical Educator West Moreton District Clinical situation:

Questions:

When responding to a 11-year-old reported to have self-harmed you are met on scene by a parent who states they had stopped the child from “cutting” themselves and that there had been a lot of arguments and stress within the household recently. The parent introduces you to the patient who seems withdrawn and despondent. The parent seems disinterested in the patient apart from when you are asking the patient questions.

1. What can be done to encourage the patient to discuss their presentation?

2. The parent is obviously required to attend hospital with the patient as their guardian but during the interaction with the patient you note they are reactive to the parent and sometimes demonstrate fear or withdrawal if the parent goes to touch them?

3. What can be done to assist with creating an environment where the patient can discuss their concerns?

4. During a moment with the patient while the parent is called away the patient asks to not be left alone with the parent as they have been touching them. The parent quickly returns, and the patient withdraws again. How can you manage this?

5. At hospital you provide handover about the situation while the parent and patient are present. What more can be done?

Supporting information: Overt disclosure of sexual abuse in children is a reportable event but more subtle cases where suspicion is present that abuse may be occurring require more investigation.

In this circumstance clinicians should try to create a safe environment that allows the patient to discuss and express their presentation and rationale for behaviour.

Clinicians should practise active and supportive listening (careful not to judge). In the setting of having a parent on scene this can be a barrier to communication and a suggestion to discuss the patient’s presentation away from the parent could provide important information either by letting the patient express their concerns without the influence of an adult or allowing the clinician to observe the behaviour of the adult when this is suggested.

Obvious disclosure of sexual abuse is a reportable under the framework, but without disclosure clinicians should express their concerns and observed behaviours to the emergency

department – this can be done discretely away from the patient.

The behaviours displayed and reporting of concerns regarding not feeling safe by the patient are red flags and need to be followed up.

Changes in behaviours, self-harm, social withdrawal and conflict can all be behavioural cues of abuse.

If overt disclosure of abuse of a sexual nature is made, then clinicians are required to report this using the processes via either by calling the Child Safety Services Regional Intake Service or completing the ‘Report of suspected child in need of protection’ Form. Information regarding reporting has previously been released and can be found in the CPG and the QAS Portal.

It is also very important to document your findings on the eARF as these may be requested via QAS Patient Records, to be provided to the Child Safety team. Documentation is a powerful source of information assisting decision making within the Child Safety environment.

Finally, the move to mandatory reporting will assist with protecting children and provides a clear direction on the responsibility of clinicians and a commitment to the values of child protection are important steps for us as individuals and as an organisation.

It is important to know this role extends beyond the hours of work and across clinical and non-clinical roles.

Reporting can result in significant change for a child at risk or having experienced harm.

QAS recognises the importance of these steps and will support its employees to report with a commitment to protect the individual when reporting abuse. This includes protecting the identity of the individual making a report and disclosing only the information required under the Act to protect an at-risk child.

To keep up to date, make sure you review all correspondence on this topic and check the Child Protection page on the QAS Portal for future updates.

Autumn 2022

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QAS staff reflect on Ambulance Australia experience Last year while Australia’s southern states were dealing with the challenges of COVID-19 lockdowns, Queensland Ambulance Service again hosted camera teams shooting Channel 10’s fourth season of Ambulance Australia.

This season of eight episodes kicked off on Wednesday 9 February and Insight caught up with some of our frontliners who reflected on their experiences after the final episode went to air on Wednesday 6 April. (QAS also featured in Ambulance Australia’s Season 3) Here are some of our cast’s thoughts on the most recent season.

Andrew Colen – HARU

What was your title/position during filming on the show?

CCP at Kedron station.

Why did you apply/ reapply for the Show?

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I purely saw it as an opportunity to do something different and experience a different aspect to our job.

What were your expectations going into filming?

I was very nervous about how the dynamics of having a camera following us around would be and also how the end result would turn out.

How did you find the filming process?

I was pleasantly surprised how easy and normal it was, probably because our cameraman was so nice and easy going.

Any challenges/ surprises/funny stories?

I think it was a real eye opener for the cameraman who came out with us, he said multiple times that he was surprised about some of things we experienced together.

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What’s it been like seeing yourself on TV? I found it quite uncomfortable hearing and seeing myself on TV as I normally prefer to be less visible.

What has been the reaction from colleagues/ family/friends?

There was an understandable amount of ribbing from colleagues, which I expected. But it was good for non‑medical family and friends to see the whole series.

What have you learnt about yourself and/or the QAS from the process?

I enjoyed seeing other paramedics and the EMDs on it, how they interacted, and treated patients.

What do you think/hope the audience has learnt from Series 4?

Hopefully the audience has been given an insight into our unique cases and has seen the human side of our paramedics and EMDs.

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Ambulance Australia experience

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What was your title/position during filming on the show?

ACPII.

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Jeff Lockwood – ACP II

What were your expectations going into filming?

I had none. I made sure I had none, so I didn’t feel out of place or try and be something I’m not. I just showed up to work like any normal day and went about my business, just with a microphone on and a camera in my face.

How did you find the filming process?

At first it was very strange, I kept trying to keep my big head out of the camera shots when I wasn’t the focus of what was happening. But then soon realised that the camera guy was really good at what he did, and he just worked around us. It was pretty much what I thought it would be, show up, be yourself, and they do the rest in the background to put it all together.

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What has been the reaction from colleagues/ family/friends?

All positive. Family loved it. Especially the nieces and nephews, as well as my grandparents. You know what parents and grandparents are like, proud about the littlest things. I thought I’d get a bit more sarcastic flak from colleagues too, but most have only had nice things to say so far.

Why did you apply/ reapply for the Show?

Tamara, my partner at the time really wanted to do it, so she asked me to join her on the show since we were already working together. I wasn’t sure at first but then agreed as all my family lives in Sydney and I thought it might be nice for them to see what I do at work, day in day out. I have a few nephews and nieces who were pretty excited to see their uncle on tv too.

So really, I did it for my family.

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What have you learnt about yourself and/or the QAS from the process?

Any challenges/ surprises/funny stories?

No real challenges I guess, but they didn’t show a few funny cases on the show. One was a house that caught fire when the owners weren’t home.

When the owners finally got home and saw their charred house, the elderly lady wasn’t even mad, she just went on about how the house was haunted and that they’d named the ghost they lived with. She thought the ghost probably set the house alight, but it was really her husband’s motorised scooter batteries in the basement.

What’s it been like seeing yourself on TV? Really uncomfortable at first. But I think once you get past thinking you don’t sound right, it’s not so bad.

I don’t think I made an idiot of myself, so I guess I’ve got that going for me...

I think I learnt I’ll try anything once.

I was a bit apprehensive at first about doing it all, but I became quite comfortable with it all quite quickly.

Just another day at work, you know.

I also learnt that the QAS is so much more loved among the general community than I could have imagined.

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What do you think/hope the audience has learnt from Series 4?

That’s a tough question... I mean I hope the series put forth some education to assist the general public to know what is and isn’t an emergency, and that we can’t always get there as soon as possible due to resourcing and caseloads and whatnot, but when we do show up, we will definitely give it our all to help the people needing us.

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Melissa Pinel – EMD

What was your title/position during filming on the show?

Student EMD.

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know someone and can identify with me and job we do. In general, it gave them a chance to understand and have an insight into my day-to-day tasks and environment.

I am particularly grateful for the experience as my husband was posted to NSW (with RAAF) for the whole of 2021 and wasn’t able to be there or experience this new journey with me. So when he finally came home, we camped out in the hotel and watched it together. He was able to celebrate my achievements with me and get a glimpse into what my year held.

Why did you apply/ reapply for the Show?

A new experience, the chance to help raise awareness of an otherwise faceless role.

What were your expectations going into filming?

I thought it would be a far more scripted and manipulated process. I expected there to be awkwardness and an expectation to make our job more public friendly by hiding or tailoring our reactions to and in this environment.

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How did you find the filming process?

It was a lot of fun! You create a really good connection with the film crew and particularly in my case - they got to see me through my entire training from start as a fresh EMD with no experience to being completely signed off and operating as solo call taker.

Any challenges/ surprises/funny stories?

You think you’ve heard it all... But honestly my favourites are the oldies. There is a couple who have a number of health complications and I have taken their 000 call a few times - as in we are now on a first name basis. It’s beautiful, makes my night every time. It’s always the husband who calls for his wife and he delivers some epic one liners, offering her another level of sass - eg: Is she awake? “Unfortunately!”, or How old is she? “Too old I’ve stopped caring!”. Meanwhile his wife sneaks upstairs and picks up the second landline and listens in and when he responds with his one liners, she makes herself known

and they just giggle as they tease each other – it makes the triage a long process, but more than happy to indulge and I feel privileged to witness a love like that.

I’ve also had a middle-aged male call complaining that he can’t talk properly - he sounded fine to me, but face value.

I asked for clarification - he responded every time he squished his belly button it didn’t talk back to him.

What’s it been like seeing yourself on TV? Surreal, it gave me a unique opportunity to reflect and visualise how far I have come. As a newly-employed EMD – seeing my growth from student to being qualified through the show has given me the chance to reflect on a job well done, to acknowledge the hard times, and has boosted my confidence. During my episode I identified it is a delicate balance between learning the job and faking the confidence for the caller as no one calls 000 expecting a trainee. It was reassuring to realise I was able to provide those callers with the best patient care and displayed the confidence needed to gain their trust and get the help they needed.

What has been the reaction from colleagues/ family/friends?

I’ve had lots of support from family, and it gave them a chance to relate and gave a more personal feel to the show as they

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What have you learnt about yourself and/or the QAS from the process?

I learnt that I can do it. And while progress may seem slow or non-existent, it’s there and we do make a difference. Often you can forget when call taking that while your part as the call taker is done, there are still another two phases to go – despatch /call backs and crew arrival – and what information you gather, the rapport you establish will affect the other stages.

In most cases you set the attitude and baseline for the public’s perception and interactions with QAS.

What do you think/hope the audience has learnt from Series 4?

Simple: answering our questions is the best way to get help. Too often I have people apologising for calling or for taking up my time. I hope the series has given them a glimpse into our environment and the confidence to call and seek medical assistance - making the process seem less scary or intimidating as they know what to expect to an extent. Also, it hopefully breaks down the self-perceived barriers their complaint doesn’t constitute an emergency and that it is always better to be safe than sorry and most importantly we do not reprimand or judge them for calling.

As I often find myself saying to them, “Your emergency is our emergency”.

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Paramedicine Australasian College of Autumn 2022

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Gold Coast paramedic finds connection to country through rugby A child of the Stolen Generation, Gold Coast paramedic Madi Schuck always struggled to feel a sense of belonging. Then, she found rugby union, Madolyn Sushames writes.

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Hospital’s (GCUH) Emergency Department where she stayed for six years until she was offered a place in the QAS Graduate Paramedic Program (GPP).

Madi grew up in the Redlands area playing netball as there were no junior girls’ ruby teams, having to watch her younger brother play rugby from the sidelines.

Madi is part of the QAS Indigenous Network and is an Indigenous Liaison Officer and is keen to bring her own experience as an Aboriginal woman to both her workplace and in her work with the community.

“My brother and I were super competitive so I kind of took on rugby as soon as I could to show him I was better,” she joked.

“I loved nursing, especially on the Gold Coast at the GCUH because it has one of the busiest Emergency Departments in Australia,” she said.

Madi started out playing club rugby with Easts at the age of 18 and quickly rose through the representative ranks.

“But as much as I liked nursing, I just always wanted to be in a truck and to be a first responder.”

By 2013 Madi was competing against the world’s best in the World Rugby Sevens series and trying out for the Queensland and Australian teams.

Madi became a paramedic as part of the GPP in August 2021 – the same year she debuted for the Queensland Reds after more than a decade of playing rugby.

Around the same time, she started studying a dual degree in nursing and paramedicine.

“I sat on waitlist for six years before I got into the graduate program, it was a very similar story with rugby,” she said.

“It took me essentially 10 years to become a paramedic because I didn’t get the results I needed in school, so I had to look at alternate pathways and transfer through University courses,” Madi said.

“I played for 13 years and was rejected at six trials only to finally make the squad the seventh time.

“It’s the first time I felt a connection to that cultural side because the one thing we all have in common is we’re indigenous and we play footy,” she said.

“I eventually got into the course and finally got my degree which was a huge step.”

“After that sixth rejection from the Reds I was going to hang up the boots and just play socially, but luckily I had a coach push me and told me I can do it.”

“The first year (2017) I went into the Lloyd McDermott National Indigenous side we all sat in a circle, and they asked us to talk about where we’re from.

Madi applied for the nursing and paramedic graduate programs at the same time and was offered a nursing position in the Gold Coast University

This is Madi’s second season with the Reds and she is also set to reach another major milestone – her graduation as a qualified paramedic.

“I used to dread that because I don’t know where I’m from and I don’t have that connection.

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“There’s a massive health gap in the Indigenous community because of a lot of distrust so being that link for our community to get them to engage with the help they need is important to me as it’s one of the ways we’re going to close this gap,” she said.

Madi’s grandmother is from the Stolen Generation so, like many, Madi has felt a disconnect to country – something she has started to find again through her rugby circles.

Madi Schuck

“But after hearing from the girls, I learned it was about recognising and accepting that some people won’t be able to tell you where they’re from and that doesn’t make them any less Indigenous if they identify and establish a connection to country.

“It starts with being up front with where you come from or not knowing where you come from.”

Madi said she couldn’t have managed her work/sport juggling act without the support of QAS and her managers.

“We do our best, and I had a lot of annual leave when I came across from nursing so as soon as I have training times and season game days, I let them know straight away,” she said.

“With girl’s sport in general, many girls reach a time in their lives where they all drop out of sport when they go to high school because it may be seen as more masculine, or there’s no opportunities.

“I want to show them they can do footy and still go to school and get good grades and get themselves a job.”

Madi’s Officer in Charge Michael Sims said Madi’s ability to manage her sporting and professional careers was a credit to her drive and determination to succeed at both.

“We’re extremely proud of what she has achieved in her Rugby world and her ability to juggle her work life and sporting commitments,” Michael said.

This year the Reds’ Indigenous jerseys became their away uniform.

“Unfortunately, there are crossovers where I have to maintain my hours, a lot of the time I’ll work night shift leading into training, you just have to suck it up and do it.

‘I just make sure I’m up front and get my dates in early to plan ahead to minimise any clashes.

“In the 13 years I’ve played, I never got to wear an Indigenous jersey in a non‑indigenous team until now,” Madi said.

“I know lots of people who have had to give up sport for their jobs, but thankfully I haven’t been put in that position.”

“As a paramedic the job and particular cases can be quite demanding sometimes both physically and mentally, however Madi is very driven and currently thriving in both environments.

“As Maddy’s OIC I aim to continue to support her both at work and with her work-life balance including juggling rosters to accommodate all her training/ travelling and game day requirements.

Madi is a leader in her community, and as an Indigenous Ambassador for the Queensland Reds’ she’s hoping to combine her three passions to encourage other indigenous children to achieve their goals.

“I’ve worked on a lot of Indigenous programs through rugby, and I would love to get QAS involved.

“I want to show these kids they can play sport and go to university and there are heaps of ways to get where you want to get to without being that good at school.

It was a special moment for all of us indigenous players and honestly had to hold back tears when it was announced.

“The jersey is designed with pink and purple on the top for the women and black down the bottom to represent the men with a river and yarning circle in the middle separating and connecting them at the same time.

“I wish Madi and all the other Wallaroo players all the best for their upcoming test match games.”

“Like the rugby men’s and women’s sides, at the end of the day we’re all connected by rugby.”

What’s next for this budding paramedic and talented union player?

Opposite

As Michael alluded to, Madi is not only preparing for her local club’s season after just being named in the Players of National Interest (PONI) squad with the end goal to play against New Zealand in Australia’s World Cup side, but she’s also just been named as a member of the Wallaroos to play this month (May) against Japan and Fiji.

■ Madi debuted for the Queensland Reds in 2021 - the same year was accepted into the GPIP Program.

Left

■ Madi is an Indigenous Ambassador for the Queensland Reds.

Middle

■ Madi (left) loves working on the Gold Coast as a paramedic.

Top right in frame

■ Madi Schuck playing in her Indigenous jersey.

Autumn 2022

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Mental Health Co-Responder evaluation project will guide better patient outcomes A state-wide research project could soon mean a future of service collaboration and improved outcomes for Queenslanders with mental health issues.

The project, which evaluates QAS and Queensland Police Service (QPS) Mental Health Co-Responder programs, may change the way emergency services work together to help people experiencing a mental health crisis.

According to the QAS Information Support, Research and Evaluation Unit Director Dr Emma Bosley, this research on this scale is a world first.

“We responded to more than 60,000 Queenslanders in 2019-20 for mental health crises,” Emma said.

14

“Given the frequency with which QAS, QPS and Queensland Health provide service to people experiencing an acute mental health related episode, it is vital to undertake this research to ensure we can collectively provide the most appropriate care to them.”

Queensland Health’s Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch is funding the QAS-led joint evaluation project in collaboration with Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Service.

According to QAS Mental Health Response Program Director Sandra Garner, the first QAS Mental Health Co-Responder (MH CORE) program began in 2019 as a pilot program in Metro South, West Moreton and Gold Coast regions. Due to its success has been expanded into the Metro North, Cairns, Townsville, Sunshine Coast areas and most recently in Rockhampton.

“These programs pair a Senior Mental Health Clinician from a local hospital mental health service with either a paramedic or police officer to respond to people who call Triple Zero (000) in a mental health emergency,” Sandra said.

“The goal of MH CORE is to develop tailored mental health plans in the field, with the aim of substantially reducing transports to emergency departments, increasing referrals to appropriate services in the community, and providing timely support for patients, their families, and carers in their own home environments.”

The QAS Information Support, Research and Evaluation Unit within the Office of the Medical Director, has engaged implementation science Research Fellow Dr Olivia Fisher to lead this research with Dr Emma Bosley and Sandra Garner.

Autumn 2022

■ Sandra Garner with Dr Olivia

Fisher

“With the co-responder programs being rolled out across Queensland, our evaluation will look at whether the program results in better outcomes for people experiencing a health crisis as well as their friends and family who might be with them at the time,” Olivia said.

Olivia said there were some differences in how the co‑responder programs operate across the agencies, and some local geographic areas, and in terms of the characteristics of patients that are attended.

“A purpose of this research is to identify the most effective aspects of the models and which patients show greatest benefit, to be able to work together to deliver optimal outcomes for patients,” Olivia said.

“We’re investigating whether the programs help patients link up with appropriate community support agencies or groups to help them manage their mental health crisis and minimise subsequent contact with emergency services.

“We’re keen to see whether having mental health clinicians attending mental health cases with police and paramedics improves these police and paramedics’ skills and resources to respond to mental health cases.

“It’s also important to establish whether these programs create systemic improvements by releasing other emergency services crews by reducing their time per case, and whether they reduce re-presentations to emergency services.”

The evaluation report is expected to be released in late 2022 and will inform the continuing rollout of the QPS and QAS programs.

Influenza season and paramedic immunisers

Influenza season and paramedic immunisers The QAS Infection Prevention team has almost wrapped up another year of Queensland Ambulance Service’s Influenza vaccination program.

This is the third year running where the QAS have used paramedic immunisers to deliver the influenza vaccination across most regions.

Under an Extended Practice Authority (EPA) by the Director General, QAS paramedics who had successfully completed an appropriate level of training were permitted to administer the influenza vaccination. This year the QAS received 325 expressions of interest for the positions.

Queensland’s typical flu season usually occurs between June and September.

Vaccination allows another barrier of transmission alongside basic infection prevention practices.

COVID-19 has taught the greater community including health practitioners the importance of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

According to the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), there has been less circulation of the seasonal influenza virus compared with previous years because of public health measures put in place to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

With Australia’s borders now open and many restrictions either lifted to reduced, it is expected there will be a resurgence of seasonal influenza cases this year.

The seasonal influenza vaccine will not only help protect our workforce, it will also lessen the chance of our passing on any illness to our family, friends, colleagues and vulnerable members of society.

As we’ve experienced over the past two years, it can take an enormous amount of effort and sacrifice to keep people safe when there is limited immunity to diseases within the community.

How can I reduce my chances of getting sick?

Decreasing modes of viral transmission: •

Washing hands

•

Staying home when sick

•

Respiratory etiquette (dispose of tissues, wear a mask if unwell, cover your cough)

•

Stay at home when unwell

Decreasing susceptibility of viral transmission: •

Get vaccinated

•

Support your immune system with plenty of rest, hydration, and a nutritious diet

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The seasonal influenza vaccine has been accessible during scheduled vaccination times from QAS Paramedic immunisers, otherwise, they are still available through participating pharmacies, or from your General Practitioner.

Background

■ A licia Macbeth takes some time out of her normal work at Geebung’s Emergency Management Unit to administer a flu vaccination to SImon Dunn and other staff at the Kedron Park HQ.

Autumn 2022

Strong planning leads QAS through COVID-19 and weather extremes in early 2022 As the Christmas edition of Insight was published, the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) was preparing for a busy start to 2022 with anticipated COVID-19 peaks combined with the return of some major events across the state, Emma Sayle writes.

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Despite COVID-19 cases rising in Southeast Queensland (3318 cases recorded on the 31 December 2021), the return of New Year’s Eve celebrations saw an increased focus on mass gathering events and their potential impact on QAS demand.

These events, heralding the start of a fresh new year, represented the first ‘unrestricted’ celebrations since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

QAS liaison activation for the State Health Emergency Coordination Centre

Strategic Planning Team Activated. Concept of Operations 1 commenced

Mid- Cycle event review

Transition of the QAS SIMR to the State Operations Coordination Centre (SOCC)

The recent spread of the Omicron variant and release of interstate travel restrictions highlighted the need for an ‘all hazards’ approach to managing the event.

COVID-19 Timeline

27 Jan 2020 30 Jan 2020

QAS “Stood Up” QAS State Incident Management Room (SIMR)

14 Mar 2020

Incident Management Team Established

24 Nov 2020

QAS Concept of Operations 2

01 Feb 2020

16 Aug 2020

10 May 2020 Nov 2021

COVID-19 “peak” Omicron Queensland

Planning was completed regionally with an overarching QAS State Event Plan outlining the enhanced strategic coordination arrangements, risk assessments and event incident action plans.

QAS planning established key accountabilities for executive, management, and supervisory staff to ensure the safety and welfare of QAS frontline staff, the community, and stakeholders.

25 Jan 2022

The QAS executives would like to acknowledge the work completed in the lead up and during the 2021-2022 NYE event and thank all QAS staff who worked to see in the new year.

NYE celebrations were successfully navigated across the state, and like so many years prior, the QAS once again showed its depth and experience in major event response.

As the state prepared for a potential COVID-19 peak in mid-to-late January, the QAS was activating preparedness measures. QAS was bolstering services, enhancing staff numbers, and activating

Autumn 2022

QAS Strategic Action Plan

planning strategies in preparation for any impacts on service delivery.

In January the omicron strain of COVID-19 arrived in Queensland.

QAS planning successfully covered this anticipated effect on our workforce through staff furloughing (sickness or carer responsibility), as well as the potential increase in workload demand.

Strong planning leads QAS

The QAS introduced several strategies to further support the broader health system, boost available resources and meet the potential increased risks experienced through any rise in demand on the health system. These included: • • •

•

•

•

Offload Paramedics (OLP) to increase paramedic availability to maintain patient safety on the ramp Infield Triage Officers (IFTO) to support patient assessment and prioritise lower acuity cases Enhanced supervision at HHS facilities to support interagency collaboration, OLP strategies and offload strategies.

Enhanced load sharing activities using appropriate resources.

Increased resources into the QAS Clinical Hub to provide low acuity case medical review.

The onboarding of new staff providing extra capacity throughout the state.

As the state resets to a ‘living with COVID-19’ strategy, the QAS will continue to ensure risks are mitigated, and pandemic-driven demand surge can be managed regardless of the primary cause.

While future COVID-19 strains and waves certainly remain a risk to QAS, with the added pressure of the annual winter flu season, we remain prepared for the anticipated demand surge that may come.

The Southeast Queensland rain and severe flooding event in February-March saw parts of Brisbane receiving close to a year’s annual rainfall in just a few days.

The “rain bomb” responsible for this record-breaking rainfall and flooding saw challenges across the system. In the lead up to the event, the QAS participated in Whole of Government planning arrangements ensuring our response met the required community demand and council arrangements.

QAS Commissioner Craig Emery took on the Incident Controller role leading our response, which was coordinated through the State Operations Coordination Centre (SOCC) and focused on intelligence gathering, informed emergency management planning and collaboration to ensure QAS matched Queenslanders’ health needs during this time.

The availability of information through local and district disaster management groups and other government information sharing mechanisms meant QAS was provided with modelling and predictions to support the early activation of additional resources and promote dynamic deployment.

QAS staff are commended in their support to these events, not only in operations but throughout business units supporting frontline requirements.

February and March’s severe weather, floods, and heatwaves provided additional complexities to the ongoing COVID-19 environment.

Queensland’s FebruaryMarch extreme weather and floods also brought tragedy to our communities with 14 lives lost and around 15,000 properties flooded or water-damaged.

The QAS has a strong reputation for natural disaster planning and response. The serviceagain displayed the resilience,preparedness and dedication we have become so renowned for.

On 15 March 2022, Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk announced the Inspector-General of Emergency Management would commence a review, South East Queensland (SEQ) Rainfall and Flooding Event.

Using lessons and experiences from past events across Queensland, including the 2010-2011 and 2013 Brisbane floods, the QAS immediately activated an Incident Management Team (IMT) and deployed its State Response Teams (SRT).

Post event reviews highlight good practice and ensure improvement opportunities are identified across the system.

Regions across the state supported the flooding response to evacuation centres, refuge shelters, business-as-usual operations and other community response and recovery arrangements.

As part of our current emergency management processes the QAS is also conducting an internal post event review to identify best practice for QAS and this will also support the broader review across Government.

Autumn 2022

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Taking the dirt change In 2021, Natalie Van de Baan and Jake Graham packed up their lives in Southeast Queensland and made the move to Mount Isa. A year on, their move a year ago, life has been anything but normal.

Natalie Van de Baan

Where are you based and for how long?

Where were you stationed before your move to Mount Isa?

We are based out of Mount Isa Ambulance Station where we signed up for a 12-month term transfer and we have just extended for another year. I was not ready to leave.

Geebung Metro North! I was stationed here for approximately three years working as an Advanced Care Paramedic II.

How does your role differ to your previous role in the big smoke?

Why did you decide to make the move?

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I always found the idea of working in a rural/remote location appealing. I really enjoy single officer work as it allows for you to become a more independent clinician having to think outside the box and consider the broader picture all whilst working in some of the most remote communities in Queensland. I also enjoy the outdoors and I wanted to live somewhere that provides the opportunity to see the Great Outback in all its glory – exactly what Northwest Queensland can provide!

How long did it take and what was the process to make the move, and was it difficult?

From when we decided that we wanted to work in the Northwest LASN to when we officially relocated, it was 12 months. The move was very simple for us – we just packed our belongings into removalist truck where it was driven the 1728km to Mount Isa. It was all very easy.

Community engagement is notably the biggest difference. In smaller and more remote places, the community’s perception is firmly based on interactions with you, thus reflecting the Queensland Ambulance Service, so it was very important to always uphold the best representation of who we are and what we can provide as a health care service.

There are also significant clinical diagnoses and medical conditions unique to rural health. While our objective remains the same irrespective of where you work in the state, the logistics in the rural setting become an added complexity.

For example, treating someone with a badly fractured arm when you are more than 100km from the nearest hospital, it becomes quite challenging when you’re faced with rocky terrain, confined to transporting your patient in a troop carrier and not to mention the heat in Summer.

What have been some of the more unusual cases you’ve experienced?

What does your average workday look like?

Like anywhere, every day is different.

I have had the opportunity to relieve at various Ambulance Stations in the Northwest that all come with their own unique experiences. No matter where you go, one thing is always guaranteed – the sunsets are always impressive.

There isn’t anything that stands out – I think for paramedics this would be the most frequent answer. If I think of anything I shall let you know!

What have some of your learnings been?

Those who live in rural communities and discovering how high their threshold is

Autumn 2022

regarding pain or sickness has been quite the learning curve. I remember transferring a man to Hospital whom RFDS had retrieved from Tennant Creek in the NT after he had approached them while they were attending to another patient. He had a badly infected wound to his toe for the past three months where the infection had reached the bone.

I asked him why he had left the wound untreated for so long and his response was, “other than the smell, it just didn’t bother me”.

You’re learning to be a flight paramedic, how has that come about?

We were recently appointed to the role of Flight Paramedics working with Life Flight – such a cool experience! The training has taken up to 12 months to complete, but we are finally finished and now flying. This has been a very humbling opportunity that I am very grateful for.

Yet another reason why opting for the change of rural life has been great!

Looking back, what are the pros and cons of making a move like this, would you do it again?

Would I do this again? Absolutely!

Pros: I have met some of the most amazing people, have had some incredible clinical experiences particularly whilst working as a single officer, living in a remote place is a great way to save money, working and attending rodeos out here is the best fun you will ever have, an easy way to earn points and it is a very laid-back lifestyle.

Cons: I miss good coffee, Grill’d burgers, sushi and the beach. Also, summer out here is hot, like really hot.

Anything else you’d like to add?

If you are thinking about doing a term transfer to part take in rural/remote work, then do it! You won’t look back.

Taking the dirt change

Jake Graham What made you decide to try a “dirt change”?

I have spent most of my time working in the Southeast Corner and I think that I was just ready to give something different a try. I had spoken with a few people who had worked in Mount Isa previously and they all loved it.

Where were you stationed previously?

For the 12 months prior to transferring, I was working at Beerwah Station on the Sunshine Coast as an ACP II. Prior to that I had spent most of my time working out of Southport Station on the Gold Coast.

What are some of the main differences between the communities from your previous station and now in the Mount Isa community?

Both the cultural and age demographic is the biggest difference I have found since transferring to Mount Isa. Mount Isa’s reduced geriatric population provides

a different type of work experience compared with the coast. Also, poor health literacy and compliance is much more abundant in the Mount Isa community – this can land you with some critically unwell patients.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced that you’d never have faced at your previous stations?

Given the remote location of Mount Isa and the surrounding communities I think the biggest challenge can be the limited resources available.

In your opinion, what are the main benefits you see from taking a change like this?

Many positives have come out of our transfer, to list a few: Pros: less fatigued, very social between colleagues / police / firies / health care staff, earning lots of points if you are looking to transfer, plenty of relief opportunities, working at higher level opportunities, plenty of study time, lots to explore / camp / events.

What opportunities have you had a chance to make the most of? (Life Flight/flight paramedic accreditation?)

So far, I have had the opportunity for relief work on Mornington Island (the only station I have ever been flown to for work). This was a great experience to work on a remote community island and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the people there.

I have also been fortunate enough to start work with LifeFlight working as a Flight ACP. This is by and large the greatest opportunity I have had in my career, and I enjoy the challenges this brings.

Tell me about one of your most interesting cases, and why?

No single case comes to mind that stands out in comparison to down South, but I will keep you posted!

Autumn 2022

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20

QAS’ Man of Steel hangs up his cape When your colleagues farewell you with multiple celebrations, it’s a fair indication you’re leaving behind an indelible fingerprint. Insight was on hand as the QAS said goodbye to one of its most experienced officers after five decades of spearheading change in our organisation.

It takes unwavering dedication to claim the mantle as the longest current full time serving officer in an ambulance service. Les Steel showed this from his early beginnings as a teen helping out around the Ayr Ambulance Station, biding his time until he was old enough to sign the register.

With farewells in both Townsville and Brisbane, his final week reflected his passion for mentorship as an outpouring of staff from across the service signalled their gratitude and lamented the loss of a great source of knowledge.

In the ‘90s Les returned to North Queensland and served as Sector Coordinator for a region stretching from the Cape to Bowen, before writing the standard operating procedures for the Townsville and Rockhampton Operations Centres.

“A fountain of knowledge”

In the 2000s

That was more than half a century ago and his accomplishments between then and now would take nearly as long to list.

Formally employed in 1973, Les is not simply a witness to the rapid transformation of QAS technology and clinical training in the years following, but a major contributor to its success.

In the ‘80s

Les continued to be instrumental in developing communications such as radio, CAD and telephony. His project work writing business continuity plans was rolled out across all QAS OpCens and his work culminated in an Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) in 2008.

As the state training officer, Les taught many of the early coronary care courses, co-wrote the first box jellyfish anti-venom program and established the first training program Glucagon administration by ambulance officers.

Les can pinpoint his interests as a youth – learning to build radios or sweeping for jellyfish at the surf club – as the roots that would see him branch through a diverse and impactful career within the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS).

Most recently, Les has been splitting his time between Brisbane and Townsville while working on the Government Wireless Network (GWN) and Public Safety Regional Radio Communications projects.

In December 2021 Les commenced pre‑retirement leave to take him through to his 50-year milestone in January 2023.

Autumn 2022

QAS’ Man of Steel hangs up his cape

“Taking the title”

“How times have changed”

“Sad to go”

The officer set to usurp Les as the longest permanent serving was one of the first to bestow his well wishes as Les said farewell at the Kedron Emergency Services Complex.

A memorable case for any paramedic, Les recalls delivering his first baby in a patient’s home. Chuffed with the successful birth, he transported the new family to the local hospital, where he promptly found himself locked outside for being underage.

Characteristic of the high bar set for himself, Les is rueful he won’t see out the full launch of his current communications project but has been guaranteed an invite for when the ribbon is cut.

Peter Fiechtner first met Les while working as training officers in 1989 and said he only has good memories over the years.

“It was nostalgic being at the presentation,” Peter said.

“We spent time chatting about the change we’ve seen in our time.

“To stay in the same job for 50 years is unheard of these days.”

Next in line as the longest current permanent serving officer is Peter. He was appointed in January 1974, a year to the day after Les. Les will be glad to see his long-time colleague also achieve the astounding 50-year milestone.

“He’s definitely trying to take the title,” he joked.

Similarly, Peter lays claim to a remarkable first delivery – he found himself assisting in the birth of a baby girl in the back of an ambulance within an hour of turning up for his first shift as a Driver Bearer.

Reflecting on our modern communications infrastructure, Les remembered a time when stations would take their own calls and communicate with their vehicles over a local radio channel.

“The smaller stations had no dedicated telephone or radio operators, so the superintendent or an on-duty officer would answer the phones and radio,” he said.

Les finishes on a high – being awarded a Distinguished Service Medal

The extra two years noted takes into account Les’ time as an Honorary Ambulance Officer in his early years in Ayr.

In the first week of May, QAS Commissioner Craig Emery was in Townsville to present Les with a special award, the Distinguished Services Medal, in honour of his long and distinguished career spanning more than 52 years with the QAS.

“I’m humbled,” he said. “It’s been a real pleasure to receive it and so unexpected.”

Among the many presentations was a retirement plaque comprising radio equipment and Les admitted even after 50 years he was sad to say goodbye.

“I’ll miss the chats and seeing everyone face-to-face the most,” he said.

“It’s been great to take part in the change.”

Les departs with a wealth of knowledge but leaves a legacy of innovation and a strong foundation for the next generation of staff.

In the meantime, you can find Les already wrangling his next challenging project, an untended garden at home.

Les said his medal presentation was a lovely surprise.

Les is planning to work now until the end of the week of 23 January 2023 to clock up the 50 years nearly exactly.

Opposite: ■ Les is farewelled by the Executive team, many of whom are his former students. Clockwise from left: Gerard Lawler, Kent Grayson, Steve Zsombok, Dee Taylor-Dutton and Les Steel. Above, left to right: ■ Les Steel cuts the cake at his Townsville farewell, Acting Deputy Commissioner Stephen Zsombok presents a bespoke trophy to Les in Brisbane, Acting Assistant Commissioner Amanda Harper presents Les with one of many farewell gifts, Long-time colleagues Les and Peter are clocking up a century between them.

Autumn 2022

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Welcome to our new HARU Doctors The next group of High Acuity Response Unit (HARU) doctors have started working from Kedron Headquarters to not only provide their skills to our teams, but also to gain their own experience of working within the QAS workforce.

Welcome Doctors Vanessa Whiting, Bec Brady, and Rowan McCarthy.

Bec Brady 22 When did you start with QAS?

What are some of the biggest differences from your previous jobs?

February 2022.

Where were you working beforehand?

I was based in Brisbane, working for LifeFlight at the Brisbane bases, FIFO to Royal Flying Doctor Service in Cairns doing Telehealth and Retrievals in the Cape, and also at Greenslopes Emergency Department after having done a majority of my ED training at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

Why did you choose to work with us?

I have been working for retrieval organisations for the past year and have an interest in the pre-hospital environment, so I wanted to continue to increase my exposure to assessing and managing highly complex medical and trauma patients. HARU is such a well‑known and respected team both inside and outside QAS that the opportunity to work alongside them as part of the team on road is a privilege.

How are you finding the change of work so far?

There has been a learning curve familiarising myself with new equipment and procedures, but I am enjoying the challenges being involved so early in a patient’s journey has offered.

Autumn 2022

The in-depth feedback, debriefing and auditing following every case is a very rewarding learning experience and helpful in the processing of the job and its outcome.

What do you hope to get out of this role professionally?

As a newly qualified ED consultant I hope this role helps to build on my clinical knowledge and shape my current practices to then take back and use in the Emergency Department to be more experienced in the Pre-hospital-to-ED interface.

What do you like to do in your downtime?

I like to explore new brunch places with friends and my partner, go to the beach or go on a hike. I also enjoy snowboarding, so am very much looking forward to the opportunity to travel again without too many restrictions.

Welcome to our new HARU Doctors

Rowan McCarthy Where were you working beforehand?

Based on the Sunshine Coast, working between the three EDs in Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Services (Gympie, Nambour, and Sunshine Coast University Hospital).

Why did you choose to work with us?

So many reasons. The case mix provides the opportunity to work on the sickest patients in challenging circumstances. The clinical governance and audit process provides an excellent opportunity to improve my practice. And the opportunity to work with highly competent and motivated individuals within a well-regarded organisation was very appealing… just to name a few.

How are you finding the change of work so far?

What are some of the biggest differences from your previous jobs?

The uniform… lots of places to hang things, and the pockets are nice.

What do you hope to get out of this role professionally?

I am hoping to hone my clinical evaluation of patients and broaden my experience with critically unwell patients.

What do you like to do in your downtime?

Try to stop my kids becoming patients!

It has been a good challenge so far. There are lots of things to learn and processes to familiarise myself with, so it has been rewarding so far.

Vanessa Whiting 23 When did you start with QAS? I commenced with QAS on 7 February this year and will be with HARU for 12 months.

Where were you working beforehand?

I am currently employed 0.5 part time with HARU. I do week on, week off. My other job is as an ED consultant at Redland Hospital where I continue to work 0.5 on the alternate week to my QAS week. I have done some retrieval medicine with LifeFlight prior to working with QAS and have just started learning to be a medical co-ordinator at RSQ.

Why did you choose to work with us?

I knew QAS HARU is the busiest prehospital service for doctors in Australia and the experience I would gain here would be second to none. I wanted to improve my prehospital management of critically unwell or injured patients.

What are some of the biggest differences from your previous jobs?

The code one driving! I have always been a passenger in a helicopter or RFDS plane, totally able to concentrate on case before arriving at the patient. Now there is a lot of concentration on the road to ensure you arrive safely! The small and ever-changing teams are also amazing. In the hospital, you know who you are working with and are resource rich. On the road, different crews communicate so well and do so much.

What do you hope to get out of this role professionally?

I hope to gain confidence in approaching the most injured and sick patients, learning from those around me who have a phenomenal amount of experience. I hope my learning while working at QAS will make me the best prehospital doctor I can be.

What do you like to do in your downtime?

How are you finding the change of work so far?

Challenging but fun. I’m learning a lot on every shift. The CCPs have been so welcoming and helpful. I admire how they can think quickly, always moving forward, aiming to get the patient the immediate intervention they need, or to definitive care.

Spend time with my family. I have a husband and two kids at home (6yrs and 3yrs) who keep me pretty busy. Otherwise, the pandemic has meant we haven’t been able to travel much, so spending time gardening helps me escape and unwind.

Autumn 2022

Sarah makes May her special month May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness month and it holds a special place in Emergency Medical Dispatcher Sarah Davies-Richards’ heart, as her own four year-old son Lachlan has Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

This page

■ Sarah and 4 year old Lachie.

Oppposite, clockwise from top left to bottom left

■ Sarah, Lachie and Nola.

■ Boredom Buster Bags are welcomed by kids of all ages like Riley.

■ Lachie’s 2nd admission.

■ Little “Ironman” with his mum.

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The Kedron-based EMD is keen to raise awareness for CF and is also collecting for a Boredom Buster toy drive for children with CF who end up being hospitalised for longer periods of time.

Cystic Fibrosis is a recessive genetic condition which mainly affects the lungs and digestive system because of a malfunction in the exocrine system, responsible for producing saliva, sweat, tears and mucus.

It’s the most common, life-limiting genetic condition affecting around 3,500 Australians, and around one in 25 people carry the recessive CF gene.

Babies born today with CF can expect to live well into adulthood, and while there have been significant advances in treatment and management, there is still no cure.

“In October 2017, my wife gave birth to our son, Lachlan, or Lachie-John Robot Dinosaur ... as he prefers to be called,” Sarah said.

“Three weeks later our world was turned upside down when we received the life changing phone call advising us Lachlan had Cystic Fibrosis.

“Like many other children with Cystic Fibrosis Lachie is one of the bravest, most resilient children you will ever meet.”

Sarah said so far Lachie has endured six admissions to Queensland Children’s Hospital (several requiring complete room isolation), three nasal gastric tubes for nutrition / bowel blockages, four PICC line surgeries (for aggressive antibiotic treatment), one very fast ride in an ambulance, countless blood tests and x-rays and daily physiotherapy with ongoing medications.

And the last two years of COVID in our community has created even more complexities for her family.

“Covid has been an extremely challenging time, not just in trying to maintain Lachlan’s health but also in accessing medications, working around hospital admissions (only one carer during a 24-hour period) and attending scheduled Cystic Fibrosis Clinics, either one carer or via ZOOM Meetings,” she said.

Autumn 2022

“Because of the threat of COVID, we have had to remove Lachlan from day-care and kindergarten numerous times over the past two years and it’s been extremely challenging juggling our work and Lachlan’s ongoing medical requirements.

“Cystic Fibrosis is referred to as “The Lonely Disease”, and it’s very difficult to explain to him why he can’t see his friends or go certain places as it might make him very sick – he’s so young.

“As Lachlan gets older, he won’t be able to connect with other children with Cystic Fibrosis because of the risk of cross infection, which was highlighted beautifully in the movie Five Feet Apart.”

Sarah said her family has been extremely fortunate to have an amazing care team at QCH. “Last year I accepted a position with Cystic Fibrosis Queensland as a Community Support Person, and my role is to speak with parents of newly diagnosed CF patients to provide support, assistance, and advice,” she said.

Cystic Fibrosis Queensland’s Header of Membership and Services Vicki Elson-Green said the organisation provides support to around 471 children under 18 years old with CF in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Northern NSW – anyone who attends Queensland Health for clinics.

Sarah makes May her special Innovation month

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“There are currently around 3,500 people in Australia with CF and 1000 live in Queensland,” Vicki said.

“There are a few reasons why nearly a third of these people live here – the climate is better as salty air is good for their lungs, the climate is warmer, and we have three dedicated CF clinics at the Children’s Hospital, Prince Charles, and Mater has a transition clinic, so we’re the only state in Australia with this dedicated critical care.

“As a result, we also have worldrenowned clinicians here at these clinics.”

Vicki said generally children with CF end up in hospital up to twice a year for general health “tune-ups” but will also be admitted any time they get a cold or virus – anything which increases the chance of exacerbations on their lungs.

“Because their lungs are full of sticky mucus, an infection is much harder to shake,” Vicki said.

“Generally, it’s at least a two-week stagy and can be up to a 5-6 week stay.

“Every time their lungs get damaged it’s permanent, so we try to avoid that as the most common cause of death for CF is lung failure.”

Vicki said life expectancy had increased dramatically (from under 18 years 15 years ago to now up to 48-50 years old) and the latest drugs emerging are lifechanging so children born today will have a far better life expectancy.

“All about alleviating boredom.

For example, word searches, Lego, colouring in books, things that take time to do and puzzles or older kids, spoilers like body wash, hand cream or nail polish.

“We try to provide things to make them feel loved and cared for and some of the younger kids don’t have family support for their stay as they’ve got other children to look after.

“Over the last 15 years we’ve learnt a lot about infection control, for example, having four kids in a ward is an opportunity for cross contamination, so we’ve changed all that.”

“Because they’re all in isolation rooms – it’s very socially isolating, and they don’t get to share a lot of their lived experience with other people going through the same thing.”

But Vicki said the isolation the children face in hospital is difficult for them and CF provides Boredom Buster bags to help.

Outside her busy EMD and home life, Sarah volunteers for CF, running some of the CF parent support forums for parents of younger children which act as a peer support network.

“We deliver about 225 bags a year to a hospital like QCH and post the out to some of the regional hospitals, but most kids come to QCH as it’s the dedicated children’s clinic with children ranging from newborn to 17-18 years of age,” she said.

Sarah is collecting toys and puzzles all May for CF Boredom Busters at the Kedron Park Headquarters and collection boxes can be found near C3, in the Media section and at the OpCen.

Autumn 2022

EMD scales new heights for cause close to her heart Emergency Medical Dispatcher Steph Vanden Hurk tackled her fear of heights to raise much needed funds for women with perinatal depression at this year’s White Cloud Foundation’s Leaping Ladies event.

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Queensland’s White Cloud Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation providing practical support, easy access to treatment, and early intervention programs for people living with or at risk of developing depression and anxiety in its many forms.

Its annual Leaping Ladies event, hosted in March, sees recognised female community leaders take a ‘leap of faith’ and abseil down the Kangaroo Point cliffs.

The event raises vital funds for new mothers and their families at risk of experiencing perinatal depression to ensure the continuation of their incredibly successful Meals for Mums program.

Steph used this service, which provides nutritious meals for mums who need them, after her first baby was born in 2020.

“I was really struggling with perinatal depression with my oldest and it was recognised during a mental health check

with the child health nurse and the White Cloud Foundation was actually one of the referral pathways,” Steph said.

“Having those meals was just one less thing to worry about in a massively scary and stressful situation, at least I could eat good healthy meals as well.”

Steph bravely spoke about her struggle with perinatal depression to the participants of the Leaping Ladies event.

“People talk about the baby blues, but it gets to a point where you realise it’s not just the baby blues, it’s not just hormones, it’s ongoing and it’s getting worse,” she said.

organisation and its vital services that helped her so much.

“I really don’t like heights so for me it’s a massive thing to be able to do that and overcome it for something so good,” she said.

“It’s important for people to know there is help out there and to reach out sooner rather than later.

“After using it myself I thought it would be really nice to help other mums out there who don’t know about it and encourage them to reach out for help sooner rather than later.”

“It’s a pretty awful feeling not wanting to be around your baby – you love them, but you don’t want to touch them, you don’t want to be near them, and you think everyone’s better off without you.”

Top left

Two happy baby boys later, Steph overcame her struggles and her fear of heights to raise awareness for the

Right

Autumn 2022

■ S teph getting ready to abseil down Kangaroo Point cliffs as part of the White Cloud Foundation’s Leaping Ladies event..

Top right

■ Participants of the 2022 Leaping Ladies event.

■ EMD Steph ready to go at the Leaping Ladies event.

Child caller helps spread positive message

Child caller helps spread positive message Six-year-old Winnie Johnson has used a frightening family experience to help teach her Year 1 class about what to do in an emergency, Madolyn Sushames writes.

Winnie also had a little present for the crew – a picture and hand-drawn logbook so they can keep track of their incidents.

On Valentine’s Day (14 February) this year Winnie’s mum Leah started experiencing chest pains after picking her up from school.

“It’s not something we get to do very often, so it was great to be able to acknowledge her in front of her peers,” Amanda said.

“I told Winnie I was feeling terrible and went to the lounge and said she had to call a doctor, so she grabbed my phone and I asked her to call Triple Zero and ask for an ambulance and Winnie took it from there,” Leah said.

“It was also great for her to be able to share that experience and demonstrate calling Triple Zero (000) is not something to fear and that we are there to help them if needed.

“We don’t get a lot of insight into what happens with our patients after we transport them to the hospital so to see Leah well was great, as was seeing how happy Winnie was to see us again,” Amanda said.

“The kids were really engaged and asked lots of questions.

“It was lovely also when she presented us with a special drawing she had made.”

“It’s so beneficial for them as they may never have heard that information before.

Mum Leah has since recovered from hospital-acquired pneumonia.

“Now they can go home and talk to their parents about it and develop that skill so if they are ever faced with an emergency, they feel confident to call Triple Zero (000).”

She said she had never talked to her children about having to call an ambulance until she needed one herself and hoped sharing their story would encourage other families to have this important conversation.

“She spoke on the phone to the lovely ambulance lady and helped her with our address and what was happening with mummy.

“It was pretty eventful for Winnie, she was pretty brave and I’m very, very proud of her.”

Winnie not only organised help for Leah but made sure she and her younger siblings were cared for as well.

Responding paramedic Amanda Te Momo said Winnie showed maturity well beyond her years to do that.

“She stayed really calm on the phone, helped us get in through the lock on the gate, she gathered up some things to take to hospital, she was amazing, just 100 per cent calm the whole time,” Amanda said.

Amanda and partner Jacob presented Winnie with a Bravery Award in front of her Year 1 class and used it as an opportunity to talk to the little students about what to do in an emergency.

Amanda’s biggest tip is for parents to ensure their kids know their address and phone number if they ever need to call for help.

“You can act it out using a script on the Triple Zero Kids Challenge website (developed for Australian families) where the parent pretends to be the call taker and the kids answer the questions,” she said.

“Talk to them about situations where they may need to phone Triple Zero and give examples of these. It’s also really important to show them how to dial Triple Zero if the phone has a passcode.”

“I think it’s vital for families maybe if they’re ever in that situation maybe that they know and understand what to do so I’m glad in a way that this happened to me because it could be saving someone else’s life one day,” Leah said.

Left to right

■ Winnie giving Amanda and Jacob the drawings she made them.

■ Paramedics Jacob and Amanda with Winnie.

■ Winnie showing her class her Bravery Award.

Autumn 2022

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From heart stopping to heart-warming: Paramedics reunite with cardiac arrest patient Paramedics don’t often see their patients’ outcomes, let alone enjoy a rare win from a serious cardiac arrest.

For paramedics Tom, Sophie, Jacob and Stu, a catch up with former patient Brett Cox was a very special opportunity.

On 10 January 2022 the team responded to reports of a 72-yearold male who had collapsed while playing with his grandsons at his Redcliffe home.

Twelve-year-old Taj had grabbed his Nanny’s phone and dialled Triple Zero (000) for her before running to get help with his younger brother Hamish.

“The job was very special to me as unfortunately most cardiac arrests we attend to don’t have favourable outcomes.”

The team say if it wasn’t for the quick-thinking actions of his grandsons, wife, and neighbours it could have been a very different story for Brett.

The family and their neighbour Paul also thanked the paramedics for helping to save Brett’s life in an emotional reunion.

Their neighbour, Paul, was CPR trained. He rushed over and started compressions immediately.

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Top left

■ B rett now has an implantable cardioverter‑defibrillator.

Right

■ P aramedics presented Taj and Hamish with Bravery Awards.

The boys ran out to wave down the ambulance, but by the time paramedics got to him Brett’s heart had stopped.

They continued CPR and delivered two shocks.

Incredibly, Brett regained a heartbeat.

Background

Fast forward to today, Brett now has an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and has made a full recovery.

■ P aramedics Jacob, Sophie, Stu and Tom with Brett and his grandsons Taj and Hamish.

The crew reunited with Brett and his family a month after the incident to present grandsons Taj and Hamish with Bravery Awards.

“It was wonderful to see them all in good spirits and I felt very pleased to have been a part of a major success story for excellent patient outcomes,” Jacob said.

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Paul said he hadn’t been able to talk about the incident since the night it happened and was happy to now enjoy a beer with his Brett, under less stressful circumstances.

Brett’s story is a very timely remind to the public to brush up on their CPR skills - you never know when it could save a family member’s, or neighbour’s, life.

Abbey answers the call of new life

Background

■ Emergency Call Handler Abbey Coleburn and baby Brianna.

In frame

■ Abbey giving big sister Dannielle a present.

Abbey answers the call of new life Some Triple Zero (000) call takers can wait years, if not decades, to help deliver a baby over the phone. For Emergency Call Handler (ECH) Abbey Coleburn it happened within her first month of working with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS).

It was around 5am on Friday 21 February when she received a call from Palmview dad Luke. His partner’s labour had progressed quicker than expected and they needed an ambulance.

As Mum Zoe’s first labour had lasted about three days, they had been preparing for another marathon.

“In all of our planning we were talking about a 12-hour labour, so we weren’t expecting anything less than that,” Luke said.

But the baby had other plans and when it became clear they wouldn’t make it to hospital in time, he called Triple Zero (000).

“It was like when you study for an exam for 12 hours the night before then you sit down at the exam, and you forget everything.”

“It’s exactly what we wanted, we wanted a birth with low interventions, and we wanted Luke to be the first one to receive her,” Zoe added.

“Being able to meet the family a couple of weeks later just brings it all together for me,” Abbey said.

Within 15 minutes of making the call, a healthy baby girl was born.

“It was my first experience bringing a baby into the world and then actually getting to see the healthy baby girl who was delivered is pretty amazing.”

“It was quite a surreal experience for me considering I’ve only been taking emergency calls for a little over a month now,” Abbey said.

Even though she’s only been an Emergency Call Handler for a few months, Abbey said she had already learnt so much in her role.

“I was so relieved when I heard the baby cry straight away and I’m grateful everything went smoothly and both mum and baby had no complications.

Abbey will continue working in the Brisbane Operations Centre for 12 months before transferring into the graduate paramedic program.

“I feel honoured to be able to help someone through such an important moment in their life and hopefully ease some of the stress and anxiety of the situation for them.”

“I love coming to work every day knowing every day is vastly different from the one before and I love the adrenaline rush of not knowing what is going to be on the other end of the line every time the phone rings,” she said.

Luckily, Abbey was there to talk him through the delivery.

Abbey said hearing the baby cry for the first time through the phone is something she’ll never forget.

“It was pretty emotional to be that involved in the birth of our daughter,” Luke said.

A fortnight after baby Brianna was born, Abbey had the opportunity to meet the new family of four.

“Working in the Operations Centre isn’t something I initially considered as an option for me, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn how things work behind the scenes.”

Autumn 2022

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Toowoomba Airbase flags rich culture The walls of the Toowoomba Airbase are draped in history and culture and represent each of the staff members who have worked at the hangar, Madolyn Sushames writes.

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Flight Critical Care Paramedic Anthony Clark asks each new starter to the Queensland Ambulance Service or LifeFlight to bring a flag from the country they’re from to hang on his ‘flag wall’.

“It’s a good conversation starter and when people come in, especially the international doctors, they know we’re going to embrace their culture and learn about where they’re from.

Everyone loves it,” Anthony said.

As a former Australian Defence Force solider, Anthony has always been passionate about history.

“I thought we’ve got this whole concrete wall here let’s start doing a flag wall of all the people who have worked for QAS or LifeFlight,” Anthony said.

Anthony has learnt, however, there is a particular way to display each flag after one of his friends who served in the army as a Regimental Sergeant Major pointed out to him.

“He’s a very ceremonious person and is right up with the flag protocol and there is quite a significant protocol with hanging flags in order and where they sit,” he said.

“He’s been keeping a keen eye on the flags from the road when he drives pass and has given me a few tips on how to hang them properly and which way they face.”

Anthony said Commonwealth country flags hang on the left-hand side and the others on the right with the two outer flags being English and America.

“A few of them look like they’re facing the wrong way but that’s how the country hangs it so as long as they’re facing the right direction and hanging the right way that’s ok,” he said.

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It all started with an Australian flag given to one of the pilots from his brother who was a drone pilot in Afghanistan.

“It sat in the nose compartment of his drone that flew many missions in Afghanistan supporting Australian troops, so there’s a bit of significance there,” Anthony said.

“The cable on which the flags are hung is the original winch cable off our very first helicopter that we had in Toowoomba 14 years ago.”

About 20 flags from all over the world now hang proudly in the Toowoomba hangar.

“It just keeps growing and growing, I think we’re going to fill that whole wall,” Anthony said.

Background

■ A bout 20 flags from all over the world hang proudly at the LifeFlight hangar.

In frame

■ F light Critical Care Paramedic Anthony Clark started the flag wall at the Toowoomba Airbase.

Vale Lara and Ronald

FNQ says farewell to Lara Darby

Former Officer Lara Darby passed away in April following a long-term illness and will be remembered as a well‑loved hard‑working and community‑minded member of the QAS workforce.

Lara commenced with the QAS initially as an honorary officer and cadet at Coolangatta/Burleigh Heads Ambulance Stations on 26 December 1990.

QAS, with Lara being the recipient of 10, 20 and 30 years QAS long Service awards, in addition to the 15 and 25 years National Medals over her career.

As part of her legacy, QAS has launched the Far Northern Region Care for Staff Award, to be awarded in Lara’s honour at the next FNQ awards ceremony.

Lara had a career spanning 31 years, achieved many personal milestones qualifying as an Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) and a Critical Care Paramedic (CCP), before ultimately achieving OIC status and taking charge of Edmonton ambulance station in January 2012.

At a recent Awards Ceremony, Lara was awarded with a QAS Shield and Commissioners Certificate of Appreciation for 30 years of long, diligent and outstanding service.

The Lara Darby Caring for staff award was created by Far North Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Rita Kelly in consultation with Lara.

During her career Lara worked at almost every station and was well known throughout FNQ. Her loyal service to QAS, her commitment to the care of her community and her unwavering support for staff rightfully earned her respect from her peers and recognition from

According to staff and LAC volunteers at Edmonton Station, Lara had a knack for welcoming all new staff and ensuring station and LAC events were a success.

Many QAS staff attended Lara’s funeral both in person and online on 21 April 2022 and many current and former staff took the opportunity to send in messages detailing how Lara touched their lives.

They wanted to create an award to commemorate Lara’s contribution to the service and primarily the staff she cared for as an OIC for so many years.

Lara was well known for going above and beyond for her staff and doing so relentlessly, with a “let’s do what’s right” attitude.

Lara wanted to hand-pick the first recipient of this award for 2022 and has made a choice everyone will be very much in support of.

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Vale Ronald (Bert) Toogood

Ronald (Bert) Toogood, a former Far North Queensland QATB Superintendent recently passed away aged 93 years.

Bert started as an honorary ambulance officer at Cairns in 1949, before his appointment as Driver Bearer in Tully in 1951, returning to Cairns soon afterwards in 1953.

In 1954 Bert returned to Tully and was promoted to Senior Bearer in June 1956.

In 1965 he was appointed as a Superintendent, serving at Mount Garnet, Babinda,

Charters Towers, Tully and finally Innisfail in 1985.

He retired in 1992 after having served 43 years and six months service to the North Queensland Community.

According to QAS Heritage and History Manager Mick Davis, Bert and his wife Josie were like parents to many officers in their early ambulance careers.

He also played a significant role in the preservation of the 1941 Ford ambulance vehicle at the Charters Towers ambulance museum.

Bert remained a member of the Queensland Ambulance Service Retired Officers Association.

Bert’s Memorial Service was held on 6 May in Innisfail.

Autumn 2022

Training: Putting RESPECT at the forefront *Warning: the following text includes references to harassment and sexual harassment*

Sexual harassment continues to impact thousands of Australians from all walks of life – whether it be in homes, on the street, and in a workplace.

Unfortunately, the Queensland Ambulance Service is not an exception to the rule, but since 2021 we have taken a big step forward in the prevention and response of sexual harassment.

Priority One’s Clinical Psychological Service Executive Manager Kirstine Britton said the journey to a safer QAS started in 2020.

“Priority One embarked on creating and piloting Respect Sexual Harassment training in response to data that harassment, and particularly sexual harassment, was an issue identified by staff in the Queensland Ambulance Service,” Kirstine said.

This training had three goals. To address the societal/cultural and psychological context of sexual harassment, to empower individuals to access support, and lastly, to

Factbox

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“Following the success of these pilot sessions, we brought this training to all QAS staff, both operational and corporate, throughout Queensland in 2021.”

More than 90 per cent of attendees agreed or strongly agreed they had a greater understanding behind the behaviours involved in sexual harassment after the training.

give an understanding of the psychological factors relating to reporting and intervening in sexual harassment.

Kirstine said broadly, the training had been considered a success.

“The numbers we saw come back after the sessions were very encouraging of the positive workplace culture change,” she said.

“Many who have experienced sexual harassment have welcomed this opportunity for not only the education of their colleagues but have also told of the appreciation of the discussion and awareness that this training has generated.

“There is always going to be more to do, and always going to be individuals that are resistant, but we are already seeing a critical shift in the culture of the organisation and that is incredibly invaluable.”

If you require support or resources, please contact Priority One 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 805 980.

89 per cent agreed or strongly agreed they had reflected on their own workplace culture values as a consequence of the training.

Bystander Intervention Model The model is a continuum that provides options and encourages bystanders to intervene and stop inappropriate behaviour in the workplace by speaking up and taking action.

Autumn 2022

A further 78 per cent strongly agreed they were now more likely to reflect on their own behaviours and interactions.

Where do I find help?

24-hour telephone counselling  1800 805 980 QAS Priority One Director  0419 707 397 QAS Staff Counsellors  0408 191 215 or 0417 079 679 or 0409 056 983 QAS Priority One State Office  3635 3333 LGBTIQ+ support service  3830 5888 Chaplaincy service  0 439 788 485 or Office 3835 9923 Local Priority One Peer Support Officers or Counsellors  See list in each QAS Station or on QASPortal

More than 70 per cent strongly agreed they were now more likely to interview or stop inappropriate behaviours in the workplace.

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LARU Report Graduate Certificate QASCLO General Information Page now OPEN

How can I find it?

34

Scroll down to find the Grad Cert General information page button

The General Program Information Page is where all enrollment information can be found, general questions, as well as important forms.

There are some excellent resources on the page for paramedics: Excellent resource for all Paramedics to do some training on how to use CKN and its database – open to all registered paramedics to use.

Where all the units and the dates they are running can be found:

Autumn 2022

Information for those contemplating the course on the academic standards and rigor that the Graduate Certificate requires.

Local-area Assessment and Referral Unit Report

Update from LARU in the North by Frances O’Meara, Senior Paramedic and Qualified LARU Officer.

Here in the North, we’ve been battling a brutal heatwave rather than floods. QAS LARU crews state-wide have had a lot of vulnerable patients unable to access primary health care facilities and pharmacies in the community due to environmental conditions and the unique situation of the COVID pandemic. During the pandemic, many GP clinics were not able to accept those with cold or flu symptoms, experienced reduced staff numbers due to their own staff illnesses, and the suspension of non‑urgent surgeries.

Many of our patients and their dependents are in situations that prevent the easy access to care. We see patients with multiple children and no caring support; people distanced from health facilities and unable to afford the costs of owning and running a vehicle; the elderly; those with limited mobility; people living in substandard conditions due to the ongoing rental crisis; families affected by DFV; and those with no phone credit and no alternative but to call 000.

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The extended training we have been receiving in both clinical examinations and clinical reasoning have enabled an increased confidence in own overall judgement in diagnoses and managing patients with complex care needs and challenging personal situations.

Plus, there are all those sexy skills to utilise like suturing and gluing, fishhook and ring removal, and cleaning, approximating, and treating wounds, all of which become way more prolific during environmental disasters.

As a LARU qualified paramedic, it is a privilege to be involved with helping people with very few options, support systems and often limited health literacy. To be given the opportunity to foster a respectful and trusting relationship with a patient who often does not feel heard, and together make a plan that is best suited to their specific circumstances and health status, is a privilege. The pathway is so frequently not best suited to an immediate hospital visit.

Personally, apart from appropriate medical outcomes, I find one of the best offshoots of my job is to enable every person to feel empowered, listened to and respected in whatever walk of life they find themselves in. My community….one person at a time.

Top right, overlapping background

■ Frances and Chase Price from Met North learning advanced history taking and physical assessment.

Background and all other photos

■ EARCCN001 Residential Workshop at Whyte Island.

Autumn 2022

CASE

Paramedics were recently called to a middle‑aged woman suffering profound shortness of breath.

QAS Medical Director, Dr Stephen Rashford The patient had been well before bed, waking two hours later with severe dyspnoea.

The only background history was very mild intermittent asthma and allergy – neither of which caused any issue previously.

The Advanced Care Paramedics (ACPs) and Critical Care Paramedics (CCP) arrived.

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The paramedics were confronted with a patient in extremis – profoundly dyspnoeic, hypoxic complicated by a reduced level of consciousness.

The initial treatment was intramuscular (IM) adrenaline x3 and then progression to an adrenaline infusion.

The High Acuity Response Unit (HARU) was also responded.

Prior to HARU arrival, the paramedics administered hydrocortisone and commenced a magnesium infusion, in addition to high flow oxygen and continuous nebulised salbutamol.

The HARU arrived to find a patient in a periarrest scenario, despite very prompt, aggressive therapy.

GCS 4 HR 90 Palpable BP SpO2 <50%, Cyanosed, Respiratory Rate 40-50/ min with maximal accessory muscle movements The HARU paramedic contacted me to discuss the potential for a rapid sequence induction (RSI) as the next escalation point for therapy.

The provisional diagnosis was either anaphylaxis or acute hyperfulminant asthma, both having similar presentations.

This patient was critically unwell, with a great risk of deteriorating into cardiac arrest.

A FaceTime video consultation into the scene was performed.

Autumn 2022

I was particularly concerned by the level of respiratory embarrassment and hypoxia, coupled with the inability to mount a tachycardic response despite this level of stress and being treated with 50mcg/min of intravenous (IV) Adrenaline.

The risk of precipitating cardiac arrest with an RSI and positive pressure ventilation was also extremely high.

This patient was on a clinical precipice – not a good scenario to be in.

In discussion with the crews, we decided the next most appropriate step was improve mechanics for the work of breathing, rather than attempt an RSI. I requested that CPAP with continuous nebulised salbutamol be applied to the patient and the patient be sat upright, despite being deeply unconscious.

Both of these measures improve work of breathing and optimise ventilation.

It was important to remove the CPAP immediately if further deterioration occurred.

The paramedics then in a very novel fashion sat the patient up ‘back-to-back’ with a paramedic, as she was still on the floor in her bedroom.

Thankfully, over the next 20 minutes, the patient relatively improved.

The SpO2 rose to 80%, the respiratory distress eased somewhat and the conscious level improved.

At this point the patient was extricated from the house.

Upon arrival at hospital, the patient was conscious, had been weaned off CPAP and the adrenaline infusion had also been weaned, now at 10mcg/min – quite an amazing result.

High Acuity Response Unit Report

AUDIT findings •

The initial ACP and CCP crews provided stellar care in short time, stopping the patient progressing to cardiac arrest – super well done.

•

The exact aetiology was unclear, but most likely represented acute asthma or anaphylaxis.

•

The decision to defer RSI was correct, avoiding iatrogenic injury whilst other interventions were enacted.

•

The use of FaceTime consultation positively contributed to complex case decision making.

•

The use of CPAP and patient positioning assisted with the improvement, in concert with the active pharmacologic interventions.

•

The positive outcome in this case is a testament to the level of sophisticated prehospital care available in Queensland, including the immediate availability of multidisciplinary consultation for complex cases.

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o_two® CPAP with T-piece configuration

Autumn 2022

OpCen Report QAS’s Emergency Medical Dispatcher James Rolleston and Paramedic Paul Spinks recently made news around the state. The pair were key players in a dramatic and successful rescue of grandmother Karryn Dolan from her Wolverton Station in remote Cape York Peninsular.

Karryn had been out hunting with visiting family friend Emma on 30 December 2021, when she suddenly collapsed, suffering a “widow maker” heart attack.

Emma managed to get her onto her quadbike and back to the homestead to call for help and where luckily there was a recently installed defibrillator.

■ OpCen Supervisor Jaala Papworth

Working very much behind the scenes in a support role were OpCen Supervisor Jaala Papworth and Despatcher Chloe Page providing support, guidance and a lot of quick thinking to give EMD James Rolleston and the medical team the best chance of success.

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Jaala has been working in the Operations Centre for 21 years, seven of them as Supervisor and in her words, she describes the role she played to support the team.

■ Karryn was 700km from the nearest hospital when she suffered a heart attack. Image source: The Courier Mail.

Autumn 2022

Operations Centre Report

With around six to seven people on a shift at any time, we call Cairns OpCen a “boutique centre”, due to its size in comparison to other OpCens. As a supervisor, part of my role is to keep an ear tuned in across the room to pick up signs our team members may need support.

When James took the call for the Wolverton Station case, I heard him trying to establish the caller’s location and “Coen” was being used.

This, combined with James’ response to the call, indicated the patient clearly wasn’t breathing and was needing urgent assistance, so it meant the earlier we could get things rolling, the better.

When I overhear someone is performing CPR, I always check the EMD is comfortable with what they’re doing.

So, in James’ case, I touched his shoulder to let him know I was there, and he looked at me to say he was ok, so I monitored him from my own desk knowing I could drop into the conversation if needed, but he was following the script well and had developed a strong rapport with the people on the other end of the line. Once I knew he was handling that part of the situation comfortably, I then went back into supervisor mode.

I knew there was a roadhouse at Archer River, between Coen and Wolverton Station so called there to see if there were any auxiliary firefighters or holidaying nurses or doctors passing through who we could call on to see if we could get any extra helpers, whether it’s someone to help with the driving, or even just extra sets of hands in case they were needed.

This was all being done early on during James’ call.

During the night James continued to receive updates on Karryn’s condition and at around 11pm we finally received a sitrep from Paul saying Karryn was going downhill and was on the verge of rearresting. But at least we knew she was alive, and we had to get her out.

Paul and QHealth nurse Sandra Higgs who accompanied him from Coen recruited Wolverton Station owner Neville to drive the ambulance back to Coen to meet the rescue flight while they kept working with Karryn. It was a slow drive back to meet the RFDS crew but once the plane had landed and everyone was there, we were able to breathe a big sigh of relief… that’s one 000 call for the state so we still had all the other jobs going on at the same time.

While James was working closely with the family, Chloe and I were working to see how we could best support our response as our first responder, Coen paramedic Paul Spence, is a solo officer.

With all this happening, we were doing multiple things at the same time – you’re multiskilling to the absolute max.

I don’t think that was a particularly bad shift for work, but that job finishes and there’s another 5-10 on the shift you’re monitoring.

At the time Paul was a little dubious about the distance, with an estimated travel time of about 1hour and 20 minutes to get there, but you do what you must do to provide aid.

RFDS transported Karryn and I debriefed with James.

Once he’d disconnected, we gave him a hurrah and a chat and we spent time letting him process how well he’d done.

After letting Paul know the station had a defibrillator in action keeping Karryn alive, we got on the phones to see who was available to provide some extra support locally for Paul. In these cases, we tend to rely on the other local agencies in the area, like Queensland Health’s local clinic for a nurse to go with him and the local QPS for extra support, so I contacted both to see what assistance they could provide.

Then I spent time debriefing with Paul. In all these years he’d never had a job like that. He ended up sending me some photos.

After a few tries, I got through to the Coen clinic’s nurse, and then the police, and was able to tell Paul he’d have local backup.

Meanwhile James continued his phone support and CPR instructions while I worked out firstly if this was a viable arrest and secondly, how best to get Karryn out for care.

I called Retrieval Services Queensland (Brisbane-based) and we worked out flight options and we were simply lucky the Royal Flying Doctors Service was on its way to Bamaga at the time, so we had a fast response.

Once we got that backup for Paul, I then looked to see how we could provide extra support closer to the Station itself.

That’s when you start thinking laterally to try to provide extra support for the first responders.

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It’s an amazing story that we managed to fly her out and she was still alive. We then closed that job and kept working for the night.

It’s nice to talk to the officers at the end of the shift and let them offload. By all accounts the patient is well.

Paul and I kept in contact for many weeks after this and we’ve now got a closer working relationship as a result.

We have never met but have a bond there when you go above and beyond.

This is often missed in the hype of the job. I love this role, and while I don’t think I was born to do it, I still have a lot of passion for it and I never tire of it.

It was really interesting to be a part of this experience and it will be one I will remember for a long time. Some jobs do stay with you – mostly the bad ones, but this was a great outcome.

Autumn 2022

TURN OVER

These are the entries and calls made and received by OCS Jaala and demonstrates her continual support for Calltakers and Dispatchers – contacting officers, crews, call backs, facilities, etc.

•

Checked mapping on location details / supported EMD

•

2017hrs OCS Dispatched Coen paramedic – gave details of location – Officer advised he will take the Nurse Sandy from the clinic – incident over 1hr away – advised AED on-site

•

Attached QPS via ICEMS

•

2022hrs Called QH Coen to notify of incident and RN escort requirements

•

2034hrs Contacted RSQ Annette – Requested location of RFDS aircraft who may be able to attend location – RSQ stated 1 helo may get to Archer River Roadhouse based on previous

•

2034hrs NZCC consultant DR Colin conference call – active CPR at Wolverton Station – closest response 1hr away single officer with RN – Call received at 2017hrs CPR with AED (few shocks given) with ETA of + 1hrs (2130hrs) QAS – unknown cause ?trauma or medical. Consultant advised return pt to Coen – weather consideration and R700/R510 or RFDS – Nil aerial resource tasked at this time

•

2052hrs – OCS (2) attempts to call Archer River Roadhouse for assistance and landing strip condition report – nil answer •

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•

2110hrs SOS update of cases/crews [BAU for area] – notifications to CDS on pending workload – priority review 2117hrs Phone call to Officer in Port Douglas for ■ The team preparing Karryn for Transport. code 1 – supporting Dispatcher Image source: The Courier Mail.

•

2117hrs PTT Sat – update location of incident – confirm kms • • • •

2120hrs OCS called MOS para personal mobile for code 1 backup 2122hrs SOS contacted for crew queries – Risk matrix / PPE / Covid results 2135hrs OCS called WEI para – dispatch details 2137hrs SOS ramp update – RAMPED 7142

•

2142hrs RSQ called OCS requesting SITREP – 20:51HRS On Scene – PMHX

•

2004hrs OCS made contact with scene Paramedic - update – Tasking aerial – SITREP – 3 shocks VT GCS5 SAT 97 stable but on edge of arrest. Discussion on RFDS landing strip at roadhouse

•

2012hrs RSQ advised Dr has spoken to Paramedic – Approved to divert RFDS Cairns from Bamaga to Coen for pt pickup •

•

2300hrs RSQ update ETA RFDS meet time 2330hrs • •

•

2249hrs OCS contacted SOS ramped – resources – teams CDS messaging

2332hrs SOS & OCS cases review – staging and QPS notification for an incident – workload 0026hrs OCS called Nursing Home advising QAS crew outside to have someone meet

0042hrs OCS call to QAS Coen Paramedic – discussion of case/debrief •

0049hrs OCS call back to an incident – further details obtained – continuation for remainder of shift

Autumn 2022

HCC Report

HCC Report – Free quit smoking support for QAS staff The Health Contact Centre’s (HCC) Quitline service provides evidence‑based smoking cessation counselling, support and encouragement to all Queenslanders interested in quitting smoking.

Our highly skilled telephone counsellors are available seven-days-a-week to work with callers to develop a personalised plan, discuss how to manage cravings or withdrawals and to provide information on nicotine replacement therapy and quitting medications.

In addition, some callers (priority population groups) may qualify for an intensive quit support program which combines multiple support calls with 12 weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (such as patches and gum).

With World No Tobacco Day celebrated on 31 May, Quitline invites you to consider the impact of tobacco related diseases on the work you do, and how you can support patients and the people around you to become smoke-free.

Queenslanders can access support from Quitline by calling 13 7848, or requesting a Quitline call online at QuitHQ.

HCC Triage Case study: 13HEALTH caller compliments Health Contact Centre’s triage nursing service

Shane* heard about the program through a work colleague (who had previously spoken with Quitline) and quit smoking after linking with his GP and Quitline.

Shane found the program very helpful and called Quitline for extra support when having bad cravings. He used the MyQuitBuddy app to have his motivations for quitting (his health and young family) at his fingers during his quit attempt.

The triage nurse asked about: current symptoms; date of last visit to the doctor and the treatment prescribed; actions taken and changes in symptoms; medical history; allergies and current medications.

Based on all the information, the nurse recommended Jane see a GP within 12 hours and provided reassurance and advice on managing symptoms in the meantime.

Jane was advised to call back or see a GP sooner if her symptoms changed or worsened and the nurse was also able to respond to some questions Jane had about COVID-19 vaccinations.

Jane was worried and didn’t know what to do as there was no after-hours doctor in the area.

“They had a great ability to drill down to the problem you are dealing with at the time whether it was nicotine withdrawals or stress... Situational insight is what I’d call it, they’re very good at discovering the source of the triggers you are experiencing,” Shane said.

Read a testimonial from a Queensland Health staff member who participated in the Quit smoking for life program.

A detailed assessment of the primary symptom followed.

Jane* from regional Queensland, a first-time user of the service, called 13HEALTH at 1am, experiencing symptoms and pain following a course of antibiotics for an infection.

He really appreciated the empathy and understanding he received from all of the telephone counsellors at Quitline.

There is also an intensive quit support program, ‘Quit smoking for life’ available to Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Health staff who smoke. You can learn more about this program and how to register via QHEPS.

Jane called again the next evening.

Having seen a doctor earlier in the day, her symptoms had worsened.

This call was taken by a different nurse who followed the same process to assess symptoms and provide advice on symptom management and recommended level of care.

“[Quitline] was one of the best preventive services I have ever seen.

I just want to say thanks to all of you, you are doing a wonderful thing. It’s a fantastic program. To whoever needs to hear it - it’s a great program, don’t take it away.” *Client’s name has been changed for privacy purposes.

Jane sent a compliment, thanking the nurses for the great advice which relieved her anxiety and allowed her to manage her symptoms.

Jane noted the value of the service, particularly for regional Queenslanders where it can be difficult to see a doctor.

This case study shows the benefits of the tele-triage nursing service which provides: •

•

•

access to assessment and health advice from a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day 7 days a week regardless of where the caller lives advice of symptom management and reassurance as appropriate, avoiding the need to attend a hospital Emergency Department for the vast majority of callers opportunities for education such as clear verbal explanations about COVID-19 related matters which can be followed up with resources by SMS or email.

*Client’s name has been changed for privacy purposes.

Autumn 2022

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Clinical Hub Report The Clinical Hub performs an active and diverse role in QAS patient encounters, ensuring greater clinical care and, most importantly, improving outcomes for Queenslanders. Stationed within the Clinical Hub are paramedics with specialist training, an Emergency Medicine Dispatcher and Operations Centre Medical officers including Emergency Medicine consultants and the HARU Fellows.

The Clinical Hub officer role includes; 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Performing call backs to pending cases with the goal of providing clinical advice to the patient and their family.

Supporting patients through the discussion of alternate pathways for care.

Supporting paramedics in the field via phone and face time with advice and support for direct patient care.

Providing advice and support via the COVID referral line to paramedics on road.

Secondary triage of pending jobs that may need to be up-graded or down-graded depending on further clinical information obtained through clinical history in case notes or on call back to the scene.

The selection of cases below highlights the different abilities within the Clinical Hub and when they can help.

1. S ymptomatic treatment and alternate pathways

2. Paramedic on scene support Paramedic call back to a pending job:

Medical Officer call back to a pending job:

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2A: 18-month-old male with burns to the arm at 9pm. Initial assessment of mechanism of injury; hot water burns from a hot drink accidently spilt on the forearm. Scene elevated with parents very concerned for child’s welfare.

Phone advice: Ensuring adequate first aid with cool running water for 20mins and analgesia with paracetamol and ibuprofen. Once situation under control continued further assessment.

This was undertaken initially over the phone and with parental consent followed up with a video conference.

On further assessment the burn was superficial dermal partial thickness with blistering, hyperaemia and brisk capillary refill. It was not affecting a special area and was estimated at two per cent total body surface area. The patient was comfortable with glad wrap placed loosely on the area. No immediate concerns of non-accidental injury were identified during the patient contact.

Shared decision making with parents to continue symptomatic care overnight at home as child was settled and sleeping post analgesia.

The plan with the parents was to follow up with their General Practitioner the following day for review and referral to Queensland Children’s Hospital Burns service if required which is an online process undertaken by the GP.

Autumn 2022

2A: 40-year-old female. Bleeding from surgical site.

Discharged from hospital the previous day after surgery for ovarian cancer, complicated by pulmonary emboli treated with oral anticoagulation.Called for an ambulance as concerned about some bleeding at the lower aspect of her abdominal surgical wound. The patient’s preference was to remain at home with her family including her two young children.

An initial call back from Clinical Hub paramedic identified this job could be potentially facilitated by a video conference with the Clinical Hub’s medical officer.

The medical officer made telephone contact with the patient and obtained video conference consent. On video conference the patient appeared well, and the wound’s blood appeared dark and old and had not expanded in size. A plan was made with the patient for paramedic assessment with the doctor via video call as new dressings were available at their home supplied by the community nurse who had visited.

The medical officer contacted the closest LARU unit via the EMD who gave the case details and plan over the radio. When the LARU arrived, they assessed the patient and gave a SIT REP once they were ready for the video conference with the medical officer.

During the conference the dressing was taken down and the wound reviewed and cleaned. There was no clinical evidence of ongoing bleeding, infection or haematoma. The wound was redressed, and the patient was successfully treated in her own home with no need for transport. Community nurse follow up was ensured for the following day and the patient was aware to call back QAS if any further bleeding or pain.

The patient was very grateful for the care provided by QAS and the ability to stay at home.

Clinical Hub Report

3. Case upgrade

4. Private Transport

Paramedic call back to a pending job:

Medical officer call back to a pending job.

2C: 35-year-old male; indwelling urinary catheter problem. History obtained on call back: paraplegic post car accident five years ago.

Blocked permanent supra pubic catheter. Patient becoming distressed, had a pounding headache, appeared flushed and was feeling agitated. Carer very concerned about patient. Unable to unblock catheter despite numerous attempts at home.

2A: 55-year-old female with fever. History obtained on call back revealed this patient was currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. She had no clear source of infection but was febrile to 38.6 degrees and was feeling generally unwell. She had chemotherapy 5 days earlier and had previously been neutropaenic post chemotherapy.

The paramedic quickly realised this patient was presenting with autonomic dysreflexia and upgraded the case appropriately to a 1C ensuring the patient received the urgent response required to remove the noxious stimulus causing the autonomic dysreflexia; which in this case was a blocked catheter with bladder distention.

The case was upgraded to a 1C to enable quicker access to antibiotics at hospital for the treatment of presumed febrile neutropaenia. After discussion with the patient’s husband, they opted to self-transport to hospital given proximity to the hospital (less than 10-minute drive), patient feeling well enough to go via private transport and husband feeling comfortable and confident to drive to the hospital. Reminded they could call back QAS if any changes or concerns on the way to hospital.

Case was cancelled.

5. Case Down-grade Medical officer call back to a pending case during a surge period with prolonged pending ques.

1C: 62-year-old male with epistaxis and uncontrolled bleeding. Third episode within the last 48 hours, others had been brief and self-resolving, not requiring medical review. Bleeding started suddenly, no recent instrumentation or surgery.

Blood is streaming anteriorly, unable to appreciate any blood going down the back of the throat. Not on anticoagulants.

On assessment patient not feeling dizzy, no chest pain, no shortness of breath, not diaphoretic and wife reports patient is a normal colour.

Advice over the phone – sitting up with head tilted slightly forward, apply compression to the nares/ anterior portion of nose (cartilage) between thumb and forefinger for 10 minutes minimum, do not let go. Breath through mouth and let blood drip into a bowl rather than swallowing.

Calm reassurance over the phone.

Wife with patient and able to provide ongoing support.

Return phone call in 10mins – bleeding had ceased, and patient improved.

Still requires review by medical practitioner for potential cautery as recurrent bleeding. No means of private transport and not in an area serviced by home GP. Case safely downgraded to a 2A awaiting paramedic assessment and transfer to hospital.

As demonstrated by the varied examples above the impact of the interventions from the clinical hub are beneficial for both patients and paramedics.

For our frontline workers, the clinical hub is contactable via the QAS consult and advice line by selecting Option 3.

Please contact us if you think we may be able to help with alternate pathways for care.

Autumn 2022

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QAS RESPECT continues to foster a safe workplace QAS RESPECT continues to reform culture through empowering our workforce to intervene and eliminate inappropriate workplace behaviour (sexual harassment, harassment, bullying and discrimination).

backgrounds, skills and qualities of our workforce.

Through leadership, information and education, QAS is empowering our workforce to step up and stamp out inappropriate behaviour. We can create a fair, inclusive, and respectful workplace for us all. Diversity is one of our greatest assets and we need to embrace and celebrate the unique

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In 2022, the QAS RESPECT Steering Committee and QAS RESPECT Working Group continues to play a crucial role in providing leadership, direction, and guidance in the prevention of inappropriate workplace behaviour.

The monthly meetings provide an opportunity to ensure a whole-oforganisation and contemporary approach is considered, while maintaining a focus on the workforce.

This year we would like to welcome to the QAS RESPECT Steering Committee, Trish Murry from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Cultural Safety Unit, and Shelly Peardon-Freeman from the Health Contact Centre.

Welcome aboard!

“Respect is the foundation of a productive, efficient and secure working environment and fundamental to our success in delivering highly valued health services.

I am pleased to see so many synergies between Shelley the current focuses of the Peardon-Freeman committee and recent priorities and activities at the Health Contact Centre. As a new member of the QAS RESPECT Steering Committee I am committed to working on meaningful strategies to ensure all staff have a working environment that supports them to thrive.”

“Respect is a positive action that we show towards our colleagues, patients, friends, family and communities. Mutual respect in a workplace provides an environment to feel valued, regardless of difference, and promote positive workplace Trish Murray culture. As a new member of the QAS RESPECT Steering Committee I am looking forward to working on strategies to support positive workplace behaviours and an environment of a belonging for all.”

QAS RESPECT Steering Committee •

Craig Emery, QAS Commissioner

•

Michael Augustus, Director, Media and Communications

•

Dee Taylor Dutton, Deputy Commissioner, Statewide Operations, South

•

Todd Wehr, Director, Staff Support Services

•

•

Gerard Lawler, A/Deputy Commissioner, Statewide Operations, North

Fiona Scalon, National Ambulance Coordinator, United Workers Union

•

•

Ray Clarke, Executive Director, Workforce Reform

Timothy Eva, Director, Queensland Ambulance Service Education Centre

•

Stephen Gough, Assistant Commissioner, Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay Region

•

Wendy Lowes, Director, Human Resources

•

Trish Murray, A/Executive Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Safety

•

Shelley Peardon-Freeman, Allied Health Director, Health Contact Centre

•

Claine Underwood, Field Officer and QAS Indigenous Network, Indigenous Liaison Officer

•

Rita Kelly, Manager Clinical Education, Far North Region

Autumn 2022

FIPU Report

QAS celebrates International Women’s Day International Women’s Day was on 8 March and this year’s theme #BreakTheBias highlighted whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead.

The QAS remains committed to supporting gender equality and creating positive workplaces which are equitable, diverse, inclusive, and respectful. The QAS celebrated by attending QG Breakfast Series and presenting QAS employees with Women in Leadership Awards.

QG Breakfast Series The Department of Health hosted a QG Breakfast Series bringing together colleagues from across the Queensland Government, with the intention to inspire action and challenge the audience to break down biases and discrimination. QAS employees attended the breakfast in person and online.

The keynote presenter was Carly Findlay, an award-winning writer, speaker, and appearance activist who challenges people’s thinking about what it’s like to have a visibly different appearance.

Carly identifies herself as a proud disabled woman living with a severe skin condition, Ichthyosis.

■ L to R – Catherin Vaughan, Sondra Vandeleur, Kisha Spearritt, Bobbie Reynolds, Nicky Bond, Liz Brooks, Victoria Chalmers, Renee Kane.

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Help build gender equality

■ L to R – Mental Health Response Program Director Sandra Garner, State Infection Prevention Program Coordinator Ursula Howarth, Clinical Innovation Acting Executive Manager Crystal Nelson, QAS Commissioner Craig Emery, State Infection Prevention Program Coordinator Mel Rogers, Cairns Operations Centre Executive Manager Brina Keating and Health Contact Centre Acute Care Acting Nurse Unit Manager Lisa Courtney.

Women in Leadership Awards We congratulated Council of Ambulance Authorities - Australasia 2022 Women in Ambulance Honour QAS recipients who were presented their awards by QAS Commissioner Craig Emery at a ceremony at Kedron on 8 March.

These awards are designed to recognise and celebrate inspirational women and their successful careers within the pre-hospital sector in ambulance services across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

To read more about our CAA 2022 Women in Ambulance Honour Recipients click here.

We all have a role in building gender equality within our families, workplaces, and communities.

Male champions or allies can advocate for change, lead by example and have productive conversations on achieving equality.

What can you do?

•

Support and build gender equal workplaces

•

Maintain a gender equal mindset

•

Challenge gender stereotypes, discrimination and biases

•

Call out gendered actions or assumptions…hey respect!

•

Celebrate women’s achievements

Autumn 2022

Happenings FEBRUARY: New QAS graduates Sarah Jones and Stu Smith were able to get a snap with Queensland’s quietest achiever turned COVID-19 celebrity Mickey the Auslan translator during a February Ministerial COVID-19 press conference at Whyte Island.

Below: Townsville Regional Office Team (L – R): A/District Director Amanda Harper, Tracy Fazel, Gemma Armit, Tracey Boden, Theresa King, Paula Marten, Davie Frazier, Jillian Meikle, Alex Williamson and Emily Bennett.

MARCH: Despite an incredibly busy day out in the community, Townsville’s regional office team and station paramedics celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March in style with treats all round.

Above: Townsville Station Paramedics (L – R): Kate Giorgas, Nicolette Murphy, Corinna Kraus, Sarah Marshall, Brenda Robinson and Caroline Pryor.

46 APRIL: Paramedics John and Shane made 78‑year‑old Isabel and her family’s day recently before taking her to Esk Hospital for ongoing palliative care. It was a small but kind gesture when they deviated course very slightly to give her some time in her beloved, but very large, garden. Isabel hasn’t been able to visit her garden in long time as her lack of mobility, combined with a high-set home, made her garden inaccessible to her. Despite her lack of access, her family has continued to work on it and our team was able to give her some time to admire their work.

John said the family was grateful, and at times quite emotional, Isabel could enjoy this precious time in her garden.

LAC CONFERENCE IS NEARLY HERE The Gold Coast LAC State Conference will be held on Friday to Sunday 10-12 June 2022.

Starting with a cocktail function at ‘Home of the Arts’ to welcome guests on the Friday evening, the conference officially kicks off Saturday morning at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre leading into a gala dinner that evening.

Autumn 2022

The Conference was originally planned for September 2021, but COVID-19 restrictions changed these plans and as a result, the next Conference will be pushed out to 2024 to allow sufficient time for the next hosting LAC to coordinate it. If your LAC is thinking about submitting a bid to host the 2024 LAC State Conference, contact Verity Ney, Acting Executive Manager, LAC and Volunteer Support at lacenquiries@ambulance.qld.gov.au.

Nambour Centenary

Nambour hits a hundred Nambour Ambulance Station celebrated 100 years of service to the Sunshine Coast by throwing open its doors to the community for its Open Day on April 23.

The red carpet was rolled out for members past, present, (and hopefully future) who came together to mark the milestone.

Items marking Nambour’s history were on display, along with vintage and equipment and vehicles showing just how far the service has come in the last century.

For the Nambour Station, it all started in 1922 when a resolution was passed

to allow Nambour to operate as an independent Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (QATB) centre.

It then became part of the Sunshine Coast region in July 1991 when the QATB transitioned to the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS).

Nambour, located next to the increasingly busy Bruce Highway, is still one of the busiest ambulance stations in state.

Its area covers a rich district of agriculture, popular beaches and a number of mountain and bushland recreational activities nearby.

Nambour ambulance continues to thrive thanks to its hardworking staff and dedicated Local Ambulance Committee (LAC) volunteers who support their local paramedics.

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Autumn 2022

THANK YOU :) Everyone hasCommissioner’s different levels of success. For me, success I just want to thank thanks can never be achieved unless you have the desire to paramedics Jordan and initiate it. The amazing work commitment from staff A highlight ofand being Andrea from the Gold Coast that continuously results in letters we receive Commissioner is appreciation having for their care the honour of reading the from members of the public, makes me constantly aware ofand concern heartfelt appreciations and thoroughness when they what accomplishments we have made as an organisation.

received from colleagues responded to my call for care and the community. As such This month has seen an influx2021 of thank you letters, with between 1 December for my husband on 5 January 304 letters this yearatototal date and 609 letters and andreceived 31 March 2022, of 309 appreciations were emails of thanks sent to staff members. at 3.30 am. received. Once received, I sent you 367 enough emails onto the I cannot thank for all your hard work. quiet calm was very Their deserving officers, attaching reassuring and their decision a copy of the appreciation.

Russell Bowles ASM

QAS Commissioner Your hard work, dedication

to transport my husband was

and compassion do not spot on as he subsequently go unnoticed, therefore had surgery. please continue to provide outstanding pre-hospital emergency care to members pass on my thanks.

I would like to take the time to expressPlease our thanks of our community. to various QAS officers for their attendance Di, Carrarra Craig Emery asm and assistance at our unplanned home birth QAS Commissioner on 4/9/2017. I commend the Triple Zero officer

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Would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the QAS team, I want to send a quick thank you Clifton to the

Alex and Sam for the amazing care they provided our girl Dajic) who assessed my son and took him Jemma. She was involved in an to hospital on Wednesday night (July 12). It awful and serious car accident was the first time I have ever had to call the in the early hours of Friday ambulance and I was quite nervous in doing so 21 January just outside our – worried I was overreacting and wasting the hometown of Clifton. The boys paramedics took time. The two ladies whocare attended (Julie Ricardo) for her efficiency and ability to such great of her and our home were so calm and reassuring.

Theyrequirements reassure that help wasmum on the way andjust clearbeen taken from Hiusguys, my has went above their job quickly assessed son and took usthat to Ladyday. They instructions meantime. Tammy Aveoin the Newstead to St (Olsson) Andrews by Kent and withmyeverything Cilento, all the whileshowed distracting my son with arrivedTom. on scene approximately minutes Just wanted to say how I went with 5them. both such professionalism andacalming a nervous andfor our girl amazing were.

(QAS) care is always so Wiggles videos following the birth ofthey our son WoodyYour and I would and genuine care great. You allin deserve every piece of panicked mum. and foryou allfor that there that day.

Thank such was excellent like to consistently commend her professionalism, calm gratitude.

Mum has dementia, and the guys were service and care!!!

Jem had LifeFlight transfers that I don't2believe this service the situation and ability to treat me as a fellow beyond outstanding.

I can’t day, which ended in work Brisbane for gets the recognition it deserves for all the being rather than just a patient. She was caring, thank them enough for their and patience. three do. major surgeries. Her dad, compassionate and care efficient.

I appreciate TammyEven with dementia, your paramedics stress of the fall, etc, Mum managed to notice Mick and I, along with our whole arranging for our transfer through to Hervey Bay Kent who “was a bit alright” Amanda, Wellington Point family and town can’t express our Hospital. I believe Arto (Hirsimaki) and another thanks enough for the amazing Ashgrove officerDavid, (Andrew Rach) assisted with my transfer work your team provide every from Hunters Hut through to Hervey Bay and day. Please keep our QAS teams I found Arto to be very attentive to my needs Thank you to the paramedics who picked up my in your thoughts as they are truly Just want to give a shout out to the LARU officer at this considering I was much to swallow a $1 coin on sontime and I when hehaving decided our Angels of the Roads x Thank who attended my home on Monday (August difficulty.

I hopenight our message reach the Monday (27 can December).

The team were from you Karmie and Family!

21). His name was Steve (Kliese) and we are individual officers involved.

Thank you to QAS for the Gordonvale station were amazing at distracting Karmie, Clifton themy important youfrom do I know certainly weework man thewepain he was in. Very thankful in the Ipswich area. He was prompt, caring, compassionate, empathetic, funny and the list needed service on day! Our littlean manambulance ride home for the QAS Hethis requested goes on.

He had me reassured within minutes. as it wasgreat his settling favourite part and Woody is doing in at home with his I had to explain it be passed his OICIthat Good afterntooon, doesn’t work like Bobby is right back to his If my thanks could would like to provide older sister Anna, feeding andthat sleeping well. would be appreciated. usual self the mischievous 6-year-old he is. paramedics who assisted me in paramedics (Chantal Greaney and Melissa

feedback on two Charters Towers today: Ricky and Magenta. I am a disability support worker Des, Silkstone and my client was having a mental health crisis. Ricky and Magenta attended to my client and were incredibly helpful, thorough in their care and just genuinely polite and friendly. They put both myself and my client at ease in a very stressful situa tion.8:43I pmwould like this message to 11/10/17 somehow get to them at the ambulance service here in Charters Towers, as I feel too often people are quick to provide negative feedback, but never positive. Thank you.

John, Charters Towers

Darren and Kate, Lakeside

Carly and Bobby, FNQ

36 QAS Insight

Hello, I am looking for an officer name d Tom, who possibly has an English accent who attended an accident in early February on Talleb udgera Connection Road, Tallebudgera involving four They Just want toteena say a biggers. thank you to thewere ladies transported to GCUH. My son wasKate theOlive front seat passenger, and I would like to (Corinne Wilkes, and Candice thank all edmorning please. My son had multiple Boileau) that came to my involv house this lacerations including a large one on his forehead.

(July 19) for my little girl and the dispatch guy He obviously had a concussion, but he remembers (Jamaine Prieditis) who helped me stay very the officer named Tom. I cannot expre ss how calm. They do an amazing job and I really grateful I am to all of your hard working staff. appreciated them being so fantastic.

Thank you for taking such good care of my son.

Deanne, Currumbin Kristie, Morningside

SPRING 2017

QAS_Insight_Magazine_SPRING_2017_DRAFT3.indd 36

Getting in touch Messages collated on these pages are derived from a range of QAS contact points, including: via Facebook (facebook.com/qldambulanceservice), by email (QAS.Media@ambulance.qld.gov.au) and by post (QAS Media Unit, GPO Box 1425, Brisbane QLD 4001 ).

Autumn 2022

Notes

Reflects activities during the period from 2 December 2021 to 28 April 2022.

Farewells

Movers and Shakers

Years of Service

NAME

Position Title

Division / Location

Noel Barnes

Manager, Business Support

42

Darling Downs & South West Regional Office

Colin Heterick

Paramedic

28

Darling Downs & South West Region - Clifton

John Cameron

Paramedic

17

Darling Downs & South West Region Highfields

Jon Rolley

Patient Transport Officer

35

Far Northern Region - Atherton

Barbara Callaghan

Operations Centre Supervisor

15

Far Northern Region - Cairns OpCen

Andrew Morrow

Paramedic

13

Gold Coast Region

Monica Farrow

Director, Emergency Management

29

Corporate & Statewide Services

Allan Jen

Paramedic

33

Metro North Region - Kenmore

Ben Goodwin

Clinical Deployment Supervisor

21

Metro North Region - Metro North Casual

Dean Bennett

Paramedic

13

Metro North Region - Chermside

Barbara Wiszniewski

Patient Transport Officer

18

Metro North Region - Spring Hill

Stuart Balachandran

Paramedic

13

Metro North Region - Metro North Casual

Garry Meacham

Patient Transport Officer

12

Metro North Region - Redcliffe

Brent Richards

Paramedic

14

Metro South Region - Metro South Casual

Graham Blakey

Paramedic

29

Metro South Region - Cleveland

Robert Nicol

Patient Transport Officer

25

Metro South Region - Sunnybank

Robert (Bob) Evans

LAC Member

25

Metro South Region - Beaudesert

Sheila Cover

LAC Member

28

Metro South Region - Beaudesert

Alwyn Todd

LAC Member

30

Metro South Region - Beaudesert

Graham Evans

LAC Member

12

Metro South Region - Mt Gravatt

Leyla Buda

Paramedic

14

Metro South Region - Metro South Casual

Denis O'Keefe

Officer-in-Charge

40

Metro South Region - Sunnybank

Logan Smith

Paramedic

13

Metro South Region - South Brisbane

Catherine Egan

Paramedic

11

Northern Region - Townsville

Lara Jedyn

Executive Manager OpCen

15

Northern Region - Townsville OpCen

Ann Wilkinson

Paramedic

10

Northern Region - Mount Isa

Brendan Grady

Paramedic

13

Northern Region - Kirwin

Bradley Bird

Operations Supervisor

36

Sunshine Coast & Wide Bay Region - Hervey Bay

Mark Temple

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

24

Sunshine Coast & Wide Bay Region - OpCen

Fiona Stark

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

12

Sunshine Coast & Wide Bay Region - OpCen

Jennifer Herdman

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

16

Sunshine Coast & Wide Bay Region - OpCen

Michael Byrnes

Operation Centre Supervisor

39

Sunshine Coast & Wide Bay Region - OpCen

Clacy Fatnowna

Combined Service QAS/LAC

32

Sunshine Coast & Wide Bay Region - Gympie

Rachael Gibbs

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

16

Sunshine Coast & Wide Bay Region - OpCen

Tahlia Killoran

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

13

South East OpCen

Teegen Westmarsh

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

11

South East OpCen

Andrea Duncan

Professional Development Officer

25

South East OpCen

Alan McGrath

Manager Patient Transport Service

40

South East OpCen - SEQ PTS

Autumn 2022

49

50

Notes

Reflects activities during the period from 2 December 2021 to 28 April 2022.

Appointments

Movers and Shakers

Appointed date

NAME

Position Title

Jennifer Watterson

Mental Health Liaison Clinician

31-Jan-22

Mental Health Response Program

Imogen McGeehan

Mental Health Liaison Clinician

31-Jan-22

Mental Health Response Program

Rebecca Atherton

Director Finance

14-Feb-22

Finance

Cameron Dunning

Manager Resource Readiness

27-Feb-22

Metro North Region

Adrian McShane

Manager Business Support

03-May-22

Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay Region

Bryce Williams

Officer in Charge

06-Dec-21

Darling Downs District

Elspeth Eeles

Clinical Support Officer

13-Dec-21

South West District

Crystal Andrews

Educator Communications In-Service

13-Dec-21

Education & Clinical Programs

Sati Aslan

Executive Manager

13-Dec-21

Finance Infrastructure & Procurement

Kenneth Eyles

Officer in Charge

27-Dec-21

Central West District

Douglas Armstrong

Officer in Charge

27-Dec-21

Central West District

Richard Berry

Officer in Charge

10-Jan-22

Wide Bay District

Rebecca Pyke

Senior Advisor Health & Injury Management

17-Jan-22

Workplace Health and Safety

Katherine Pemberton

Executive Manager

17-Jan-22

Education & Clinical Programs

Stephen Willdin

Officer in Charge

17-Jan-22

Townsville District

Nicole Thies

Officer in Charge

31-Jan-22

Darling Downs District

Scott Gill

Communications Quality Support Officer

31-Jan-22

State Communications Development

Michael Sams

Officer in Charge

07-Feb-22

Gold Coast District

Craig Emery

Commissioner

07-Feb-22

QAS Commissioner

Nedine Owen

Officer in Charge

07-Feb-22

Mackay District

Wayne Murphy

Officer in Charge

28-Mar-22

Mackay District

Jeffrey Russell

Principal Fleet Technical Officer

28-Mar-22

Fleet & Equipment Operations

Anthony Orford

Operations Supervisor

25-Apr-22

Cairns District

Ian Reed

Principal Town Planning and Property Officer

22-Dec-21

Infrastructure and Property Maintenance

Jason Waddell

Specialist Pharmacist

14-Mar-22

Patient Safety and Quality

Autumn 2022

Location

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Please consider QAS Legacy this financial year If a member of our ambulance family passes away, QAS Legacy Scheme is there to help the spouse and children who have been left behind.

The scheme strives to ensure no surviving spouse, partner, or child will ever feel forgotten.

The QAS Legacy Scheme does not receive any government funding and is funded by donations and fundraising which is predominantly through fortnightly tax-deductible payroll contributions from current members.

Other funding comes from bequests and tax-free donations, often from retired paramedics or members of the public expressing appreciation for work done by ambulance staff in the community.

You can help QAS Legacy Scheme continue to provide its valuable programs by donating.

Donations of $2 and over are tax-deductible and will assist with the ongoing support of all ‘QAS Legacy families’.

If you’re interested in donating, or would like to find out more, go to www.qaslegacy.org.au.

We are a compassionate charitable organisation providing a range of services to QAS families who have suffered the loss of a loved one, ensuring they are supported in times of need.