QAS Insight Magazine - Spring 2018 Edition

CCP GRADUATION • PRIORITY ONE • COMMISSIONER’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2018

Spring 2018

H S A B D E R G I B E L L I V S BIRD ECORD

R D L R O W S BREAK

Also inside NAIDOC Week

The Isa’s Strongman

Innovative SPIDER

Wynnum Station

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Contents – Spring 2018

Features

Regulars Minister’s message

2

Commissioner’s message

2

Briefs 4 Paramedic registration

6

LARU 20 Priority One

26

Thank yous

32

NAIDOC WEEK

EKKA ROUND-UP

8

11

WYNNUM STATION

INNOVATIVE SPIDER

14

18

Designed by: Masthead Design & Creative

BIRDSVILLE FEATURE

COMMISSIONER’S AWARDS

Summer 2018–19 edition key dates: • Friday, 9 Nov: advertiser bookings • Friday, 16 Nov: supplied artwork received • Friday, 21 Dec: scheduled release

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28

AMAZING SIMONE

QAS OPEN DAYS

34

40

HARU 39 Happenings 42 Movers and shakers

44

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

Editorial and photograhic contributions are welcome and can be submitted to: Joanne.Hales@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 Jo Hales by email (above) or phone 3635 3900.

Spring 2018 edition contributors: Jo Hales, Michael Augustus, Andrew Kos, Emma O’Connor, Jo Mitchell, Matt Stirling and Stephen Turner.

Front cover: On the Big Red dune out beyond Birdsville, Ben Phipps, Steve Walsh, Jaime Magnussen, Anja Gourlay and Alisha Peters jump with excitement at the news of the world record-breaking effort by the Nutbush City Limits dancers – including paramedic Neil Pinto – at the Big Red Bash gathering.

Read more on pages 22–25.

Spring 2018

1

Minister

Commissioner

I’m always telling people Queensland’s ambos are the best in the country, some might say I’m biased.

With the end of 2018 fast approaching, I always like to take the time to reflect on our achievements for the year which underpin our core values of the service.

But just recently the country got to see just how dedicated our ambos are to their patients.

When Gold Coast local Ron had to take his final journey to palliative care his wife told the ambulance officers he hadn’t eaten in two days. They asked him “if you could eat anything what would it be?”

That picture of Ron eating his caramel sundae soon went viral and Australia got to meet the Queensland ambos who granted his wish on nationwide media programs.

And this is no one-off. I hear stories of our ambos going that extra mile to take the very best care of Queenslanders every day.

And the Palaszczuk Government wants to support the wonderful work you are doing. That’s why we’ve continued to strengthen the frontline, delivering record budgets and the equipment, training and resources the service needs.

I’m proud to be part of a Government that recognises your efforts and I’m proud to announce we are recruiting another 100 ambulance officers for the service.

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The additional 100 staff will soon be deployed across Queensland communities to help keep up with increasing demand from our growing and ageing population.

QAS experienced its busiest financial year ever in 2017-18, recording more than one million incidents across Queensland, an increase of 3.97 per cent.

These new staff will ensure QAS continues to meet the public demand and can keep taking care of Queenslanders when they need it most.

Hon. Dr Steven Miles MP Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services

With this in mind, the safety and wellbeing of staff is a primary objective for the service and will continue to be.

In August, 150 employees from across Queensland gathered at Victoria Park for the QAS Workplace Forum where the mental health of first responders was at the top of the agenda.

Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, EMDs, paramedics and managers gathered together to discuss strategies and best practice around the maintenance of strong and resilient mental health in our workforce.

It was encouraging to see such an outpouring of diverse ideas, alongside thought-provoking speeches from the Acting Director of Priority One, Todd Wehr, QUT Professor Jane Shakespeare-Finch and NSW Mental Health Commission Deputy Commissioner Allan Sparkes cv oam va, with a focus on current research and the potential for post traumatic growth in well-supported emergency responders.

You will have also seen that the window for paramedic registration with the Paramedicine Board of Australia is now open.

I am excited about the positive impacts that paramedic registration will have for us in our careers as health care professionals and for our patients. The application process is straightforward, but I would recommend having your personal information on hand and to be aware of which qualification path you need to follow to progress quickly through the steps.

I would like to reiterate that QAS employees will be provided with additional support towards the transition to registration, whereby the service will reimburse the cost of the initial one-off application fee of $190 for first-time registrants for applications submitted up to the ‘participation day’ which is anticipated to be 1 December 2018.

It is also important to note that the second of three pay rises for QAS operational staff came into effect on 1 September 2018, with the third and likely the largest wage increase to take effect on 1 September 2019. Additionally, a wage increase for Public Servants was also applied on 1 September 2018.

Russell Bowles ASM QAS Commissioner

Spring 2018

Fantastic fundraising efforts!

Commitment above and beyond …

There are so many QAS staff who selflessly dedicate their free time and energy to promoting charitable or worthy causes … INSIGHT provides an update on three of our paramedics who have been making a positive difference to the lives of others.

Ryan Hansen Beerwah-based paramedic Ryan Hansen didn’t break a Guinness World Record in the Sunshine Coast Marathon in August, but he made the QAS proud when he raised $5,430 for QAS Legacy Scheme.

Ryan was attempting to break the record for the ‘Fastest time to run a marathon dressed as a paramedic (male)’ and completed the 42.195km event in his work uniform – including a high visibility rain jacket and half-inch high black leather boots.

“I set out with some ambitious targets on this one and I am very happy to say that while I didn’t break the record, I consider this whole journey to have been a huge success,” Ryan said.

Finishing in 4 hours, 37 minutes and 2 seconds, Ryan’s gallant efforts were recognised by the current world record holder,

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German paramedic Karsten Koehler, who praised him for his remarkable achievements in getting to the finishing line: ‘especially in the Australian climate’.

Not one to sit down for long, he is gearing up for his next challenge – a well-earned trip to Mount Everest in December.

The Scheme currently supports 10 children from six QAS families. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Ryan, who started running only two years ago, said “despite the pain, heat and sweat, I had a fantastic time and will continue running for a very long time.”

QAS Legacy Scheme is a charitable organisation that provides a range of services for QAS families who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

To donate, visit: www.qaslegacy.org/

Mark Taylor

Marc Shearman

Brisbane-based ACP2 Mark Taylor recently volunteered his time in mid-August to take part in the 2018 Black Dog Ride. Mark and the Queensland group joined more than 300 other riders from across the nation in Darwin, for the journey which was aimed at kick-starting community conversations about suicide prevention.

In July, paramedic Marc Shearman delivered on his commitment to have his locks and beard shaved for a fundraiser he initiated for a Sunshine Coast teenager who has ongoing medical costs due to injuries he sustained when he was hit by a car in 2017 at Rainbow Beach.

The event was a great success, starting conversations from coast to coast. Thank you, Mark and everyone on the team, for volunteering your time in raising awareness of such an important issue.

Marc had made a promise to help with the medical costs of Tristan Elder who sustained serious injuries, including critical head trauma.

Photos courtesy www.marathon-photos.com

Marc was the first officer on scene and he worked quickly, with the assistance of bystanders, to stabilise Tristan. A further two paramedics and helicopter arrived, airlifting Tristan directly to Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, where he spent a long time in recovery.

Marc smashed the target goal of $5,000 at a community fundraising event at the Rainbow Beach Sports Club, with around $7,500 raised.

It meant the clippers came out and weeks of primping and preening ended up on the cutting room floor.

Spring 2018

Briefs EMD Julie’s Canadian visit

Southport EMD Julie-Ann Kilvert is on cloud nine after a recent trip to Canada and Alaska.

“While I was on my holiday, I was lucky enough to be given a tour of British Columbia’s largest emergency communications centre in Vancouver,’’ Julie-Ann said. “A paramedic, who also works at the centre, showed me the communications room, the training room and the response vehicles used by supervisors. It was such a special experience and being able to meet with people on the other side of the world that do the same job as me was incredible. The staff were extremely welcoming and it was so valuable to see the differences and similarities between our communications centre and theirs.”

Julie-Ann also made an impression with her Canadian counterparts when she presented them with QAS teddy bears and badges.

4 Everyday Hero Rhys awarded

A well-deserved recognition for Chermside paramedic Rhys Greedy who was presented with the QBANK Everyday Heroes Achievement Award in September.

Rhys, who has raised tens of thousands of dollars for various charities including QAS Legacy Scheme, was praised by his colleagues for being a consistently high achiever and contributing to a positive and enjoyable workplace.

The 30-year-old cancer survivor, who has dedicated his life to raising funds and awareness of the disease since he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2009, said it was ‘a huge honour to be presented with the award’. ‘’It was also so humbling to have colleagues nominate me for the category,” Rhys said.

Rhys conquered the Kokoda Track in a ‘gruelling’ 32-hour fundraiser this year and is taking part in a 2019 fundraising event to Everest Base Camp which will be featured in future Insight editions.

Congratulations to more than 20 QAS staff who were among the 170 plus individuals nominated for the QBANK Awards.

Above, from left: QBANK CEO Mike Currie, MC Andrew Lofthouse, award recipient Rhys Greedy, Acting Assistant Commissioner Metro North LASN Michelle Baxter, QASEC Acting Director Drew Hebbron and QBANK Deputy Chairman Ray Brownhill.

Spring 2018

Spring Briefs

Volunteer’s graduate success

Congratulations to Sahara Dry, who has successfully gained employment as a Graduate Paramedic in Charters Towers, after a long stint volunteering for the QAS. Sahara, who volunteered with the Gold Coast LAC for almost six years, mostly as the committee secretary, recently graduated from Griffith University’s paramedicine program. She completed her induction program with the QAS in mid-September. Before heading up north, Sahara was presented with an Assistant Commissioner’s Certificate for her contribution to the LAC and the Gold Coast LASN at a LAC meeting.

5 2018 PRIDE March in Brisbane Brunswick Street in New Farm was a sea of colour when hundreds of people, including QAS staff took part in the annual Brisbane Pride March on Saturday 22 September.

Staff flew the QAS flag to show our commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

The march was part of the Brisbane Pride Festival which runs over four weeks each September.

The festival, now in its 27th year, is the state’s largest and Australia’s third largest LGBTIQA+ event, attracting more than 10,000 festival-goers each year.

Spring 2018

Paramedic registration: National Paramedic Registration update

Article title

Q+As

Q Which pathway will I use?

Q Do I need to register?

A The QAS encourages employees who are eligible and meet the Paramedicine Board’s requirements for qualifications or relevant experience, to register. Once regulation takes effect, only people who are registered will be lawfully allowed to call themselves a Paramedic.

As the breadth of paramedic practice is broad and encompasses many roles across the QAS, the basic principles are that registration is required for those working in roles undertaking clinical work relating to paramedic treatment, including supervisory and management roles.

LASN Management, Executive roles, Director and Executive Manager roles employed under the Ambulance Service Act do not necessarily require registration, however, it would be highly desirable for these roles to register.

A

Pathway A – Bachelor and Graduate Diploma qualifications.

The Board of Paramedicine website has published a list of Bachelor and Graduate Diploma level qualifications that they have deemed to be “adequate” for practising Paramedicine.

Pathway B – Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications.

There is a list of qualifications that the Board of Paramedicine has assessed as including the required hours of supervised practice. This includes five QAS Diploma and Advanced Diploma level courses.

Pathway C – Demonstrated practice history and information from the QAS. The requirements for this pathway are outlined on the Board of Paramedicine website. QAS will work with your LASN HR representative to complete the Statement of Service (SSER) form.

Q I am going down Pathway C, what do I need to get from QAS and how do I get it?

Q How long do I have to register?

A You should register as soon as possible. ‘Participation Day’ will be no earlier than 1 December 2018. This means, from this date, only people who have registered with the Board of Paramedicine will be allowed to lawfully call themselves a Paramedic. If you register by this date, the QAS will reimburse your $190 joining fee.

A Your LASN HR Officer has a process for the completion of the SSER form. Once this form is verified against your records and signed by the authorised delegate, it will be sent back to you.

You can then complete your application with AHPRA. Make sure you leave adequate time for the form to be verified and sent back to you before ‘participation day.’

6 Employee feedback on the registration process with AHPRA “The process was easy enough to follow. I had to save my application part way through to get my passport number. I used the little question mark icons along the way to help me with the things I was unsure of.

For Pathway C, I also needed the Statement of Service completed which was done through my HR representative.”

“The Diploma that I did through the QAS was listed on the Board website, so I was able to use Pathway B for my registration. This seemed a lot easier than having to get a statement and other paperwork completed.”

May

Jun

“My tip would be, make sure all documents are uploaded in colour and the required file format (I photographed mine and emailed them to myself).

Before you start, write down a timeline for start and end dates of primary, secondary and any tertiary qualifications and school addresses. This formed part of the application and was helpful for the English language section.”

2019

2018

2017 Apr

“Overall the process was easy to follow. It took me about an hour in total, with all my documents ready to be scanned and uploaded.

Some questions were a surprise, such as primary school education and start dates for school attendance and the degree. Otherwise, progressing through the application was a simple process for Pathway A.”

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

QAS conducts regional information sessions Paramedicine Board consults on national registration standards

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

National webinar conducted by AHPRA for all paramedics

Spring 2018

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

National Board begins jurisdictional forums: Health Ministers approve national registration standards

Jul

Aug

National Board seeks expressions of interest from accreditation bodies

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Registration applications opened 3 September 2018

The Registration standard: Grandparenting sets out alternative ways of proving you may be qualified for general registration as a paramedic for those who do not have an approved, substantially equivalent or accepted qualification. It’s important that you read the standard for detailed information.

Department title / section / topic

Grandparenting pathways

Here is a summary of the three pathways, including eligibility and evidence you may need to provide to gain registration through grandparenting provisions.

Pathways

Deciding which pathway you are eligible for

Pathway (311(1)(a))

Pathway (311(1)(b))

Pathway (311(1)(c))

Adequate qualification

Combination of qualifications/training and further study or a period of supervised practice

Competence to practise the profession

( Qualification min AQF L7 (Bachelor degree or higher), and

( Qualification min AQF L5 (Diploma or higher), and

( Demonstrate five years’ practice as a paramedic in the past 10 years, and

( you could practise paramedicine with that qualification in the state it was issued, and ( your qualification was issued by a higher education institution e.g. university, and ( the qualification was subject to external quality assurance from those with expertise in paramedicine.

Evidence you must provide when you apply

( you could practise paramedicine with that qualification in the state it was issued, and ( your qualification was issued by a registered training institution e.g. registered training organisation (RTO), and

( a portfolio of information that demonstrates your competence as a paramedic (see evidence below for guidance).

( you have at least 1700 hours of supervised practice in a Jurisdictional Ambulance Service (JAS) or under a registered paramedic or passed a Board-approved assessment.

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Brief practice history Evidence of qualification or training undertaken that has been approved by the Board as adequate.

Evidence of training or further study undertaken.

Evidence of your successful completion of any period of supervised practice.

A detailed practice history as required in the application process and a verifiable portfolio about your practice and competence as a paramedic that may include: Statement of service Letter from employer A position description Proof of registration Authority to practise Performance review Personal submission

www.paramedicineboard.gov.au A PPLY ON L I N E N OW!

Spring 2018

Musgrave Park

NAIDOC Week 2018

Darling Downs

Acacia Ridge

QAS staff and volunteers around the state revelled at the chance to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people during National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week in July.

NAIDOC Week provides Australians with the opportunity to reflect on the past and look to a future that better understands and celebrates the unique connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to the country.

This year’s theme “Because of her, we can!” aimed to recognise the role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made – and continue to make – to our communities, our families, our rich history and to our nation.

As well as paying homage to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, the QAS NAIDOC Week festivities around the state, allowed many members of the public to be taught life-saving CPR and first aid skills.

Musgrave Park

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Brisbane events included a flag-raising ceremony at Kedron Park Emergency Services Complex, and at the Musgrave Park Family Fun Day the atmosphere was buzzing as crowds came along to the QAS display to be taught life-saving skills and take a tour of a fully operational ambulance vehicle.

In Mount Isa, the QAS had a stall where the community undertook CPR awareness classes and staff also participated in a NAIDOC march.

Rockhampton had some creative displays with great attendances at their regional event, while Townsville was equally as interactive with a barbeque to celebrate and acknowledge NAIDOC Week and welcome their new starters to the region with Assistant Commissioner Robbie Medlin.

Kedron

Spring 2018

North West

At an event in Cairns, many youngsters were keen to have a go at CPR, proving that you are never too young to learn these life-saving skills.

At other NAIDOC Week events, QAS staff at Hervey Bay, the Gold Coast and Darling Downs captured the attention of locals with their interactive displays and CPR demonstrations.

NAIDOC Week 2018 pictorial wrap

Hervey Bay

Sunshine Coast

Darling Downs Musgrave Park Kirwin

Townsville

Rockhampton

Musgrave Park

Mossman

Acacia Ridge

Wondai

Gold Coast

North West

Musgrave Park Mossman

Cairns

Central West

Spring 2018

9

Kahla’s good karma When 24-year-old Kahla Mawby boarded a plane in late July for her third holiday to Bali, the Southport-based paramedic was looking forward to a relaxing surfing holiday with her Australian friend living on the island – but she got way more than she bargained for, as Jo Hales reports.

On Sunday 5 August, ten days into Kahla’s holiday and just four days before she was due to fly back home to the Gold Coast, the Indonesian region was thrown into devastation and utter chaos when the island of Lombok was rocked by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, killing hundreds of people and shaking neighbouring Bali.

Kahla contacted the CEO, a former Australian police officer, who was more than happy to have her assist the team as they didn’t have any other medical personnel at that stage.

“Once we reached each of the villages, we would establish if any medical aid was needed as well as determine how sustainable their current living situations were,’’ Kahla said.

When she joined the team on the island, Kahla said what she encountered was ‘mindblowing’.

“Some people needed wounds attended to whilst others needed fresh drinking water and shelter.

I was lucky to have a translator with me – a Balinese woman who was also volunteering.

She was so helpful in many situations.”

“We felt the earthquake in Bali,’’ Kahla said. “The tremors lasted about 40 seconds and then went away so I didn’t think it was too serious at the time as there wasn’t too much news filtering out of Lombok about the quake.

Kahla said in North Lombok 90 per cent of the buildings were in ruins. ‘Everything was just flattened’.

“But then as I read some news articles on my phone the next morning, I realised just how dire the situation was.”

Rather than try and evacuate from Bali, Kahla was determined to make her way to the disaster zone to utilise her training as a paramedic.

“I just felt so helpless at the time being so close to the epicentre and wanted to help in any way I could,’’ she said.

“When I mentioned my concerns to my friend she told me about Project Karma, a not-for-profit Indonesian organisation that was planning to send a team over to Lombok.”

“It was a scene of destruction – an absolute disaster zone. The medical aid was exhausted and there were many casualties as search and rescues were still ongoing,’’ she said.

“Seriously injured people were being loaded onto the back of vehicles and taken to the closest field hospital located nearby in Utara, North Lombok.

“However, the hospital was unsafe and unstable with damage caused by the quake so the beds had to be relocated onto a neighbouring football oval where people were being treated.’’

On her first day, Kahla mostly assisted search and recovery teams and she also worked with other medical personnel to facilitate triaging and any acute medical attention that needed to be administered.

“It was hard treating patients as we were working with limited resources – usually only basic first aid and some trauma gear,” she said.

For the remainder of her time in Lombok, the small team Kahla was with drove to locate remote villages around Utarta, working with Indonesian Military/SES to cover areas that were potentially yet to receive any aid.

Kahla spent a full week in Lombok, before heading back to Bali for a short rest and then returning to Australia.

“Amongst all the sadness, there were many happy moments and I met some truly incredible people,’’ Kahla said.

“The locals have lost so much and many are quite literally living each day to survive.

Yet despite everything they have gone through, we were welcomed into their communities with smiles and open arms, it was truly inspiring to see how strong they are.

“These memories will stay in my heart forever.’’

All photos except top right courtesy of Matt Ower

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Lombok has since been hit by a series of earthquakes and it is estimated more than 400,000 people have been displaced and more than 500 people have died.

Kahla said media exposure resulted in Project Karma receiving a great deal of monetary donations and supplies and when these arrived at the island, she and the team used the funds to purchase food, water, shelter and blankets which they distributed to local villages, along with the supplies.

Spring 2018

All the fun of the fair: Brisbane’s 2018 EKKA

Our QAS display at the Brisbane EKKA was one of the most popular attractions in the Queensland Government precinct in August.

Adding to the popularity of the display was the introduction of the new QCPR Race by LAERDAL Australia and New Zealand. The attraction allowed up to four people at a time to race each other to the finishing line as they undertook effective CPR on manikins.

The challenge was so popular with EKKA goers and even other emergency services personnel that, by the end of the Show, more than 6500 people had given CPR a go.

EKKA goers also revelled at the opportunity to take a tour of an ambulance and take a trip down memory lane with a 1926 Arrol Johnston ambulance.

Thumbs up to the paramedics, EMDs and PTOs who worked at the QAS display, bringing smiles to the faces of thousands of youngsters and teaching them life-saving skills. The QAS First Aid Handy Hints booklets, hand sanitisers, first aid kits and colouring competition were also big hits!

A big thanks to our friends from Laerdal for providing us with the exciting new QCPR race!

Stu

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Dec

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Ima hoto ges th is gra phy page cou ; oth rtes ers y QA S M of edia .

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Spring 2018

There’s no holding down QAS officer Scott Jones, otherwise known as ‘the Strong Man of the Isa’

Roles included working on a SWAT team at a nuclear weapons base in Washington State. He was also deployed to Kuwait during 1998 to guard Kuwait City from an Iraqi invasion before ultimately becoming a recruiter for the Marines.

When he’s not on board a rescue chopper working as a Critical Care Flight Paramedic or travelling around the countryside in an ambulance, 127kg American-born gentle giant Scott Jones is teaching Mount Isa locals how to perform amazing feats of strength. Jo Hales reports.

Underpinning his work is the desire to increase residents’ strength, agility and resilience in the north western outback city which has a population of around 22,000 people.

Last year, Scott, who is also a Clinical Support Officer, introduced powerlifting events to the outback town and he now has more than 15 locals ranging in age from 16 to 43, taking part in regular sessions.

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In late June 2018 his inaugural Mount Isa Strongest Man and Woman contest kicked-off at the Mount Isa Show.

More than 20 competitors – including Scott – entertained rapt crowds as they participated in eight events at the two-day show.

Events included the atlas stones, wagon wheel Olympic bar deadlift, monster dumbbell press and tyre flips.

The highlight of the competition, however, was unquestionably the bus-pulling event which required contestants to pull a 20-tonne bus over 20 metres.

“Life in the Marine Corps was pretty intense – especially when it came to training – there are no excuses and failure is not an option. It is a tough job,” he said.

“I started the powerlifting sessions and a ‘Strong Man/Woman group’ in The Isa because my aim is to get people out and about and active,” Scott said.

“This is a great way for people to have fun and be heathy while building a strong body. It is also the ideal way for locals to meet one another and create new friendships.’’

Scott, 43, has competed nationally and internationally in Strongman events and clocked up many titles since taking up the sport in 2009.

It is no surprise to those who know Scott that he chose to hone his skills on Strongman events. Born in Cleveland, Tennessee, he served in one of the toughest jobs for more than eight years – the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

Scott, who came third overall in the competition, said he was ecstatic with the response to the inaugural contest and is hoping it will continue to increase in popularity.

Around the same time Scott left the Marines in 2001, he met the love of his life, Australian-born wife Anthea, who was in the States working for accounting firm Ernst and Young.

The following year Scott fulfilled his dream of becoming a paramedic and the couple, who now have four daughters, Isabelle, 15, Lily, 13, Ginger, 8, and Darcy, 6, eventually moved to Australia in 2007.

Scott joined QAS in late 2007 and until 2013 he worked in the Metro South LASN, becoming a CCP in 2010.

Spring 2018

Meet ‘the Strong Man of The Isa’

It was while Scott was working at Woodridge Station that he became interested in Strongman events.

“I came across an ad for a local who was holding sessions in a gym and I made contact with him and started training,” Scott said.

“I was able to lift the car off the patient so the other two paramedics could extricate him and start assessing and treating him,” Scott said.

He also enjoys the diversity of the job – especially in the outback locations where he is amazed by the resilience of locals.

When Scott took up the role of OIC at Karumba Station from 2013 to 2016, he continued his legacy of introducing sporting and social events to areas he worked and lived in, by forming the Karumba Sports Group.

“One of my jobs involved a patient who had been crushed by a car on a cattle station 150 km out of nowhere,’’ Scott said.

The group ran all sports and fitness events for the town – including softball and rugby games and social events, such as a colour run, disco and movie nights.

“Amazingly, the man jacked up the car and then drove to the homestead before passing out. We were called out to the property the next day after a friend stopped in to check on him because no one had seen or heard from him.

He and his family moved to Julia Creek in 2016 and Scott started working at Mount Isa station in January 2017.

“Thankfully, the patient was transported back to Mount Isa by ‘Rescue 400’ in a stable condition.”

These days, Scott and his wife have even more in common, with Anthea, 47, recently becoming a graduate paramedic. She finished her degree in September. “I am so proud of her and how far she has come – especially considering she used to pass out at the sight of needles,’’ he laughed.

And he hasn’t looked back – even though the training was totally different to when he had been in the Marines. “When I was a Marine I spent a great deal of time in the gym – but the gym and the Strongman events are two very different things,’’ Scott said.

“Strongman events are made up of lifting odd objects such as carrying cars or lifting atlas stones. Most regular gyms do not have these sorts of machines or equipment.”

By 2010 Scott was promoting the Gold Coast Strongest Man and Woman competition and also raising money for QAS Legacy from the events.

At times he even put his training and skills to the test on the job. One memorable incident as a CCP, involved Scott flipping a car which had rolled onto a patient.

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After clocking up more than 10 years in the QAS, Scott said he loves his job and having the opportunity to care for patients and help save lives.

“To be able to help someone in their time of need is so rewarding,” he said.

For now, Scott is training for the Stack City Fitness Push/Pull second push/pull event and final powerlifting event of the year which will be held in Mount Isa on 8 December.

The event comprises a bench press and deadlift with contestants allowed three attempts to lift the maximum weight they can.

Scott, who tied for first place in the 2017 event, will need to muster all his strength to ‘attempt a recordsetting 200 kg bench press’.

Spring 2018

Bayside a winner with new Wynnum Station One hundred years after Brisbane’s southern Bayside established its first ambulance service, residents needing emergency pre-hospital health care now have access to a new multi-million-dollar ambulance station.

Background

Opposite page

■ Aerial view looking to the south east above the new station (at the bottom of the opposite page) with, below on this page, the adjacent Queensland Health ‘Gundu Pa’ Wynnum-Manly Community Health Centre, which was opened in October 2017 to replace the former Wynnum Hospital on Whites Road.

■ Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles, QAS Deputy Commissioner Michael Metcalfe, Member for Lytton Joan Pease and OIC Mike Day at the official opening, followed by the cake-cutting ceremony, supported by QAS Museum Wynnum Curator and Wynnum LAC President Ray Rickwood.

14

Spring 2018

New Wynnum Station

Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles officially opened the new Wynnum Ambulance Station with QAS Deputy Commissioner Michael Metcalfe on 8 August 2018.

The station, on New Lindum Road, services an area from the Port of Brisbane to Chandler. The new station features a multi-purpose training space, day room, kitchen, rest-study areas and a 10-bay plant room.

Last financial year, Wynnum paramedics enacted more than 11,200 responses, a 3.2 per cent increase on the previous year.

The $3 million facility replaces the previous station on the grounds of the Wynnum Hospital on Whites Road at Lota which served the community well for the previous two decades.

15

Spring 2018

Above

■ Heritage ambulances from the nearby QAS Museum fleet flanked their modern counterparts at the official opening in the new purpose-built facility.

Right

■ The spacious new kitchen served up refreshments for QAS officers to enjoy in the comfortable new lounge area.

Below

■ Minister Miles got into the spirit of things with some of the Wynnum team after the formalities concluded.

Wynnum 4178 Wynnum is a Brisbane suburb located on the shores of Moreton Bay. The area grew quickly after the introduction of the railway in the late 1880s. The popular seaside suburb features a number of heritage-listed sites, including the former Wynnum Ambulance Station – now the QAS Museum – and a tidal pool with concrete walls. The pool was a Depression-era project and opened in 1933.

16

Bekiw

■ Paramedic Neil Hobbs with some of the Indigenous-inspired artwork which adorns the walls of the new Wynnum Station.

WYNNUM: FAST FACTS Location

30 New Lindum Road, Wynnum.

Officially opened on 8 August 2018.

LASN: Metro South

Wynnum Station is one of 24 permanent stations in the Metro South LASN which is managed by Assistant Commissioner Peter Warrener.

Complement • •

OIC: Mike Day There are 19.7 budgeted full time equivalent (FTE) paramedics approved for the Wynnum Ambulance Station, inclusive of an Officer-InCharge, 16 paramedics and 2.7 budgeted FTE Patient Transport Officers (PTO).

Vehicles

Spring 2018

•

• •

•

3 Mercedes Sprinter 319 acute ambulance vehicles, single stretcher 1 Hyundai Santa Fe Emergency Response Unit 1 Mercedes Sprinter 519 Patient Transport vehicle, double stretcher 1 Toyota HiAce Patient Transport Service (PTS) bus.

New Wynnum Station’s Bayside heritage

QAS Museum Wynnum Wynnum is celebrating 100 years of ambulance service this year. The Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (QATB) Wynnum Station opened in 1926.

Toughbook presentation to Wynnum Museum

However, the Wynnum Ambulance Service can be traced back to 1915, when a tent would be set up on the beach to service holiday makers visiting the area during peak holiday periods such as Christmas and Easter.

On 12 August 1918, approval was given for the establishment of a sub-centre at Wynnum South. The sub-centre was operated from rented premises, Cleveleys, in Tingal Road.

By 1920, two lots (248 and 249) had been acquired on the corner of Tingal Road and Cedar Street to build a permanent station. Tingal Road was chosen as the site as it was close to the railway so that passengers could be transported to Brisbane if needed. In 1922, lot 247 next door was acquired and all ambulance operations were transferred to that building until a purpose-built station could be built on the other two lots. It officially opened in 1927.

Above

■ Wynnum Local Ambulance Committee President and QAS Museum Wynnum Curator Ray Rickwood, Frontline Services Group A/Supervisor – Mobility Ian Grimes, Frontline Services Group A/Director Caleb Moore, QAS Heritage & History Manager Mick Davis.

On 14 August, the Frontline Services Group (FSG) donated two QAS Toughbooks to the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Heritage and History Unit for display in the Wynnum Museum.

Members of the FSG attending the event included Acting Supervisor – Mobility Ian Grimes, Acting Director Caleb Moore and Manager Mobility Yekshah Chetty, as well as QAS Wynnum Museum Curator and Wynnum Local Ambulance Committee President Ray Rickwood and QAS Heritage and History Manager Mick Davis.

Above

■ Former officer Ken Bedford demonstrates a pre-automotive Code 1 at the QAS Museum.

By 1996, the station was closed and services were relocated to a newly built ambulance centre in Whites Road, Manly, adjacent to Wynnum Hospital. This station operated until 2018.

Today the original Wynnum QATB station in Tingal Road serves as the QAS Museum Wynnum, and is run by the Queensland Ambulance Service Historical Society (QASHS).

QAS Wynnum Museum Open Day A fantastic day was had by all at the Wynnum Ambulance Museum on 15 September, when we celebrated 100 years of ambulance services in Wynnum.

The event included an impressive display of historical vehicles and equipment, CPR awareness and an address by Metro South Assistant Commissioner Peter Warrener. Meanwhile, the kids enjoyed face-painting and Axel the mini-ambulance.

A special mention to all our tireless volunteers, who made it such a wonderful day.

Ian said Panasonic Toughbooks and electronic Ambulance Report Form (eARF) software played a pivotal role in the QAS clinical documentation process from 2006 until 2018.

When the eARF was introduced to the QAS, it replaced the then paper-based Ambulance Report Form (MR51). This software was deployed on a Windows-based platform utilising the Panasonic CF18 and CF19 Toughbook hardware.

The first live eARF on 29 April 2006, allowed clinical data to be entered directly by the paramedic in the field and synchronised back to a data warehouse for processing and management on the same day. “In addition, an eARF Support Unit was also created in 2006 to support paramedics and departmental staff with the new technology,’’ Ian said.

“Over the years the unit developed in its range of support of both the Toughbooks and the data that was captured on these devices.

“In 2018, we transitioned/merged with both the Operational Support Unit (OSU) and the Government Wireless Network (GWN) Teams, to become the FSG. “This new Unit is now a single point of contact for managing and developing the future of QAS technology.”

The Panasonic Toughbook and eARF software were replaced by a new eARF APP (based on the Apple iPad/iOS platform) in 2017.

Spring 2018

17

SPIDER STROKE PREHOSPITAL INFORMED DECISION-MAKING USING EEG RECORDINGS Critical Care Paramedic Wayne Loudon discusses a pilot study that has been co-developed with a multidisciplinary stroke team from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) and the QAS to investigate how electroencephalogram (EEG) data may better inform the pre-hospital care of acute stroke patients.

Acute stroke

A significant body of research has attempted to find an acceptable and effective intervention for the early stages of AIS, specifically in the patients harbouring an occlusion in a large cerebral vessel such as the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries. These patients experienced a greater burden of morbidity and mortality and are also less responsive to stroke thrombolysis. In recent years, multiple studies have successfully proven the benefit of endovascular clot retrieval whereby, using a similar technique to an angiogram, neurointerventionalists are able to remove the clot from the cerebral circulation with profound improvements in a patient’s condition. These benefits are highly time dependent (“time is brain”) – the earlier the clot is removed the better the outcome.

Acute stroke places a significant burden on the Australian health system with high rates of disability. Acute Ischaemic Stroke (AIS) is the most common aetiology in approximately 80 per cent of cases.

The paramedic’s role is critical to identify these patients early, activate the health system pathways and transport the patient in a timely manner to the most appropriate health facility.

Even with improvements in primary and preventative health care, an increasingly ageing population will see this burden increase. Furthermore, although stroke is viewed as a disease of the aged, approximately 30 per cent of acute strokes occur in persons less than 65 years of age.

The challenge we face is identifying the less than 20 per cent of AIS that are potentially eligible for this procedure.

Currently even the most robust clinical assessment tools in use worldwide tend to have a high false positive rate or, more concerningly, miss a proportion of eligible patients.

Introduction

18

All photos: Jo Hales

“Reperfusion” treatment for Acute Ischaemic Stroke (AIS) – when delivered within hours of stroke onset – can help avoid permanent deficits or death. More patients could benefit from this treatment if eligible patients could be identified prior to hospital arrival and “fast-tracked” to a stroke centre at which this treatment can occur, rather than other hospitals. However, there is currently no method which reliably achieves such identification. This project aims to address this lack, using mobile brain monitoring during ambulance transport to hospital.

Spring 2018

Innovative life-saving research: ‘SPIDER’

Novel research

Our study

RBWH’s Director of Neurology, Associate Professor Andrew Wong, and The University of Queensland’s Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR) Senior Research Fellow, Doctor Simon Finnigan, have successfully shown that certain patterns in the EEG can provide novel information to inform AIS management and treatment. EEG measures the electrical activity generated by the brain, using small electrodes placed on the scalp.

I (Wayne Loudon) have been trained in the application of a six-electrode EEG and since 3 September 2018 the pilot study has been performed within the RBWH catchment area.

The study involves me responding, in conjunction with a standard ambulance response, to all suspected acute stroke presentations within the catchment, as identified by the Ambulance Medical Priority Dispatch System (AMPDS), CDS clinical judgement and study paramedic use of the iROAM platform.

From an EEG recording it is possible to devise quantitative measures, akin to a blood pressure or heart rate. Research has shown that a numerical value called the Delta-Alpha Ratio (DAR) is highly accurate for the identification of AIS and would be a simple measure to indicate the presence of stroke.

19

On completion of a thorough clinical assessment, delivery of all appropriate cares and with permission of the patient, the EEG device is applied and begins recording. The initial pilot study will see data collection only and will not involve real-time calculation of the DAR.

The next step is the collection of pre-hospital EEG data in suspected acute stroke patients that can then be analysed to determine the reliability of DAR when compared to pre-hospital standard of care clinical stroke tools (MASS).

The EEG is recorded until arrival at RBWH where it is removed, with data downloaded to a secure storage device.

Application of the device takes no longer than two minutes and results in no discomfort and no delay to the patients’ care.

A team led by Professor Wong, with Dr Finnigan as EEG expert, Critical Care Paramedic Wayne Loudon for pre-hospital clinical expertise and Professor Vivienne Tippett for pre-hospital research expertise, has developed a pilot study to investigate this.

This novel research is the first step towards a portable, cost-effective technology that could vastly improve our identification of this critical group of acute stroke patients.

Early, accurate and reliable identification of treatment of eligible patients will significantly improve time to intervention and clinical outcomes.

References • Finnigan S, Van Putte M. EEG in ischaemic stroke: Quantitative EEG can uniquely inform (sub)acute prognoses and clinical management. Clinical Neurophysiology 2013, 124: 10-19.

• Finnigan S., Wong, A. & Read S. Defining abnormal slow EEG activity in an acute ischaemic stroke: Delta/alpha ratio as an optimal QEEG index. Clinical Neurophysiology 2016, 127: 1452-1459.

• Foreman B. & Claasen J. Quantitative EEG for the detection of brain ischemia. Critical care 2012, 16: 216.

Spring 2018

LARU overview and update Extended Scope of Practice (ESoP) Local Assessment and Referral Unit (LARU) Senior Clinical Educator Eileen Stead provides the latest information on LARU which is now operating in seven Local Ambulance Service Networks (LASNs), five years after the pilot program was initially conducted.

Following a pilot program in 2013, LARU was introduced in March 2016 to trial alternate pathways and or/referral options for patients requesting QAS services for sub-acute presentations within the Metro North LASN catchment area.

Above

■ ESoP (LARU) Senior Clinical Educator Eileen Stead.

LARU officers have an extended scope of practice, acquired after completing a program of advanced clinical didactic coursework, utilising these learnings within the context of the case and appropriate services available to the patient, to recommend a pathway that best suits the needs of the patient.

The LARU service model is now operating in seven LASNs. The officers are specially trained Advanced Care and Critical Care Paramedics who respond as single officer units.

The ESoP LARU program involves experienced paramedics undertaking a 12-month program, introducing participants to an advanced level of clinical knowledge, understanding and skill, related to chronic illness in vulnerable patients in the community.

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Current core learning units focus: Advanced physical assessments Advanced history taking Infectious states and diseases Chronic respiratory conditions and treatment Chronic cardiovascular conditions and treatment Pharmacology Neurological and behavioural conditions Sub-acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions and injuries Sub-acute and chronic EENT conditions Endocrine, Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary conditions and treatments Wound Management: >> Suturing >> Gluing >> Skin tears >> Wound identification, assessment and management >> Wound referral Clinical Practicum – 40 hours

Spring 2018

The program’s core learning objectives are underpinned by foundation studies in risk analysis and stratification, patient-centred care approaches, and development and utilisation of referral pathways and linkages with primary care health providers and the broader Queensland health care network.

The program has recently undertaken a comprehensive review and has contemporised the content, aiming to provide greater understanding and knowledge in the areas of patient-centred care, Indigenous health, wound management and problem-solving techniques.

QASEC is currently in the process of developing the Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Paramedicine, which will articulate with the current ESoP (LARU) program, providing current participants and future applicants the opportunity to enhance their experience with an AQF 8 graduate qualification.

Those officers wishing to further develop their knowledge and understanding of chronic illness, burden of disease, biomedical risk factors, in the context of QAS service delivery, can apply directly to their respective LASN management team for nomination.

Officers working as solo practitioners in rural environments are also eligible to complete the course and should apply via their respective LASN. Courses will be run bi-monthly in 2019 (alternating between ESoP [LARU] and Wound Management courses), with Wound Management refresher courses expected to commence next year.

Local Assessment and Referral Unit report

LARU case study An elderly lady called the QAS to visit her 85-year-old husband, stating that over the past month he had been suffering from worsening agitation, cognitive decline and recently had been wandering out of the house at night, writes LARU Officer David Krygger.

The patient was diagnosed five years earlier with Lewy Body and Alzheimer’s disease and was on the waiting list for a permanent highcare nursing home placement.

The patient had been transported to EDs five times by QAS in the past month for the same issue, all resulting in the same diagnosis and discharge home. The wife was experiencing high levels of carer stress and was very emotional with the LARU paramedic.

On examination, the patient was stable, independently mobile and conversing well (albeit a confused GCS 14). The LARU paramedic made a decision to contact the patient’s social worker who confirmed that his condition was slowly worsening, and that permanent high-care placement had become a priority.

The LARU Paramedic asked if emergency respite accommodation could be arranged to support the patient and his wife that day. After a few calls from the social worker she informed the LARU paramedic that emergency respite care lasting five weeks could be arranged starting from that evening at a nearby high-care nursing home.

Lessons:

1

Don’t be afraid to liaise with existing primary health care providers when making care decisions about non-urgent patients.

Many elderly patients have a complex team of interdisciplinary health professionals already working with them (such as GP, social workers, in-home nursing services, physiotherapy, medical specialties, palliative care, etc).

These providers can work with you to improve your clinical understanding of the patient and in some cases streamline appropriate care pathways – which may not include ED presentation.

3

Take the time to learn about your local primary health care services and how you could integrate with them to improve patient care.

A good place to start is the capability of your local GP Super Centre.

Frequent presenters are some of our most vulnerable patients with unique and often complex medical and social challenges.

Be careful of unconscious bias.

2

4

Above and below

■ ACP2 David Krygger.

In-home nursing support was arranged to come over immediately to bridge the time gap until the respite bed was ready and the nurse would transport the patient herself once the bed was ready.

The wife informed the QAS later that her husband stayed for four weeks at the respite accommodation before passing away; he did not attend the ED during that period of time, and she was able to visit him each day.

The wife mentioned that she used the remaining weeks of his life ‘remembering and loving the man he was’.

Spring 2018

21

H S A B D E R G I B E L L I V BIRDS D

R O C E R D L R O W S K A E BR

Our QAS staff were among a convoy of thousands flocking to the isolated town of Birdsville over the past few months, and provided increased ambulance services to the local area and at two major events – the Big Red Bash and the iconic Birdsville Races.

Below and below right

■ The well-prepared QAS team members supported a Bash largely free of serious issues.

Courtesy of EYE SEE IMAGES – Patrick O’Kane

Background

■ Alert to a spectacular photo opportunity, occupants of the lead QAS vehicles paused to climb an outcrop and capture the dusty rooster-tails of the inbound convoy coming over the horizon.

The first event to kick off in July was The Big Red Bash – touted as the world’s most remote music festival.

This year’s bash featured artists including John Farnham, Hoodoo Gurus, Kate Ceberano and Daryl Braithwaite as well as events such as Fashions in the Desert and Bashville Drags.

The Birdsville population of 100 swelled to 9,027 for the spectacular three-day festival which was held at the base of Big Red, the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert.

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Spring 2018

The QAS had two doctors and 12 paramedics to provide ambulance and primary health services to the patrons camping in a tent city at the base of Big Red, 50 km west of Birdsville.

Senior Operations Supervisor David Kain said more than 150 patients presented at the Tactical Medical Centre over five days, with everything from strains, pains and infections through to burns, croup and heart conditions.

“Thankfully, only four patients required transport to the local hospital and required aeromedical retrieval to larger hospitals,’’ David said.

SPRING FEATURE: BIRDSVILLE

Left

The Big Red Bash also served as an opportunity for former patient Dale to catch up with Critical Care Paramedic Jon Nolan and say a heartfelt thank you to him for helping save his life at the 2017 Big Red Bash.

David said a highlight of the event was when a Guinness World Record was broken for the most amount of people dancing to Nutbush City Limits at once.

A total of 1,719 festival goers, including QAS paramedic Neil Pinto, took part in the challenge, to smash the original record of 522.

■ A special anniversary reunion for CCP Jon and his 2017 Bash patient Dale.

Below

■ Framed by Big Red in the background, paramedic Neil Pinto was part of the world record-breaking group of Nutbush City Limits dancers.

Dale had been asleep when he was woken by a bout of chest pain, which turned out to be a heart attack. He was cared for by paramedics, including Jon, who thrombolised Dale with Tenecteplase, before he was flown by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to Townsville for ongoing care and to begin his recovery.

Both pictures courtesy of EYE SEE IMAGES – Patrick O’Kane

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Spring 2018

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Fast forward to the end of August and QAS staff were once again in action at Birdsville for the internationally-renowned and historic Birdsville Races.

An iconic event since 1882, the Birdsville Races brings local residents of the Outback together with visitors from across Australia and around the world for two days of racing and outback excitement.

The Birdsville Races are part of the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival that incorporates events in Birdsville, Bedourie and Betoota.

Above right

■ Snack time for ambulance registrars Steve and Anja.

Far right

■ Group photo of Birdsville Clinic staff and visitors.

Above

■ Jamie, Steve and Stacey meet a friendly local.

Right

■ Brief pause at Charleville by an en-route TSU.

24 Background and below

■ QAS officers engaged in a wide variety of roles at the events.

Spring 2018

SPRING FEATURE: BIRDSVILLE

QAS had eight staff from various parts of the state dedicated to this year’s Birdsville Races, which attracted around 5,000 people.

Throughout the event, 12 people were treated and transported for minor medical conditions.

Some QAS staff even got to participate in ‘fashions on the field’ but, sadly, they came last (and, no, we will not be publishing pictures!).

Top left

■ Anticipation building amongst the audience at the track, Above left

■ QAS staff accommodation at Birdsville.

Above

■ Brett makes a donation to support the RFDS. Far left

■ Anja sweeps the ‘floor’ of the Tactical Medical Centre.

Left

■ Group photo after assembly of the TMC was complete.

More info:

/ illeraces.com www.birdsv .au/ m tbush.html igredbash.co .au/freebies/nu m www.b …) co s. es pr re ber the steps w.bushfi ing to remem ww you’ve been try it, it m ad , se (Becau Spring 2018

25

Intentionality and the QAS Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategic Plan In late July, every QAS employee was mailed a copy of the QAS Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategic Plan. This is the first time the QAS has developed such a plan focused specifically upon the health and wellbeing of staff and families, writes staff counsellor John Murray.

Developing such a document requires consultation with many groups and clearly a lot of time and effort.

So why do we bother? In the first instance the very existence of a plan unequivocally communicates to all managers and staff that the organisation places high importance upon health and wellbeing.

Above

■ Priority One Staff Counsellor John Murray.

Further, communicating it well to everyone creates intentionality in the organisation towards the specific goals of the plan: those issues determined as the most value adding. The goals, otherwise termed strategic objectives, not only set direction and priorities, but they can assist in decision making at the organisational level (e.g. in writing policies and operating procedures), at the managerial/supervisory level and at the personal level (e.g. “What should I do to care best for myself and family today?”).

and individuals a resistance to seeking assistance around mental health issues. For some, seeking help from a counsellor or psychologist is associated with a belief that such help indicates a personal acopia, weakness or inferior disposition.

The truth is, seeking psychological support is just one of many effective means of keeping oneself well.

In recognition of the stressors of ambulance work, many ambulance personnel make a practice of a “mental health checkup” with a counsellor every couple of years. In fact, almost 25 per cent of QAS staff utilise the services of a Priority One counsellor every year, almost 50 per cent will have assistance from a Peer Support Officer (PSO) every year and “those who had accessed services had significantly higher levels of satisfaction and resilience than those who had not”.1 Seeking counselling support to maintain wellbeing before and instead of managing crisis or mental illness is common sense and good practice, hence the importance of reducing barriers to this support.

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2. Enhancement of Wellbeing Education and Training The QAS adopts a salutogenic approach to this education, meaning that the focus is upon how people adapt, overcome and thrive in life. Keeping this focus, instead of a pathological focus, serves not just to foster better mental health and wellbeing but simultaneously mitigates mental illness.

As the strategic objectives become more ‘front of mind’ for all, there is a greater organisational alignment towards them, synergizing the many and varied activities of managers and staff in the development and maintenance of good health and a sense of being well within the organisation and life more broadly. In the ambulance vernacular, lack of strategic planning is analogous to ventricular fibrillation – lots of activity but little output.

The QAS Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategic Plan is structured around the REAL Resilience framework that involves four core areas.

Opposite page

1. Reducing Barriers to Support

■ QAS Staff Support Incident Management Strategy.

The purpose for this objective should be relatively apparent. There exists in many organisational cultures

Spring 2018

The education is focused upon self-monitoring (our internal vital signs survey), developing Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) and resilience in ourselves and others.

While this education is provided across all levels within the organisation, from new graduate paramedics and EMDs to managers and supervisors, opportunities are being explored to expand this education to more staff and spouses who may not have traditionally had access. Education is a significant and important aspect of developing and maintaining mental health, resilience and wellbeing for QAS staff and the internal Priority One team provided over 900 hours of such education across 2017 alone.

3. Active Commitment to Best Practice The reason for this objective is obvious and reflects quality assurance and review processes in ambulance clinical practice. While the Priority One program as a whole undergoes an independent external review every 10 years, (the latest being in 2013), it is also important to be constantly gaining better

Priority One

understandings of the multiple factors that impact upon and contribute towards better mental health and wellbeing.

To date there have been 24 separate research collaborations with the QAS Priority One program looking at such factors.2 In addition, best practice guidelines, such as those published by the World Health Organization3 and beyondblue,4 are highly influential in the continuous refinement of Priority One services. Data from all these projects and expert guidelines continue to inform the strategic plan, educational foci, PSO processes, critical incident management and specific counselling interventions.

4. Leadership Development Leaders are key to forming organisational culture.

When leaders exemplify good standards, effective and respectful inter-personal practices, and inspire others towards well founded strategic outcomes the entire workplace culture follows. A workplace culture that is respectful and psychologically safe cultivates growth, resilience and a sense of wellbeing for individuals. Good leadership helps support and guide people through times of adversity, unexpected obstacles and even losses.

In doing all these things it also develops a sense of belongingness and connectedness within work groups and these factors are shown to be critical elements in coping with traumatic stress and attenuating suicide.5 The importance and potency of good leadership is not to be underestimated

and so leadership development is a key objective of the QAS Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategic Plan. Of note, the Classified Officer Development Programs are already having significant effect in this regard.

Where do I find help?

24-hour telephone counselling  1800 805 980

Each of the above four strategic objectives intersect with two special focus areas – suicide prevention and critical incident management. These are specific focus areas, as they are two factors likely to have the greatest impact on individuals, those closest to them and the organisation.

It’s important to note that the strategies included in these areas are not just reactive in nature but also proactive and protective and multi-layered.

Understanding and awareness of how all staff can have positive and protective influence in regards these areas is to be continuously developed. The four REAL resilience strategic objectives – reducing barriers to support, enhancing wellbeing education, active commitment to best practice and leadership development – all support, directly and indirectly, these two special focus areas.

QAS Priority One Manager  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  3835 9923 Local Priority One Peer Support Officers or Counsellors  See list in each QAS Station or on QASPortal

During the consultation phase of the QAS Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2018-2023 it was recognised that many people were unaware of the current services provided through the Priority One Program and how they sat together. In recognition of this, a second document – the QAS Priority One Mental Health and Wellbeing Portfolio 2018 – was released* to provide greater transparency in relation to the current suite of services offered through Priority One and the evidence basis these programs currently offered.

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References 1. Queensland Ambulance Service (2013) A multi-method evaluation and examination of QAS Staff Support Services Priority One. Available on QASPortal. https://qas.psba.qld.gov.au/priorityone/review/Documents/Full%20Review%20of%20QAS%20Evaluation%20and%20Examination%20of%20QAS%20Staff%20Support%20Services.pdf 2. QAS Priority One Research Collaborations https://qas.psba.qld.gov.au/priorityone/research/Pages/default.aspx 3. World Health Organization (2004) Promoting mental health: concepts, emerging evidence, practice (Summary Report). Geneva World Health Organization.

4. beyondblue (2016) Heads Up: Good Practice framework for mental health and wellbeing in first responder organizations. https://www.headsup.org.au/docs/default-source/resources/315877_0316_bl1675_acc_std.pdf?sfvrsn=6 5. Kaiplinger,I., (2013) A Sense of Organisational Connectedness predicts the Professional Quality of Life of Paramedics. Unpublished Honours Thesis. Queensland University of Technology.

Document source * A copy of this document can be accessed on the QAS Portal, under the Priority One Tab/Priority One Publications and Brochures. https://qas.psba.qld.gov.au/priorityone/review/Documents/756QAS_POne_Mental%20Health%20and%20Wellbeing_Portfolio%202018.pdf

Priority One RESPONSE RECOVERY

Exposure to Potential Critical Incident.

REFFERAL PATHWAYS

Staff Member Ops Centre Officer in Charge Operations Supervisors LASN Manager Exec Manager Colleague WH&S (SHE Report) HR Family Member Peer Support Officers Peer Coordinator University Students Retired Officers

Association.

Internal Counsellors External Counsellors

ACCESS PATHWAYS STAFF SUPPORT SERVICES

Duty Peer Support Officer Peer Support Officer Peer Coordinator LASN specific External Counsellors

Priority One Internal Staff

Counsellors 24hr phone Counselling Chaplaincy GLBTI support Indigenous support network

PREVENTION

TAILORED CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE /SERVICES

Contact & Engagement Connection & Support Screening /Triage Defusing Psych. First Aid Referral Psychological

Counselling / Treatment

Trauma Based

specific psychological interventions

Priority One PREPAREDNESS STATE WIDE WELLBEING & MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION & TRAINING

PRIORITY ONE QUALITY ASSURANCE STRATEGIES & REVIEWS

Manager/Supervisor Training Manager Mentoring Program ‘Finding the Silver Lining,’

Feedback - annual stats to

GP Intervention other

Follow-up Manager Mentoring /Support Station Visits

Quality Assurance

Preparedness Program PSO Training Induction Refresher PSO Supervision Pre-employment screening Development and dissemination of electronic / paper based education Brochures Newsletters Posters External Counsellor Org specific education and development Training Operational Workgroups Operations Centre Manager Operations Supervisors Officer in Charge University Students

Exec Management re nature of activities

Development & review of

SOPs re activation & response processes

Review & Refinement of

Education & Training Programs

Ongoing Research Priority One Program Reviews

Spring 2018

QAS Remembrance Service and Commissioner’s Achievement Awards 2018 Ambulance officers and volunteers from around the state gathered in Brisbane on 13 September to recognise the excellent work of their peers over the past 12 months, in a year that saw record demand for the QAS and the biggest-ever operational deployment.

Below

■ QAS Commissioner Russell Bowles is flanked by the happy recipients of the QAS Commissioner’s Achievement Awards 2018.

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The event, held to mark the foundation of ambulance services in Queensland, brought together around 300 paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, corporate staff, volunteers and family.

“The awards and remembrance service gives us a chance to pause for a moment to recognise the outstanding achievements within our organisation and reflect on our proud history.

QAS Commissioner Russell Bowles presented a range of awards and service medals during the ceremony, with a number of officers being recognised for more than 30 and 40 years of service.

“It’s an opportunity to applaud those of us who have performed their duties above and beyond what is expected of them as well as acknowledge officers that have served Queenslanders for many decades.”

“In the most recent financial year the QAS responded to more than one million incidents and since last year’s service we also prepared and enacted our most prolific operational deployment for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games,” Commissioner Bowles said.

The ceremony began with a Remembrance Service to honour and pay respect to the 34 ambulance officers who have died while performing their duties, before service medals were presented and the winners of the QAS Commissioner’s Achievement Awards were announced.

■ Around 300 people, including QAS staff, volunteers and family turned out for the prestigious event at the Kedron-Wavell Services Club.

■ Brisbane Operations Centre Director Brad Gillam with Ernie Bradley, former State Secretary of the QATB State Council. Ernie was Brad’s first boss when he began as a Cadet in the Brisbane office in 1980.

A number of recipients were presented Commissioner’s Certificates of Commendation in recognition of their generous support and commitment to the history and heritage of the Queensland Ambulance Service.

Pictured are: Back row (left to right): Vincent Little (speaking with the Member for Mount Ommaney, Jess Pugh, representing the Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles), Althea Cleland, Anthony Hilton-Green, John Stibbs, Gregory Eustace, Ray Rickwood, Monika Rickwood, and Margaret Welsh.

Front row (left to right): Fredrick Cox, Ernie Bradley, Mick Davis and June Mitchell.

Absent: Paula Eustace, Janet Garside, Paul Reedman and Ian Wheeler.

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Commissioner’s Achievement Awards winners Commissioner’s Achievement Award – presented to individuals, projects or teams which demonstrate achievements that exceed core expectations

Commissioner’s Achievement Award – presented to individuals, projects or teams which demonstrate achievements that exceed core expectations

Liesel Cahalan, ACP2, Springwood, Metro South LASN

Narelle Nicholson, Executive Services Officer, Correspondence, Office of the Commissioner

Liesel was recognised for the work she has achieved in providing advice and strategies on the issue of occupational violence, which impacts on paramedics in the field. Liesel, who currently works out of Springwood Station, participates in high-level strategic working groups for the QAS and as a United Voice Queensland representative. She worked on the Paramedic Safety Taskforce Strategic Working Group and proved instrumental with her advice on the effectiveness of current strategies, training and procedures on managing the risk of occupational violence. Subsequently, Liesel has contributed to changes in contemporary ‘best practice’ for paramedics in potential risk situations.

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Young Hero of the Year – awarded to a young person who has played a significant role in the chain of survival in an attempt to save the life of another and shown maturity, courage and/or leadership in a difficult or demanding situation

Eliza Bunn, Rockhampton, Central Queensland LASN Eliza was recognised for her immense bravery which ultimately led to her saving her grandmother’s life. On 18 September 2017 Eliza, who was six at the time, was spending the day with her grandmother – who collapsed on the kitchen floor due to a brain aneurysm. Eliza sprang into action, located a phone and called her mother, Beccy, for help. Beccy contacted Triple Zero (000) and requested an ambulance While the paramedics were enroute, the EMD in the Rockhampton Operations Centre contacted Eliza on the phone and talked her through moving her grandmother into the recovery position and preparing her for the arrival of paramedics.

Narelle was recognised for her excellent leadership in her role as an Executive Services Officer. Since commencing with the QAS in 2009, Narelle has managed the executive briefing process and QAS correspondence system. Narelle is renowned for her commitment to and achievement of high performance and positive outcomes through her extensive understanding of the service, and the complex environment in which it operates. Narelle also operates as a key liaison with senior Department of Health and Government personnel, which is critical to the business of the QAS.

Customer Focus – putting customers first through a commitment to excellence in customer focus and service

Graeme Cooper, ACP2 (absent), and Danielle Kellam, PTO (pictured), Hervey Bay, Wide Bay LASN Graeme and Danielle have been recognised for their compassion and care towards a patient in Hervey Bay. On 22 November 2017, the two officers were tasked to transport a palliative care patient.

While in transit, the patient expressed her desire to see the ocean one last time. Graeme and Danielle drove via the Esplanade and found an appropriate location where they could remove the patient from the vehicle and place the stretcher as close to the beach as possible, with Graeme even fetching water from the ocean so she could touch it one last time. A photograph was taken of this moment and shared on the QAS Facebook page, resulting in more than 228,000 comments and tens of millions of views worldwide – the most interactive QAS post ever.

Courage and Integrity – fostering a culture of courage and ownership of actions

Excellence in Leadership – empowering people through excellence in leadership, collaboration and team development

Alyce Whicker, ACP2, and Paige Worcester, ACP2, Ningi, Metro North LASN

Clark Magele, OIC, South Townsville, Townsville LASN

Alyce and Paige were recognised for their courage and fortitude in assisting a man attempting to self-harm on 5 June 2018. The pair was on their way to Caboolture Hospital for an inter-hospital transfer when they observed a man over the railing of a major highway overpass. The quick-thinking officers tried to converse with the man, with Alyce asking to hold his hand. Both officers managed to grab hold of his arms as he stepped from the overpass. They continued to maintain a hold of the man until a Patient Transport Vehicle stopped to offer assistance, enabling the trio to pull the man to safety.

Alyce and Paige sustained bruising and muscle strains as a result.

Clark was recognised for his exemplary display of leadership which, in turn, has led to overwhelming respect from his community. Clark started as the OIC of Charters Towers in 1999 where his presence made a difference in the lives of families through respect, honesty and care. His giving nature has never seen him ask for anything in return. He simply gets on with the job and is always available to his staff when they need a listening ear, support or advice. He has paved a path of honesty, integrity and respect, the cornerstone of excellence in leadership. Clark presided over the Remembrance Service before being presented with his award.

31 Excellence in Performance – supporting a culture of excellence and unleashing the potential of people and organisations to provide outstanding performance

Brian Rose and Larissa Dehne, Volunteer Drivers, Miriam Vale, Wide Bay LASN The Miriam Vale Volunteer Driver Network provides valuable assistance to a single officer station in an area which is 60 minutes from a small regional hospital and 80 minutes from a regional care hub. Brian and Larissa volunteer upwards of 20-30 hours of their time each week, transporting patients to hospital, thereby providing access to definitive care in a timely manner while reducing the need to deploy resources from other areas. Their work allows the Miriam Vale Station to remain self-sufficient during periods of significant logistical complexities and assists the improved service delivery to the public in the Wide Bay and Central Queensland LASNs.

Fostering Innovation – driving ideas into action through innovative approaches

Jason Ploeg, ACP2, Palm Island, Townsville LASN Jason was recognised for his initiative in reaching out to the Palm Island community for the purpose of fostering a greater rapport with the public, in particular, school students. Jason plays his guitar for students, using this as a platform to engage with children and listen to their stories while also sharing his experiences.

Jason, along with other paramedics, shares interesting tales and invites students to become part of the discussion which covers a variety of topics. Depending on the age of the students, Jason and the officers cover health and wellbeing, CPR awareness, sexual health, and drugs and alcohol.

THANK YOU :) Hello, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and your amazing staff.

Everyone has different levels of success. For me, success On Sunday in Mudgeeraba my husband can never be achieved unless you have the desire to Just want to say a big thank you to the ladies called you to help me. initiate it. The amazing work and commitmentHifrom staff – on the evening of my 40th(Corinne birthday, Wilkes, Kate Olive and Candice I don’t remember much of that continuously results in appreciation letters we receive 7 June 2018, after a day of illness andthat came to my house thisWhilst Boileau) morning Commissioner’s thanks what happened I do remember from members of the public, makes me constantly aware ofI was recovering just me thinking fine, (July 19) for my little girl and the dispatch guy Each month I am knowing I was in good hands and what accomplishments we amazed have made as an organisation.

I collapsed. We were so very grateful (Jamaine Prieditis) who helped me stay very at the amount of gratitude for the team (Dawn Aaskov and Michael I am so very grateful that your two members of the public calm. They do an amazing job and I really This month has seen an influx of thank you letters, with who attended to help McAuliffe) me then paramedics (Morris Lauga and Kate submit to our organisation. appreciated them being so fantastic.

304 letters received this year to date and 609take letters meand to the Royal Brisbane and Scriven) helped me as they did.

This year we have received a total emails of thanks sent to staff members.

Women’s Hospital. of 424 letters of appreciation, Kristie, Morningside I would really appreciate it if you could withyou 834enough Commissioner They were calm when I really wasn’t well I cannot thank for all your hard work. track them down and pass along my appreciation emails sent out and my 12-year-old daughter was not to officers. heartfelt thanks and appreciation.

Russell Bowles ASM

nearly as traumatised by the event as Sonia, Mudgeeraba she could have been. It wasn’t quite the your hard work.

I want send a quick thank you to the evening of a usual 40th birthday andtonot paramedics (Chantal Greaney and Melissa Russell Bowles asm the quiet evening I had planned – perhaps QAS Commissioner some of the features of a rock Dajic) star party who assessed my son and took him without the party part. to hospital on Wednesday night (July 12). It I would like to take the time to express ourbut thanks

Thank you again for all QAS Commissioner

Anyway, a very sincere thank you was to thethe first time I have ever had to call the to various Data QAS toofficers for2018. their attendance 31 August

crew who made sure I got the ambulance medical and I was quite nervous in doing so and assistance at our unplanned home birth help I needed and am now able– worried to think I was overreacting and wasting the on 4/9/2017. I commend the Triple Zero officer

about celebrating my birthday with my paramedics time. The two ladies who attended family.

(Julie Ricardo) for her efficiency and ability to

reassure us that help was on the way and clear

Jodi, Grange instructions in the meantime. Tammy (Olsson)

quickly assessed my son and took us to Lady Cilento, all the while distracting myThank son withyou to the amazing officers

arrived on scene approximately 5 minutes

32

our home were so calm and reassuring. They

Wiggles videos and calming a nervous and following the birth of our son Woody and I would (Harrison Byrnes and James My mum was by ambulance to the Sunshine panickedCoast mum. Thank you for suchMcMillan) excellent like to commend her professionalism, calmtaken in who attended the traffic University Hospital emergency department on Friday arvo service and care!!! I don't believeaccident this service my wife and daughter were the situation and ability to treat me as a fellow (29 June 2018) and then transferred next door to the gets the recognition it deserves forinvolved all the work in yesterday (23 July 2018) being rather than just a patient. was caring, privateShe hospital later that night. at Strathpine. your paramedics do. compassionate and efficient. I appreciate Tammy We cannot thank the paramedics (Scott Ludowyke, They did such a fantastic job. arranging for our transfer through toThavenot, Hervey Bay Keita James and Gillian McMaster) Christine Amanda, Wellington Point Nothing was too much for them. enough for their professionalism, kindness and their Hospital. I believe Arto (Hirsimaki) and another I didn’t get a chance to thank either treatment my mum. officer (Andrew Rach) assisted with myoftransfer

of them personally.

They were a credit to their profession. You all do a wonderful Thank you from me and my family I found Arto to be very attentive to my needs job under difficult circumstances for amazing job you do every Just want to give a shout out to the LARUthe officer at this time considering I was having much at times - thank you for your day.

My little girl Sienna loves her who attended my home on Monday (August difficulty. I hope our message can reach the dedication and commitment to e bear. We are very appreciative and fall at Brisban had a involved.

21).isHisvery name was Steve (Kliese) and we are girl Lucyofficers Thank you to QAS for patient care. Our family were we Our littleindividual as ) 18 grateful for all the great work they 20 July 6 (1 ht grateful. nig t in the Ipswich area. He was prompt, caring, Darw Airport las the important work you wein.certainly e Itoknow homdo did. ne pla r ou d boar Mum is doing well andcompassionate, home againempathetic, funny and the list about toneeded the service on theOur little man andday! en this op w Andrew, Bray Park ro eb ey her Kathy, Kingaroy goes on. He had me reassured within minutes.

She splitWoody curity.inTh is doing settling at ey home with his by se s calledgreat wa ce ok lan to bu ely am iatsleeping If my thanks could be passed to his OIC that immed older sister and well. ly andfeeding ickAnna, st options arrived very qu plained our be ex would be appreciated. ly lm ca d a (Sophie eant charge an nately, this m and your team Darren and Lakeside Unfortu ou cy. Kate, y k n ing ha iss T m for care of Lu d an ital Pherson, Silkstone Mac Charles Hosp Jamie Des, s, trip to Prince in mes (Gates) k Ja – os rs H ce offi urtis, your our plane but whole Shaw, David C y re es) made the ff ok eo ro G (B y rra cKenzie, and Mu it could have illin, Anna M han and M lot better than la w ae ble d ik an M experience a ar be y 36 QAS Insight Th SPRING 2017 ve Lucy a tedd icky Monag been. ey ga essional and Sarah Ward, V r the best service we were very prof d an les e; bb nc bu fo her e experie throughout th – James Neaum) e pleasant to us ay at Eagleby QAS_Insight_Magazine_SPRING_2017_DRAFT3.indd 36 11/10/17 8:43 pm r daughters th rd he te ot r es ou y ing ed iv d ce an g re even show itin wa e n ti while we were is hr (C to flashing lights k you th our bags. and a big than us back and helped assisting us wi and of your team ice g rv n se e ra th th s.

Philp) who Very happy wi on to the fella until the ase pass that could you ple help granddad s u . ily m fa eves ved.

Cheers, The Re ambulance arri ack, NT m lla Be a, m Jem to Hervey Bay and from Hunters Hut through

Paul, Eagleby

Spring 2018

Thank you

Hello I just wanted to say a big thank you.

My son, Morgan, has a rare chromosome disorder and is very medically complex. We have just moved to Forest Lake last Friday.

I had to call an ambulance on Wednesday evening (27 June 2018) because my son was in a great deal of pain, almost doubling over.

I knew I wouldn’t be able to get him in the car. He’s non-verbal so couldn’t tell me what was going on. After an entire night’s investigation in ED they found out he had in fact fractured his left femur, near his kneecap. He has very brittle bones due to his chromosome abnormality and apparently the slightest knock can break him.

I just want to say Thank You to the paramedics (Kelsea Hogan, Calum Smith, Michael Burgess and Jamie Cooper) for being so patient and understanding. It’s hard to explain to people that you know something is very wrong but because you have a medically complex child it could be a million things – but you just need to get to hospital. It was probably the seventh time I’ve had to call an ambulance for my beautiful boy and I’m sure it won’t be the last. But just a million times Thank You. Tiana, Forest Lake

Just wanted to say a massive th for today (23 August 2018). ank you The officer (N eil to hospital was Manning) who took me AMAZING. He listened an d even got me to smile through the pa in.

Thanks again and also to all of those at the Prince Cha rles Hospital.

Bridgett, Bald Hills I’d like to send my thanks to two of your paramedics, Ashley (Espulso) and Alex (Meredith). My 86-year-old mum was extremely unwell and we needed to call on the ambulance service to get her to (Maryborough) Hospital (on 17 July 2018).

They were outstanding and extremely caring and kind. I just wanted to make sure someone knows what incredible young men they are and how professional and caring they were as they looked after my very distressed, confused and unwell mum.

I hope you can let them know that they made a huge difference to our family that day.

I’d never seen my mum so unwell. They addressed my concerns and did everything they could to make sure she was not upset or flustered any further than she already was.

You have great people doing what must be a pretty trying job at times! I take my hat off to you all! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!

Albert, Tinana

Hi QAS, On Sunday night (1 July 2018) my three-year-old son Ryland was attacked by a stranger’s dog. QAS was called as it was a very nasty gash to his head.

I’m messaging because I want to say a HUGE thank you to the officers (Steven Kleidon and Steffie Robinson) who came to my three-year-old and helped him. 42 stitches later and after two hours in surgery, my son is feeling so much better. I can’t thank you enough for what you do for us when we need help.

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Melissa, Oakey

I’m Chris and on 29 May 2018, I was treated by one of your crews on the M1 north bound next to the Beenleigh south exit. I was riding my motorcycle when I was collected by a vehicle that decamped.

I am also a former first responder with the QPS. And that is what brings me to this message. I have minimal recollection of any of the events from that night, including the trip in the ambulance from roadside to hospital. I wanted to take a moment to thank your crew that cared for me (Craig Hart and Hannah Mills) when I couldn’t. I want them to know how much I appreciated their help. As I’m well aware the thank yous don’t always make it back to the people that count.

Always in your debt.

Chris, Upper Mount Gravatt

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 by post QAS Media Unit, GPO Box 1425 Brisbane QLD 4001

“The reason I do this job.”

Simone O’Brien almost lost her life in 2012 when she was viciously attacked by a former partner. Despite requiring ongoing treatment for injuries and regular therapy, this inspirational and courageous lady is determined to raise awareness of domestic violence in a bid to put a stop to it.

INSIGHT Editor Jo Hales caught up with Simone at a reunite with the QAS officers who saved her life.

Every day she looks in the mirror, Simone O’Brien is reminded of a sickening domestic violence attack six years ago in which she was repeatedly bashed in the head with a baseball bat.

The incident almost claimed her life.

Amazingly, Simone survived the frenzied attack that resulted in extremely complex facial and cranial vault fractures.

Simone suffered an ‘egg shell’ like fracture across most of her skull with concentrated midface, mandible and orbital injuries on the right side. She also lost the sight in her right eye and any sense of smell.

34 Below

■ QAS Medical Director Dr Stephen Rashford with paramedics Amy Edwards and Phil Davies at the reunite with Simone O’Brien at Kedron in September 2018.

Photo: Jo Hales

QAS Medical Director Dr Stephen Rashford, who attended with paramedics on the night of the horrific attack, said Simone suffered ‘some of the most serious facial injuries he had ever encountered’.

“They were simply shocking and confronting to everyone,” Dr Rashford said. “In addition, Simone suffered an open mid shaft fracture to her left forearm.”

Dr Rashford said this was ‘a classic defensive injury that Simone suffered whilst fighting for her life. The forearm was used to protect her from the baseball bat’.

Yet despite the extent of her injuries and the ongoing treatment and therapy she requires, the brave and courageous mother of three travels around the county as a White Ribbon advocate, encouraging people to speak up and speak out if they are experiencing domestic violence.

“I don’t want this to happen to anyone else.

I am determined to make domestic violence a conversation and not have it swept under the carpet,’’ Simone said.

It has been a long, long road to recovery for Simone, who is still coming to terms with the horrifying scenario she and two of her three children were subjected to on that fateful night on 25 September 2012.

The ‘perpetrator’ as Simone refers to him, former real estate agent Glenn Cable, is serving a life sentence for attempted murder.

The incident unfolded after Simone ended their nine-month relationship. Cable had been the first person Simone had dated since she and her husband Trevor – the father of her three children – had separated more than seven years earlier.

“Looking back there were little signs, like money would go missing from my purse.

But the ‘perpetrator’ didn’t yell or swear at me and he wasn’t abusive,’’ Simone said.

“I just started to feel really uncomfortable around him and after nine months I knew I needed to end it.”

Gathering all her strength, the former Transport and Main Roads executive assistant texted Cable while she was at work, as she didn’t want the break up to happen at home in front of any of her kids – Gabrielle, Ashlyn and Zac – who were respectively 15, 12 and 10 at the time of the incident.

Spring 2018

“She’s amazing” – Simone O’Brien

However, not long after Simone arrived home from work that day, Cable arrived unannounced at her Carseldine home in Brisbane to discuss the break up. He then coaxed her into her bedroom to talk, shut the door and proceeded to bash Simone relentlessly with a baseball bat.

A distraught Gabrielle and Ashlyn were both home at the time of the attack and came into the room once she yelled out to them ‘to get help for mummy’. They then ran outside screaming for people to come and help their mum and call Triple Zero (000).

Two male neighbours came to Simone’s aid, overpowering Cable and dragging him outside.

Another neighbour then held Simone’s head together until Critical Care Paramedics Amy Edwards and Phil Davies arrived on scene, followed by Dr Rashford.

Simone required rapid sequence intubation (RSI) due to serious bleeding with potential airway compromise and was transported in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where she would spend six weeks in the Intensive Care Unit on life support.

In the coming days, her family were told on two separate occasions to say their final goodbyes.

One of the those was on 26 September – just hours after the attack. It was also the date of Ashlyn’s birthday.

“Despite it being Ashlyn’s birthday, there was no celebration, instead the three of them were facing the strong possibility that I was going to die.”

Simone said that is another reason she is so passionate about speaking up about domestic violence, as it can have a devastating ripple effect.

“I am a victim, but so are my kids,’’ Simone said. “They have seen things that children should never be subjected to and they are still recovering – but at the same time, I am so proud of how they have handled themselves.

They have been so strong and supportive and displayed wisdom beyond their years.”

It wasn’t until after the legal proceedings that Simone learned the full extent of the web of lies by her former partner. “He lied to me from the start … At the court hearing I found out he had two former wives. He told me he had never been married. I was in shock when they came forward and said he had assaulted both of them too. They didn’t report the attacks.”

That is why Simone provides inspirational talks at schools, workplaces and communities, to let the public know how important it is for victims to ‘speak up’.

Below left

■ Even in her hospital bed, Simone was determined to muster a smile for the camera at the start of her long recovery.

Photo: Supplied Below

■ Today a passionate domestic violence campaigner, Simone stopped by the upstanding White Ribbon in the Emergency Services Complex, Kedron.

Photo: Jo Hales

“The three kids came in to see me at 2am just before I was wheeled into theatre for more life-saving surgery. They had come straight from the police station where they had given their statements,’’ Simone said.

Spring 2018

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Phil Davies’ account of the incident “My goal is to give strength to victims to get out of violent relationships and to get help,’’ Simone said. “I want to help people see the red flags and provide them with the information they need to protect themselves and seek help if required.”

In July, Simone was a guest speaker at a White Ribbon event at the Emergency Services Complex at Kedron, where she met Dr Rashford.

“When Dr Rashford came over to me, I couldn’t stop shaking,’’ an emotional Simone said.

“I said thank you so much and held his hand … I couldn’t let go.”

Just two months later, Simone’s goal of meeting all three QAS officers who saved her life was achieved at a special reunite at the Kedron complex that was filmed by Channel 9.

Above

36

■ A heartfelt embrace for Dr Stephen Rashford.

“I remember it being a strange start to the shift as I discovered I was working with another CCP, Amy Edwards. It was her first day back at her home station after qualifying as a CCP and we had also been given a student to look after.

“For our first job, we were dispatched to a lower acuity case. However, we were diverted to a Code 1 assault case in Carseldine. We received no further information until we arrived on scene to find many police officers outside the address. We then realised something significant had happened.

“As we walked to the front door, we were met by a burly police officer who told us our patient had been assaulted with a baseball bat. Although experienced, he looked rattled. We made our way through the low-set house to the back bedroom, ushering people out as we went, and found Simone writhing on the floor between the wall and bed.

“I got really teary and emotional as I walked towards Amy, Phil and Steve,” Simone said.

“This was something I had dreamed of for such a long time. If it wasn’t for the three of them, I wouldn’t be here today. They brought me back. I was so lucky to have them with me at the scene of the attack. They are – and always will be – my heroes.’’

Another uplifting outcome from Simone’s tragedy is that she and Trevor reconciled following the attack.

“Trevor and I had always been close; when we initially split up it had been on good terms, it was just that we were at different stages in our lives,’’ Simone said.“After the attack Trevor was so amazing. He would come and stay with me every day when I was struggling to stay alive in the hospital.”

Two years after her attack, Trevor relocated the family to Wimmera in Victoria.

“Trevor decided to bring me and the kids back here to Victoria where my mum and dad live so that we could all rebuild our lives,’’ Simone said.

Simone, who has endured 51 operations, travels to Brisbane every ten days for what she calls her ‘grease and oil change’.

Right

■ Ashlyn, Trevor, Gabrielle, Simone and Zac.

She still needs another operation to have more fat placed into a facial skin graft located near her right eye, and the reality for Simone is that she will require ongoing treatment for the rest of her life.

Spring 2018

“The right side of her head was bloodied and beaten, her right arm broken. On seeing her face, we knew she had critical facial injuries with a high airway compromise risk, so Amy made the call for the Medical Director and we tried to calm our patient with pain relief and soothing words. When Dr Rashford arrived, we were exiting the house with Simone on the stretcher, her two girls who had been in the house, were with a neighbour, her former partner was sitting in cuffs on the front lawn.

“We loaded her in the ambulance and prepared for the RSI. After I administered the anaesthetic and paralytic agents, Amy performed the intubation under the watchful eye of Dr Rashford.

“She’s amazing” – Simone O’Brien

“The procedure went smoothly, despite a brief interruption by a detective who tried to get in the back for information on Simone’s injuries, but a curt, “not now” was enough for him to make a hasty retreat.

“Once all her vitals had stabilised, our student and Amy stayed with Simone, while I jumped in the front for the drive to the Royal [RBWH] Code 1.

“Afterwards, I remember being astonished when I saw the CT scan of Simone’s skull; it was so smashed, like an egg shell. I really didn’t think she would live through the night.

Among other things, her prosthetic eye and jaw physio, plus regular visits to the audiologist, plastic surgeon, occupational therapist and maxillofacial surgeon, are an ongoing focus.

In addition, Simone finds eating hard and ‘embarrassing’. “My mouth doesn’t open as wide now and it never will, so I find it hard to eat out – and I prefer not to – I as I can’t fit most foods in my mouth,” she said.

Although it has been a tough road for Simone she refuses to complain and said ‘I am going from strength to strength. It makes me want to go further’.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for getting me to where I am today. I have the support of so many people.’’

Simone is currently training for the gruelling 42 km New York City Marathon in November.

“After my last operation in November 2017, I started to rebuild my body strength. I am in such a good head space. I am feeling the best and fittest I have in years,’’ she said.

“My advice to anyone out there who is struggling or facing adversity: ‘Don’t give up on life no matter what is going on’.”

“Then, to find out six years later she had not only survived, but was now a motivational speaker raising awareness of domestic violence, it was amazing. She’s amazing!

“To reunite with her in September was an honour and only goes to reaffirm the reason I do this job.”

Below

■ Phil and Amy with Simone at the September reunite.

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For more information or to follow Simone, visit her Domestic Violence page: https://simoneobrien.com.au/ or www.facebook.com/simonemobrien

Spring 2018

Saluting our newest CCP graduates It was a proud day for the QAS when our newest group of Critical Care Paramedics attended their graduation ceremony at the Emergency Services Complex Kedron on 4 September.

Brenton MURPHY

Metro South

Ruiyi YIN

Townsville

Blake WILSON

Mackay

Rachael LUCAS

Metro South

Roger THOMSON

Townsville

Leigh FOWLER

West Moreton

Eugene O’MARA

Metro North

Lyndsay DUNN

Central QLD

Daniel BARRON

West Moreton

Amy CRAIKE

Metro North

Matthew HILL

Central QLD

Cassandra TAYLOR

Wide Bay

David CHANDLER

Townsville

Julian KIBBY

Mackay

Michael PORTER

Wide Bay

QASEC Acting Director Drew Hebbron opened the event before inviting QAS Medical Director Dr Stephen Rashford to address the crowd. QAS Commissioner Russell Bowles and Acting Executive Manager, Continuing Education Melissa Bernas then presented the new graduates with their certificates and epaulettes. A highlight of the ceremony was when one of the graduates, Rachael Lucas (on the right, front row above), delivered a heart-warming and emotive CCP reflection, reproduced in full below.

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I was an ACP for six years at South Brisbane station, and have spent the last 12 months working out of Logan Hospital.

From the start, in January 2012, I knew this was the career for me. I thrive off the fast-paced environment, where no two days are the same. I have personally felt privileged to be welcomed into peoples homes, seeing the look of relief on their faces when we arrive in their time of need.

This has given me an immense sense of accomplishment and pride in the work that I do every day – which I think is all anyone can ask for out of their career.

I realised early on that we really are a family in QAS, and I quickly found my niche. I knew from then that my career would be spent in this service.

It was working with the Metro South CCPs … that made me aspire to become a CCP. It wasn’t just the clinical expertise they brought to the table, but seeing the sense of calm they brought to challenging, high stress cases, their support and encouragement that made them role models for the kind of CCP I aspired to be. It was also experiences of cases with these CCPs where I saw what a difference they can make to patients and their families.

Before I started this program I sat down and considered what I thought were the most important traits of a CCP, based on these role models before me.

Humanity, approachability, the ability to debrief, reflect and move forward, demonstrating empathy (remembering I was once a student too), providing support and encouragement, and leading a team.

I think being a CCP is about helping the ACPs that make up the majority of our service in treating their patient. While we may be stepping out with gold epaulettes now, we are still human and there is a lot that can be said for showing compassion and empathy, remembering where we have come from.

During this internship I’ve learnt a lot about myself not just as a clinician, but also as a person. The development of my confidence, self-trust and resilience. We have probably all experienced some confronting cases, or had cases where we have felt out of our depth – but these have no doubt strengthened us and developed us into the paramedics we are now. Throughout this journey there is a wealth of feedback to be received to allow for professional growth – and I think this helped in validating my progression of these skills.

These opportunities for development gave me a sense of achievement. While at times it may have been exhausting, this last year re-affirmed for me the role of the CCP. It’s not about the drugs we carry, or the skills we have obtained, but rather about supporting the team in managing patients

Spring 2018

and providing leadership and support.

On behalf of CCP group 26, I want to thank Luke, Mel, Adrian and Alex, and everyone from QASEC who have invested so much into our education and development into the clinicians and people we are today, and for providing incredible learning opportunities that prepare us for the challenges we may face.

I want to thank the education department and all the CSOs that invested their time into our continued development over the past 12 months. I want to thank QHealth for providing us with hospital placements to allow us to experience the in-hospital environment and fine tune our skills, as well as the doctors and various others who took time out to provide us with lectures and education.

I want to thank our mentors – for playing a huge part in our journey this last year; for not just being a supervisor at work but for the support and encouragement they’ve given us. I’m eternally grateful for the people I have worked with this last year and the support and welcoming I’ve received.

And last but certainly not least, thank you to our friends and family. I think I speak for all of us when I say we could not have got through the last year without your support, encouragement and understanding.

I stand here today ready to embark on the next chapter of

being a CCP. I feel incredibly honoured to be working in a role where we can make a difference to our peers as well as the community. As the next cohort of new CCPs, we have the opportunity to role model and provide meaningful and positive interactions with our peers, as well as offering them support during challenging cases – both clinically and emotionally.

We are now a part of a special cohort of people that we can reflect with, support and continue to grow with as professionals that can assist in leading and advancing paramedicine into the future in Queensland. I look forward to seeing future CCP interns embarking on this journey and being able to support and encourage them through their development.

This last year, I have seen just how much of an impact we can make as a CCP – not only clinically, but personally.

I leave you today with a quote I read when I started 12 months ago that resonated with me, and is something I’ve always remembered.

“You’re going to be there when a lot of people are born, and when a lot of people die.

In almost every culture, such moments are regarded as sacred and private, made special by a divine presence.

No one on earth would be welcomed, but you are personally invited. What an honour that is.”

High Acuity Response Unit Report

CASE

A 30-year-old male suffered significant flame burns to the majority of his body.

Initially bystanders cooled the victim using a garden hose.

Firefighters arrived quickly on scene and continued cooling the patient. ACPs arrived on scene to find a patient with severe burns involving all of his body, except the posterior lower legs and the soles of the feet.

Following the cessation of the cooling, the initial management involved drying the patient and placing them on the stretcher with a clean sheet. A CCP arrived at this point. High flow supplemental oxygen was applied. IV access was difficult but achieved and fentanyl 50 mcg given intravenously.

The initial assessment revealed:

HARU arrived a short time later. The HARU CCP agreed with the treating paramedics that the airway was at imminent risk and a rapid sequence intubation (RSI) was promptly performed.

A – lip swelling, burns to face, soot in the mouth and the patient barely able to phonate B – tachypnoea 28 breaths/minute, transmitted sounds with

equal AE C – palpable radial pulse, HR 120 D – GCS 14, PERLA, mildly confused, moving all limbs E – 90% variable depth severe burns. BSL 11 T 36C

The laryngoscopy was extremely difficult due to soot and oedema at the glottis, but the endotracheal tube was passed on first attempt.

Intravenous fluid resuscitation was immediately commenced and the patient was then transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

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QAS Medical Director Dr Stephen Rashford

AUDIT lessons

1. Burn CPG reviewed. If the airway is compromised, hold fluids until secured. Where prehospital RSI is not available, fluids may not start until hospital. This is to avoid airway and facial swelling beyond the initial burn insult.

2. The Burn CPG has been reviewed and reworded to emphasise the role of prompt appropriate fluid resuscitation where the airway is not at risk. This new CPG will be taught as part of October to December Tier 1 education, with release in the January 2019 CPM update.

Photo: Adobe Stock / Abstract

3. The CPM and FRG will also be updated with a fluid resuscitation guide, in addition to the CPG update.

4. After initial cooling to stop the burn process, the patient must be kept warm. This will require removing wet sheets that may be present post-cooling. This is very important. Use new clean sheets and a warming blanket. Hypothermia in major burn injury is associated with worse patient outcomes.

5. All major burns are life threatening presentations, even if the airway is not overtly at risk.

Some patients may require anaesthesia for other reasons.

6. Analgesia should follow the QAS guidelines – commencing with narcotics, then the addition of a small dose of midazolam before progressing to ketamine if required. This approach has been guided by the burn surgeon group and is at their request.

7. Beware high voltage major burn injury. They have exceeding high analgesia and sedation requirements and may need early anaesthesia, dependent upon presentation.

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QAS Open Days across Queensland

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Many ambulance stations around the state hosted Open Days, pop-up events and interactive displays during September. The events enabled community members to brush up on CPR and first aid skills, learn about QAS equipment and vehicles, and discover what it is like to be a paramedic.

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QAS Open DaysDays around Queensland QAS Open 2018 snapshot

Hundreds of locals attended Chinchilla Ambulance Station’s first annual Open Day on 15 September.

Another highlight was the announcement of the young winner of the ‘Design the Most Creative Glove’ competition.

The Chinchilla LAC donated boxes of extra-large latex gloves to local students in the lead-up to the event so they could let their imaginations go wild!

CH INC HIL LA Spring 2018

Photo: Adobe Stock / Dschwen

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Anthony said the family fun day included face painting, a jumping castle, sausage sizzle, giveaways, CPR demonstrations, snake awareness sessions and vintage equipment and uniform displays.

Locals also relished the chance to meet and greet the officers and explore Chinchilla Station and a variety of ambulances, including ‘Axel the mini-ambulance.’

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The Open Day was organised by Acting Officer in Charge Anthony Downes and the hardworking members of the Local Ambulance Committee, with the fun-filled and informative event highlighting the proud history of the Chinchilla Ambulance Station and its dedicated officers.

Happenings

Cloncurry officers joined in the fun as the outback town celebrated its Curry Merry Muster Festival in August. The Cloncurry Local Ambulance Committee also attended the event, providing the community with information on the LAC and its local activities.

Yarrabah High School students received a sample of paramedic life in August, following a Careers Day which was attended by members of the Yarrabah Ambulance Station. Among the most eye-opening demonstrations from the crew was a replicated scenario where a child was resuscitated following a drowning. Students were introduced to a range of ambulance equipment and received advice on QAS’s Indigenous Paramedic Program.

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Cloncurry is located 120 km east of Mount Isa and it is the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and was the destination of the first Qantas flight.

More than 300 people from the local community turned out for QAS Blackwater’s second annual Emergency Services Open Day in July. The event showcased our all-important colleagues from QFES, QPS, Queensland Health, SES, Highlands Council and QMRS mines rescue.

Activities included face painting, a jumping castle and demonstrations from the emergency services.

There was a large team behind this event, with special thanks to Blackwater OIC Scott Kreigher and Blackwater LAC president Louise Lommerse.

A warm welcome to our newest group of Emergency Medical Dispatchers.

Good luck as you forge ahead with your exciting, new careers with the QAS!

Spring 2018

Happenings

Left: Great effort by all of our QAS staff across the state who proudly sported red noses and fundraised in support of Red Nose Day on 29 June. Our Southport Operations Centre even had a free dress day and sold Red Nose Day merchandise to assist with their fundraising efforts.

Right: Our QAS paramedics were on hand to raise first aid awareness and answer any questions the public had when the Emergency Services Day expo kicked off in late July at the Rockhampton Heritage Village.

Around 150 people attended a two-day QAS Workforce Forum on 28–29 August at the Victoria Park Golf Course in Brisbane.

A focus of the forum was the mental health of ambulance employees.

Keynote speakers included: Priority One Acting Director, Staff Support Services Todd Wehr, NSW Mental Health Commission Deputy Commissioner Allan Sparkes cv oam va and QUT Professor Jane Shakespeare-Finch.

Left: In August, the QAS, along with other emergency services employees, was represented at the annual FNQ Emergency Services Association Inc Charity Ball in Cairns, this year raising money for the FNQ Youth Assistance Fund. Since 1972, the fund has assisted disadvantaged Far North Queensland children and youth in education, sporting and cultural activities.

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Right: Thumbs up to the Lions Club of Kingaroy which presented a $500 cheque to the LAC at is annual general meeting, the funds being used to assist in training courses and equipment for officers.

Kingaroy OIC Travis Cramb (right) – shown with LAC President John Box and the Lions’ Norm Jackson – expressed warm appreciation of the local support.

Logan and Districts LAC Secretary June Nielsen made a splash when she dropped into the Logan West Station to donate a collection of personally-engraved reusable water bottles.

The stainless-steel bottles are chemical-free and can be refilled at hospitals and stations to ensure our officers are well hydrated during a busy shift. They also eliminate the use of single-use plastic bottles while on the road.

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Movers and Shakers

Farewells Notes Reflects activities during the period from 1 June to 31 August 2018.

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Years of Service

Division / Location

Senior Quality Assurance Officer

48

State LASN Operations

Anthony (Tony) Smith

Paramedic

39

West Moreton

Walter (Greg) Trapnell

Communications Support Officer

38

State LASN Operations

Ronald Beckett

Officer in Charge Field Office

36

Torres & Cape

Gary Fuller

Officer in Charge

35

Metro South

Liam Steger

Paramedic

31

Central West

Graham Roberts

Officer in Charge

30

Central Queensland

Kevin Youlden

Patient Transport Officer

28

Darling Downs

Wendy Ferguson

Paramedic

25

Darling Downs

Robert McLellan

Patient Transport Officer

22

Metro North

Heather Mumme

Officer in Charge

22

Central West

David Lane

Clinical Support Officer

21

Sunshine Coast

Ross Emmerson

Paramedic

21

West Moreton

NAME

Position Title

Trevor Tighe

Appointments Notes Appointments made during the period from 16 April to 31 August 2018.

NAME

Position Title

Appointed date

Location

Francesco Carfora

Operations Supervisor-PTS

16-Apr-18

QAS Spring Hill

Catherine Dunstan

Executive Officer

21-May-18

State Operations Centres

Kim Wilkinson

Officer in Charge

28-May-18

South Bundaberg Ambulance Station

Jodie Nicholas

Officer in Charge

05-Jun-18

Glenden Ambulance Station

Nhut Doan

Research Fellow Cardiac Outcomes

11-Jun-18

Head Office Kedron

Kerry Dever

Quality Assurance Officer

25-Jun-18

Southport Ambulance Station

Paul Fitzpatrick

Clinical Support Officer

25-Jun-18

Bundaberg Ambulance Station

Christopher Fulton

Manager Workforce Planning

02-Jul-18

West Moreton LASN Headquarters

Maree Wein

Officer in Charge

16-Jul-18

Miriam Vale Ambulance Station

Lawrence Brimacombe

Officer in Charge

16-Jul-18

Proserpine Ambulance Station

Nicholas Groves

Clinical Support Officer

16-Jul-18

West Moreton LASN Headquarters

Elizabeth Brooks

CSO Indigenous Cadet Coordinator

16-Jul-18

Townsville LASN Headquarters

Karen Davies

Principal Advisor HS & IM

16-Jul-18

Head Office Kedron

Jodie O'Dell

Comms Support Officer (CQI)

23-Jul-18

State Operations Centres

Emma O'Connor

Media Supervisor

13-Aug-18

Head Office Kedron

Alan Mountford

Senior Operations Supervisor

15-Aug-18

State Operations Centres

Joanne Hales

Senior Media Officer

20-Aug-18

Head Office Kedron

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