QAS Insight Magazine - Summer 2020-2021 edition

KJM AWARDS • MCCD UPDATE • HARU REPORT • STATION OPENINGS

Summer 2020–21

Also inside Indigenous Trailblazer

Incredible Reunion

Season YYYY

Crystal’s Unique Role

‘Phantastic’ PTO

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CONTENTS • Summer 2020–21

Features

Regulars Minister’s message

2

Commissioner’s message

2

News 3 Briefs 4 HARU Report

15

ISRE Report

32

Priority One

36

STOIC QAS AMPUTEE

QAS PHANTOM ARTIST

Inside the LACs

40

OpCen Reports

41

6

8

Thank yous

44

PROFESSIONAL TOPIC TITLE STANDARDS

COVID-19 RESPONSE

00 12

16

QAS INDIGENOUS STALWART

SURFER’S RECOVERY

20

24

CANNULATION STUDY

FIPN/RESPECT UPDATE

26

28

Happenings 46 Movers and shakers

48

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

Editorial and photographic contributions are welcome and can be submitted to: 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.

Summer 2020-21 edition contributors: Jo Hales, Michael Augustus, Andrew Kos, Jo Mitchell, Mel Mangan, Matt Stirling and Tracey Cater.

Designed by: Paper & Desk

Front cover: This edition of Insight Magazine features resilient Beaudesert OIC Mick Mahoney who made a speedy recovery and return to work following a serious incident in January which resulted in him becoming an amputee.

Read more on pages 6–7.

Photo: Peter Wallis, The Courier Mail Back cover: Christmas themed artwork by Bundaberg PTO Shane Foley who is also a talented comic book artist.

Read more on pages 8–11.

Summer 2020–21

1

Minister

Commissioner

First of all, I’d like to thank you for welcoming me as the new Minister for Health and Ambulance Services. The pandemic has made 2020 a challenging year here in Queensland and right around the world, but as always, you have all remained on the frontline, caring for Queenslanders in their time of need.

With the end of 2020 rapidly approaching, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all staff for your ongoing commitment throughout what has been a challenging year with the bushfires, heatwaves and the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Health has always been a priority for the Palaszczuk Government and now more than ever, our first-class health system and our QAS staff are fundamental to our economic recovery. Together with our colleagues in Queensland Health, the Hospital and Health Services and our stakeholders, we can ensure we continue to improve so our patients get the best care no matter who they are or where they live in our great state.

I understand demand for ambulance services will continue to grow which is why in our recent 2020-21 Budget we’ve committed record funding to deliver more frontline officers, new vehicles and equipment, new and replacement stations and improved integration between you and the Hospital and Health Services.

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As we continue into the new year, I look forward to getting across the state to meet as many of you as possible–the paramedics, the emergency medical dispatchers, the patient transport officers, the public service staff and the volunteers who make up this important organisation. I want to talk to you first-hand about what we can all do together to provide an even better service to Queenslanders as we recover from COVID-19.

Thank you for your continued hard work. I wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday season–especially those of you who will be working on those special days.

I commend each and every one of you for stepping up for the QAS response to the health crisis and for enthusiastically adapting to the new policies and procedures that were implemented.

We have achieved so much as an organisation, which is testament to your professionalism and determination to provide the highest standards of patient care to the people of Queensland in their time of need.

Our early action in planning for the pandemic, which included pre-ordering PPE supplies and standing up the State Incident Management Room ensured we were well prepared to respond.

Well done everyone.

On another note, I am so proud of the legacies that we have achieved during this pandemic event, among them the enhancement of our management systems around our PPE, establishment of the Clinical Hub and our readiness to stand up a fever clinic.

Our workload continues to return to the demand levels we were experiencing prior to COVID-19 and we are expecting it to remain high over the coming months, so please make sure you remain vigilant and take all precautions during the summer season.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year and my gratitude goes out to those of you who will be working over the festive season.

Whether it be in your professional or personal life, please take care and look after your mental health and wellbeing.

Keep up the fantastic work and on behalf of the QAS leadership team, once again please accept my sincere thanks.

Yvette D’Ath Minister for Health and Ambulance Services

Russell Bowles ASM QAS Commissioner

Summer 2020–21

NEWS • Summer 2020–21

EMDS in spotlight Our Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs) play a vital role, being the first point of contact for medical emergencies. Their aim is to provide early care and intervention for positive patient outcomes.

However, sadly, some calls can result in significant verbal abuse towards our Operations Centre staff across the state.

The QAS has zero tolerance for any type of violence or abuse towards our staff. When our Operations Centre staff reported this as a rising and recurring issue, the QAS launched a social media campaign in December to educate the general public about the abuse our EMDs receive whilst taking Triple Zero (000) calls and the effect this has on our employees. Nine News ran an exclusive story on this campaign which involved various EMDs being interviewed about their experiences and the importance of their role in providing crucial early patient care.

Meanwhile, congratulations to our 14 EMDs who were nominated for the prestigious 2020 Australasia Dispatcher of the Year Award.

The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) award recognises EMDs who have made the most significant contributions to further the values and missions of the academies through personal action.

We are so proud of our nominees–Chloe Page, Karen Beattie, Lyn Bassett and Renee Steuart (Cairns Operations Centre), Jane Lupton and Ross Dixon (Maroochydore Operations Centre), Kahlia Barker and Shelley Mortensen (Rockhampton Operations Centre), Angela McCormick and Erin Youlden (Southport Operations Centre), Nikki Curtis (Brisbane Operations Centre), Christina

Johnson and Sandra Moon (Toowoomba Operations Centre) and Amanda Martin (Townsville Operations Centre).

They may not have taken out the coveted title that deservedly went to South Australian EMD Crystal Knight-Priede, however, their commitment to teamwork, professionalism and desire to go above and beyond to help people in their time of need is greatly appreciated. To view our outstanding nominees, visit https://www. facebook.com/qldambulanceservice/posts/3754407587924274 EMD Madeline Croker was one of the faces of the QAS No Excuse for EMD Abuse social media campaign.

3

School Leavers 2020 The annual migration of Queensland year 12 students to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and other hot spots such as Airlie Beach, to celebrate the end of high school took on a different approach this year with ‘organised Schoolies events’ being cancelled due to COVID-19.

The QAS still had a presence at both the Gold and Sunshine Coasts to support School Leavers under our Hospital Avoidance Strategy. Part of this strategy was establishing a designated area to assess and provide treatment to patients for non-life-threatening illness and injuries taking pressure off hospital emergency departments.

The first weekend of unofficial celebrations on the Gold Coast resulted in a small number of School Leavers requiring treatment by paramedics. By the end of the week,

106 patients had been treated at the Emergency Treatment Centre (ETC). These numbers were significantly down from the 439 presentations the previous year.

On the Sunshine Coast, revellers turned out in large numbers on the first weekend. From 19 November 2020 to 29 November 2020, the Sunshine Coast LASN Noosa Precinct ETC treated 183 patients.

At Airlie Beach, all formal events were cancelled and there was a severe reduction in attendance numbers, with registrations below 400 (this represented a fifth of the usual expected numbers) and many late cancellations. Due to the low numbers, the Tactical Medical Centre did not operate.

During the week 16 patients received treatment.

Gold Coast ETC staff.

Summer 2020–21

Briefs USAR training Four QAS officers became official members of the Queensland Disaster Assistance Response Team (AUS Taskforce 1) in September after completing four weeks of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Category 2 training at the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy at Whyte Island.

The course culminated in a 48-hour exercise simulating a city block extensively damaged by an earthquake.

The activity was designed to test the officers’ endurance in extreme conditions to locate, treat and rescue multiple trapped patients.

QAS USAR facilitator Mark Zimmermann said the QFES sponsored course ensured our newest USAR members– paramedics Aleasha Stenhouse, Luke Adams, Charlotte Hood and Jacinta Nicholas–were now highly skilled and specialised in a wide variety of disaster response situations including all aspects of rescuing trapped and injured victims from building collapses, as well as damage assessment for natural or man‑made disasters.

It was the first time in almost two years QAS officers had undertaken USAR Category 2 training at Whyte Island.

The QAS currently has more than 20 active USAR officers available to deploy with as little as two hours’ notice to domestic and international disaster zones to help locate, extricate and provide medical assistance to victims trapped in structural collapses. Our paramedics are also responsible for looking after the health and welfare of their USAR team members on scene.

International incidents that our QAS USAR paramedics have been deployed to include the Samoa earthquake and tsunami in 2009 and earthquakes in Indonesia (2009) and Christchurch (2011). Domestic incidents include the 2019 Townsville Floods and Australian bushfire event, as well as Tropical Cyclones Larry (2006), Yasi (2011), Marcia (2015) and Debbie (2017).

4

ASM presentation

It has been a remarkable year for humble Rathdowney couple and long-serving QAS volunteers Lyn and Ian Richter, who were presented with Ambulance Service Medals by His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland at a special ceremony at Government House in September. This followed their announcement as ASM recipients in the Queen’s Birthday Honour list in June.

A beaming Lyn said it was amazing being announced as an ASM recipient and the ceremony at Government House was surreal and ‘one of life’s amazing moments’.

“From a life point of view this was extremely special,” Lyn said. “It was lovely to be awarded and presented our medals together. We will never forget that moment.”

Photo courtesy of Government House

Summer 2020–21

The ASM is a deserving acknowledgement for the couple who have clocked up more than 60 years combined service volunteering for the QAS.

BRIEFS • Summer 2020–21

CCP graduation

After completing their 12-month internship, our latest batch of Critical Care Paramedics were more than eager to hit the road to care for some of our state’s most vulnerable patients. The new CCPs and their nearest and dearest attended a Graduation Ceremony at Kedron’s Emergency Services Headquarters on 17 September where they received their new gold epaulettes and Certificates of Achievement.

Congratulations Craig Cameron, Andrew Rochecouste and Brooke Curley (Metro North LASN), Paul Boustead, Grace Cormick and Andrew Morris (Metro South LASN), Patrick Forrestal (Cairns and Hinterland LASN), Samantha Berg (Darling Downs LASN), Cameron Gulliford and Daniel Gundersen (Gold Coast LASN), Harry Werner (Sunshine Coast LASN), Brodie Rollason (Townsville LASN), Sergio Gomes (West Moreton LASN) and Tristen Meacham-Day (Wide Bay LASN). Group 28 we wish you all the best as you embark on this exciting new chapter in your career!

Critical Care Teams – HARU Webinar More than 600 people in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Europe took part in an inaugural High Acuity Response Unit (HARU) webinar facilitated by the QAS Metro North Clinical Education Unit on 14 September.

The event highlighted the team and system approach to the management of severe trauma in Queensland and was a continuing professional development (CPD) collaboration between the Australasian College of Paramedicine and the United Kingdom’s College of Paramedics.

Panellists included QAS Medical Director Dr Stephen Rashford, HARU CCP Matthew Meister and Christian Wiggins, a Critical Care Paramedic with the Great Western Air Ambulance.

Christian was awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship in 2019 to travel to Australia and New Zealand and investigate critical care teams–giving great insight into various models of care.

The webinar gave viewers the opportunity to ask questions about the structure of the QAS trauma system and HARU. Discussions focussed on the clinical skill mix, procedural training and competency, governance and auditing and potential future developments in prehospital critical care.

The discussion was then brought together with insights from Christian across various models of care in Australasia, as well as ongoing work to develop advanced practitioners in critical care. This model would see senior practitioners from various backgrounds (paramedicine, nursing and medicine) trained to the same high standard to deliver prehospital critical care.

The webinar was an exciting first step toward ongoing international collaboration and learning that will benefit paramedic professional development and ultimately the patients that rely on our care.

Summer 2020–21

5

Stoic Mick’s Return to Work after life-changing leg amputation

Mick, 48, had just finished his shift on a rainy day on 31 January and was looking forward to two weeks leave when his life drastically changed forever.

Beaudesert OIC Mick Mahoney’s life was turned upside down at the start of the year after his left leg was amputated following a buggy rollover on his property.

Insight Editor Jo Hales reports on the courageous Metro South officer who was back at work in no time, determined to not let the incident, and the loss of a limb, hold him or his career down.

However, on this occasion, the buggy tipped over and Mick’s foot got caught underneath it.

“My girls Elyse and Annabelle (who were 8 and 5 at the time), wanted to go down to the river to see how much water was in there,’’ Mick said.

“We got on the side-by-side buggy and drove down there. We had done this a thousand times.’’

“The foot was crushed quite badly. Thankfully though, my girls were fine and had no injuries,” he said.

“I tried walking up to the house but that didn’t work, so I called my friend to drive me to the hospital but when he arrived and saw the injury, he said ‘No way, we are calling for an ambulance’.”

Mick said when the first paramedic, Jimboomba ACP Emma Hooper, arrived on scene, he was happy to see her as by then he was ‘in quite a bit of pain’.

Once Mick was in the back of the truck, the single responding officer was able to begin assessing and treating him, with Woodridge CCP Patrick Amadeu and ACP Laura Meadows arriving shortly after.

It was a confronting scene for the three responding officers–all of whom knew Mick very well.

Emma said when she found out she was attending Mick’s case–she instinctively knew it was going to be a big job.

6

“The case details were very minimal, and it stated that Mick had hurt his foot, but knowing him, and how stoic he is, he would not have called for anything minor,” Emma said.

Patrick, who works out of Woodridge Station and on the Logan Pod, said when he saw Mick in the truck, it was obvious his injuries were very serious.

“Not only did he have multiple fractures, but significant soft tissue injuries,” Patrick said.

“There was also a lot of dirt and grass in the soft tissue.”

After medicating Mick and irrigating and cleaning the wounds, a dressing was applied and Mick was transported Code 1 to the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Despite the severity of the incident, Mick, who has been a paramedic for more than 20 years, and the OIC of Beaudesert for eight years, lightheartedly describes his first time as a patient as an ‘epic failure’.

“I had never been badly injured before and I found it difficult being the patient,” Mick recalled with a cheeky grin.

Above

Despite having his left leg amputated in late February, Mick returned to work in record time in June.

Photo: Jo Hales

Opposite

Mick said the support he has received from the QAS, including his staff and work colleagues, was instrumental to his speedy recovery.

Photo: Peter Wallis, The Courier Mail

Summer 2020–21

“I kept saying I will just lay here and not do anything but then I would start trying to tell them what to do.

I really was the worst patient. That was until the ketamine and fentanyl took effect.”

Mick said one of the things that stands out in his mind on the way to hospital–even with the effects of the drugs that had been administered–was the ‘simple gesture’ of Emma holding his hand.

Resilient QAS amputee

“That’s what I remember more than anything. It is very clear in my memory.

It made me feel safe and was comforting,’’ Mick said.

“I can genuinely say that from the moment the call was made to the Southport Operations Centre, to the time I was delivered to the hospital, my experience was gold standard.”

Mick spent just over a month in the Princess Alexandra Hospital where he endured more than ten operations in a bid to repair his ‘mangled foot’.

It was while he was having consultations with specialists that the future of his foot was decided.

“The best advice I was given was that it would have needed at least a year of operations and rehabilitation, and there were no guarantees my foot would be saved. I was also told there would be limitations on its use. It would need to be elevated at night and I would also experience ongoing pain,’’ Mick said.

“Knowing myself and the person I am, and the way I want to live my life, I sought more advice.”

Mick spoke to someone from the prosthetics department who went ‘through all the possibilities and probabilities around cutting my leg off and what I could expect from the time I became an amputee to the point I left this earth’.

“I quickly decided amputation was the direction I was going to take,” he said.

However, before he made his final decision, there was one important phone call Mick wanted to make to QAS Medical Director Stephen Rashford.

“When I contacted Steve I said, ‘Can I still be a paramedic if I am missing a leg?’ to which he quickly replied, ‘Of course you can’.

“That was very reassuring to me at that moment in my life and it made it really easy for me to make my decision,” Mick said.

Mick said he did not know what he would have done if Steve had said no.

lunch?’ She replied with, ‘Maybe not after lunch, but we will get you in as soon as we can!’

Mick was so motivated to get moving after his surgery on 24 February, that he was out of hospital and heading for home on 29 February.

Mick would like to ‘acknowledge the messages and phone calls of support from folks he has worked with over the years in various roles’ and to reiterate ‘just how much he appreciates the support’.

He was also eager to return to work, donning his teal uniform for the first time after the amputation in June.

“When I came back, I was helping the Acting OIC with drug audits and basic stuff, but this return to work was integral to my recovery,’’ Mick said.

“We are creatures of habit and to come back and see my other family and receive the level of support I had on my return, meant I never felt alone.”

On the subject of support, Mick said his teal angels and the QAS in general, played a crucial role in his speedy recovery and subsequent return to work.

“Every day I was in hospital someone came to see me and that has played on my mind a lot,’’ he said.

“I have always tried to be there for my mates, but if someone is going through difficult times or is injured, I will make more of an effort to be there for them now as I know what a difference it made to me.

“When you are lying in a hospital bed wondering about the rest of your life, a couple of people showing up really lifts you.

“I don’t think I can ever repay everyone who came to see me, and I don’t think they understand how much it means, but it made such a difference, that is what helped me get out of hospital so quickly.”

In fact, the large number of visitors led to one of the nurses joking about ‘charging admittance to Mick’s room’ to which he replied, ‘I’ll go you halves. Charge away’.

Mick said the same people who visited him in hospital turned up at his property to ‘mow my lawn and clean my house’.

“I could never see myself doing anything else. I love being a paramedic and helping people,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, officers from his station ensured he never went hungry with Mick having ‘more food and meals than I could possibly eat’.

“When you get down to tin tacks, there is a real satisfaction in what we do. It is a very privileged position we hold within the community.”

“Some of the girls even helped me shop for my youngest daughter’s birthday, as pushing a trolley with crutches and one leg carries a high degree of difficulty,’’ he said.

Mick said he has always been that person who ‘rightly or wrongly once I make a decision I follow it’.

Mick said if he had to write down everything people had done for him ‘it would take over a week’.

So, when an orthopaedic surgeon asked when he would like the surgery, Mick said, ‘Well if you are not busy, can we do it after

“There were really kind gestures and it wasn’t just the teal angels; it was the people in the community too,’’ he said.

“Folks would take me shopping. All the locals were supportive and wanted to contribute, which is hard to come to terms with when you are someone who has been very independent and never accepted help.

“For me, it really shows the quality and the fabric of the people I work with and the community I live in.”

Mick said when he was cleared to return to operational duties in late October, it was a milestone, not only physically but psychologically.

“After 20 years as a paramedic, I still have a strong attachment to treating patients. I love what I do, and it is important for me as an OIC that I am leading by example. If I am out there treating patients and doing it well, the people around me do it well too.”

Mick recently caught up with the three work colleagues who attended his case back in January.

Patrick, who has known Mick for 11 years, said he was not surprised by the OIC’s speedy return to work.

“It is fantastic to have him back. Mick is not someone who gives up. He is the kind of person you can throw things at and he will pull through,’’ Patrick said.

Patrick summed up the sentiment of many when he said Mick was an amazing and integral person to have on the team.

“Mick is someone who has your back 100 per cent, no matter what. He has the guts to stand up and say no when something goes against his own philosophy which I think is very rare these days,” he said.

“He also takes responsibility for what he does. I just love working with him as you know when he is around that you don’t have to worry about anything because everything that can be done will be done.”

Summer 2020–21

7

QAS officer’s

‘Phantastic’ career as a comic book artist

When Bundaberg Patient Transport Officer (PTO) Shane Foley is not on the job, he is in his art studio–aka man cave–pencilling his latest comic book illustrations. Insight Editor Jo Hales reports on the talented 63-year-old whose artistic flair has snared him coveted recurring roles illustrating one of the world’s longest running comic book characters–The Phantom.

8

Summer 2020–21

QAS Phantom artist

Opposite

A 2018 Phantom cover by Shane.

Left

Some of Shane’s captivating artwork.

Below

The Saga of Shakah‑Rune.

Shane said when he was first asked to illustrate a cover of the renowned Phantom series in 2016, it was a dream come true.

The editor kept Shane’s work on file and when the publisher changed hands sometime later, he was asked to illustrate a cover.

“I have loved the Phantom comic books since I was a kid,” Shane said.

Since then Shane has undertaken ten Phantom covers and he has also been commissioned to write stories and sketch comics inside the magazines from time to time.

“When I was seven, I found a Phantom comic in a caravan on a holiday.

That’s when a light bulb went off in my head and I realised I loved the action-oriented story telling approach. It is where my love for comic books started.”

Fast forward five decades and Shane’s dream of sketching Lee Falk’s fictional, tight-skinned purple costumed crime fighter became reality after he contacted the publisher of the Australian Phantom series, Frew Publications. Based in Sydney, the company mostly reprints The Phantom series from Scandinavia and America but incorporates its own cover.

“When I picked up one of the comics on a news stand one day, I noticed that The Phantom image on the cover was a panel from the story inside the magazine. It had been enlarged on a photocopier and had lost all its definition and clarity,’’ Shane said.

“It got me thinking, ‘I can do way better than that’, so I got to work redoing the cover using the same layout and I sent my sketch to the publishing company.

“They wrote back and said they liked my sketch, but they didn’t have enough money to pay me.”

The Phantom may be Shane’s biggest job in terms of ‘prominence’, however, he is no stranger to comic book work.

In the early 1990s, Shane’s illustrations were published in Australian publications Southern Aurora Comics Presents Dark Nebula and Australian War Stories. Between 2004 and 2006, in conjunction with his colourist friend ‘Sarge’ in Ohio, he also produced a monthly fourpage series in the popular children’s publication Krash Magazine called The Saga of Shakah‑Rune.

His artwork has also been published in church newsletters and children’s stories.

Shane, who was born in Victoria, but grew up in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, said he has been sketching ‘forever’.

“I don’t remember when I started drawing because I have always done it. It has always been a part of my life.

It is in my blood,” he said.

“I still vaguely remember the day I realised that most other people didn’t draw for fun like I did, and

9

that it didn’t come as easily to them.

Drawing was always something both my brother Gerry and I did. He was marvellous at drawing complicated battles scenes–but hasn’t kept it up like I did.

“Mum noticed all our drawing, and when we were still in primary school, she arranged for us to do oil painting classes. The tutor convinced Mum to paint as well, rather than just sit and wait. Gerry and I both went back to just drawing, but Mum kept it up and got so good that in her 60s she had some exhibitions of her own.”

The artistic family tradition also passed on to Shane’s sons, Pete and Brendan, both of whom are making a living out of art.

Summer 2020–21

Below

Shane and wife Helen have a wonderful partnership and provide unconditional love and support for each other.

Left

Shane’s artwork can be very labour intensive.

Right

Flashback: Wide Bay LASN Chief Superintendent Russell Cooke with Shane when he was presented with a 25-year service medal in 2017.

work and why. It is important to make it readable.”

“Pete is an animator in Sydney and Bren is a graphic designer in New Zealand. They both draw extremely well,” Shane said.

However, Shane said the intense process is worth it–especially considering the reaction the artwork receives.

Meanwhile, Shane and wife Helen work as a team when it comes to designing artwork on greeting cards for family and friends.

10

“Helen has a flair for decorating and she always has amazing ideas for the illustration on the card, which I then sketch,’’ he said.

Shane lists his favourite subjects as science fiction characters, as well as trees, rocks and animals and while he dabbles in colour, his preference is black and white.

“I don’t do much colour. I use pencil and ink most of the time. I find some of the most powerful images are black and white,” he said.

Shane said a great deal of patience is needed when undertaking comic book artwork as it is extremely labour intensive.

“If a page has four or five panels, that is four or five decent pictures you need to do. If a panel of art doesn’t take your eye to the next panel and tell the story simply, it doesn’t work,” he said.

“Comic book story telling is really different from other art. Also, apart from the actual drawing, you are doing the work of a movie director, trying to work out how a scene will

“When people witness the comic book drawings, they seem to find them a bit magical. They can appreciate the illustrations, even if they have no desire to read the book,” he said.

Shane held his first full-size solo art exhibition, mostly black and white, comic book style-pieces, in the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery in 2016. Over the years, his artwork has been commissioned by facilities such as Bundaberg Council. He also has a mural in the Emergency Department of Bundaberg Hospital. The actionpacked mural in the paediatric area, featuring fairies, a robot and a range of animals, provides comfort to young children and takes their mind off what is happening.

He also uses his art to bring a smile to the faces of others in his community in his free time.

Most Fridays, Shane works alongside a local with a disability. The 35-yearold man loves Marvel Comics and they spend quality time escaping into a world of fun.

“I meet up with him for an hour and a half and draw with him. He likes Manga and Marvel, cutting out pictures of characters and says,

Summer 2020–21

‘I would like this body with this suit’, so then I draw a character for him,” Shane said.

“His imagination is amazing and relentless–we have a great time!”

Just like Shane’s artwork brings joy to others, it also provides stability and grounds him when life gets tough.

“When there is heavy stuff going on, I put myself into a story. I usually find then that the problems in the real world are put into perspective and I am not obsessing over something.

It is a really good way of dealing with stress, a healthy way,’’ Shane said.

“I am not ignoring issues. I am just managing them and letting the dust settle.”

The artwork has also helped Shane remain calm when he and Helen have experienced ongoing health issues over the years.

In 2017, Shane was diagnosed with prostate cancer, then in 2019, kidney cancer was found.

“It was found by accident–it was while I was getting a scan for a prostate check-up,’’ Shane said.

Shane, whose Dad Bert died from prostate cancer in 1982, said ‘they were checking to see if the prostate was enlarged on a scan, when the urologist’s assistant–filling in for my urologist while he was overseas– noticed the lump on my kidney’.

QAS Phantom artist

Left

Shane’s colourful mural in Bundaberg Hospital helps comfort youngsters and takes their mind off what is happening.

Right

The Phantom in action.

“When the urologist returned, I was immediately booked in for surgery at the Wesley Hospital. Due to the location of the lump and the size of it, he advised that removing the whole kidney was the best solution.”

Thankfully, the cancer had not spread, and Shane has had no problems since.

So far, he also has the all clear with his prostate cancer.

Shane joined the service in 1991, after the newly formed QAS placed an ad in the newspaper seeking Ambulance Officers.

“I had been a funeral director for a while and was living in Ipswich with Helen and the two boys who were very young at the time,’’ Shane said.

“I was one of three who was selected for Bundaberg Station.”

Shane said he put Bundaberg as his first preference as Helen’s parents lived there at the time.

The couple moved to Bundaberg in September 1991, where Shane has been based most of his career.

In 2008, after more than 16 years in the service, Shane resigned.

Around the same time, he noticed he was struggling with things and was not coping well.

When his new job didn’t work out, things got worse.

“I had been out of the ambulance service for six months by that time and I felt terrible,’’ Shane said.

“Ever since leaving, I’d be able to hear an ambulance siren coming long before anyone else could. And I simply couldn’t make any decisions.

Helen asked me to do the Beyond Blue online questionnaire and my score confirmed her belief that I needed help. So, we arranged a doctor’s appointment.”

Shane was diagnosed with depression and once again it was his artwork which helped him through.

“Helen felt I needed time away and organised for us to go to Poatina in central Tasmania–where a friend worked in a Christian run village that helps disengaged youth,’’ he said.

“Every day I used to go walking in the forest, often with my little sketch book in my hand, drawing nature in black and white, talking to virtually no one for weeks. This really helped me.

Helen volunteered in the village and I slowly began to socialise again.”

In 2009, back in Bundaberg, when Shane started looking for work again, things still weren’t easy.

“I despised looking for work and found it so hard, still feeling like I was on the edge of depression. But one day, by chance, I met some paramedics I knew in town.

“They told me that PTO work was available. It had been about 10 months since I left the service–and I thought that maybe, if I wasn’t doing acute work, I might be able to give it a go.”

“I approached management in Bundaberg, and they were keen for me to return at a PTO Certificate 3 level.

It worked well for both of us–I’ve been a PTO for almost 12 years now.”

Shane works four days a week, taking Friday off to unwind and pursue his art.

He has no plans of slowing down on the artwork as there is nothing more rewarding than seeing it come to life.

“It is always exciting when the artwork is done and you take a step back to see what you have achieved,’’ he said.

As for the Phantom, Shane said he is keeping his fingers crossed the character’s old-style comic book imagery will not become obsolete in the future.

“It is great that the Phantom hasn’t really modified much over the years, like other characters, such as Batman, who seems to have grown nastier and darker. I really hope this doesn’t change!”

Visit Shane’s website to view more of his amazing artwork.

Summer 2020–21

11

A close look behind the scenes of the Professional Standards Unit Tucked away in the Medical Director’s Office, the Professional Standards Unit undertakes a unique responsibility within the background of our organisation.

It’s a team most paramedics are happy not to hear from, in fact, Crystal Nelson admits she didn’t have a full awareness of the unit until she joined over a year ago. Matt Stirling recently sat down with Crystal to delve into her role.

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Crystal has just completed a Bachelor of Laws and she loves how her Professional Standards Unit role allows her to use her clinical and legal education.

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When the FIPN QAS RESPECT Induction Workshop was held in Brisbane in October, Crystal delivered a presentation on the Professional Standards Unit’s work.

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Photos: Jo Hales

A paramedic makes countless decisions every day; clinically, professionally, ethically. In the world of patient care, filled with high-pressure enigmas, raised emotions, and a real person’s wellbeing on the line, these decisions have serious ramifications. And as is human, sometimes we get it wrong.

Formerly known as Clinical Quality and Patient Safety, Crystal and her colleague, currently Brendan Schultz, have been operating under the Professional Standards banner for 12 months.

“We work directly to the QAS Medical Director to oversight professional performance and conduct,” Crystal said.

“In our role we primarily deal with external parties that receive complaints about paramedics employed by the QAS. This includes the Office of the Health Ombudsman (OHO), Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Coroners Court of Queensland.”

Almost all staff fully engage with these processes to ensure a matter is resolved quickly.

“A small number of cases involve significant aberrancies in conduct and practice, which result in elevated regulatory inquiry and intervention.

Non‑engagement by clinicians significantly escalates this scenario, often complicating a resolution. Fortunately, this behaviour is rare,” Crystal said.

Their time is evenly split between dealing with complaints through the OHO and Ahpra and the other half spent assisting the Coroner’s Office when a death is under investigation.

The Professional Standards team also oversees the ECLIPSE project, which aims to run quality assurance upon reviewing of triggered cases.

Crystal commenced her role in June 2019 and was drawn to the legislatively heavy work as she was studying her Bachelor of Laws, which she has just completed.

“I undertook my last two exams recently for law and this is quite a legal area too,” she said.

“It was good to come into a spot where I can use a clinical and legal brain together.”

After nine years on-road, including stints at regional stations such as Woorabinda and Boyne Island, Crystal said she didn’t fully comprehend the breadth of the service behind the frontline until she attended a workplace forum in Brisbane.

“I was blown away by how big our service is. At the time I didn’t understand the organisation’s structure or what each Deputy Commissioner’s portfolio entailed,” she said.

Now in a position to witness the safeguards in place first-hand, Crystal is reassured that measures are being undertaken to maintain the integrity and safety of our staff.

“I’m in a position where I can see something being done, and not just with QAS,” she said.

“As a result, the public is safer and so are our paramedics.”

Summer 2020–21

Professional Standards Unit

Ahpra/OHO Ahpra is a national regulator of Australia’s registered health practitioners and primarily deals with professional performance and impairment issues. Meanwhile, Queensland is the only state with an OHO, a body that decides what Ahpra can investigate while focusing itself more so on behavioural misconduct than clinical errors or impairments that impact on a practitioner’s ability.

On a day-to-day basis, Crystal oversees what the QAS escalates to the OHO while managing incoming complaints the OHO has received externally. Last year saw a nearly even split between issues raised proactively by the QAS and cases submitted by the OHO. “Very few of the cases are quite serious and most involve employee conduct,” she said.

Professional Standards recently began presenting at Graduate Paramedic Program inductions and is reaching out to universities to educate paramedics early on practical steps to mitigate the chances of an investigation and warn of the consequences.

“I think the biggest qualities we need to hone down on people is to be honest and have integrity,” Crystal said.

“I’ve seen countless paramedics be supported through clinical mistakes, whether through education or performance plans.

“Conduct or misconduct is different and relies more on the individual to make changes.”

Patient documentation is one area the governing bodies monitor stringently.

“The worst thing we find with documentation, and this will go to OHO and Ahpra, is when people make up or falsify things in it because it’s a legal record,” she said.

“Sometimes people will absentmindedly put in a false blood pressure to fill a blank out of complacency and habit.

“Only a small portion of people purposefully try and deceive, but they’ll often get found out.”

It’s not all doom and gloom at Professional Standards however, as the team use virtual monthly LASN catchups to highlight well run cases or honourable acts of conduct and to connect with the regional/rural LASNs in the state.

“We’re trying to say–who has a job that went well, share that with us. Why did that go well?”

Coroners Court of Queensland When a death involving QAS attendance is referred to the Coroners Court of Queensland, the Professional Standards Unit works intensively to supply information to assist in an investigation.

A case will sit among four tiers within the Coroner’s Office, and if a person is unable to receive a death certificate and the cause of death is unknown, it will progress to the highest tier–a coronial inquest. During an inquest, the Professional Standards Unit supports witnesses throughout the process to ensure they are well supported and prepared for the upcoming proceeding.

On a typical day, Crystal has a case load of around six coronial cases being investigated alongside one ongoing or upcoming inquest at a time.

Sometimes spanning over four years, a coronial inquest isn’t taken lightly. And the result can have ramifications for the QAS if the Coroner’s recommendations find clinical care was inadequate or could be improved.

However, QAS will often proactively launch an internal investigation before a case proceeds to a coronial inquest.

“The best practice is to identify an adverse event occurred, be transparent and honest, and work on changes to clinical policy if any are required, before the Coroner has the opportunity to recommend them,” Crystal said.

“This occurs frequently where we discover an issue because a Coroner has requested

information about a QAS attendance. We’re fortunate to have a close working team in the Medical Director’s Office where we can easily access the key people needed to make important change.”

One thing Crystal has found important to learn is professional empathy when assisting inquests.

“It’s extremely unfair to judge another health practitioner if you aren’t in the moment.

It’s easy to sit back and reflect on something four years ago, but we were all different paramedics four years ago at different scopes,” she said.

Good patient documentation also proves essential in this area of Crystal’s work, especially for a paramedic who may be called as a witness to a case they attended four years prior.

“Documentation is your requirement as a practitioner and the patient has a right to good, fulsome factual documentation.

But beyond anything, it’s a gift to yourself,” she said.

“Four years later you won’t remember the intricacies of the care you provided.”

Despite the rarity and drawn out process of a coronial inquest, Crystal says it’s the most intriguing aspect of her position in Professional Standards.

“They want to investigate in court, not just hear arguments and decide,” she said.

“I like that it’s about giving answers to the family of the deceased, even if it’s a delayed process.”

Summer 2020–21

13

New CPR device delivers high quality chest compressions Stage one deployment of the Corpuls CPR Mechanical Chest Compression Device (MCCD) is now complete with the successful rollout of 18 MCCDs on emergency response vehicles in Metro North, Metro South and Gold Coast LASNs.

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Eighteen Corpuls CPR MCCDs have been rolled out on emergency response vehicles in Metro North, Metro South and Gold Coast LASNs. NOTE: This picture is a training scenario.

Above

Around 120 CCPs have already been trained and assessed in the use of the Corpuls CPR. NOTE: This picture is a training scenario.

As of November 2020, around 120 Critical Care Paramedics (CCPs) had been trained and assessed in the use of the Corpuls CPR MCCD. QAS Statewide Reperfusion Coordinator Brett Rogers said clinicians had high praise for these ‘extra set of hands’ and they have already applied them in several out of hospital cardiac arrest incidents.

“Four hours of face-to-face training and assessment has been delivered to paramedics to ensure that they are well prepared and confident in using these new devices,’’ Brett said. “The Corpuls CPR MCCD provides continuous, high quality chest compressions from the scene, during ambulance transport, and into the emergency department,” he said.

“Our first out of hospital cardiac arrest involving the use of the MCCD as a bridge to Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) at hospital and quickly into the cardiac catheterisation lab, has already demonstrated the importance of providing continuous chest compressions during transport into the emergency department, and we anticipate this patient will make a very good recovery.”

Summer 2020–21

The case is detailed in the HARU Report on the opposite page and Brett said the attending paramedics and treating doctors praised the high quality of chest compressions provided by the device from arrival at scene through to transport into the emergency department and onto ECMO, after which the patient went quickly into the cardiac catheterisation lab and the Intensive Care Unit.

“This case highlights the importance of the training and simulation exercises that have been delivered in the roll out of the Corpuls CPR MCCDs,’’ he said.

“Without each link in the chain of survival working seamlessly and quickly, including the application of the mechanical chest compression device, the outcome would almost certainly have been very different for this patient.

“I want to thank the Clinical Support Officers and paramedics for their enthusiasm and positive attitude in embracing this important new piece of equipment.”

Stage two of the Corpuls MCCD roll out is planned to begin early in 2021, with more devices set to be deployed across the Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Sunshine Coast, West Moreton and Darling Downs LASNs.

High Acuity Response Unit Report

49-year-old male witnessed refractory ventricular fibrillation out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with subsequent Mechanical Chest Compression Device (MCCD) and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) utilisation.

QAS Medical Director Dr Stephen Rashford This patient was witnessed to collapse while at work and was immediately rendered assistance by his colleagues.

Very effective bystander CPR was performed. The patient presented in ventricular fibrillation (VF) on the arrival of the primary unit. Resuscitation measures were commenced, with the patient remaining refractory to standard advanced life support cares and defibrillation. The patient achieved a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) for a short period before deteriorating back into arrest, this continued throughout the prehospital episode of care in a stuttering fashion.

The patient was identified early as a potential candidate for ECMO, with the receiving hospital receiving early notification followed by rapid transport.

A MCCD was utilised as a bridge to facilitate ongoing resuscitation during transit to definitive care. With the MCCD use, our patient developed significant CPR induced consciousness (CPRIC). Ultimately, this required the HARU team to anaesthetise the patient despite being in VF and no underlying cardiac output!

Upon arrival at hospital, the patient was successfully placed on ECMO. The patient was reviewed by interventional cardiology and found to have an occlusion of a left anterior descending artery (LAD) that required a stent insertion.

After a period of stabilisation, the ECMO was weaned with the patient surviving cognitively intact.

Photo: Matt Stirling

CASE

AUDIT findings 1. The incident exemplifies all systems of the chain of survival working ‘hand in glove’ to give this patient the best chance of a positive outcome.

2. The attending paramedics identified early that this patient was a possible candidate for ECMO and that conveyance to hospital was the priority of care, but only with ongoing high-quality continuous resuscitation.

3. The receiving facility commended the crew and reiterated the importance of paramedics providing early notification. This is of immense pertinence for patients that present with a potential reversible cause that is resistant to standard interventions.

4. Emergency physicians were provided with the following information during handover which enhanced this patient’s continuum of care: (a) exact downtime of the patient; (b) occurrence of bystander interventions; (c) presenting rhythm; (d) pharmacology provided; (e) presence of motor functions during arrest (CPRIC).

All clinical handovers of OHCA patients should contain this information.

5. Paramedics should have a low threshold for contacting the QAS Clinical Consultation and Advice Line for case specific management when attending patients’ refractory to standard care.

6. Recent literature has supported the approach of early ECMO support for the small group of patients with reversible causes refractory to standard treatment.

7. MCCDs are being initially rolled out sequentially to areas where immediate cardiac catheter laboratory support will be available for these select patients.

Priority will occur for areas where ECMO is available.

8. The QAS will analyse the initial performance of MCCD use, reviewing potential for further expansion.

9. Maintenance of high quality cardiac resuscitation before and after MCCD application is paramount to achieving good results.

Summer 2020–21

15

QAS steps up for ongoing COVID-19 response As the COVID-19 pandemic response continues across Queensland and the globe, Andrew Kos reports on several new milestones for the QAS. The tents were raised, safety cones lined up, testing kits prepped and PPE donned– the set up looked similar to many other QAS events, but this was something never done before by the organisation.

In September it was announced the QAS would commit up to 50 staff to assist and support Queensland Health and Local Hospital and Health Services with COVID-19 testing and as such an Expression of Interest was sent to staff.

There was no shortage of volunteers and within a week the required number were trained and readied for deployment.

“Fortunately, our Emergency Management Unit was well prepared to assist with infrastructure from previous experience with natural disasters and large public events.

Not long after, Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young identified a location of concern for potential spread of coronavirus in the West Moreton region and so the QAS was rapidly deployed to its very first COVID-19 fever clinic, located at Redbank Plains.

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QAS Statewide Infection Prevention Program Coordinator Mel Rogers was one of the team who helped pull the fever clinic together and said it was an involved task.

Left

Sorting and labelling swabs was one of the tasks at the fever clinic.

“Considering the QAS had never undertaken a fever testing clinic before, there was a lot to take into consideration, including appropriate infection control measures, collection of patient information, pathology services, staff education and promotion of public awareness,” Mel said.

“Many areas of the QAS came together to assist with the set up and functioning of the clinic, which was coordinated through the State Incident Management Room, including the Office of the Medical Director, State LASN Operations, Fleet and Equipment, Emergency Management, QASEC and ICT Services.”

Prior to the deployment, several test models were erected at the Emergency Management Unit at Geebung to allow staff to familiarise themselves with possible scenarios.

“The walk through models were an integral part of the planning as it allowed us to visualise and examine the best flow for staff and patients and allowed us to estimate set up and take down times of infrastructure, whilst also allowing us to fine tune processes to maintain the best infection prevention methods.”

In order for the clinic to become operational several roles were required including an officer to welcome patients, an administration team, clinicians educated to undertake swabbing and to assist with the operations of the swab movement and forms, a team leader, an infection control nurse to maintain quality control, the Emergency Management Unit to assist with infrastructure, security guards and traffic controllers.

The clinic was in place at Redbank Plains for four days and in that time 754 tests were conducted with patients experiencing low wait times and quick turnaround of test results.

Middle top and bottom

There were 754 patients swabbed across four days.

Patients experienced short wait times at the fever clinic at Redbank Plains.

Summer 2020–21

Right

An aerial view of the QAS fever clinic at Redbank Plains.

COVID-19 response

“The Health Directions environment has been agile, ambiguous, complex and overall, the QAS staff have embraced their opportunities for new experiences to network, learn new skills and be involved within the broader government in the fight against COVID-19.”

“This opportunity allowed officers to extend their clinical knowledge and scope of practice and allowed individuals and the QAS to participate and further contribute to the Queensland COVID-19 response,” Mel said.

“The current pandemic has been an enormous learning experience and setting up fever clinics is further demonstration of the QAS showing increased capacity when required to assist.”

Times a staff member has called SIMR Medical Services Cell to ask for advice

Sandra said she and the rest of the team have needed to be cognisant of the fact many callers are going through the worst time of their lives.

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Enquiries to provide advice to EMDs identified by the health screening process in the Operations Centres

“We need to give those callers the care and empathy they need as much as patients in their lives need that care,” Sandra said.

Director of Operations, Queensland Health, Peta Thompson said in August, 15 staff across corporate, operational and clinical streams with an array of skills and capabilities integrated seamlessly into Queensland Health to assist in processing the influx of border directions exemptions.

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Rapidly building knowledge of quarantine arrangements, changing border directions and documentation requirements has been a key to success.

“The 15 staff were placed based on their level of expertise and their skills and experience they brought to Health Directions,” Peta said.

Pieces of all QAS Staff communications with updates, including safety information and support

“First and foremost, people need to be listened to and heard–we needed to make sure we brought our A-game and give these people the respect they needed.

“Day-to-day roles entail data intelligence, wellness and resilience support, processing of exemptions and call taking in the Health Care Support Service to ensure applicants are able to speak to health clinicians to manage their exemptions.

Several clinic walk-throughs were set up at Geebung to prepare staff for different scenarios.

3140

Normally an Operations Centre Supervisor at Southport, Sandra Whitehouse is one of those who’s taken up the challenge.

Another area, and first for the QAS has been assisting Queensland Health in the Health Directions Exemption Service.

Middle top

SIMR Snapshot – COVID-19

754

COVID-19 swabs taken at QAS fever clinic

“This is a role slightly outside the normal scope of an EMD but has made us realise our scope is huge.

All numbers approximate as of 11 November 2020.

“It’s very rewarding to be able to help people come and share the last moments with their loved ones–everyone wants to get that right.”

Middle bottom

Some of the QAS team seconded to the Queensland Health-Health Directions Exemption Service including Director Peta Thompson and EMDs Rhiannon Mitchell, Rachael Hinds and Sandra Whitehouse.

Right

The fever clinic in action.

Summer 2020–21

17

Mental Health Liaison Clinicians provide lifeline to people in crisis Each day the QAS UPDATE is emailed to all workers within the service.

It provides statistics on job responses, job types and more recently, information regarding COVID-19. In comparison to chest pain, trauma and traffic incidents–mental health call outs are far more common, only surpassed by falls, reports Matthew Cloumassis.

The difference with mental health incidents compared to other types of incidents is the variety. When the road crew receives their job details and hears ‘fall’ or ‘chest pain’ or ‘labour’, they generally know what to expect upon their arrival.

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Mental Health, on the other hand, opens a portal to an ever-expanding potential of possibilities. From an imminent suicide risk, psychosis, acute behavioural disturbance and distress to substance misuse, at the end of the day, it is a person who is ‘having the worst time of their life’. The attending paramedics on scene must be able to assess their patient to determine their current risks and mental state and establish a management and treatment plan, which can be multi‑faceted and complex. With such a variety of presentations within one type of job, the task can seem monumental.

It gets even more complicated when the added intricacies of the Public Health Act and Mental Health Act are considered.

Emergency Examination Authorities (EEAs), Treatment Authorities, Forensic Orders and Authorities to Return Absent Patients, are just some orders that can affect how, when, where and why a person is treated.

In response to the complexity of mental health presentations to Triple Zero (000), the QAS has the support and assistance of Mental Health Liaison Clinicians (MHLCs).

These are experienced and specially trained mental health practitioners who can help guide paramedics and patients through the health system. With the benefit of information from the statewide mental health database, the clinicians can provide information, advice and assistance to paramedics, EMDs, supervisors and even phone scenes to get a further understanding of what is happening.

Nurses, psychologists and social workers operate the consult line and monitor the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) to assist in any way they can. MHLC and Social Worker Jen Sloan talks about this process.

“When the mental health jobs come through, we’re quick to look over the case, check to see if the person is known to public mental health services and enter important patient details for the paramedics onto their MDT to read when they get to the job,” Jen said.

“Diagnoses, previous reasons for presentations, any Mental Health Act regulations the patient may be on or any scene safety issues are quickly uploaded to the paramedic crews MDT.” The legal framework around treatment of mental illness can also be complex. Jen said the MHLCs are well acquainted with the Mental Health Act and can quickly provide advice or recommendations to a paramedic crew on the scene.

“It’s often the smaller things that can be missed when assessing whether a patient needs to go to hospital on an EEA–like the risk a psychotic patient can present to themselves or others despite denying the need for health care or any suicidal ideation.

“A lot of questions from the crew centre around balancing a person’s need for mental health treatment against the ability for them to have the capacity, insight and understanding to refuse that treatment.”

Summer 2020–21

Jen said, more recently, clinicians have noticed a larger patient cohort facing the stress and difficulty surrounding the social impacts of COVID-19.

“A lot more people are having difficulty with the impact of COVID-19–people have lost their jobs and are struggling financially.

It compounds on any underlying mental health issue they were carrying before experiencing this,” she said.

There are currently five MHLCs based at the State Operations Centre at Kedron. They are rostered from 8am to midnight.

However, due to the demand and success of the Mental Health Liaison Service, it will expand to 24 hours in early 2021, providing valuable information, advice and assistance to paramedics, EMDs and supervisors regarding people experiencing a mental health crisis situation.

Above

Mental Health Liaison Clinicians Matthew Cloumassis, Jen Sloan and Felicity Morgan with QAS Mental Health Response Program Director Sandra Garner (second from right).

Photo: Mel Mangan

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Claine’s unwavering commitment and desire to grow our Indigenous QAS workforce When Claine Underwood joined the QAS in 1995, the Yarrabah local didn’t know what to expect, but he knew that he wanted to make a difference to the lives of people in his coastal Aboriginal community in the Far North. Jo Hales caught up with the humble and long-serving Indigenous officer, who more than 25 years on, has achieved that and so much more.

“During our three-year training period, wages were subsidised jointly by Yarrabah Aboriginal Council and the former Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET). The ambulance service contributed by providing the training,’’ he said.

“After the training period I was a qualified Ambulance Officer and taken on by the QAS as a full-time employee.”

Claine said when he stepped out for the first time as a qualified Ambulance Officer in 1998, it was a little confronting.

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grandfather took our clan group, the Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji people of Cairns to Yarrabah. We have been there ever since.

Over the years, Claine has been instrumental in encouraging Indigenous people to join the service and he was a key part of the establishment of the QAS Indigenous Paramedic Program in 2012.

The 55-year-old, who received an Ambulance Service Medal in 2018 for his outstanding service, laughs when he recalls some unusual–yet successful methods he has used in the past to recruit Aboriginal officers, such as the late Chris Sellin.

“I was driving around in the community looking for someone who was supposed to turn up at the recruitment day at Yarrabah when I came across Chris. He was driving the school bus and had just dropped off the school kids, so I waved him down for a chat,’’ Claine said.

“He wasn’t even someone we had on the books as a potential candidate. I said, ‘Come up to the station and have a try out’ and he ended up getting a position.

“It’s like that sometimes in communities.

Things don’t always turn out as you plan but sometimes it’s for the better.”

Claine, who is currently working in Cooktown as a Field Officer, has a strong affiliation with Yarrabah, the community he was raised in and where he first commenced his QAS career.

“Five generations ago, in the early days of the settlement of Cairns, my great great

“While I grew up in Yarrabah, I was actually born in Cairns Hospital. Back in those days, when a woman was about to give birth, if there was enough time, they were placed on a boat and sent to Cairns. Most of my generation were born that way. This was before there was a proper road between Yarrabah and Cairns.”

Before working with the QAS, Claine worked for the Aboriginal Legal Service.

“My role involved going to the Magistrates Court at Yarrabah and other places to meet up with clients who had to go to court.

I would take instructions from them for their court appearance,’’ Claine said.

“It was while I was there one day that I saw a notice with an ad looking for someone to work for the ambulance service and train to be an ambulance officer.

“I had been working for the legal service for eight years. I was at a crossroad and saw it as an opportunity. I really didn’t know what to expect when I joined the QAS.” Claine, who would go on to become Yarrabah Station’s first Indigenous paramedic and OIC, was trained under a former employment strategy for Indigenous people set up by Paul Elliott.

Summer 2020–21

“I found it challenging at the start but all these years later I am still here,’’ he said with a grin.

“I love being able to help people. That’s what I was doing when I was working in the legal service job too. Assisting other Aboriginal people is something that is very important to me.”

Claine said Yarrabah was a ‘busy station’.

“There were a lot of trauma jobs, plus medical cases, seizures and alcohol-related cases,’’ he said.

“In the early days, we also attended a lot of suicides, but thankfully, that has settled down a lot now.”

It wasn’t all smooth sailing either, with Claine admitting there were challenges working in an Aboriginal community ‘where you have family and friends’, however, the benefits outweighed any issues.

Remarkable Indigenous Stalwart

“Working at Yarrabah was challenging due to the fact I knew a lot of people and I would have to tend to family members quite often,’’ Claine said.

“Some of the other issues revolved around cultural challenges that make it a little more testing when you are trying to maintain professionalism.

“For example, as an Aboriginal male, it is not culturally appropriate for me to be at a birth, and it is even more frowned upon when the patient is a family member.

However, I have had to deliver babies in the back of the ambulance.

“These are the kinds of jobs that test those cultural values, but if there is noone else around to treat the patient, there are no other options and they are relying on you, then you just have to do it.”

Claine said there are so many benefits derived from having Indigenous officers delivering ambulance services in their own communities.

“We know the people, we can relate to them and they understand us,’’ he said.

“That’s a really positive side to it. We don’t have to go through the formality of building trust, like an officer from outside the community would have to do. That trust is already there.”

Claine said the organisation also benefits from having Indigenous officers on the team, due to the skills, backgrounds and perspectives that officer brings to work.

“On a service level, we can make the patient care more culturally appropriate,’’ he said.

“Internally, the more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders there are in the workplace, the more opportunities that are created for all QAS staff to learn about Indigenous culture.”

Since Claine started at Yarrabah, there have been another four Indigenous paramedics based at the station, two of whom, Richard Murgha and Lavin Keyes, still work there.

“Chris Sellin and Ian Ludwick trained under the same program that I was recruited under. They both gave over 10 years’ service working as paramedics for the QAS, mostly at Yarrabah.’’ Claine said.

Meanwhile, Richard Murgha and Lavin Keyes, were among the first cadets when the Indigenous Paramedic Program started.

“Yarrabah Station was one of the stations used as a pilot for the program,’’ Claine said.

Claine said having the presence of Indigenous QAS officers in Yarrabah since the 1990s, has also helped take away some barriers between the QAS and locals.

“We have 44 cadets currently in the Indigenous Paramedic Program. I would love to see that number continue to grow,’’ Claine said.

“It doesn’t matter whether they become Indigenous Liaison Officers, Patient Transport Officers or paramedics.

The important thing is having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in our workforce as this is helping to improve patient care outcomes for Indigenous people in our communities.”

“A QAS employment strategy is one way to improve service delivery to Indigenous communities, the other is for all QAS staff to educate themselves around cultural awareness.

“I would love to see the day when all Australians embrace Indigenous history and culture as a fundamental part of Australian culture.”

Opposite, left

Claine left Yarrabah Station around 1999 to take on a Regional Ambulance Educator role in Cairns.

In 2005, Claine undertook a stint in Cooktown as a Field Officer before returning to Cairns and then Yarrabah as relieving OIC about 2008. In 2009 he was appointed OIC and spent 10 years in that role before returning to Cooktown as a Field Officer in early 2019.

Claine, who has spent a lot of time working with schools, sporting clubs and youth groups, said he will continue to advocate for Indigenous people wanting to pursue a career with the QAS.

In 2021, Insight will continue this new series featuring our outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander officers and the positive advances being made to our Indigenous workforce.

Claine being presented with his prestigious ASM medal in 2018 by His Excellency the Honourable Paul De Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland.

Opposite, right

Claine was one the of the paramedics who took part in the Push-Up Challenge in Cooktown in 2019 to raise awareness for mental health and funds for Headspace.

Background

Claine and his wife Diane with two of their four daughters and a granddaughter at Government House after he received his ASM. Claine was recognised in the Australia Day 2018 Honours List.

Photo: Jo Hales

Summer 2020–21

21

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New QAS scholarships give university students a boost

“The QAS is proud to partner with QUT to offer these scholarships. The university has a long history and commitment to providing support for QUT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the success stories,’’ Deputy Commissioner Dee Taylor‑Dutton said.

The Jamie Jackway Indigenous Scholarship –named in honour of Jackway, a former paramedic who was rendered a quadriplegic following a tragic helicopter crash in 2009– was awarded to Tuscany Abala, Hailee Florence, Jasmine Westrop, Sarah Evans and Matilda Murphy.

The students are studying a dual degree of Bachelor of Paramedic Science/Bachelor of Nursing. They will each receive $10,000 per year to assist with their tuition and additional expenses and QAS will provide access to mentoring.

Two new QAS Indigenous university scholarships which provide recipients with financial assistance and support have been awarded to seven students.

The students have an opportunity for placement in the QAS Graduate Paramedic Program upon the successful completion of their relevant degree and attaining registration as a health practitioner (subject to successful completion of the QAS recruitment selection process).

A presentation was held for the inaugural recipients of the QAS Jamie Jackway Indigenous Scholarship and the QAS Tertiary Indigenous Scholarship at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Gardens Point Campus on 24 September.

At the event, QAS Deputy Commissioner Dee Taylor-Dutton commended the recipients and said the scholarships formed part of the broader QAS Indigenous Scholarship Program, which aims to assist in minimising financial barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school and university students throughout their education.

Meanwhile, Bachelor of Behavioural Science/Bachelor of Justice student Jessy Renouf and Bachelor of Behavioural Science/Bachelor of Nursing student Jade Robertson were presented with a Tertiary Indigenous Scholarship.

They will each receive $4,000 for their first year of study. In addition, the QAS will provide access to mentoring and a 12-week full-time paid internship during their second or third year of studies.

Upon the successful completion of their degree, there will be potential for ongoing employment within the QAS (subject to the QAS recruitment process).

Summer 2020–21

Deputy Commissioner Dee Taylor-Dutton said she ‘looked forward to hearing about the progress of each student throughout their studies’.

The QAS Indigenous Scholarship Program, which also includes a schoolbased scholarship, was launched in November 2019.

It is a key initiative of the QAS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Capability Action Plan 2019–2022 (CCAP) that aims to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation within the workforce.

The CCAP is the second cultural capability action plan to be released which builds upon the important outcomes the QAS has already achieved. It continues the journey to become a culturally responsive and inclusive workplace, where QAS can make meaningful contributions to closing the gap through genuine interactions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities.

Top

Pictured from left to right are four of the inaugural recipients of The Jamie Jackway Indigenous Scholarship with their certificates–Hailee Florence, Matilda Murphy, Sarah Evans and Jasmine Westrop.

Left, below top

Jade Robertson was one of two recipients to be presented with a Tertiary Indigenous Scholarship.

Centre, below top

Tuscany Abala was unable to attend the certificate presentation at QUT, but she was delighted at being named one of five inaugural recipients of The Jamie Jackway Indigenous Scholarship.

Right, below top

QAS Deputy Commissioner Dee TaylorDutton pictured with Tertiary Indigenous Scholarship recipient Jessy Renouf.

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Determined surfer beats all odds to walk again Andrew Pink, wife Lucy and their three children moved to Australia from the United Kingdom in September 2019 for the sunshine and lifestyle, only to have their world turned upside down after a surfing incident early this year left Andrew paralysed. Tracey Cater reports.

On 27 January, at Noosa Heads National Park, Andrew was surfing with his two sons Ethan and Reuben and his mate Dean, when he came off his board and struck his head on the ocean floor. He was instantly paralysed from the neck down.

24 Above

Andrew still manages a smile from hospital despite the devastating news he may not walk again.

Right

Andrew is extremely grateful for the initial actions of his mate Dean Brady (middle) who provided spinal immobilisation in the water while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

Photos: Supplied

Opposite, top

ACP Gary Lewis, who provided expert care and compassion to the badly injured surfer, said it was rewarding to see his spinal cord injury patient up and walking.

Photo: Tracey Cater

He found himself floating face down, drowning, unable to move and breathing in water.

Luckily, Dean, who was some distance away, saw that Andrew was in trouble and got to him just in time, turned him over and floated him out to deeper water to keep spinal immobilisation. This is when Andrew realised the seriousness of his injury. His two sons were with him and he was worried for them knowing they were watching this unfold.

With the assistance of other surfers and lifeguards, they maintained spinal immobilisation in the water until QAS arrived.

On 6 November, Andrew was reunited with the paramedics—Gary Lewis, Troy Jones, Richard Kirkpatrick and Jeffrey Bradfield and the Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), Hayley Tapia Vergara—who assisted him following the incident which left him with a significant spinal cord injury.

Andrew suffered an ‘incomplete’ C3/C4 cervical spinal cord injury and was advised by doctors that there was a very high possibility he would be a quadriplegic and never walk again.

His attitude to overcome the mental and physical challenges is a testament to his strength and character. He proudly walked into the Noosa Ambulance Station having beaten all odds and thanked the ambulance crews

Summer 2020–21

that treated him and immediately recognised the seriousness of his injury and the EMD who provided expert, reassuring assistance and advice during the Triple Zero (000) call.

Andrew, who had been eager to meet with the teal angels who assisted him in his time of need, said it was a heart-warming experience.

“It was quite emotional to see them again as I do remember their faces very well, they had such calming faces,’’ Andrew said.

“As I was brought out of the ocean, they were calm, it made the whole situation calm, I just felt like I was in safe hands, so to see them again was a really nice experience.”

Andrew said he would always be grateful for the skill displayed by the QAS officers and the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue team who transferred him to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

“The way they cared for me was so professional–from the way they held my neck, to the way they transferred me from the ocean to the ambulance and then from the ambulance to the helicopter to hospital. I am so thankful to these guys, they are one of the reasons I am walking today,’’ he said.

Spinal cord injury reunite

very determined to get back up again and get my life back to normal,’’ Andrew said.

Below

At the reunion, Andrew thanked all the bystanders and emergency services that came to his aid including paramedics, lifeguards, police and the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue team who transferred him to the RBWH.

He undergoes regular occupational therapy, physiotherapy and Pilates, all on the Sunshine Coast with a spinal specialist.

“I have had good weeks and bad weeks. It is tough sometimes–but rehab carries on and it will carry on into the foreseeable future.

Bottom

Andrew and wife Lucy and kids Reuben, 10, Ethan, 13, and Cecilia, 6, with his teal angels–paramedics Richard Kirkpatrick, Gary Lewis, Jeffrey Bradfield, Troy Jones and EMD Hayley Tapia Vergara.

“Life is very different now–although I have recovered well, there are many elements of me that still don’t work.

“This has been a life-changing injury, but I am just taking every day as it comes and appreciate where I am.”

Cooroy Ambulance Station paramedic Gary Lewis said it was rewarding to reunite with his former patient and see him up and walking.

“I can still recall the shock and the fear on Andrew’s face when he realised that he may never walk again,’’ Gary said.

“It is a miracle that he is walking, and this just shows how much determination Andrew has and it also reiterates that we did the right thing on the day.”

Andrew said when he was faced with the news that he may never walk again, and with his wife and three young children having just moved from the other side of the world, he felt he had to somehow start moving again.

“I was quite shocked, suddenly it just felt like the world had come crumbling down, but I was

Andrew said he still has plenty of milestones he is aiming to achieve.

Photos: Tracey Cater

“I would love to try and run again, I would love to be able to walk long distances, just the little things like being able to take the dog for a walk,’’ Andrew said.

“I would love to be able to surf again, maybe I would need an adaptive surfboard.

But it would be so great to get back out in the ocean again.”

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After all the hurdles you have overcome Andrew, and all the milestones you have reached, we wish you all the best!

Summer 2020–21

Hugo’s leading role in cannulation research project Runaway Bay ACP Hugo Evison is determined to curb unnecessary emergency peripheral intravenous cannulations (PIVCs) reports Insight Editor Jo Hales.

For more than two years, the enthusiastic ACP has been the principal investigator leading a dedicated team of eight health care professionals on a project comparing the rates of unused cannulas, cannulation practices and decision making in the prehospital setting and the Emergency Department (ED).

Hugo’s exemplary work led to him being awarded the Emergency Medicine Foundation’s (EMF) JumpStart Grant for ‘Clinician decision making in peripheral intravenous cannulation in emergency settings’ project in late 2019.

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The achievement represented the first time the EMF has funded a project with a QAS paramedic as the chief investigator.

As the research project enters its final stages, Hugo, a QAS paramedic with 15 years’ experience, said he was looking forward to unveiling the findings in early 2021.

Hugo said the decision to study the effects of cannulation came about when he was undertaking his Masters in Emergency Health.

“I was keen to do some research on this topic as I believe–from my experience on the job–that there are a lot of unnecessary cannulations,’’ Hugo said.

Above

■ Hugo has spent more than two years working on the cannulation study.

Opposite

■ Hugo with Gold Coast Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Draper. Chris commended Hugo and said the QAS is proud of the research he is undertaking.

Photos: Jo Hales

“I formed a team of researchers, drafted a rough protocol and we had a few meetings.

“I was amazed by how well it was received. People were keen to jump on board and it just snowballed.”

Summer 2020–21

Hugo then applied for the EMF’s Jumpstart Grant.

For the Jumpstart Grant, the principal investigator must be a novice researcher and they must be supported by a team of experienced researchers.

Despite being knocked back for a grant on the initial application, a determined Hugo regrouped with his team and redrafted a successful second submission.

“Being awarded the $34,000 grant has been a lifeline, it has been helping pay for staff to conduct the ongoing research,’’ Hugo said.

He said the study was important as ‘unnecessary cannulations can cause a variety of problems’.

“PIVC is a vital part of medicine, however, the use of cannulas has become prolific, despite many never being used,’’ Hugo said.

“PIVCs which are inserted but never used (idle PIVC), have risks such as infection and downsides, like pain, but no potential benefits.

“Then there’s the issue of inserting cannulas in patients who have needle phobias, the psychological trauma for this group of patients can’t be overlooked.”

Hugo said that reducing the rate of idle PIVC may lower the overall rate of risks, side-effects and infections associated with PIVC. “In addition, there is a significant cost involved in putting in a cannula that doesn’t get used,’’ Hugo said.

Cannulation study

However, Hugo said it was all about striking a balance around PIVC insertion.

“Decision making around PIVC insertion is multi-factorial and more complicated than people probably appreciate,” he said.

“This became evident during our interviews, when clinicians started unpacking their thought processes, there is no clear algorithm or guidelines for PIVC insertion, it’s mostly clinical gestalt.

“A good example of this is a patient who initially appears critically unwell so a PIVC is inserted and before the PIVC is used the patient improves.

Although this may end up being an idle PIVC, at the time it was likely an appropriate decision.

“This is why we can’t just tell clinicians to ‘insert less PIVC’, it’s more about choosing wisely.”

Hugo said his aim is to shape guidelines and devise a plan for the most appropriate use of cannulas.

“I want to find a way to benefit the patient,” he said.

“I think if we thought about PIVC insertion in adults, the same way we think about them in children, we would probably have significant reduction in idle PIVC.” Hugo said phase one of the project involved 1249 patients with a PIVC (372 prehospital/877 ED). The data set was collected over a two-month period in late 2017-2018. It included adult patients who presented to Gold Coast University Hospital.

Hugo’s team comprises: Amy Sweeny | Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast University Hospital, Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University Dr Jamie Ranse | Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University

“The primary outcome measure was the idle PIVC rate, defined as the proportion of PIVCs placed but not used within 24 hours of placement.

We then compared the idle rates between the prehospital and ED setting. PIVC use for pathology was excluded,’’ Hugo said.

“We also compared PIVC practices between the prehospital and ED setting, such as size and insertion site of the cannula.

“We then conducted a logistic regression to find if there was anything that could predict an idle cannula.

To complete this task, we reviewed the triage category of the patient, distance to hospital, time of day, type of clinician and length of service.”

Phase two of the study is well underway and the qualitative approach involves interviewing paramedics, doctors and nurses about their decision making and how they came to the decision to insert a PIVC. “So far, data shows that paramedics are less likely than staff in the ED to insert a PIVC that remains idle over a

24-hour period, however, the rate of idle PIVCs while the patient remains in ambulance care is still high.”

While Hugo is achieving great results with the study, it has come at a cost, with the ACP clocking up to 15 hours a week on average working on the project in his spare time.

“This cannulation study has been a lot of work and sacrifice but I wouldn’t have it any other way,’’ Hugo said.

“I don’t see myself as an academic so to be in this field, while at times has been daunting, for the most part has been exciting and rewarding.”

“The support from the team around me has been incredible, and this is truly a joint effort, it has required a lot of work from all the members.”

The next chapter involves having the cannulation research published, and Hugo does not have plans to stop there.

“Ideally, I would like to do an intervention study that involves some type of training to see if there is a reduction in unnecessary idle cannulation.”

Mercedes Carrington | Department of Emergency Medicine, Robina Hospital

Griffith University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University

Dr Nicole Marsh | Department of Emergency Medicine, Robina Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital

Dr Peter J Carr | Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway

Prof Joshua Byrnes | Centre for Applied Health Economics, School of Medicine, Griffith University

Prof Gerben Keijzers | Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast University Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Robina Hospital, School of Medicine, Griffith University Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University

Prof Claire M Rickard | Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research, Menzies Health Institute Queensland,

Summer 2020–21

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Would you like more input into your own roster?

Network promotes fair and inclusive workplace culture

Are you working while caring for family and need consistent shifts?

The QAS now has 38 Fair and Inclusive Practice Network (FIPN) officers statewide who can assist you, your station, your work unit and/or your Local Ambulance Service Network (LASN) in creating a fair, flexible and inclusive workplace. An additional five officers are awaiting further training reports Acting Executive Manager, Fair and Inclusive Workforce Reform and FIPN Coordinator Kelly‑Anne McGruer.

Are you considering options to transition to retirement?

Do you have feedback about part‑time work or parental leave?

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Are you experiencing inappropriate behaviour in our workplace?

Research clearly shows that providing a fair, flexible and inclusive workplace culture can have a significant impact on employee engagement and overall satisfaction. It drives productivity, innovation, resilience and workforce cohesion. Ultimately, the QAS wants this environment so that you feel supported–as both an individual with your own unique personal circumstances and as a member of the QAS team–to fully contribute to providing excellence in ambulance services to the Queensland community.

To explore further fair, flexible and inclusive practices, we encourage you to contact a FIPN officer who can provide both staff and managers/supervisors with: support, information, resources and alternative pathways confidential platforms to discuss ideas and solutions to remove barriers guidance on appropriate support services, as required avenues to provide feedback to LASN management and senior executives.

FIPN was established in January 2020 and has already had a remarkable impact on the QAS, with more than 480 activities recorded by individual network officers. FIPN has also contributed significantly to reform at a state level through feedback and consultation on numerous procedures and processes. The commitment and willingness of our FIPN officers to assist their colleagues and management has been commendable.

FIPN officers can now also provide assistance to staff who are experiencing sexual harassment, harassment, bullying and discrimination under the QAS RESPECT initiative. To view the QAS RESPECT Framework in Insight, turn to page 31.

Left

Acting Executive Manager, Fair and Inclusive Workforce Reform and FIPN Coordinator Kelly‑Anne McGruer.

Summer 2020–21

Photo: Jo Hales

FIPN/RESPECT

Workshop expands officers skill sets In October 2020, the FIPN QAS RESPECT Induction Workshop was held in Brisbane.

In attendance were new and existing FIPN officers, LASN managers and senior executives.

The three-day workshop provided an opportunity to welcome the new FIPN officers and contextualise QAS RESPECT and the FIPN agenda: On the first day, there was a presentation by Priority One

on the psychology of harassment and sexual harassment.

The presentation discussed the effects harassment and sexual harassment has on groups and bystanders and explored communication and interpersonal dynamics in the workplace Day two involved the Queensland Human Rights Commission facilitating contact officer training in understanding unlawful discrimination and other behaviours. The training also covered the impacts, reasonable steps for resolution and options for dealing with enquiries or complaints On the final day of the workshop, the QAS RESPECT initiative was contextualised. FIPN officers were advised about workplace health and safety implications, reporting and resolution pathways, the potential impact of inappropriate behaviour on registration, and the benefits of fair and inclusive practices.

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The workshop was a success and provided FIPN officers and LASN managers the opportunity to outline roles and develop local FIPN Action Plans to eliminate inappropriate behaviour and build fair, flexible and inclusive workplace cultures.

From top to bottom

Acting Executive Director Darren Hall addressing attendees at the workshop.

LASN managers and executives attended the event, along with the new and existing FIPN officers.

Kelly-Anne McGruer (right) chats to attendees at the workshop which gave participants an opportunity to outline roles and develop local FIPN Action Plans to eliminate inappropriate behaviour and build fair, flexible and inclusive workplace cultures.

QAS Commissioner Russell Bowles with the FIPN officers at the Brisbane International Virginia event in October.

Photos: Jo Hales

Summer 2020–21

New initiative to stamp out inappropriate behaviour The launch of the QAS RESPECT initiative in September 2020 was a significant milestone for the organisation.

The QAS is committed and stands firm…we have zero tolerance for inappropriate workplace behaviour (sexual harassment, harassment, bullying and discrimination). ‘It’s not inevitable, it is not acceptable, and it is preventable’ (National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces 2020).

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Employees have stated that they want someone in the QAS that they can trust to talk to informally and confidentially in the first instance when inappropriate behaviours occur. Both those experiencing inappropriate behaviour, as well as those witnessing it, want avenues to be able to discuss what options are available to assist addressing the behaviour and they want someone they can trust to help ‘brainstorm’ the best course of action. In addition, employees also want to know that if they do raise a complaint formally, it is going to be addressed appropriately in the first instance without retribution to themselves. Employees have also stated that they would like to see education and coaching pathways put in place to support changing behaviour in certain instances rather than significant disciplinary action.

The new QAS RESPECT initiative provides a platform for action and cultural change. It lays out a framework to reform this area and strives to prevent inappropriate workplace behaviour, ensure issues are handled efficiently and professionally every time, and promote a positive and safe workplace for everyone. Through the QAS RESPECT Steering Committee and Working Group which commenced three months ago, the first building blocks have been put in place to start tangible change.

More information on actions under QAS RESPECT will be provided throughout the coming months and LASN based training will commence in the new year.

Summer 2020–21

QAS RESPECT is not designed to change any of the positive, supportive interactions that you have with your colleagues. We simply must ensure that our interactions are aligned with the expectations placed on professionals working for a respected and contemporary health service. Every QAS employee has the right to come to work and feel safe, supported and able to be themselves.

If you are experiencing, or know someone who is experiencing inappropriate workplace behaviour, please feel empowered to reach out, refer or report, so that the behaviour can be stopped. Our FIPN officers can offer support or guidance and provide alternative pathways for staff and managers/supervisors.

United Workers Union delegates, Human Resource consultants, LASN supervisors and managers can also assist.

If you would like guidance on what is and is not appropriate within the QAS workplace, help in understanding your own behaviour, or assistance in changing your behaviour, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Priority One or have an informal chat with a FIPN officer.

Together we can step up and stamp out inappropriate workplace behaviour and promote a positive, respectful and safe workplace.

Background

Attendees at the three-day QAS RESPECT/FIPN Workshop. The QAS RESPECT initiative was contextualised on the last day of the workshop.

Photo: Jo Hales

Fostering a culture where employees at all levels are able to step up and are empowered to stamp out inappropriate workplace behaviour. Promoting RESPECT, QAS will provide a positive and safe workplace for all employees.

What RESPECT will require of QAS as an organisation Reporting and Information Pathways

Expansion of the Fair and Inclusive Practice Network (FIPN) to include additional FIPN RESPECT officers allowing employees to confidentially access information and/or assistance with formal and informal pathways.

Also, refinement of existing complaint processes and reaffirmation of appropriate consequences.

Executive Leadership

Ownership of the RESPECT initiative by the Office of the Commissioner (under the FIPN) with direction provided by a steering committee, chaired by the Commissioner, and composed of select central office staff, LASN manager champions and union representation.

Staff-led Strategy Performance Assurance Education Communication Training, Coaching and Support

Strategy and functioning of the steering committee to be informed by an operational working group to ensure all reform is employee focused and truly contextualised to QAS. Adjustment of performance reviews both at an organisational level, LASN level and employee level to specifically consider this area with ongoing metrics to be gathered and reported.

QAS-based education packages developed and delivered highlighting clear and specific behavioural and knowledge-based expectations with focus on and understanding of how this area has evolved.

Ongoing commitment to a positive and safe workplace communicated through a variety of media, including public acknowledgment of incidents of inappropriate workplace behaviour and consequences.

Support options strengthened for those affected and tailored training and coaching provided to select employee groups through Priority One, both generally and for individual incidents, in real-time and retrospectively. Bystander training delivered to help employees in calling out behaviour.

What RESPECT will ask of you as an employee Reach out, refer or report Expect a respectful environment Self-evaluate and reflect Positively role model behaviour Educate yourself

If you, or somebody you know, is experiencing sexual harassment, harassment, bullying or discrimination, please reach out to your supervisor, LASN manager, union delegate or new FIPN Respect officer to understand your options and to help cease the behaviour.

Have high expectations of your workplace, your colleagues and yourself. Expect a truly professional environment.

Critically examine your own behaviour and reflect on how those around you may interpret your words and actions.

Always act in a way in keeping with your requirements as a health professional and demonstrate the type of behaviour you would want your own family and friends to experience.

Proactively educate yourself on your requirements in the workplace. Know what is acceptable, and what is not, and share that knowledge.

Call out inappropriate behaviour

If you witness inappropriate behaviour, call it out. You can support your colleagues by not being complacent.

Take up opportunities to improve

Seek out support in addressing any of your behaviours that are not in keeping with expected standards through internal or external pathways.

Key components of QASRESPECT FIPN RESPECT officers

RESPECT Working Group

RESPECT Steering Committee

• specially trained FIPN officers to support employees dealing with sexual harassment and other inappropriate behaviour with information and formal/informal reporting pathways • FIPN pool augmented to enhance diversity and allow for recruitment of officers specifically selected for this additional focus area.

• the initiative’s workforce guidance, input and consultation forum • assists RESPECT to optimise outcomes by ongoing and appropriate workforce consultation, guidance and advice • supports the decision making of the steering committee.

• the initiative’s principal leadership, policy development and planning forum • supports and assists the Commissioner to provide authority, direction and guidance on actions under the initiative and ensures a whole-of-organisation response • chaired by the Commissioner and constituted of key central office staff, LASN managers and a United Workers Union representative.

Report into oxytocin reinforces it delivers in preventing primary postpartum haemorrhage QAS paramedic researcher Brendan Schultz and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) paramedic academic and midwife Shonel Hall have reinforced intramuscular administration of oxytocin as the gold standard in managing out of hospital (OOH) births and primary postpartum haemorrhage, with their research findings recently published in the journal Prehospital Emergency Care.

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Brendan, an Operational Research Officer based in the QAS Information Support, Research and Evaluation (ISRE) Unit, was the lead investigator of the study which details the occurrence of OOH births attended by QAS paramedics and found oxytocin can be safely administered as a treatment adjunct to prevent postpartum haemorrhage.

“This study highlights the high quality of care that is provided by our staff when attending our state’s newest mums,” Brendan said.

“Working within two to four minutes of administration, this uterotonic ensures fast placental delivery. On average, paramedics administered this drug within 14 minutes of the baby’s arrival, with placental delivery typically occurring within ten minutes.”

Reflecting on the study and his own experiences in managing obstetric cases, Brendan said oxytocin was a reliable and safe intervention when managing this low‑frequency, high‑risk cohort.

“No two births are the same, and even the most textbook deliveries can rapidly change pace raising the devasting prospect of serious post-partum bleeding–knowing we have an effective option to prevent this, backed by current literature, is extremely reassuring,” he said.

“Balancing this with respecting a woman’s choice to decline this treatment is

paramount, provided we ensure their decision is based on receiving clear, informed and unbiased advice.”

Brendan said the study is one of the first to describe the utilisation of a prehospital uterotonic and its findings reaffirm oxytocin’s place in contemporary paramedicine practice.

“QAS was the first ambulance jurisdiction in the world to incorporate and evaluate oxytocin in the third stage of labour–a decision that has no doubt improved outcomes for many women post-delivery,’’ he said.

“It is amazing to see the recognition of paramedics from vocation to profession and building on foundation research is a core part of this journey.

“Additionally, this work has also allowed us to quantify the number of births paramedics in Queensland attend annually and identify the rate of obstetric complications, which were very low–an incidental but helpful finding to inform clinical practice into the future,’’ he said.

“This publication reinforces the service’s commitment to clinical guidelines that are based on contemporary research.

This study would not have been possible without the expertise of ISRE Director Dr Emma Bosley, Medical Director Dr Stephen Rashford and Acting Director, Medical Director’s Office Lachlan Parker.”

Summer 2020–21

Shonel said her experiences as a paramedic assisting women in labour drove her desire to learn more–completing her midwifery degree almost five years ago.

She enjoys a great balance between her two professions, along with an academic appointment at QUT. “I’m very passionate about educating and empowering paramedics when it comes to obstetric cases. Relatively straightforward births can turn on a dime and it is imperative paramedics have the right therapies and confidence to manage these events,” Shonel said.

“Having attended more than ten births as a paramedic, some as a single officer in rural areas, I knew early on there was an opportunity to strengthen my skill set and ensure what should be the happiest day of these patients lives stays that way.

“Being able to contribute to the literature alongside my operational peers has been wonderful and I look forward to the next steps this research will take–appraising the outcomes of these patients through hospital linked data.”

Shonel is one of several paramedics within the service who hold midwifery degrees, with QAS veteran of 14 years, Metro North Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) Rory Jackson the most recent graduate.

ISRE Report: Spotlight on Oxytocin

When paramedicine meets midwifery – Rory’s perfect career pivot Growing up on a farm in Nobby, halfway between Toowoomba and Warwick, Rory was exposed to births from a very young age. He was often required to help animals on the farm to birth and with guidance from his father, he was taught how to assist stalled deliveries and even gave oxytocin injections to expedite the final stages of labour.

This exposure resulted in Rory developing a keen interest in medicine and especially the wonders of pregnancy and birth, leading to a fulfilling career.

Insight caught up with CCP Rory–who calls both the Metro North and Metro South LASNs ‘home’–to celebrate his achievements in the fields of paramedicine and midwifery.

“As a paramedic I’ve been incredibly lucky and privileged to have been able to support so many mothers birth their babies–there have been 23 in my 14 years on-road,” Rory said.

“Birth is such a monumental event–one of the most important days of a woman’s life–and to be a part of that either on-road or in the hospital as a midwife is truly an honour.

“Supporting women by being a calm and professional presence, empowering them through their labour is incredibly rewarding.

“It’s hard to put into words but it’s such an amazing feeling to assist a mother in bringing new life into the world–encouraging her to realise she can do it and sharing in the absolute elation of when her baby takes its first breath–it’s truly a phenomenal experience.”

Reflecting on his mid-career pivot to midwifery, Rory said he will always be a paramedic and is enjoying a great deal of professional and personal fulfilment from his two professions.

“QAS runs through my blood and I’m so thankful for the wonderful opportunities I’ve been afforded throughout my career here, including working as a Critical Care Flight Paramedic in Toowoomba and Brisbane, Clinical Support Officer, Bicycle Response Team member and in deployments to major disasters including Tropical Cyclone Yasi and the Bundaberg floods,” he said.

“I was also thrilled to be able to take an opportunity ‘across the pond’ to the London Ambulance Service for 12 months too.”

Rory said the exposure he had to so many prehospital births early on in his career galvanised his decision to study midwifery.

“Helping me on that new learning journey were the skill sets I’d honed at the QAS, particularly with respect to critical thinking, communication and patient care,’’ he said.

“Whether it is on the ward or ‘at scene’, I try to bring a personcentred approach to the way I treat my patients and over the years I have seen just how helpful that is to those in my care.

“When I began my midwifery studies, I was the only male to graduate in my cohort and I’ve worked very hard to ensure women and their partners are comfortable with my presence. I’m proud to say my gender has never been an issue for the expectant parents I have cared for.”

Notoriously humble, when Rory was asked if any thankful mothers had named their babies after him, he beamed, ‘Two, both in Vanuatu

and within the space of one month–it’s a very touching and lovely gesture’. Rory’s stint abroad was due to a university scholarship focusing on cultural competency.

Another wonderful highlight for Rory was ‘being reunited with a mother I’d assisted during her labour–this time as a paramedic treating her daughter who’d suffered a febrile convulsion’.

“Upon arrival, she exclaimed ‘Oh my god, it’s Rory! You helped me birth her!’ That was heart-warming and a special moment,” Rory said.

Rory said having confidence and knowledge were the cornerstones to success in prehospital deliveries.

“We know most paramedics perceive emergent births to be low‑incident yet high-risk events, and that is true, but it’s important to note birth isn’t an emergency until it is,” he said.

“As paramedics we have the recognised skill to manage both straightforward births and obstetric complications, including shoulder dystocia or neonatal resuscitation.

“Even if your experience is limited, there is so much you can offer to labouring women in terms of being the calm, professional and responsive help they need.

“Through my study, I’ve learnt a lot about the impact of hormones and physiology during birth, and the more supported and empowered the women are, the less likely there will be complications.

As caregivers we play a major role in influencing this and that’s why ensuring our knowledge is up to date is so important.”

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Metro North Manager of Clinical Education Rebecca Taylor said Rory’s achievements in QAS were notable and underscored his reputation as a quiet achiever, enriching the lives of his colleagues and patients alike.

“Rory is highly respected by his peers, he is known for his professionalism, resourcefulness and caring attitude and his additional studies help take our service from strength to strength,” Rebecca said.

“QAS of course, is very lucky to have a clinician of Rory’s calibre, and I thank him wholeheartedly for his dedication to patient care– especially to new mothers and their babies.”

Opposite

Above

■ Critical Care Paramedic and midwife Rory Jackson alongside QAS paramedic researcher Brendan Schultz and QUT paramedic academic and midwife Shonel Hall.

■ Metro North CCP Rory Jackson’s interest in paramedicine and midwifery was fostered from a young age as he helped animals on the family farm to birth.

Photo: Jo Hales

Photo: Jo Hales

Summer 2020–21

Workplace Health and Safety under the spotlight Insight chats with Paul Coffey, Executive Manager, Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Unit QAS, about the recent release of the QAS Statement of Commitment to Health, Safety and Wellbeing.

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The new QAS Statement of Commitment to Health, Safety and Wellbeing was released through a Commissioner’s Update on 2 October 2020. What does this Statement of Commitment mean to you?

October was ‘Safe Work Month’. Weekly messaging centred around the ‘four foundations’ of health, safety and wellbeing. Can you highlight these foundations?

It means a great deal to me and I hope it does to everyone in the QAS. It represents a collective commitment to both patient safety and staff safety, and is a confirming, positive message by the Commissioner that everyone’s health, safety and wellbeing is truly a core value of the QAS.

Certainly. The QAS Health and Safety Strategy 2019-2023 focuses on four foundations: safety leadership, work environment, safety culture and work design. So, in October this year, the QAS distributed a series of weekly messaging focusing on these four foundations.

As stated in the Commissioner’s Update, this year, everyone’s health, safety and wellbeing has never been more prevalent, as all of us have had to quickly adapt our work practices and systems to reduce a range of risks arising from COVID-19 and to manage the psychological effects of the pandemic on ourselves, our family, friends and patients.

The first of the four safety messages was safety leadership.

I believe the statement of commitment addresses the key messages in safety, that is, strong leadership, showing respect and building trust–trust in the system and trust in people.

You mention trust. Where does trust fit into the conversation of health, safety and wellbeing?

From a personal view, when I was a lot younger (laughs), I played a bit of rugby. In a team sport such as rugby, if you did not have trust in the system, that is, your team mates and the coaching staff, you would not function as a team, not play as a team, be disjointed on the field and be unlikely to ever win.

In terms of a work environment, I see no difference.

In the QAS we must have trust in the system, that is, trust in what you do as an individual, trust in your work colleagues, trust in delivering excellence in ambulance services and trust in the broader system of Queensland Health. Trust will build strong partnerships and ultimately success.

One of the greatest aspects of my role, is working with senior executives, LASN managers, supervisors/OICs, health and safety advisors and a range of experts in key specialist areas such as Priority One, Fleet and Equipment, QASEC, Infection Prevention and many more. The WHS role is simply part of the overall system and contributing to these working partnerships is very satisfying.

Summer 2020–21

This message highlighted that everyone is a leader in safety. Effective leadership encourages the implementation of individual accountabilities and the organisational values, through collective, everyday actions and behaviours, that are directed to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of staff and patients.

This safety message focused on how we can all lead the way in supporting each other following a workplace health and safety incident. The way we respond to a WHS incident and people affected by the incident is key to building a supportive culture–a culture that is fair, respectful and people centred.

The second of these safety messages was work environment.

This message reinforced the ongoing commitment the QAS has in providing a physically and psychologically safe and healthy work environment, to the highest practicable standard, within a work environment that is a dynamic, 24/7 operating organisation. This includes affording all staff access to a wide range of physical, psychological, social and financial wellbeing resources and supports on the QAS Portal.

The message highlighted the value of the QAS Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2018-2023 that provides a holistic organisational approach in providing comprehensive mental health and wellbeing support to staff and to assist in times of struggle and crisis, allowing staff to provide vital work in the community.

The third of these safety messages was safety culture.

This message focused on the QAS’s strong, practical, everyday emphasis on participative consultation, supporting proactive health, safety and wellbeing.

WHS report

The QAS takes active steps to foster an environment of genuine consultation and active participation, recognising that this supports a strong safety culture. A participative consultative approach is especially important when health and safety issues or matters are raised that require immediate resolution.

This message also identified that there is a nice link between a strong safety culture with an inclusive and respectful culture, supporting the new QAS Fair and Inclusive Practice Network (FIPN) and the RESPECT program.

The final message in Safe Work Month this year focused on safety and good work design.

This message that good work design is integrated through QAS statewide activities, LASN operations, technology and into everyday environments, equipment, vehicles and tasks, to support the health, wellbeing, capability and productivity of QAS staff. With oversight through the QAS Statewide Equipment and Vehicle Committee (SEVC), improvements and enhancements are continually being explored and implemented in areas such as uniforms, personal protective equipment, equipment enhancements and vehicle design.

Most importantly, the final message reinforced that health, safety and wellbeing is not just a one‑month-a-year proposition, it is a 24/7, 365 days a year commitment by everyone, each and every day at work.

I understand that you are an Occupational Therapist. How did you get into workplace health and safety?

You are correct. I graduated as an Occupational Therapist in 1987 and immediately practised in the treatment and rehabilitation of injured workers under respective workers’ compensation schemes in Queensland and then the Northern Territory.

Following post-graduate study in risk management through Monash University, I commenced work as a Safety Inspector with the Queensland WHS Regulator up until 2000. For the next 10 years I worked in both the public and private sector until I joined the Department of Community Safety in 2011. Following the Machinery of Government change in 2012-13, I was fortunate to join the QAS in the role of health, safety and injury management.

Having worked in various private and public sector organisations over 30 years, I can honestly say, the QAS is one of the most dedicated organisations that continues to explore ways to support the physical and psychological health, safety and wellbeing of staff in the operational environment.

What do you see as the next steps and possible challenges moving forward?

The future looks very positive. If I revert to my earlier analogy–in rugby, teamwork is the key to success. In business, building strong partnerships and working together toward the same goal will lead to successful outcomes.

In the QAS workplace health and safety space, I can say that each Tuesday we hold a Microsoft Teams ‘coffee catch-up’ with all available LASN health and safety advisors. This informal forum allows us to share ideas and key learnings, celebrate successes and discuss complex scenarios (and at times vent some frustrations), with the intent to build a strong WHS team in the QAS, supporting and helping each other as best we can.

Above

Paul Coffey, Executive Manager, WHS Unit QAS.

We will always have an ongoing challenge of implementing the elements of the QAS statement of commitment and the foundations of the health and safety strategy seamlessly in all aspects of our organisation. It is not always easy, but the benefits will have a positive impact on ourselves and others.

That’s why safety leadership is so important.

Queensland Ambulance Service

Our Statement of Commitment to Health, Safety and Wellbeing A core value of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) is the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, patients and others.

Excellent patient care Be healthy, safe and well Ideas into actions Unleash potential Be courageous

The ability to care for our patients relies directly on our own health, safety and wellbeing and this underpins the provision of quality ambulance and patient care services.

To achieve this, we will: • Lead by example, demonstrating a visible commitmen t to health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace and delivering on our accountabilities.

• Be responsible for taking action and complying with any legal duty or obligation to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of ourselves, our patients and others.

• Have the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to fulfil our own health, safety and wellbeing responsibilities.

• Ensure relevant information, data, training and feedback is readily available and that strong governance mechanisms are in place.

• Be physically and psychologically fit for duty, operationall y ready and therefore able to deliver QAS services in a professional, safe and competent manner.

• Foster a culture of RESPECT where we can step up and be empowered to stamp out inappropriate workplace behaviour, including harassment , discrimination and bullying.

• Incorporate health, safety and wellbeing and good work design into organisational and operational planning activities.

• Continually improve and build the capacity of the safety management systems through consultation, technology, work practices, assurance and reviewing of performance.

• Actively participate in the proactive identification of hazards and risks associated with our own work and be an active participant in continuously seeking improvements.

• Constantly strive to minimise harm through the early reporting and response to workplace incidents, their effective and timely investigation and the ongoing monitoring of risk controls.

• Enthusiastically provide early intervention and support for employees who sustain an injury or illness to optimise recovery and promote an early and safe return to work.

This is our collective commitment.

Empower people

Russell Bowles ASM October 2020

I also understand that you like horse racing and the occasional punt. Is that true?

I don’t know where you heard that. I have no comment (laughs). For those who don’t know Paul personally, he has a reputation for picking the horse that comes last in most races!

Summer 2020–21

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Priority One Feeling socially connected can be a matter of life or death!

Priority One Executive Manager, Psychological Education Nat Dunton.

What is social connectedness?

The importance of social connectedness has never been more forefront in our minds and more sought after than this past year living with COVID-19 reports Priority One Executive Manager and Psychologist Nat Dunton. A year that has seen social isolation and loneliness peak with increases in poor mental health due to this forced disconnect.

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We are inherently social creatures. It’s evolutionary! Social engagement and connection occurs outside the realm of our own consciousness. In fact, it is a core psychological need for you to engage socially and maintain a variety of quality interpersonal relationships. Feeling part of a group engenders a sense of trust and support, a sense of self-esteem, control and a sense of purpose, direction and meaning and allows for the giving and receiving of care, support and protection.1, 2, 3 While this may conjure up thoughts that these connections need to be deep and meaningful, research has shown that it is also in our participation in everyday contacts (known as social integration) that our social brain is engaging and connecting with people. Simply making eye contact, shaking hands and giving a high five is enough to release oxytocin which increases your level of trust and lowers your cortisol levels, decreasing stress.

How much in-person interaction are you having right now–whether it be in your current office or station or within your community?

What reduces your chances of survival the most?

This was the key question asked by the researcher and psychologist Julianne HoltLunstad in a study spanning seven years exploring all aspects of lifestyle to look at the key factors that reduced the chances of mortality. The top two predictors of mortality were related to aspects of social relationships: (a) whether you had high or low levels of social support and (b) whether you had social integration.

Social support refers to the psychological and practical or material resources provided by a social network to help individuals cope with stress. There is a strong link between

social relationships and many different aspects of health and wellness. These relationships play a critical role in how you function in your day-to-day life.

Evidence from the Harvard Grant study (spanning 80 years) showed that the most important component of a long and happy life is having good positive relationships and that this also helped to delay both mental and physical decline for the men in the study.

Working within ambulance, we know that it is social support that assists people in the first instance after a significant life event or critical incident. However, the types of reactions and/or responses that we may experience after such events can mean that we withdraw from social support.

Action 1: Pay attention to each other to ensure that we remain connected in various ways and broaden your social networks both in and out of the workplace.

It is also well evidenced that in your workplaces, if you experience emotional support from your team or colleagues, it creates a buffer effect from work-related stress and better job satisfaction compared to employees who have poor team cohesion or social support. Morale is also higher in cohesive teams because of increased team member communication, friendly team environment, loyalty and team member contribution in the decision-making process.

Action 2: To enhance team cohesion in your current work group and create a greater sense of wellbeing and belonging at work, be proactive in creating positive workplace relationships.

A very poignant issue relevant to both our clinical health professionals and Emergency Medical Dispatchers is when you have been involved in an adverse patient event, medical error and/or a patient related injury and experience trauma reactions as a result.

There may be a feeling of being personally responsible for the patient outcome. You could feel that you have failed the patient or be second guessing your clinical skills or knowledge base. In these instances, ultimately, social support was the most important variable in determining whether a clinician would drop out, merely survive the experience, or experience post traumatic growth due to the struggle and thrive.4

Summer 2020–21

Social integration refers to how much you interact with people as you move through your day and it has a protective benefit.

Building this interaction into our workplace bolsters the immune system, sends good hormones surging through the bloodstream and brain and helps you live longer.

Greater social support has been linked to a lower risk for cancer recurrence, higher survival rates among heart attack survivors, lower blood pressure, better immune responses, and better psychological wellbeing. In contrast, poor social support has been linked to depression and loneliness and has been shown to alter brain function and increase the risk of alcohol use, cardiovascular disease, depression and suicide. Reflecting on this past year in 2020 with COVID-19, there may never have been another time in most of our lives where we have experienced the significant impacts of social isolation.

Did you know that you experience pain when you experience social rejection?

We know that pain is a necessary function that warns the body of potential or actual injury. Historically, the denial of access to social groups was a powerful means of punishment as it often meant death.

In a 2011 paper published in Molecular Psychiatry, a team of researchers showed that responses to social rejection and physical pain share similar neurochemical pathways. Consistent with this research, it was found that in conditions of social pain there is activation of an area within your brain that is traditionally associated with the sensory processing of physical pain.

The amount of social support provided during a socially painful event reduces activity in these brain pain-related areas. It is thought that the body’s opioids are released to lessen the pain of social rejection, much as they do during physical injury.

Social isolation can lead to feelings of fear of others, negative self-esteem or loneliness. This epidemic of loneliness has soared in recent times, which has resulted in the United Kingdom appointing a Minister for Loneliness. Evidence suggests that a significant number of individuals, at least in developed countries, are lonely.

Priority One

Ironically, if you are feeling lonely, you are not alone. A significant study looking at loneliness within communities found that there is a contagion effect. As people start to perceive that they are lonely, they start to isolate and therefore reduce the number of social networks and connectivity.

It was also shown that a level of distrust starts to emerge the greater the time that people remain isolated and alone. In our workplaces, we are often vulnerable to situations that may see us isolated or feeling that we may be on the periphery of social groups.

Action 3: If you notice this in yourself or see it in others, it is the perfect time to provide support so that the social engagement occurs and therefore assists with a feeling of safety.

Loneliness may increase inflammation.

People who reported being lonely had higher biomarkers of inflammation, increased activity of inflammatory genes and reduced activity of anti-viral genes. It causes increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system, particularly stress hormones. It affects cognition and you have a 40 per cent greater risk of dementia. It is intuitive because in the past, the feeling of loneliness would signify something dire, that you were isolated and were therefore at risk.

Social connection undoes these effects and protects our health and wellbeing in numerous ways and increases resilience to stress and trauma. The parasympathetic system inhibits some of the sympathetic system responses, fostering calm behavioural states that enhance connection to other humans so they can soothe and support and help regulate our nervous system.

Benefits of social connectedness 1. Boosts your mental health

Mindfulness is evidenced to assist with this process. It improves memory, creativity, and our moods, as well as relationships, health, and longevity in general.5 Practicing mindfulness improves connectivity inside the brain’s networks that keeps us from being distracted and maintains calm and therefore a sense of safety. When you trigger feelings of safety, the autonomic nervous system can restore your physical and psychological health.

Social connectedness is a key aspect of development and an important construct in the understanding of human development.

Social connectedness as a construct is receiving increasing attention across a number of disciplines, and researchers are exploring what it means to be socially connected. As we learn more about the neuroscience of our brains–the evidence is clearly emerging about the importance of social connectedness to both our physical and psychological wellbeing. There is great power in human relationships and we can increase social connection through our compassion for others and compassion for self.

Social connection tells our brain that we matter! We don’t feel the pain of social rejection and we feel more positive and healthy.

As managers and colleagues, you may not have recognised that all of the times that you have provided support and shown genuine care and concern, you have assisted in creating such social connectedness and safety.

Priority One is your staff support service that can provide confidential support and help to connect you, your families, your colleagues and your team or staff members to the most appropriate support.

2. Increased feelings of belonging 3. Purpose 4. Increased levels of happiness 5. Reduced levels of stress

8. Decreases your risk of suicide

Where do I find help?

9. Improves your quality of life.

24-hour telephone counselling  1800 805 980

What stops social connection?

QAS Priority One State Office  3635 3333

When we return to our evolutionary roots and feel threatened, we will utilise the other fight/flight and immobilisation pathways rather than socially engage (known as the polyvagal theory). Forming strong healthy relationships with others means opening up, actively listening and being open to sharing what you’re going through.

1. Haslam, S.A., McMahon, C., Cruwys, T., Haslam, C., Greenaway, K., Jetten, J., and Steffens, N. K. (2018). Social cure, what social cure? The propensity to underestimate the importance of social factors for health. Social Science and Medicine, 198, 14-21 2. Pinker, Susan (2015). The Village Effect: How face-to-face contact can make us healthier and happier. Penguin Random House 3. Baumeister, R. F., and Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation.

Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497–529 4. Dekker, Sidney (2013). Second Victim: Error, Guilt, Trauma, and Resilience. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group 5. Siegel, Daniel J. (2007). The Mindful Brain: Reflection and Attunement in the cultivation of Well-Being. W.W Norton and Company, London

Other sources: Haslam, C., Jetten, J., Cruwys, T., Dingle, G., and Haslam, S.A. (2018).

The New Psychology of Health: Unlocking the Social Cure. Taylor and Francis Ltd Holt-Lunstad J., Smith T. B., Layton J. B. (2010). Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review.

PLoS Med 7(7): e1000316 The Secret to living longer may be your social life–TED Talk–Susan Pinker Doidge, Norman (2015). The Brain’s Way of Healing. Scribe London https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/ story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-yearsharvard-study-has-been-showing-howto-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/ https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/ article?id=10.1371/journal. pmed.1000316

6. Improved self-worth and confidence 7. Helps you live longer–individuals with strong social relationships–50 per cent increase likelihood of survival

References:

LGBTIQ+ support service  3830 5888 Chaplaincy service  0 439 788 485 or Office 3835 9923 Local Priority One Peer Support Officers or Counsellors  See list in each QAS Station or on QASPortal

https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_ pinker_the_secret_to_living_longer_ may_be_your_social_life https://www.psychologytoday.com/ us/blog/the-athletes-way/201403/theneuroscience-social-pain https://www.smithsonianmag.com/ smart-news/minister-lonelinessappointed-united-kingdom180967883/#:~:text=The%20 United%20Kingdom%E2%80%99s%20 Prime%20Minister%20Theresa%20 May%20has,social%20and%20 health%20issues%20caused%20 by%20social%20isolation.

Summer 2020–21

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KJM recipients receive grants at online event The KJ McPherson Education and Research Foundation (KJM Foundation) Patron’s Day had a slightly different twist this year, with the event being conducted on 6 October as an online workshop and grants presentation due to COVID-19.

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At the event, screened live from Kedron’s Emergency Services Headquarters, nine operational QAS officers received grants, with the funds set to assist them in conducting research and education projects or professional development activities that will benefit patient care and ambulance services.

The topics that recipients will research include falls management and prevention, business continuity in the absence of computer aided dispatch, infection prevention and control, traumatic brain injury care and extreme environment paramedicine in order to create better patient outcomes and safer environments for ambulance staff.

In addition, eight students from Griffith University, Central Queensland University and the Queensland University of Technology received grants across two categories–each category

had a winner and a runner‑up–for their research papers or posters.

improved clinical outcomes for our patients,” Commissioner Bowles said.

Named after Kenneth James (Jim) McPherson, a Queensland ambulance officer who lost his life in an aerial ambulance crash in Bundaberg in 1987, the KJM Foundation is a not-forprofit entity dedicated to improving patient care by providing research and professional development opportunities for uniformed personnel.

Today the Foundation serves as a memorial to all officers of the QAS who have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1892.

“The staff awarded grants are doing the QAS proud by undertaking these fantastic research projects.

Commissioner Russell Bowles congratulated staff on their continued growth and motivation toward improving prehospital care in Queensland.

“The late Jim McPherson was very dedicated in his commitment to training, education and research, so it’s very fitting that the foundation commemorating him is contributing toward QAS staff training.

“I’m excited at the prospect of what our recipients will do with their research grants and how that will affect the ongoingKJ McPherson drive of our people Education & Research Foundation to advance modern medicine.”

Supporting Pre-Hospital Care, Research and Education

Foundation simplifies and modernises logo The KJ McPherson Education and Research Foundation (KJM) is proud to be supporting QAS uniformed officers with their research and development projects. KJM exists to contribute to the ongoing development of Queensland Ambulance Service staff through strong support for research and education.

The KJM Foundation is extremely appreciative of our sponsors’ support.

Going forward, KJM aims to evolve as a vibrant and dynamic research and education foundation supporting contemporary needs of Queensland Ambulance staff.

It is in this context that KJM has modernised and simplified its logo. This will be the KJM logo going forward.

“We encourage our staff to be innovative in their approach toward enhancing prehospital care and the QAS has always prided itself on being leaders in our field, contributing to

The logo has evolved to support the KJM values going forward which are:

Background

Compassion for our patients, for QAS staff and for each other

Exploration through stringent research to maintain currency and relevance

Knowledge gained through ongoing education and personal development

Scholarship driven by individuals’ professional approach to career and lifelong learning

Equity underpinning our actions and decisions

Guests attending the workshop and grants presentation at Kedron’s Emergency Services Headquarters.

In a symbolic way KJM has adopted these icons to represent the values above and these will appear from time to time on our KJM documentation on the web and other places.

All photos (except for photo of 2020 grant recipients at top, second from left): Amy WIlde

Summer 2020–21

2020 KJM Patron’s Day

KJ McPherson Education and Research Foundation Grant Recipients 2020 Grant

Winners

Project/Activity

LASN

Sponsor

Amount

Patron’s Research Grant

Kim Harting

The role of the ambulance service in falls management and falls prevention (a system response to falls)

Townsville

Stryker Australia

Mentored research opportunity

Dr Peter Stephenson Overseas Study Grant

Barrie Barker

Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) in the operational environment

Metro North

Dr Peter Stephenson

$5,500

Bundaberg LAC State Operations Grant

Rohan Roylance

State Understanding how NSW Ambulance Service maintains business continuity in the absence of Operations Centre computer aided dispatch

Bundaberg Local Ambulance Committee

$5,000

KJM Overseas Study Grant

Ursula Howarth

Bi-annual global four-day Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) conference in Geneva, Switzerland

South West

KJM Foundation

$5500

QAS Research & Development Grant

Hayley Grant

Prehospital Traumatic Brain Injury Care

Metro North

Spectrum Data Systems International

$3,000

ACP Professional Development Grant

Kelsie Herbert

Expedition and Wilderness Medicine Course

Mackay

Australasian College of Paramedicine

$2,000

Brodie Taylor Professional Development Grant

Steve Whitfield

Extreme Environment Paramedicine – Paramedics in Space

Gold Coast

Brodie Taylor

$2000

QAS Professional Development Grant

Julie Hughes

Basic Echocardiography in Life Support one‑day course Gold Coast

Metro North

Laerdal

$1500

United Workers Union Graduate of the Year Grant

Jamie Leonard

Townsville

United Worker’s Union

$1000

Australasian College of Paramedicine Student Scientific Grant ACP Best Paper

Alice Hurley

Combined Nebulised Therapy in the Treatment of Smoke Inhalation; the use of Heparin, N-acetylcysteine and Albuterol

Central Queensland

Australasian College of Paramedicine

$600

ACP Best Paper Runner-Up

Rhoda Thornton

Secondary Postpartum Haemorrhage: An Expository Essay and Clinical Management Plan for Prehospital Medicine

Metro South

Australasian College of Paramedicine

$400

ACP Best Poster

Jade Bailey, Katrina Promnitz, Veneesha Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survival Factors Robertson, Kitouli Wood

Gold Coast

Australasian College of Paramedicine

$600

ACP Best Poster Runner-Up

Simone Evans & Alexandra Rengers

Gold Coast

Australasian College of Paramedicine

$400

Top, from left to right

Narangba ACP Barrie Barker was the recipient of the Dr Peter Stephenson Overseas Study Grant.

The 2020 grant recipients with QAS Commissioner Russell Bowles, KJM Foundation Patron Major-General Emeritus Professor John Pearn AO RFD, KJM Foundation President Gerard Lawler and the sponsors at Kedron’s Emergency Services Headquarters.

Photo: Jo Mitchell

Is there such a thing as too much Empathy?

Ursula Howarth, an ACP based at Injune in the South West LASN, was awarded the KJM Overseas Study Grant.

KJM Vice-President and Treasurer Mick Davis is one of the driving forces behind the annual KJM Foundation events.

KJM Foundation Patron Major-General Emeritus Professor John Pearn AO RFD at the event screened live from Kedron’s Emergency Services Headquarters.

Rohan Roylance, an Emergency Medical Dispatcher at the Maroochydore Operations Centre, was awarded the Bundaberg LAC State Operations Grant for his project.

Kirwan ACP Kim Harting was presented with the prestigious Patron‘s Research Grant.

The award allows her to receive mentored research for her project.

KJM Foundation Director Dr Emma Bosley supported the research workshop that was led by Dr Kerrianne Watt at the 2020 KJM Patron’s Day.

Summer 2020–21

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Countdown on for celebratory event We are now officially less than one year away from our next Local Ambulance Committee (LAC) State Conference reports Mel Mangan.

The 2021 conference has added meaning attached to it being held on the Gold Coast. Not only is it the 30th anniversary of the inception of the Queensland Ambulance Service, but also the 30-year anniversary of LACs within our organisation.

never been to the Gold Coast before,” Christine said.

forward, and our spirits remain high,” Marlisa said.

“We are working on making this event as affordable as possible so that LACs that have never attended before can attend on this very special anniversary year.”

With modern and historical ambulance displays and a very swanky venue for the Gold Coast conference, the planning committee is hard at work ensuring everyone attending the event will be engaged, excited and motivated to continue the valuable work they contribute to the QAS and their local communities.

The 2021 conference boasts to be more of a celebration of 30 years of LACs, with Gold Coast LAC President Christine Smith explaining ‘our LAC is extremely excited to be hosting the 30th anniversary event.’

Conference organiser and LAC Secretary Marlisa Dell’Orefice said ‘we are exploring a range of exciting and engaging segments for our 2021 program’.

“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our sunny part of the state, especially those who have

“Organising the conference has been challenging for our team, especially with the unknown of ‘COVID-19’, however, we continue to push

At the time of Insight magazine being published, conference dates, times and venues were yet to be formally announced with correspondence to go to LACs in the near future.

40

If you have a story or would like to contribute to Inside the LACs, email lacenquiries@ ambulance.qld.gov.au

Above

Winners are grinners! Gold Coast LAC members were over the moon when they were announced as the hosts of the 2021 LAC State Conference. Pictured at the 2019 LAC State Conference in Toowoomba from left to right are Robert Smith, Christine Smith (GC LAC President), Marlisa Dell’Orefice (GC LAC Secretary), Christina Gomersall (GC LAC Vice President), David Stubbs (QLAC member) and Geoff Gooch.

Right

GC LAC President Christine Smith (right) and GC LAC Secretary Marlisa Dell’Orefice at the 2019 Southport Ambulance Station Centenary celebrations.

Photos: Mel Mangan

Summer 2020–21

Operations Centre Reports

OpCen Reports Insight’s OpCen Reports highlight examples of outstanding responses to Triple Zero (000) calls by our dedicated staff at Operations Centres around the state.

Townsville

Toowoomba

Southport

Jolene Henrich

Lauren Arndt

Shonara Selwyn

When Townsville EMD Jolene Henrich took a call from an anxious caller who had a laceration to her thumb, she employed good situational awareness and empathy while modifying her tone to calm the caller.

Toowoomba EMD Lauren Arndt used all her tools, instincts and experience to establish the exact location of a patient critically injured in a vehicle rollover and subsequently provide the caller with lifesaving Pre-Arrival Instructions (PAIs).

Southport EMD Shonara Selwyn did an excellent job sorting the chicken from the egg when she received a call for a patient who had fallen on the ground and was not responding.

Jolene picked up on the subtle clues provided by the caller, ‘My husband’s just gone out’ and ‘I don’t feel very well’. Jolene instructed the caller to sit down and place her phone on speaker. Soon after the caller stated, ‘I’ve just got a feeling I am going to faint’ and ‘My fingers are all tingly’.

The caller had come across the incident and while he knew of a landmark nearby, he was not sure of the road on which the incident occurred. Lauren remained calm asking very specific questions to ascertain the patient’s exact location. Just after Case Entry question 3 (CE3), the caller stated, ‘He’s bleeding a lot, he’s bleeding a lot’.

Lauren immediately ceased questioning to provide haemorrhage control instructions.

Call Lesson Jolene expertly demonstrated the importance of creating and maintaining a rapport with our callers. Jolene quickly identified the caller’s anxiety may have been having an impact on her condition. Jolene was able to calm the caller down and slow her breathing down and ensure the injury was properly managed and the caller was safely seated.

In focus – Public Place The issue around assessing a location as a ‘Public Place’ all comes back to the EMD understanding the context of the situation.

Call Lesson When Case Entry question 4 (CE4) ‘Are you with the patient now?’ has been answered, the yellow Pre-Arrival Instruction (PAI) target tool will become available in the ProQA tool bar. This tool provides a fast track to the Control Bleeding Post-Dispatch Instructions (PDIs). Other PDIs such as Amputation, Fitting and Critical caller danger are also available under the yellow PAI tool. The instructions can be delivered then the return to Case Entry fast track button can be selected to continue the questioning sequence.

Shonara sought clarification having the caller tell her ‘exactly what happened’.

This clarification and noisy, snoring like breathing alerted Shonara to the patient’s dire situation and she was able to get ‘hands on chest’ very quickly.

Call Lesson MPDS V13.2 introduced the first law of ground level falls: The fall is the ‘chicken’ and the arrest is its ‘egg’. This law may be a little confusing, but it is used to illustrate that while a caller may only report a fall, a medical arrest may be the cause of a reported ground-level fall. This law’s intention is to remind EMDs to always consider that the patient’s fall may be the result of a medical problem, for example fainting, heart arrhythmia or stroke. In this instance, Shonara correctly clarified the caller’s initial description and identified the tell-tale noises associated with Agonal/ineffective breathing.

Things to consider: Can members of the public see the patient? For example, if the caller is at a school, and the patient is located within the sick bay, office, classroom or an oval, you could expect this will not be considered a public place. A difference might be if the caller mentions an event at the school where parents or community members may be present, for example an open day, awards ceremony or sporting event.

Remember that the public place is identifying if there is a likelihood for privacy issues/embarrassment to the patient, or where injuries and/or patient condition may cause distress for the people walking by.

If you transpose the previous example to another location/environment, the same thought process applies. EMDs should display situational awareness when deciding on the ‘Public Place’ selection.

Utilisation of the ‘Public Place’ selection often will see an increase in the priority of the response. However, EMDs should not fall into the trap of manipulating ProQA to get the higher response by answering ‘Yes’ to ‘Public Place’ as a shortcut.

Summer 2020–21

41

Lights turn on at three new ambulance stations The QAS welcomed the official opening of three new stations at Yarrabilba, Munruben and Mareeba in September 2020, with the facilities set to benefit residents seeking emergency prehospital care in these areas.

Yarrabilba and Munruben are servicing the fast-growing Logan area in the Metro South LASN, while the new Mareeba Ambulance Station in the Cairns and Hinterland LASN replaces the previous outdated building.

Then Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles officially opened the Yarrabilba and Munruben Ambulance Stations on 23 September.

42

The event was held at Yarrabilba Station and was attended by a large contingent of QAS staff and volunteers including Deputy Commissioner Dee Taylor‑Dutton, Metro South Assistant Commissioner Gerard Lawler, Local Ambulance Committee members, Indigenous elders and Queensland Health, Queensland Police Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services representatives.

“Officers at our existing stations at Beenleigh, Logan West and Jimboomba do a fantastic job servicing the local community and that high standard of care will continue now these two new stations are active,” Commissioner Bowles said.

“Both Yarrabilba and Munruben are 24-hour stations and have been designed and built using the latest techniques.”

The stations had budgets of $4.3 million and $4 million respectively, with both coming in under budget.

Staff operating out of the two stations have access to state-of-theart facilities including six-bay plant rooms, rest study areas, patient care and equipment storage, amenities and social space. Importantly, they will also allow for future expansion.

Meanwhile, the $2.4 million Mareeba Ambulance Station was officially opened by Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui MP and Cairns and Hinterland Assistant Commissioner Michelle Baxter on 14 September.

QAS Commissioner Russell Bowles said the two new stations would support coverage in the Metro South LASN and contribute to improving response times across the region.

The modern facility which ensures comfort and efficiency for local paramedics carrying out their life‑saving work, replaces the old station that had reached the end of its life cycle.

The 24-hour ambulance station includes a four-bay plant room, office space, day room, a write‑up area, multifunctional rest and study rooms and associated staff amenities.

Commissioner Bowles said the station marked a new chapter in the proud history of ambulance services in Mareeba, which stretches almost 100 years.

“The new station will continue servicing the Mareeba locality in addition to supporting nearby stations,” Commissioner Bowles said.

“Our Mareeba paramedics proudly put on their uniform day in, day out for the community and I look forward to seeing them operating out of this modernised premises.

All three stations display artwork created by local Indigenous artists.

Mareeba

Cairns and Hinterland Assistant Commissioner Michelle Baxter and Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui MP, officially opened the new Mareeba Station.

FAST FACTS

Local Indigenous artist Anne-Maree Keating created the artwork for Mareeba Ambulance Station detailing the history of the area.

Exterior view of the replacement Mareeba Ambulance Station which has a 4-bay plant room.

5 Lloyd Street, Mareeba | LASN Cairns and Hinterland | Complement OIC: Gavin Rablin • 16 paramedics | Vehicles Two Mercedes Benz Sprinter 319 Ambulance vehicles, one Mercedes Benz Sprinter 519 Ambulance vehicle and one Toyota Landcruiser Modular Ambulance vehicle.

Summer 2020–21

New QAS stations

Munruben

Yarrabilba

Indigenous artist Jared Coolwell with his eye-catching artwork at Yarrabilba Station titled Tribes by the River, the daily life of the local tribes along the Albert.

OICs Matt Hunter and Cameron Morris at Munruben Ambulance Station in front of the impressive artwork by local Indigenous artist Masud Sanders.

Exterior photos of Yarrabilba Station.

Interior photos of the new Munruben Station.

Aerial shot of the new Munruben Ambulance Station.

The new state-of-the-art Yarrabilba Station has impressive internal areas for staff to utilise on shift.

Assistant Commissioner Gerard Lawler addressing guests at Yarrabilba Ambulance Station.

Munruben OIC Matt Hunter in the new 6-bay plant room.

Munruben paramedic Arquita Daly and OIC Matt Hunter at the front of their new station.

Yarrabilba Ambulance Station has spacious outdoor space for staff to relax or socialise.

Munruben Station’s ribbon cutting ceremony.

FAST FACTS 973-1991 Chambers Flat Road, Munruben | 1 LASN Metro South | Complement OIC: Matt Hunter • 18 paramedics | Vehicles Three Mercedes Benz Sprinter 419 Ambulance vehicles.

Photos: Jo Hales and Michael Augustus

New Yarrabilba Ambulance Station OIC Cameron Morris.

Mununjali Elders Aunty Janis Page, Aunty Delores Paulson, Aunty Geraldine Page and Aunty Sue Blanco had a great time at the Yarrabilba Station opening. Aunty Geraldine Page delivered the Welcome to Country at the event.

FAST FACTS 37 Mill Street, Yarrabilba | LASN Metro South | Complement OIC: Cameron Morris • 18 paramedics | Vehicles Three Mercedes Benz Sprinter 419 Ambulance vehicles.

Photos: Jo Hales and Michael Augustus

Summer 2020–21

43

THANK YOU :) Thank you for lookin

g after my 81-year-old Everyone has different levels of success. For me, success Dad yester can never be achieved unless you have the desire to Just want to say a big thank you to the ladiesday (2 October) when he called with gallbladder problems in Hervey Bay. initiate it. The amazing work and commitment from staff (Corinne Wilkes, Kate Olive andacute Candice that continuously results in appreciation letters we receive He sa id the two female officers (Katie Anderson Boileau) that came to my house this morning Commissioner’s thanks from members of the public, makes me constantly of you send my appreciation Pleaseaware could and (July 19) for my little girl and the dispatch guy Bridg et Lee) who attended his home and 2020 has been a we year unlike what accomplishments have made as anand organisation. thanks to the three lovely ladies (Jamaine Prieditis) who helpedtransp me stayorted very him to hospi any other and with the current tal were absolutely (Amanda Kuhn, Jaclyn Quixleycalm. and summer months, the demand for They do an amazing job and I really This month has seen an influx of thank you letters, with amaz ing, incred ibly caring and reassuring, not student paramedic Tanya Gallen) that our services is sure to increase them being so fantastic.

304 letters received year to date and 609 letters and me to GCUH fromappreciated along with thethis temperature. only to him, but Mum too. I live in North Qld transported Pimpama emailsThe of thanks sent to members. community willstaff no doubt on 11 October. After a bad fall off my and it’s an amazing comfort to know he has Kristie, Morningside be looking for our continued horse, which resulted in a fracture of support a tough year I cannot thankafter you enough for allfor your hard work. angel s like you to quickly respond in his very my sacrum, I was in excruciating pain many and as you have been rare time of need. You really are all so precious and these ladies made my journey to doingBowles so during the year, I know Russell ASM you will continue to be there for hospital comfortable with pain relief and and hugel y appreciated...THANK YOU! QAS Commissioner your patients, their relatives and kept my anxiety low and spirits high.

I want to send a quick thank you to the friends during their time of need.

Absolute angels. We are so lucky to Narelle, paramedics (Chantal Greaney and Melissa Townsville have people like you looking after us!

Between 1 June to 30 November Dajic) who assessed my son and took him 2020, there have been 346 Shona, Pimpama appreciations emails/letters to hospital on Wednesday night (July 12). It I would like to take the time to express our thanks received and I’ve had the was the first time I have ever had to call the to various QAS officers for their attendance pleasure of sending 603 emails ambulance and I was quite nervous in doing so and assistance at our unplanned to officers recognising the home birth exemplary service provided.

– worried I was overreacting and wasting the on 4/9/2017.

I commend the Triple Zero officer

44

Hi there, on 4 October I As the year is to a and ability to Hi, I just wanted to forward a quicktime. thank paramedics The two ladies who attended (Julie Ricardo) forcoming her efficiency close, I would like to take the our home helping were so calm and reassuring. Theybroke my wrist at the gym reassure us that help was on the way and clearyou for your help on 16 October, opportunity to thank you for and was cared for by (Greg my son deliver his first child via phone quickly assessed my son and took us to Lady in the meantime. yourinstructions valued service and I lookTammy (Olsson) Bates and Daniel Hirsimaki) and your quick response to the very quick forward to once being 5 minutes Cilento, all the while distracting my son with arrived on scene again approximately and a female student birth of my first grandchild. Thank you able to pass on the appreciation Wiggles videos and calming a nervous and paramed following the birth of our son Woody and I would so much (EMD Karen Duncan and ACPs emails/letters I receive in 2021. ic, who took me to panicked mum. Thank you for such excellentSCUH. I just wanted like to commend her professionalism, calm in Aiden Cawley and Cliodhna Healy). to say Wishing you a safe and a huge thank you for their service and care!!! I don't believe this service the situation festive and ability to treat me as a fellowMichelle, Marian enjoyable season. amazing care, they really gets the recognition it deserves for all the work being rather than just a patient. She was caring, Russell Bowles asm were absolutely outstanding your paramedics do. compassionate and efficient. I appreciate Tammy QAS Commissioner

needed the service on this day! Our little man

in every way. They even popped into the ED later to Amanda, Wellington Point check on me. You have some to Leah top health professionals and you A huge thank I really hope that you will be (Payne) and Jarrad (Eastwood) able to pass on my sincere for taking excellent care of . thanks and appreciation to me and their professi Just wantonalism to give a shout out to the LARU officer tonight them. Cheers.

I had to call QAS who attended my home on Monday (August (1 November) after 10.30pm.

Leeanne, Pelican Waters 21). His name was Steve (Kliese) and we are Leah and Jarrod and (Reece in the Ipswich area. He was prompt, caring, later) Thomas who arrived were amazing.compassionate, empathetic, funny and the list

Woody is doing great settling in at home with his

goes on.

He had me reassured within minutes.

Low Michelle, Mount

arranging for our transfer through to Hervey Bay Hospital. I believe Arto (Hirsimaki) and another officer (Andrew Rach) assisted with my transfer from Hunters Hut through to Hervey Bay and I found Arto to be very attentive to my needs at this time considering I was having much difficulty. I hope our message can reach the individual officers involved. Thank you to QAS for the important work you do I know we certainly

If my thanks could be passed to his OIC that

older sister Anna, feeding and sleeping well.

would be appreciated.

Darren and Kate, Lakeside Des, Silkstone

36 QAS Insight

SPRING 2017

QAS_Insight_Magazine_SPRING_2017_DRAFT3.indd 36

Right

Daniel at 7 and half months old with doting big sister Sophie.

Summer 2020–21

Hi my name is Samantha. I apologise it’s taken me so long to send this, but I would like to say a big thank you to a paramedic named Sean (Quarmby). On 13 Februar y 2020 he and his 11/10/17 8:43 pm fellow colleagues helped deliver my little boy named Daniel at home (it was definitely not where I wanted to have him).

They really made me feel like I was in great hands. Please pass on a big thank you as they did an awesome job. (Attending officers Matthew Lynch, Tyhron Blissett, Georgina Green and Kevin Charteris).

Samantha, Bundaberg West

Thank you

Right

Paramedic Alicia Locke and John (Jack) Pearson at the Police Remembrance Day ceremony. On the far right is the photo Gio sent to the QAS of Alicia supporting Jack. Gio’s wife Angel took the photo.

Yesterday (29 September) at the Lower Herbert Halifax National Police Remembrance Day ceremony, I received many positive comments regarding one of your paramedics (Alicia Locke) who was in attendance. The photograph (on the far right) is pretty self-explanatory as to why she received such positive comments. A credit to her.

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

Gio, Halifax

Alicia Locke’s Random Act of Kindness occurred when she was Halifax Acting OIC and it was captured in a QAS Facebook post in October which went viral. Thousands of people liked the post, with hundreds commenting on the beautiful moment the paramedic shared with her new mate John (Jack) Pearson at the Police Remembrance Day service. At the event, Alicia supported Jack–helping the former police officer move safely around and stand for two minute’s silence. Alicia has now returned to her substantive position in Townsville, but we hear she calls her mate once a week for a chat! To find out about how Alicia and Jack struck up a friendship and to view the messages of support from the public, visit facebook.com/qldambulanceservice/posts/3620916191273415

To the EXTRAORDINARY officers, Chris (Bonner) and Josh (Parsons), who attended to my Mum and assisted my family over the last two days, THANK YOU. THANK YOU for your amazing service in attending and transporting my Mum, your professionalism, your advice and your empathy for myself and my family during an extremely difficult few days.

THANK YOU for giving my Mum the unconditional care and respect she needed. You both will always have a place in our hearts.

I wanted to express my thank you to the people in the Bundaberg ambulances that took me to the base hospital on 17 October (Renee Kaluza and Shona Richardson) and 21 October (Selena Bros-Wilshire and Peter Roser). They were such nice and caring people.

Lynne, Svensson Heights

Hi, I had paramedics (Miguel Albuquerque, Petrina Brown, Paul Piper, Brigid Wall, Paul Gray, Nicholas Christensen and James Neaum) at my home Wednesday just gone (28 October) for my partner (Ben) who was having a heart attack. We would like to thank the first responders for saving his life. Thank you so much.

Tanya, Tingalpa

Belinda, Murrumba Downs

my sincere I would like to express to Doug on iati rec app thanks and azing Armstrong one of the am Last weekend ll. cka Bla at s edic am par r-old on 24 October, my 10-yea her horse niece was thrown from e fracture and received a complet elbow. of her humerus from her ding stan out d laye disp g Dou passion professionalism and com was in dealing with my niece who med him clai pro Erin . pain ible terr ever! Doug her favourite paramedic we are did his absolute best and him for l tefu gra dly arte wholehe . Regards. going above and beyond Rebecca, Charleville

Above

Doug and his young patient Erin.

Summer 2020–21

45

Happenings There was no shortage of volunteers wanting to welcome newborn Grace into the world on 5 November! Mum and Dad, Emma and Adam, were on their way to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital when bub decided she couldn’t wait. Spotting Kedron’s Emergency Services Headquarters Complex, Dad thought it was as good a place as any to pull over. Within a minute, our officers were there to help–only to find much of the hard work had been done by Mum.

Former patient Greg had plenty to smile about at a reunion on Restart a Heart Day on 16 October. Several weeks earlier, Greg had gone into cardiac arrest while competing in a triathlon at Agnes Water.

However, thanks to a combination of effective bystander CPR and use of an AED and the expert continued care of our paramedics, he survived. QAS Clinical Director Tony Hucker attended Greg’s reunion to highlight the importance of CPR and defibrillation.

QAS staff around the state participated in the annual Darkness to Daylight event to raise funds and awareness for the prevention of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV).

This year the 110km walking-running event was held as a virtual challenge throughout October, with every kilometre representing–on average–a life lost to DFV in Australia each year.

46

Wear It Purple Day on 28 August, allowed the QAS to stand with our LGBTIQ+ workforce and community to show our support. The theme ‘We are the change’ celebrated ten years of Wear It Purple fostering safe, supportive, empowering and inclusive environments. Across the state, the LGBTIQ+ Peer Support Officers celebrated with various events. QAS staff were also involved with the Brisbane Pride Fair Day at New Farm Park on 28 November.

On 18 October, the QAS was involved in our first community education event since COVID-19 restrictions–and it was a resounding success with around 300 eager children and parents participating in CPR awareness sessions at the Moreton Kids Festival at Strathpine.

More than 100 Charters Towers locals took part in CPR awareness sessions during the ‘Towers Rush’ event on 1 November.

Summer 2020–21

HAPPENINGS • Summer 2020–21

Cairns Operations Centre staff went above and beyond in October to raise funds for mental health by stepping out for the Black Dog Institute’s One Foot Forward walking fundraiser. They raised a whopping $5,746 and covered a combined 1,797km during the month, with the funds going towards vital mental health research and support services. The team celebrated their achievement with a well-earned sausage sizzle.

In September, QAS paramedics and university student observers participated in exercise ‘Troubled Waters’ at the Gladstone Marine Operations Terminal.

This exercise was designed to test interoperability between allied services and stakeholders servicing the LNG facilities at Curtis Island in the event of a gas leak aboard one of the island’s ferries.

Metro North paramedic Wayne Jackson celebrated his 50th anniversary with the Ambulance Service in October.

The dedicated officer joined the QATB at 19 years of age. Wayne you are a true professional and gentleman. Thank you for your impressive 50 years of service.

47

Mount Isa’s new graduates, Jayme and Lilly, couldn’t help but get a quick snap with locals, Humphrey and friends mid-October. They came across the camels when they were out and about completing some area familiarisation before jumping on board an ambulance to start work in the community.

Our Darling Downs Indigenous Liaison Officers came together in beautiful, sunny Toowoomba to acknowledge NAIDOC Week 2020 from 8 to 15 November. The annual event, which celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ history, culture and achievements is usually held in July, however, it was postponed due to COVID-19. This year’s theme was Always Was, Always Will Be.

Around 70 staff and 36 executives and managers from across the state attended the QAS Workforce Forum at the Victoria Park Golf Complex on 23 and 24 November. The forum focussed on the Fair and Inclusive Practice Network and the new RESPECT initiative. Topics covered included workplace flexibility, bullying and sexual harassment, fairness, equity, discrimination and creating change. Initial feedback from the event was very positive.

Summer 2020–21

Reflects activities during the period from 1 July to 30 November 2020.

Notes Notes

Appointments made during the period 23 June to 30 November 2020.

48

Appointments

Farewells

Movers and Shakers

Years of Service

NAME

Position Title

Division / Location

Ronald Fletcher

Senior Coordinator Workforce Planning

48

Central Queensland LASN office

John Tesoriero

Patient Transport Officer

42

State Operations Centre - SEQ

Gene Marwick

Paramedic

37

Cleveland

Wayne Buckle

Paramedic

37

Nanango

David Trickett

Paramedic

30

Canungra

Keven Crossingham

OIC

30

Redbank

Nicolas Dowse

Resource Readiness Coordinator

28

Gold Coast Support

Murray Excell

Executive Manager

27

Service Planning and Performance

Steven Brant

Paramedic

21

Atherton

Letisha Dawson

Paramedic

18

Toowoomba

Andrew Philips

Patient Transport Officer

14

Durack

Tania Rasmussen

Paramedic

14

Dalby

Anna Aldridge

Paramedic

14

Rockhampton

Alison Vollmerhause

Paramedic

14

Hervey Bay

Andrew Rake

Paramedic

13

Townsville

Glen Nilsson

Paramedic

13

Gatton

Gregory Cooper

Paramedic

12

Edmonton

Ron Adamson

Patient Transport Officer

12

Nathan

Christopher Gee

Paramedic

11

Bundaberg

Clair Walkland

Paramedic

10

Metro South LASN

NAME

Position Title

Appointed date

Sandra Garner

Director Mental Health Response Program

23-Jun-20

Maria Parker

Senior Planning Officer

06-Jul-20

Dominique Johnson

OIC - Marlborough Ambulance Station

13-Jul-20

Location Office of the Medical Director ICT Governance Strategy and Performance Central Queensland LASN

Murray Wills

Senior Procurement Officer

20-Jul-20

Procurement

Emily Cloumassis

Mental Health Liaison Clinician

27-Jul-20

Mental Health Response Program

Jennifer Sloan

Mental Health Liaison Clinician

27-Jul-20

Mental Health Response Program

Stephanie Cann

Mental Health Liaison Clinician

27-Jul-20

Geoffrey Hayes

Comms Quality Supp Off

03-Aug-20

Matthew Cloumassis

Mental Health Liaison Clinician

03-Aug-20

Mental Health Response Program State Communications Development Mental Health Response Program

Melissa Blackmore

Executive Services Officer

05-Aug-20

Executive Services

Alicha Edwards

HR Consultant

06-Aug-20

HR Administration

Narelle Smith

Professional Development Officer

17-Aug-20

Operations Centre

Janelle White

OIC - South Bundaberg Ambulance Station

24-Aug-20

Wide Bay LASN

Kim Wilkinson

24-Aug-20

Wide Bay LASN

31-Aug-20

Darling Downs LASN

Diane Robinson

OIC - Bundaberg Ambulance Station OIC Support - Toowoomba Ambulance Station Senior HR Consultant

04-Sep-20

HR Systems and Governance

Nicholas Summers

Clinical Equipment Officer

14-Sep-20

Fleet and Equipment Operations

Julia Deeth

Principal HR Consultant

18-Sep-20

HR Systems and Governance

Troy Haley

Leanne Lawton

Principal HR Consultant

18-Sep-20

HR Systems and Governance

Sarah Darby

Senior HR Consultant

25-Sep-20

HR Systems and Governance

Stephen Zsombok

05-Oct-20

Strategic Operations

12-Oct-20

Cape York LASN

Michael Board

Assistant Commissioner OIC Field Office - Weipa Ambulance Station OIC - Dysart Ambulance Station

12-Oct-20

Mackay LASN

Lucy Eskander

Mental Health Liaison Clinican

30-Nov-20

Mental Health Response Program

Mark Ward

Summer 2020–21

QAS Legacy

QAS Legacy donations make a difference Every dollar counts when it comes to our Queensland Ambulance Service Legacy Scheme (QAS Legacy).

Extra-Curricular Grant Driver Trainer Grant.

Established in 2015, QAS Legacy is a registered charity that supports the families of officers who have passed away. Since then, QAS Legacy has grown significantly in order to enhance the support it provides to QAS families and dependants who have suffered the loss of a serving member of the QAS, ensuring that they are supported, not only in the initial time of need, but also after through a range of benefits. QAS Legacy currently cares for a number of beneficiaries, including the children of much-loved and popular paramedic Craig McCulloch, who tragically lost his life while responding to an emergency case in the Mackay LASN in January 2019.

Many of the grants that QAS Legacy provides to beneficiaries are centred around education, however, there are plans to expand. Current grants include: Bereavement Grant Special Assistance Grant Education Grant Technology Grant

QAS Legacy is managed as an Incorporated Association by elected board members who are current active QAS officers and does not receive any government funding, so almost all contributions are funded by donations predominantly through fortnightly taxdeductible payroll contributions from current serving members of the QAS. Other funding comes from bequests and tax-free donations, often from retired paramedics or members of the public expressing appreciation for work done by ambulance staff in the community, as well as Local Ambulance Committee donations.

We also receive support from fundraising events involving QAS officers, such as the annual Trek4Paramedics Challenge to Everest Base Camp, the Pedal4Paramedics Challenge and the Head of the Brisbane QLD Emergency Services Rowing Challenge. The Everest and bicycle fundraisers did not go ahead this year due to COVID-19, however, ACP Mat McKenzie took to the water for a scaled-down rowing challenge in October. In 2018, ACP Ryan Hansen raised funds for QAS Legacy when he competed in the Sunshine Coast Marathon.

Our goal is to expand our grants and support to the existing beneficiaries, but to also ensure that we are there for any future families and their needs.

You can help QAS Legacy continue to provide its valuable programs by setting up a fortnightly payroll

donation, with all donations of $2 and over being tax‑deductible.

Any amount, no matter how small, assists and makes the lives of our lost officers’ families that little easier, especially in the immediate need at the time of loss.

For further information including setting up donations, please visit our new look QAS Legacy website or follow us on QAS Legacy Facebook.

Top, from left to right

An enthusiastic group of QAS officers and their Queensland Health staff friends took part in the 2019 Trek4Paramedics Challenge to Everest Base Camp, with the event raising more than $27,000 for QAS Legacy.

Metro South paramedic Mat McKenzie was the sole QAS officer competing in the scaled down Head of the Brisbane QLD Emergency Services Rowing Challenge in 2020.

The 2019 Pedal4Paramedics Challenge raised more than $16,500 for QAS Legacy.

Paramedics clocked up 674 kilometres of cycling throughout the Darling Downs over seven days.

Paramedic Ryan Hansen donned his running gear to raise more than $5,000 for QAS Legacy in the 2018 Sunshine Coast Marathon.

Left

QAS Legacy’s new eye-catching logo.

Right

The QAS was devastated when much-loved ACP Craig McCulloch tragically lost his life while responding to an emergency case in the Mackay LASN in January 2019.

His children are supported by QAS Legacy.

Summer 2020–21