QAS Insight Magazine - Spring 2019 edition

EMD AWARDS • OPERATION NIGHTHAWK • CODP3 UPDATE • DYNAMIC DEPLOYMENT

Spring 2019

TOOWOOMBA HOSTS LAC STATE CONFERENCE

Also inside Ocean Rescue

Darren’s Tribute

Season YYYY

Filming Underway

New Chaplain

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CONTENTS • Spring 2019

Features

Regulars Minister’s message

2

Commissioner’s message

2

News

3

Briefs

4

OpCen Reports

18

ISRE Reports

30

HARU

33

AMBULANCE AUSTRALIA

CCP’S EPIC RUN

Priority One

34

LARU

37

6

8

Thank yous

38

Happenings

42

Movers and shakers

44

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

CLARK’STOPIC CHAPLAINCY TITLE ROLE

MENTAL HEALTH UPDATE

Editorial and photographic contributions are welcome and can be submitted to: Joanne.Hales@ambulance.qld.gov.au

00 10

12

LAC STATE CONFERENCE

COMMISSIONER’S AWARDS

14

20

INCREDIBLE REUNITE

OUTSTANDING CAREER

22

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

Spring 2019 edition contributors: Jo Hales, Michael Augustus, Andrew Kos, Emma O’Connor, Jo Mitchell, Melissa Mangan, Ian Pyper, Kent Jackson and Emily Mildred.

Designed by: Paper & Desk Summer 2019–2020 edition key dates: • Friday, 1 Nov: advertiser bookings • Friday, 8 Nov: supplied artwork received • Wednesday, 18 Dec: scheduled release

Front cover: More than 300 volunteers and QAS staff made their way to the ‘Garden City’ for the 2019 LAC State Conference.

The biennial event was hosted by the Toowoomba LAC. Read more on pages 14-15.

Photo: Michael Augustus

Spring 2019

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Minister

Commissioner

On average, QAS responds to 130 incidents per day from patients suffering a mental health crisis. I recently visited QAS HQ to meet the new Mental Health Clinicians working as part of two pilot programs to help paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers better assist people in crisis.

I’d like to start by thanking our hardworking staff during the busy winter period. We’ve seen many Queenslanders and our own staff hit hard by the flu and other winterrelated illnesses, and this has certainly had an impact on our workloads. The winter surge is always a busy time for us and I want to thank you all for your caring attitudes and willingness to step up when required.

The clinicians are providing support and assistance to dispatchers and paramedics state-wide to ensure patients receive more access to mental health support.

The clinicians have access to information on a person’s mental health history, treatment plans, intervention plans and other important information. It means paramedics on the ground will be able to approach a mental health crisis situation with additional supporting information and dispatchers will have more support in making deployment decisions.

Despite the fact it’s only been in place for a short while, the program is already producing great results.

Referral rates to emergency departments have halved, meaning we’re helping find the best treatment options for people experiencing mental health issues including non-hospital options.

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Mixed in with the winter surge is one of our biggest events of the year – the Ekka! It was great to see so many paramedics, EMDs and student paramedics staffing our QAS display.

Thousands of people popped into our display to check out the Mercedes G Wagon, power stretcher and learn CPR. Huge crowds gave our CPR game a go, nearly 8000 in fact, and learnt a lifesaving skill. The Emergency Services CPR Challenge is always a crowd favourite and I’m pleased to say the QAS took first place!

Finally, a huge congratulations to our recipients at the recent Commissioner’s Achievement Awards. I look forward to this event each year to recognise the achievements and service of many of our hardworking staff. It’s always good to remember those before us and to catch up with old friends.

It’s great to hear that you, the paramedics and EMDs, believe the program is worthwhile. I’ve been told paramedics from across the state, in particular those in rural areas, appreciate the quick access to information to help them better care for their patients.

Thank you for helping to make this pilot program a success so early on.

Your work is invaluable to Queensland. That’s why the Palaszczuk Government delivered a pay rise for the hardworking QAS staff.

The third instalment of this well-deserved pay rise was implemented on 1 September.

Thanks for all you do helping Queenslanders when they need it most.

Steven Miles Minister for Ambulance Services

Spring 2019

Russell Bowles ASM QAS Commissioner

NEWS • Spring 2019

Photos: Ange Costes Photography.

New ambulance program grants dying wishes There were plenty of smiles when Australia’s first Ambulance Wish program was announced in Brisbane in July. Stealing the show at the launch was 92-year-old Betty Dowsett, Ambulance Wish Queensland’s first recipient.

The terminally-ill grandmother joyfully waved to onlookers as she was granted her final wish – to visit a garden and eat passionfruit ice-cream.

Taylor-Dutton, who presented Betty with a QAS teddy bear.

Betty was then taken to the City Botanic Gardens and later to the Brisbane River for a last look at the cityscape and bustling waterway. Sadly, Betty passed away just five weeks after her wish but her family told Palliative Care Queensland that she had treasured the day out and her QAS bear, which she named Charlie and kept by her side until her death.

Ambulance Wish Queensland is a program of Palliative Care Queensland, started with the support of the Queensland Government, which donated a decommissioned ambulance and provided $50,000 in seed funding. The charity is based on a program that started in the Netherlands in 2007, which is now run in several international countries. It will enable terminally ill patients to fulfil their dying wishes with the assistance of trained volunteers and an adapted ambulance.

Palliative Care Queensland CEO Shyla Mills said Ambulance Wish Queensland would officially open for wishes on 1 December but they were still recruiting volunteers including paramedics, nurses, doctors, drivers and support teams. “This program is not only beneficial to the wish recipient and their families, it is a wonderful opportunity for health professionals to volunteer and be a part of the last wish experience,” she said.

Assisting Betty on her wish were QAS officers, Innes Askew and Darren Lawrence, who escorted her to Parliament House to meet the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles and QAS Deputy Commissioner Dee

Paramedics wanting to volunteer for PCQ’s Ambulance Wish Queensland program, can visit ambulancewishqld.org.au/ volunteers/ For more information, watch footage of the program on www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2m5osc9Crs&t=2s

Council of Ambulance Authorities National Award Congratulations to our wonderful teams whose outstanding achievements were honoured at the Council of Ambulance Authorities Awards for Excellence ceremony at the CAA Congress 19 Conference in Perth in August.

The Queensland Ambulance Service Critical Care Paramedic Leadership Program was the winner of the Excellence in Staff Development category, and the Electronic Ambulance Report Form Project was a finalist in the Excellence in Technology category.

Great work everyone!

Right

Michelle Fyfe, CEO St John Ambulance WA, the host State for the Congress 19, presented the award to QAS on behalf of CAA. Also pictured are QAS Assistant Commissioner Michelle Baxter, Assistant Commissioner - Capability and Development Stephen Gough and Deputy Commissioner Michael Metcalfe.

Spring 2019

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Briefs Climb for Cancer

It was a fantastic effort by our QAS staff who stepped up to take part in the Climb for Cancer at Waterfront Place in Brisbane City in June. Our officers, along with other emergency service participants, climbed 810 steps or 37 stories, raising $7,000 for the worthy cause.

Ashley Panta was the highest individual fundraiser on the team, while Trent Wheeler was the fastest male (6m 57s) and Sharna Cox, (7m 15s) was the quickest female.

4 ASM awards Distinguished QAS officers Brett Rogers and Teresa Powell were recognised in The Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List. Brett and Teresa received the prestigious Ambulance Service Medal which recognises distinguished service by the men and women of Australia’s ambulance organisations.

Brett commenced his career with the QAS at Bribie Island in 1997. Since that time, he has excelled in a variety of senior clinical roles, including as CCP, as Flight CCP and, more recently, as the QAS Statewide Cardiac Reperfusion Coordinator. He was instrumental in the development and introduction of the QAS Coronary Reperfusion Program in 2008 and this program has provided paramedics with the training and skills to acquire and interpret 12-lead electrocardiographs and, either administer fibrinolytic drugs on-scene, or rapidly transfer patients to an angioplasty laboratory in a major cardiac centre. This was the first integrated statewide approach to treating patients with acute myocardial infarction in Australia.

Brett is recognised across the industry as a leader in this area and the success of this program has led to a statewide enhancement of paramedic education specific to cardiac care. He continues to develop innovative approaches to the care of patients suffering acute cardiovascular illness, remaining at the forefront of new clinical initiatives.

Teresa commenced her career with the QATB as an Ambulance Officer at Sandgate Station in 1989. She is an experienced and wellrespected OIC in the Metro North LASN with many years of experience providing exceptional care to the community. During her career she has worked in a number of senior roles and has always performed to a high standard. She is an exemplary clinical leader within the area of Brisbane and has mentored numerous staff over the years assisting them to develop and refine their skills to become confident in their craft. Teresa is currently the Redcliffe Ambulance Station OIC.

Spring 2019

BRIEFS • Spring 2019

Outback events

The QAS once again had a presence at the world’s most remote music event, the iconic Big Red Bash. The three-day outback event in July involved our biggest deployment of equipment being sent to the Simpson Desert, about 35km west of Birdsville. We had a high care tactical medical centre, Command Centre, Communications Centre and accommodation for 19 staff. We also had staff deployed to the famous and historic Birdsville Races in September.

DFV Prevention Month event Wrap Up

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Our QAS officers went above and beyond to raise awareness and funds during Domestic and Family Violence Month in May. In total, more than 70 QAS staff participated in the Darkness to Daylight Challenge in Brisbane. This event is a 110 km course completed overnight, or part of the course completed in the early morning as a 10km run or 3km walk. Throughout the event, the QAS raised $2,297 for Australia’s CEO Challenge which is used to support frontline DFV services in the community.

During DFV Prevention Month the QAS also relaunched the face to face DFV training for leaders. This training is in addition to the ‘Recognise, Respond, Refer’ online training module completed by all QAS employees. QAS participants have provided very positive feedback that their confidence and ability to support employees affected by DFV has increased as a result of the training.

There were also candle lighting vigils attended by the QAS Executive team and staff in Cairns, Mt Isa, Townsville, Bundaberg and Brisbane to recognise and remember the lives lost to DFV each year. Meanwhile, donation drives were held in Darling Downs LASN for a local women’s refuge and in West Moreton LASN for CityHope Church which runs a drive to collect care packs for people leaving DFV situations. Staff also took part in multiple awareness raising events across the state.

If you, or anyone you know is experiencing DFV, information on the types of support available to QAS employees and a list of DFV support services is available on the DFV Pages on the QAS Portal.

Spring 2019

Ambulance Australia comes to Queensland Top rating Network Ten television series Ambulance Australia has spent ten weeks filming with the QAS for the third season of the award-winning observational documentary.

Production company Endemol Shine Australia has been based in the Brisbane Operations Centre throughout August to October where they’ve been filming with staff there, and simultaneously with six on road crews.

After an EOI went out in August, five stations within the Brisbane Operations Centre footprint were chosen to take part in the show, with two crews from Caboolture, Roma Street, Nathan, Sunnybank Hills and Balmoral selected.

Filming has also taken place with Senior Operations Supervisors, Operations Supervisors, Critical Care Paramedics and HARU officers from Metro North and Metro South LASNs.

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Above

Ambulance Australia crew filming in the Brisbane Operations Centre.

Photos: Jo Hales and Andrew Kos

Spring 2019

Ambulance Australia

This has been a first for the QAS due to the scale of the production. Five acute ambulances were rigged with six cameras and microphones for the production period.

While Channel Ten is yet to announce an air date, we all look forward to seeing the show highlight the fantastic work of all our officers and operations centre staff. We’ll have more on Ambulance Australia in future editions of Insight.

Top left

Cameras in ambulance.

Top right

Grady Nalder, Tash Nichols, Shelly Pringle and Shane Mattingley get their publicity pic taken.

Middle left

Jan Burdekin and Andrew Roberts from Caboolture get publicity pics.

Middle right

Roma St crew unloading a patient at the RBH. Below

Peter Harry and Phil Hu from Nathan Station get their pics taken.

Photos: Jo Hales and Andrew Kos

Spring 2019

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Determined paramedic tackles Black Dog head-on Darren Sweedman has been rocked by tragedy throughout his life, but nothing hit him harder than the death of his older brother Bernard in July this year.

INSIGHT editor Jo Hales talks to this courageous Sunshine Coast CCP who ran his first full marathon to honour his late brother and raise funds and awareness for the Black Dog Institute.

Darren was left a shattered man on 1 July, when two police officers delivered the devastating news his much-loved older brother Bernard, 52, had taken his own life.

“When the police officers knocked on the door at 5.35pm, I instinctively knew what they were there for. I just said, ‘it is my brother isn’t it’, Darren recalled wiping back the tears.

“To say I am devastated is an understatement. Bernie’s death left a huge hole in my heart.”

Darren, who was Bernie’s main support system, said his brother had suffered mental health issues for many years.

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“We were very close, and we spoke on the phone daily as Bernie often required support,’’ he said.

“The day before Bernie passed away, I chatted to him for almost an hour on two occasions. He wasn’t himself that day, but that was not unusual for him…I had no idea that would be the last time I would speak to him.”

As Darren, 47, tried to come to terms with his brother’s death and in a bid to cope with the immense grief he was feeling, he bravely signed up for the 42.2 km Sunshine Coast Marathon.

“I nominated for the marathon and to fundraise for the Black Dog Institute because I wanted to somehow help other families avoid what me and my family were experiencing,” Darren said.

“I wanted to create awareness about depression and suicide, which is claiming too many lives.’’

Sadly, Darren has had more than his fair share of tragedy throughout his life.

service, has dementia and often asks Darren how Bernie is – unaware that he has passed away.

Darren said while every member of his family is equally important to him, it was Bernie’s death which hit him the hardest.

“Losing a loved one is hard enough – but losing someone to suicide is devastating…gut-wrenching,’’ he said.

In 1997, he lost his beloved mum Judy to cancer.

Left to right

Darren and Bernie Sweedman were very close.

Epic run in honour of Bernie.

There was plenty of support for Darren from his immediate family and teal family on race day.

Stephen Hatton and Darren.

Opposite

Darren’s gutsy mission to raise awareness and funds for the Black Dog Institute.

Photo: Warren Lynam - Sunshine Coast Daily

Then, three years ago, tragedy struck his family again when his sister Jo lost her life after succumbing to pneumonia.

The 47-year-old, who has two sons, was airlifted from Toowoomba Hospital where she remained on life support for three weeks in the PA Hospital.

Darren, as well as Bernie and their dad Maurice, both former ambulance officers, had the extremely difficult task of making the decision to turn off her life support machine.

In a cruel twist of fate, Maurice, who retired from the QAS in 2002 after 34 years of

Spring 2019

“I’ve attended countless suicides in my thirty years on the job – and then to have it happen to me – words can’t describe the heartache I am feeling right now.”

Darren said what will help through the difficult times are the fond memories he has of his older brother, who worked at Oakey and Bundaberg stations in his 12 years of service as a Queensland ambulance officer.

“When we were living in Cairns during our childhood, Bernie loved getting on his BMX bike and doing tricks which included getting me and Jo to lie on the ground while he would jump over us.

Unfortunately, there was one occasion

Darren’s courageous charity run

when he clipped me on the bike and ended up taking the skin off my legs. He came running over saying ‘make sure you don’t tell dad’,” Darren laughed.

But most of all Darren said what he loved about his brother was his beautiful nature.

“Bernie was a genuinely nice guy.

He was such a sensitive and gentle soul.

He loved my kids and when he wasn’t on a downer, he was able to laugh at himself,” Darren said.

“He did a lot of volunteer work with the RSPCA which included fostering kittens and he was always helping wildlife such as catching possums and releasing them into the wild.

“He was also very caring. I was going through text messages he had sent me before he died. Even in the week before his death he was looking out for me, making comments that he was worried about me. That‘s just the kind of person he was.”

While Darren has competed in half marathons, the Sunshine Coast event on 4 August represented his first full marathon.

He said he was a little nervous and apprehensive at the starting line but thankfully, had the support of fellow paramedics and friends Mick O’Brien and Stephen Hatton.

Darren, who ended up crossing the finishing line in an impressive 3 hours 30 minutes, admits there were a couple of times when ‘I just felt like I needed to stop and rest’.

“It was the screaming and cheering from the crowds on the sidelines as well as his family and friends which Darren admitted ‘gave him huge motivation to keep going’.

of highest fundraiser of the marathon.

The final amount eventually reached more than $8,000.

“Hopefully, in some small way through me doing this fundraiser and from everybody else who got on board to support the cause, we can start to change mental health and suicide statistics,” Darren said.

“I plan to continue raising awareness of these issues. My aim is to get more people talking about mental health and sharing their stories. We need to get rid of the stigma.

“I want my kids to know that if they are struggling or need a hand, not to be afraid to put their hands up and ask for help – the same with my workmates.

Everyone needs to know this is not a sign of weakness – but rather a step in the right direction.”

His powerful message is already making an impression, with Darren revealing friends have started talking to him about their struggles since Bernie’s passing.

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“I don’t have my brother here with me now, but I will continue to make sure his legacy lives on by raising awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention,” Darren said.

Also providing inspiration were multiple QAS staff who ran legs of the marathon beside Darren, including paramedic wife Marni, who joined her husband for the last emotion-filled kilometre.

“And if I can make a positive difference to the life of at least one person affected by mental health issues, then it has made this journey all the worthwhile.”

“It was great to have the support of everyone including Marni, who, like me, has also been devastated by Bernie’s death,” Darren said. The couple have four children between them – Taylah, 20, Lachlan, 18, Andie, 19 and Summer, 15. Three were waiting for Darren at the finishing line.

Any QAS staff and their family members needing support or assistance can contact the Priority One 24-hour telephone counselling service on 1800 805 980 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

As his race came to an end, Darren was in immense pain with his feet cramping and his toes rolled up in balls as he stumbled over the finishing line.

“It was so intense. I was a hobbling around for the rest of the day and half-way through the next. My toes were still really sore five days later.”

But Darren said it was worth every bit of pain, with his fundraiser claiming the title

Spring 2019

Chaplaincy role a natural progression for Clark Clark Magele has developed a reputation as a great listener, supporter and passionate advocate for staff, so it’s no surprise the paramedic with 20 years’ experience as a PSO, has been officially appointed the QAS’ first full-time permanent chaplain. INSIGHT editor Jo Hales reports on a humble officer who is transforming the lives of many people with his caring and compassionate nature.

Below

Presiding over the 2018 QAS Remembrance Service in Brisbane was a career highlight for Clark.

Clark, who has been a pastor for six years, was appointed to the QAS chaplaincy role at the end of April 2019.

He is transitioning into the position after handing over the reins of his OIC role at South Townsville Ambulance Station.

Preparation for the new role has included travelling to other states to gain advice, insight and see how they operate their chaplaincy networks.

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Although he is currently based in Townsville, Clark and wife Latai, will ultimately move to Brisbane for the new role.

“I am just so honoured to be presented with this amazing opportunity with Priority One, and I am looking forward to providing valuable support to all of our staff around the state and setting up a chaplain volunteer base,’’ Clark said.

“It is also very important for me to acknowledge the previous Chaplains who have been associated with the QAS and the great work they contributed to the chaplaincy role.’’

Clark completed his theology and pastoral care study six years ago and it was in 2016 after he received his Ordained Ministers Credentials (OMC), that he entered into discussions about the chaplaincy role with Priority One Director Todd Wehr.

“We were at a two-day peer support refresher course in Townsville when Todd mentioned that Priority One was looking at expanding its services to appoint its first permanent chaplain with the full support of Commissioner Bowles,” Clark said.

“He then went on to ask me if I would be interested in the role to which I eagerly replied ‘absolutely’.”

Clark described his chaplaincy role as an extension of his peer support work.

“For me, the chaplaincy role is about being person centred and providing care for people.

It is about healing, guiding, supporting and empowering people,’’Clark said.

“My aim is to provide spiritual support – while being a member of the Priority One team delivering a holistic wellbeing focus, for all our staff and family.”

Clark said his door is open to everyone.

“I just want everyone to know that staff and their families can get in touch with me and they will be supported, valued and accepted regardless of their faith or beliefs.

Spring 2019

QAS’ first full-time permanent Chaplain

“If someone wants advice, I can give that, if they just want a chat, I am happy to listen, and I also offer prayers.”

Although he enjoys having a joke and a laugh, Clark knows too well, how important it is for emergency services workers to be able to ‘talk about their feelings’ - especially after responding to traumatic jobs.

people at an incident and helping to make them feel safe.”

Clark will celebrate three decades of ambulance service in Queensland in December.

During his career, his roles have included working as on-road paramedic, in senior management and as a clinician.

Born and raised in Auckland, Clark moved to Australia in the late 1980s before joining the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade as a first responder.

“A close friend and mentor said to me many years ago, I should apply to join the ambulance service as I would make a good paramedic because of my genuine, caring nature,’’ Clark said.

“I believe it was, and still is, a calling that I pursued a career as a paramedic and that I am now the QAS Chaplain.”

Clark’s first permanent role was Charters Towers Ambulance Station OiC in 1999.

“Paramedics and EMDs are faced with some very confronting scenarios and it can be really helpful and beneficial to have a chat with someone to get things off their chest…that is one of the reasons I am here for.

“If I do feel a person needs extra help, I will refer them to a counsellor.”

Clark, himself, has not been immune from traumatic and tragic jobs and he said what he has learned over the years is to appreciate life, be grateful and to live every moment.

“We all know from the jobs we attend how someone can be there one moment and then gone the next,’’ Clark said.

“If I can give any advice it would be - Life is precious so be determined to make each day count.”

Over the decades Clark has developed a reputation as someone who gets on with the job and has paved a path of honesty, integrity and respect from the communities he has worked in and fellow QAS staff.

Left

Clark with Commissioner Russell Bowles at the 2018 QAS Remembrance Service and Commissioner’s Achievement Awards.

Middle

Clark and Latai’s five children.

Right

Latai and Clark.

One of Clark’s career highlights occurred last year at the QAS Remembrance Service and Commissioner’s Achievement Awards when he presided over the service before being presented with the Excellence in Leadership award for empowering people through excellence in leadership, collaboration and team development.

Outside of work, Clark is kept busy as one of three pastors with Beaches Church in Townsville and spending time with his large family.

Clark and Latai have five children ranging in age from 27 to 38 and 13 grandchildren all under the age of eight.

“I have so much to be grateful for including my beautiful wife and family,” Clark said.

Clark says his lengthy experience as a first responder will also greatly aid him when he is called on to attend emergencies and crises in support of QAS staff, victims, family members and bystanders.

And there’s yet another exciting milestone on the cards for Clark.

“I have been working as a paramedic for many years, so this experience will be invaluable for this role and will aid me in connecting with

On the topic of marriage, Clark said if there are any love birds wanting to tie the knot, he is more than happy to officiate the service.

Next year, on 18 July, he and Latai will celebrate 40 years of marriage.

Spring 2019

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QAS pilot program leads the way for mental health care Queensland is at the forefront of providing the right care at the right time for people suffering a mental health crisis. Emma O’Connor reports on how the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) is leading the way.

Below

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State-wide Mental Health Program Coordinator Sandra Garner says managing and assessing people experiencing mental health crisis can be complex, difficult and stressful.

The QAS is ahead of the curve by trialling a pilot program focussed on providing timely and appropriate care for mental health patients at the scene of an incident.

“Therefore, QAS is trialling a number of initiatives to support paramedics and EMDs to support people who are experiencing a mental health crisis.”

State-wide Mental Health Program Coordinator Sandra Garner said for some people who are experiencing significant episodes of anxiety, depression, psychosis, suicidal ideation or people who have made an attempt to end their own life, a Triple Zero (000) call may be their first line to access help and care.

Mental Health Clinicians are on the road with Local Area Assessment and Referral Unit (LARU) paramedics in the Metro South and West Moreton LASNs attending to cases with a mental health patient.

“Managing and assessing people experiencing mental health crisis can be complex, difficult and stressful,” Sandra outlines.

The clinicians will go to a scene armed with the necessary information including a patient’s mental health history, treatment plans, Police and Ambulance Intervention Plans and other important details.

“There’s no set of standard procedures that can be used, like other health and medical conditions.

“Being able to assess and manage people in their own homes or communities, with their own supports and resources, produces better

Spring 2019

Pilot program for mental health patients

quality outcomes for people experiencing a mental health crisis,” Sandra details.

“This has flow-on effects beyond the person to their families and carers, and to the community.”

On-the-road support is further elevated by a Mental Health Practitioner based in the Brisbane Operations Centre providing assistance across the breadth of Queensland to ensure patients receive timely and appropriate access to mental health resources.

The Practitioner will not only have access to a patient’s relevant mental health history, but can also navigate the mental health and hospital system by looking for alternate care pathways.

Paramedics being armed with timely and appropriate information about the patient, their condition, and treatment options is essential for their ongoing assessment and care.

Medical Director Doctor Stephen Rashford said on any given day, between police and ambulance, approximately 200 people mention suicide in their call.

“This is absolutely a tragedy for the community,” Dr Rashford said.

“But it’s important we respond appropriately, and by having these

coordinated services means we can ensure people are well treated, they’re safe and they can access the care they need in a timely fashion.

“People suffering a mental health crisis are really quite difficult to deal with because it’s a very complicated area so to ensure that our paramedics and police officers have the best access to care from specialised practitioners to advise them is really important.

“We cannot train every one of our 4,000 paramedics to the level that could be required in the circumstance.

“But to have access to our team here within the Operations Centre from Birdsville all the way to Brisbane is just fantastic.

“A very busy emergency department is not always the best place to treat a person with a mental health crisis – it’s very busy, it’s frantic.

“People often need an atmosphere that’s more conducive to treating their illness.

“By avoiding emergency departments where appropriate, there are

Bottom left

Mental health liason clinicians at the State OpCen at Kedron.

Above

Mental health co-responders.

other options within the community and the non-government sector.”

The pilot program has only been in place for a relatively short amount of time, yet in its infancy, it is already producing great results for both the patient and the health service.

The initiatives have seen the utilisation of alternative pathways for care, and referral rates to emergency departments have halved.

And the feedback from paramedics is resounding.

“They absolutely value the service,” Dr Rashford explains.

“I’m getting emails from paramedics all over the state, in particular rural areas, who were saying they were a bit sceptical that someone sitting in Brisbane could help them with their assessment outside of the Brisbane area and they find it fantastic.

“Very rapidly within minutes they’re gaining access to information they’ve never had before to allow them to treat the patients better.”

Spring 2019

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Biennial LAC State Conference attracts strong contingent On Friday, 6 September, the Toowoomba Local Ambulance Committee (LAC) officially opened the 2019 LAC State Conference. President Rosemary Morley welcomed more than 300 volunteers and QAS personnel to the ‘Garden City’ for this event.

Held every two years, these conferences commenced in the early 1990s as an opportunity for LACs to share ideas and work through challenges, as well as celebrate the achievements and what has worked well.

It is an opportunity for networking between LACs across the state and the QAS to develop programs to support each other through engagement with the community by way of education.

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Above

Toowoomba LAC President Rosemary Morley, Assistant Commissioner Stephen Zsombok and newly appointed Darling Downs LASN Community Education Operations Supervisor Suzette Dakin.

Included in the 300 strong guest list were the likes of Toowoomba local Mayor Paul Antonio, who opened the proceedings on Friday evening at City Hall. Mayor Antonio acknowledged the great work of not only our paramedics, but the LACs that support our ambulance service.

When he addressed the crowd at the event, Commissioner Russell Bowles acknowledged the importance of these conferences.

Middle

Commissioner Russell Bowles, Murgon LAC member Richie O’Neill and Assistant Commissioner Stephen Zsombok.

“Our LACs play an incredibly vital role in bridging the gap between the QAS and the community and many ideas were discussed and shared,’’ Commissioner Bowles said.

Top right

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio attended the conference.

“A lot of learnings have come out of this conference for the LACs and for the QAS.”

Bottom right

Guests at the dinner event.

Background

Members of the public were able to take part in CPR awareness at the community day on Saturday, 7 September.

Photos: Michael Augustus and Melissa Mangan.

Spring 2019

LAC State Conference

There was also an acknowledgement for some very special LAC members celebrating outstanding milestones from five years through to 45 years. Two of those members included Kevin Stinson from Millaa Millaa LAC from the Cairns and Hinterland LASN, and Richie O’Neill from Murgon LAC in the Darling Downs LASN. Their combined volunteer service to the QAS amounts to almost 100 years.

A huge congratulations to Kevin, Richie and everyone who celebrated a special milestone in their LACs. Following a day of discussion, everyone ditched the conference attire and frocked up for a glitz and glam evening with special guest speaker and former Olympic gold medallist Steven Bradbury. He shared his 14-year journey to winning gold as the infamous ‘last man standing’ and relaxed the crowd as they enjoyed local cuisine at the beautiful Picnic Point venue.

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A motivational and comedic story of whether Steven deserved to take away that medal made for an engaging evening event.

The conference closed on Sunday with the announcement of the Gold Coast LAC as the winners to host the 2021 conference.

A massive congratulations to President Rosemary Morley and her Toowoomba LAC team for coordinating such an engaging and informative event.

Top left

Assistant Commissioner Michelle Baxter, Millaa Millaa LAC member Kevin Stinson and Commissioner Russell Bowles.

Bottom left

Toowoomba LAC member and conference organiser Dianne Hannant and Toowoomba LAC President Rosemary Morley.

Middle

The Gold Coast LAC is delighted to be hosting the 2021 LAC State Conference.

Right

Steven Bradbury entertaining the crowd.

Background

QAS community display at the event.

Photos: Michael Augustus and Melissa Mangan.

Spring 2019

QAS staff in the running for prestigious dispatcher award Each year, the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) recognises Australasian individuals who have made the most significant contributions to further the values and missions of the Academies through personal action.

This recognition comes in the form of the highly coveted IAED Dispatcher of the Year Award. This is the highest honour an accredited EMD can be awarded.

Nominees of this prestigious award must consistently demonstrate the following qualities: • compliance with Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) protocols

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• a commitment to teamwork • initiative to further professionalism and education • the ability to function well under highly stressful situations.

To be in the running for this award, each Operations Centre Manager (OCM) has the opportunity to nominate EMDs within their OpCen who meet these criteria.

Each nomination goes through a rigorous screening process involving State Operations Centre office and the State Quality Assurance

Unit. Recommendations are then provided to the Assistant Commissioner, State OpCens, for nomination to the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch.

For the second year in a row, QAS has demonstrated its ability to match Australasia’s best, with two of our most outstanding EMDs being nominated for the award.

In October, Hollea Whiting from Townsville OpCen and Melanie Smith from Rockhampton OpCen will be recognised at the Australasian Navigator Conference in Auckland, New Zealand, where this year’s winner will be announced.

Background image

The highly regarded International Academies of Emergency Dispatch trophy.

Opposite left and right

EMD Hollea Whiting is a consummate professional and calm under pressure.

EMD Mel Smith is well-respected by her OpCen colleagues and on-road peers.

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IAED Dispatcher of the Year Awards 2019

Hollea Whiting

Melanie Smith

Townsville

EMD Hollea Whiting commenced her training with QAS in October 2014 and was appointed to the Townsville OpCen in December that same year. A consummate professional, calm under pressure, Hollea provides clear and concise instruction while never losing focus, regardless of the situation. Hollea creates rapport with her callers and is adept at extracting critical information while leaving the caller feeling safe, supported and reassured that help is on the way.

Hollea sets herself a very high standard and continually works hard to ensure compliance to protocol. By doing this Hollea is helping to ensure the skills and attributes that make her a nominee for IAED Dispatcher of the year are passed on to the next generation of QAS EMDs. Hollea is a real “team player” and is often putting the needs of her fellow colleagues ahead of her own.

Hollea regularly accommodates shift swaps and changes her own leave dates so her team members can attend special events with their families.

Working full time and a mum to two young children, Hollea further supports her community by volunteering with the “Mentor Junior Diabetes Research Foundation” which supports newly diagnosed children and their families.

Call After four and half years as an EMD Hollea Whiting assisted in her first child birth, helping a 30-year-old woman and her family bring a baby boy into the world. The baby’s father, two aunts, and grandmother were all on scene to witness the birth. However, all did not go to plan.

While remaining on speaker phone with the extended family, it quickly became apparent to Hollea that the baby boy may not be doing as well as expected, with the family advising he was turning blue. Without missing a beat, Hollea quickly took control of the situation. She calmly provided clear, concise instructions on how to help the baby and soon after he took a big breath and his colour started to return just as the paramedics arrived on scene.

Shortly after taking this call, Hollea assisted in the delivery of another baby and was fortunate enough to be reunited with both babies and their parents.

Rockhampton

Melanie started with the QAS at QASEC in November 2011 before commencing her first “active” shift in Rockhampton OpCen on Boxing Day that same year. During this time, Melanie has grown to be a well-respected EMD by both her OpCen colleagues and on-road peers.

A quiet achiever, Melanie’s ability to provide support and guidance while adhering to Protocol demonstrates her commitment to her role and the callers she supports.

Possessing a naturally calm and caring demeanour, Melanie is able to rapidly deescalate emotive callers leaving them feeling all is under control and that they are in safe hands.

As a mum to four children, Melanie recalls a significant career highlight occurred when she was able to provide instructions to successfully revive a three-month old-baby post choking prior to the paramedics arriving. Melanie believes being able to “be there” and provide the direction callers require during their time of need is a great privilege that all EMDs share.

As we all know, EMDs and paramedics are not immune to tragedy. Early in 2018 Melanie experienced the devastating loss of her brother to suicide. Upon her return to the OpCen, Melanie was averaging a cardiac arrest every shift, including multiple hangings. Melanie was able to draw upon her experience to support these callers through their time of need.

Call EMD Melanie Smith was a great source of support for a 53-year-old woman suffering an acute allergic reaction.

On initial presentation, the only information the caller was able to provide was “Mackay. Can’t breathe”. Obviously in severe respiratory distress, Melanie obtained the address then made the decision to not put the caller at any further risk by reading the address details and phone number back to her rather than making her repeat them herself.

After completing Key Questions and providing the instructions to administer the epi-pen, Melanie reassured the caller that she was going to stay on the line until the paramedic crew arrived.

Melanie checked on the caller periodically to ensure she was okay and to provide further reassurance, however, Melanie was very aware that engaging the caller in unnecessary conversation could place additional stress on the caller or potentially cause harm.

Spring 2019

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Operations Centre Reports

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

Townsville OpCen

Call Lessons

When EMD Madeline Croker picked up the call from the brother of a woman with a central stab wound, she immediately recognised the urgency of the situation.

scene safety whilst ensuring haemorrhage control instructions were given and being followed.

With numerous people shouting in the background and what sounded like a fight still going on, Madeline immediately provided active reassurance to the caller and set about finding out exactly what had happened.

Madeline demonstrated efficiency in establishing and maintaining call control despite different people grabbing hold of the phone. Assertive, as required, and seemingly oblivious of the continual swearing, Madeline constantly provided reassurance that help was on the way.

Due to the volatility of the situation and being aware the offender was still on scene, Madeline sought clarification about

Madeline also had the presence of mind to gather the offenders name to assist in completing the Suspect Information Tool.

This was a very volatile scene.

Understanding the scene safety implications was paramount. As the patient had a central stab wound, the potential for deterioration if the responding crew staged (awaiting QPS), was high. Whilst demonstrating care and concern for the patient the EMD used an authoritative tone to control the call and gather the information she needed. This information could then be entered into the Suspect Information Tool to be provided to QPS assisting them in apprehending the offender. The information would also be useful for responding crews should the offender return to the scene.

Brisbane OpCen 18

EMD Tashia Davies was on the ball when she received a call from a 24-year-old male with knee pain.

During the call the patient identified he had sickle cell and was getting sickle cell crisis.

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary condition of the red blood cells that primarily affects African American and Hispanic cultures.

The condition results in a shape change to some red blood cells which affects their ability to flow through small blood vessels.

Sickle cell crisis occurs when these red blood cells block small blood vessels.

Whilst not a condition often reported to our EMDs, Tashia used her experience and knowledge as an EMD and EMD-Q to correctly triage this call.

Student EMD Ashleigh Wilkinson demonstrated that practice makes perfect when she received a call from a stressed but calm young man. The young man soon advised that his mother had ended her own life.

A dedicated student, Ashleigh, had previously approached the Quality Assurance Officer (QAO) to request further training on the provision of Pre-Arrival Instruction (PAIs). With the assistance of the QAO, Ashleigh spent time in the training environment practicing scenarios involving the provision of PAIs. This education paid off. In her first call of this type Ashleigh was able to confidently and articulately guide the young man through CPR. A quality review of the call found it to be highly compliant.

EMD Di Crawley was very quick to recognise the urgency of the situation when a woman called Triple Zero (000) for her mother who had collapsed and was gasping for air.

Di recognised the phrase “gasping for air” as a sign of agonal or ineffective breathing and immediately commenced CPR on the patient, a 61-year-old female with stage 3 heart failure.

The responding crew arrived on scene within 10 minutes and took over.

Twenty minutes later, the crew advised the dispatcher they had Return Of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) with a GSC of 7.

Call Lessons

Call Lessons The importance of knowing your tools cannot be underestimated. Understanding the rules and axioms found on the MPDS flip charts, tablets and in the additional information tab in ProQA can give you a much greater knowledge of the protocols.

EMDs are also encouraged to read the Principles of Emergency Medical Dispatch book and complete CDEs on the Academy website. Regular review of this information pays dividends for your callers and patients when you are able to quickly recall the rule, axioms and explanations contained within MPDS.

Call Lessons Practice makes perfect! Only a small percentage of Triple Zero (000) calls (less than 1.7% of all MPDS calls) received annually require the provision of PreArrival Instructions. Whilst some EMDs may attract these types of calls more often than others, the majority of EMDs will not have much exposure to these types of calls regularly. The importance of practicing these types of calls cannot be understated. State Operations Centres has requested PAI scenarios be included in annual competency validations to ensure all staff have the opportunity to practice these types of calls.

Spring 2019

One of the most common causes of delayed CPR is the presence of agonal breath, misinterpreted and reported as breathing by callers. Callers frequently confuse these gasping breaths with effective breathing or that they are breathing. When a patient is unconscious and the second party caller is uncertain, indefinite or ambiguous about the patient’s breathing, an immediate arrest level should be sent and CPR instructions should begin as soon as possible.

Paramedic registration: Paramedic registration renewal is approaching!

All registered paramedics will soon receive correspondence from AHPRA regarding registration renewal.

Renewal of your registration is due by 30 November 2019.

Avoid the late payment fee by renewing your registration before then.

How to renew • Log in to the AHPRA website using your User ID and password • Check your details are correct • Answer brief questions making a declaration that you meet the Board’s standards including:

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• criminal history • professional indemnity insurance • recency of practice and • continuing professional development • Pay the annual renewal fee

Things to be aware of!

• Make sure you understand the registration standards before you make a declaration. For more information go the Paramedicine Board website: www.paramedicineboard.gov.au/Professionalstandards/Registration-standards.aspx • Failure to renew within one month of your registration expiry date means you will be removed from the National Register and will need to reapply to AHPRA before you can practise as a paramedic again.

• Note that if you originally applied through a grandparenting pathway and at any stage you cease your paramedic registration, but then want to reapply, the grandparenting pathway is only open for a limited time and will cease on 30 November 2021.

The QAS Registration Implementation Team is available to help at QAS.RegistrationImplementation@ambulance.qld.gov.au Spring 2019

QAS Remembrance Service and Commissioner’s Achievement Awards 2019 Ambulance officers and volunteers from around Queensland gathered in Brisbane to recognise the excellent work of their peers over the past twelve months and to pay tribute to colleagues who have died while on duty.

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

This year’s Remembrance Service paid respect to the 36 QAS officers who passed while performing their duties, with their families and loved ones laying a wreath as tribute as the Candle of Remembrance was lit to mark their sacrifice.

Following the service, Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner Russell Bowles presented a number of service medals including

the National Medal and Long Service Medals.

The highlight of the event was the announcement of the seven Commissioner’s Achievement Award recipients which included: Dayboro First Responder Mary Enchelmaier, Metro North LASN, who received the Customer Focus Award.

Officer-in-Charge of Winton, John O’Shea and Clinical Support Officer, Steve Robertson, Central West LASN, who received the Fostering Innovation Award.

Critical Care Paramedic Scott Gordon, Darling Downs LASN, who received the Excellence in Performance Award.

Spring 2019

Kingaroy Advanced Care Paramedic Daniel Brownsey, Darling Downs LASN, who received the Courage and Integrity Award.

South Bundaberg Critical Care Paramedic Simon Edwards, Wide Bay LASN, who received the Excellence in Leadership Award.

Charlie Hart, Metro North LASN and sisters Charli-Marie and Tabitha Payne, Cairns and Hinterland LASN, who received the Young Hero of the Year Award.

Acting Project Manager Darren Ferguson, Service Planning and Performance, who received the Commissioner’s Achievement Award.

Opposite

2019 Commissioner’s Achievement Awards winners with the QAS Commissioner.

Top left

QAS teddy with the wreaths laid in honour of those QAS officers who have lost their lives in the course of their duty.

Top right

QAS Chaplain Clark Magele, MC Sarah Greenhalgh, Channel 7 and QAS Commissioner Russell Bowles.

Left of centre

Jarger String Trio.

Centre

QAS Candle of Remembrance.

Bottom left

QAS Young Hero of the Year – joint winners: Charlie Hart from Metro North LASN and sisters Charli-Marie and Tabitha Payne from Cairns & Hinterland LASN. Bottom right

The audience.

Spring 2019

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Young fisherman’s incredible tale of survival Pint-sized fisherman Julian Hohnen almost lost his life following a boat capsizing incident off the coast of Caloundra on 9 June. INSIGHT editor Jo Hales reports on this amazing seven-year-old, who after making a miraculous full recovery, reunited with his rescuers, including QAS Critical Care Flight Paramedic Elliott Bates who brought him back to life.

Julian and his dad Maike, 39, and his best friend Stephen Jeacocke, 48, spent more than six hours in freezing water clinging to two buckets before being rescued.

Julian was eventually winched into QG Air Helicopter Rescue 500 and transported in a critical condition to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, before later being transferred to the Queensland Children’s Hospital in an induced coma.

Maike and Stephen, who were treated for hypothermia, were transported via water police to the mainland and then by the QAS to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital in stable conditions.

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Elliott, who performed two rounds of CPR on Julian in the helicopter, and the rest of the Rescue 500 crew – pilot Darren O’Brien,

Above left

Elliott Bates presents Julian with the QAS teddy bear at the reunite.

Above right

Julian Hohnen with his teddy bear.

Background

Elliott and Bruce Fairlie being filmed at the reunite.

Photos: Jo Hales

Spring 2019

FEATURE • Heart-warming ocean rescue reunite

Aircrew Officer Daren Parsons and Rescue Crew Officer Bruce Fairlie, reunited with the three survivors at QG Air Archerfield Base recently for a Channel 7 Sunday Night exclusive story about the rescue.

An extremely grateful Maike said he was delighted to meet the four members of the rescue crew who played a pivotal role in his son’s survival.

“I am so glad and happy we had the opportunity to meet the rescue crew who saved Julian and say thank you to them in person,’’ Maike said.

“I would have preferred not to have been there under those circumstances, but I am eternally grateful for what they did and for saving his life. It was also great to show Julian who his rescuers were.

“It is also important to acknowledge and thank everyone who was involved in the search, including the Volunteer Marine Rescue, QPS and the vessels and watercraft that were searching for us, as well as all the QAS officers and medical staff who assisted Julian, Stephen and me.”

German-born Maike, who works as a truck driver, said amazingly, Julian has made a full recovery and is doing ‘absolutely fabulous’.

And his son, who is in grade one at a Sunshine Coast school, is even back doing what he loves best – fishing.

Maike, who along with Stephen is an experienced fisherman, explained their harrowing ordeal started after the trio embarked on an overnight fishing trip on 8 July.

They set out from Caloundra on Maike’s 5.2 metre boat in the afternoon, just like they had done more than 100 times before.

Below

Elliott Bates has saved many lives in his 13 years’ service with the QAS. He has been working as a flight paramedic for three years.

“When we took off, the conditions were calm, and the winds were about five knots, reaching ten knots later that night,” Maike said.

During the evening, when they were 14 km out to sea and after reeling in many fish, Maike put the anchor down and went to sleep next to Julian. He woke some time later to find his feet covered in water.

Photo: Jo Hales

Maike said initial reports suggested the anchor rope might have tangled around the outboard’s propeller, causing the boat to be dragged under water.

There was little time to react, as the boat was quickly filling with water.

Maike yelled at Stephen to wake up so he could help assess the situation, and also managed to call the coastguard before the vessel rolled.

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“Julian has been fishing since he was a toddler.

He loves it. When he hooks a fish, he just gets so hyped up and claps his hands,’’ Maike said.

Photo: Adobe Stock / Dschwen

“For him Whiting is okay, it is a nice fish, but when he catches a Reef Fish, Venus Tusk or Snapper he gets really excited.”

Spring 2019

However, while the coastguard was returning the call, the boat filled with water.

Unfortunately, the life-vests, flares and an emergency beacon which were stored in a tub centimetres away from Maike, were trapped in the bow of the boat when it rolled.

Stephen was thrown overboard when the boat rolled, but for ten seconds Julian and Maike were trapped beneath the canopy, going down with the boat.

Somehow, they managed to escape, and the pair made their way to the surface with big gasps of air.

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Elliott, Julian and Maike.

Background

QAS officer Elliott Bates being interviewed by Channel 7’s Sunday Night reporter Matt Doran.

Photos: Jo Hales

In a stroke of luck, there were two 15 litre buckets floating on the surface and the trio was able to cling on to them.

Maike had his mobile phone but was unable to get a signal as he held Julian on one arm and the bucket in the other. Stephen then took the phone, held it up about a metre from the surface and thankfully, was able to make a Triple Zero (000) call, sparking the full-scale search for the trio.

Despite the buckets, Julian was struggling to keep his head afloat in the water and was taking on more and more water. His condition was rapidly deteriorating.

Stephen ended up putting himself between the waves and Maike and Julian so that the waves would hit him. This allowed Julian to breathe a lot easier and cleaner air.

By daybreak, the trio had been in the water for more than four hours, with Julian in a bad way.

He was breathing heavily and Maike could hear the water in his lungs Maike said it was terrifying witnessing Julian becoming slower in his responses.

“Initially, Julian was chatting to me and we were reassuring each other how much we loved each other,’’ he said.

“He was the one calming me down…he pointed towards Caloundra and said, ‘we have to swim that way dad’.”

“But after several hours in the water he had no movements – his head and arms were frozen, and he was gasping.

“The only way I knew he was with us was because he responded to my request to spit the water out.”

Maike told Stephen that if Julian died, he would let go of the bucket and sink to the bottom of the ocean with his son. He did not want to live without him.

However, this was to be the start of their ordeal, with the trio going on to spend more than six hours in the freezing waters.

Throughout the ordeal, Maike said he did not see any sharks and he was not concerned about an encounter or an attack.

Stephen, who weighs more than 200kg, clung to one of the buckets, while Julian and Maike used the other one.

“I am absolutely confident there would have been sharks around us, maybe within two metres, but they would have just been having a look, we were not a threat to them,’’ he said.

Spring 2019

FEATURE • Heart-warming ocean rescue reunite

Maike said when they were spotted by the rescue helicopter, it was a huge relief, especially considering Julian’s life was hanging in the balance.

Elliott, along with his QGAir 500 crew members Darren, Daren and Bruce, who had been tasked to search for the missing fishermen, headed out on the rescue mission at 6am after being given rough coordinates.

“We had a good idea of where the boat had taken on water - but it was close to six hours since the call had been received,’’ Elliott said.

Elliott said the conditions were less than ideal.

“While we were out, there was fade and glare and the wind picked up. Even the VMR and police boats were rocking in the swell. It was 1.5 metres with a decent wind chop,’’ he said.

Elliott described the search for the trio as like looking for a needle in a haystack.

“We were looking for these tiny little heads in amongst the white caps and the waves,” he said.

But then there was a glimmer of hope when the crew saw a small piece of debris.

“The water police had also found an esky and a bucket and while this was going on there was an increase in chatter on the radios and then the news a bulk carrier had seen three people in the water.”

Elliott said he was positioned on the left door, and Darren, Daren and Bruce were looking down from the right side when they spotted the trio in the water.

When Julian was winched up by Bruce, Elliott was presented with the lifeless body of the youngster.

“Julian was cold, not breathing and he had no pulse – there was no output at all,’’ Elliott said.

“I immediately started CPR and put the monitor on him to see his heart. It was slow…broad… but there was still no palpable cardiac output.”

Elliott estimates Julian lost output for three to four minutes and it took two rounds of CPR until return of spontaneous circulation was achieved.

“I don’t think he would have lasted much longer, however, I wouldn’t be surprised if his core temperature being so low was neuroprotective,” he said.

Elliott, who presented Julian with a QAS teddy bear and gave him a tour of Rescue 500 at the reunite, said it was fantastic to know the youngster had fully recovered from his ordeal.

“The day after we picked Julian up, I was transporting another child to Queensland Children’s Hospital, so I popped into the intensive care unit to check in on him – he was still intubated and ventilated but had been responding well to treatment at that stage,” he said.

Above

Maike and Julian.

Photo supplied

Background

Julian Hohnen hugs his QAS teddy bear as he poses for a photo with QAS Critical Care Flight Paramedic Elliott Bates (right) and the rest of the QGAir crew Darren O’Brien, Bruce Fairlie and Daren Parsons.

Photo: Jo Hales

“I was so relieved when I was informed later that night that he had been extubated and woken up well with nil neurological deficit.

“Then to meet up with Julian weeks later and see that he is doing really well and hear that he is back fishing and keen to find more fish makes me so happy and it also reinforces why I do the job I do.”

Spring 2019

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QAS to deploy dynamic software solutions It is no secret that the population of Queensland is expanding. By 2026, the state’s population is projected to increase by one-third to 6.3 million people. Of these, 1.1 million will be aged over 65, an 83% increase on 2011.

This growing population is also living longer than previous generations and presentations to emergency departments and the demand for outpatient services and a wider range of health services will continue to grow.

The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) is implementing software strategies to ensure our services are there when patients need us the most.

The QAS Strategy 2016-2021 defined the strategic objective S03 ‘Delivering effective and efficient ambulance services with a target of a Dynamic Deployment system implemented within two years. In 2018, QAS engaged Deccan International, who has vast experience in delivering decision support software solutions to Ambulance Services and Fire Departments across the United States of America and Canada.

Deccan will deliver three Dynamic Deployment applications to assist QAS in improving efficiency and effectiveness of Ambulance service delivery to the community over the next 18 months.

Live Move Up Model (LiveMUM)

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LiveMUM is a real-time tactical application that dynamically calculates coverage deficiencies and provides optimal moveup solutions in the emergency response environment.

LiveMUM receives a live data feed from Inform Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, live traffic information and uses historical call volume and trends to calculate future probabilities of where incidents are statistically more likely to occur. LiveMUM identifies gaps in coverage by tracking each unit’s status, location, and incident assignment.

The application then instantaneously recommends optimal unit relocations, or move-ups, that reflect QAS coverage policies.

Will this mean we will be constantly moving from station to station during our shift?

Whilst the name ‘dynamic deployment’ implies the movement of resources to meet anticipated operational demand, the LiveMUM application has been configured to resemble current QAS practice so the move-ups will be similar to today’s relocation activities.

The aim of the application is to provide Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs) with instant, optimal move-up recommendations to move units towards areas where an incident is anticipated, and the probability of the unit being utilised is high. This will ensure ambulances are in the most appropriate place at the best time to meet the demand for service.

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Is this just about improving response times?

The QAS’s commitment to Queensland is to ensure that we continue to deliver timely and quality patient care even in the face of increasing demand without depriving remote areas of coverage. A primary benefit of LiveMUM is the use of a sophisticated algorithm to ensure balanced deployment of units to areas with a high likelihood of an incident/s occurring while still protecting vulnerable locations. Successful ‘MoveUps’ will ensure that QAS positions scarce resources closer to incidents while still considering each area’s relative risks and benefits for receiving or providing coverage.

LiveMUM is expected to be piloted at the Maroochydore OpCen very soon, and then roll out to all OpCens will follow on successful completion of a three-month pilot.

Dynamic Deployment

Left

ADAM performance map indicating compliance for first Acute Stretcher to arrive on-scene at Code 1A calls in Metro North.

Below

Scenario comparison map indicating the projected improvement in performance on the Gold Coast from redistributing resources.

Apparatus Deployment Analysis Module (ADAM) ADAM is designed as a ‘what if’ strategic planning tool and is specifically configured to assist the QAS in analysing the evolving business needs of the organisation and provide recommendations on how to meet those needs now and in the future. ADAM allows the user to formulate and test longer reaching scenarios such as: ‘What if’ QAS added, removed or changed the capability of vehicles, added a new station or new staff, or knows about a new estate or hospital being built? It then provides a recommendation on the best place to roster additional staff or build new stations to support the anticipated future demand.

Below

ASENT: Graphical User Interface (GUI) which is currently under development.

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It achieves this initially with CAD Analyst by looking at existing CAD data and presents the user with a ‘what if’ colour coded map.

They can confidently use this historical information to evaluate and depict performance visually across any selected part of Queensland.

The ADAM application is a powerful and highly dependable tool, based on the science of Operations Research, built and continually improved by Deccan’s team of PhD’s, data analysts and Geographical Information System (GIS) experts. It is regularly updated to ensure that the model QAS uses maintains current relevance and accurately reflects current response performance.

Through features like Optimizer and Alternate Workloads, the optimal solution for a variety of deployment challenges can be quickly determined, both for current response demand as well as for special circumstances such as certain times of day, future projections, natural disasters and special events.

ADAM is expected to be rolled out to QAS’ Service Planning, Research, and Business Intelligence work units by October 2019.

Opposite

Emergency Medical Dispatcher Jane Lupton with LiveMUM.

Photo: Jo Hales

Adaptive Scheduling for NonEmergent Patient Transport (ASENT) ASENT is a custom-built application that will provide EMDs with an automated schedule calculation for each Patient Transport Service (PTS) Unit logged on in CAD. The application optimises PTS resource utilisation in a real-time environment and dynamically adjusts the schedule when delays or changes are identified.

ASENT creates the schedule by prioritising patient pickup and/or delivery based on specific target times. It schedules appropriately skilled staff and resources to relevant incidents and utilises historical and live traffic data to predict the length of time anticipated for jobs/runs to be executed whilst allowing for frequent changes to patient circumstances, response requirements and QAS crew/unit availability.

The bi-directional interface with CAD enables ASENT to pull the relevant

incident and unit information stored in CAD and to push dispatch information from the ASENT schedule directly to CAD. The application will enable EMDs to view the occupancy of each unit in a live environment and mark seats/stretchers temporarily unavailable to provide a more accurate view of overall occupancy and capacity. EMDs can also easily identify patients that will experience delays in advance and proactively notify patients or facilities of the approximate time of QAS arrival.

ASENT is expected to reduce the manual workflows for EMDs by supporting them in the PTS dispatch process and optimising the timeliness of patient transport.

ASENT is expected to be rolled out from late 2020.

The Dynamic Deployment software solutions aim to enhance QAS’s strategic resource planning capabilities and real-time decision support for resource deployment leading to improved service and better outcomes for our patients.

Spring 2019

Pete celebrates his many career milestones Peter Fiechtner has dedicated almost 50 years serving the Queensland community. It has been his passion, and through his journey, he has helped countless people in their time of need. He has experienced the highs and lows of the job that only paramedics truly know, and throughout it all, he has enjoyed every minute of it all. Ian Pyper reports on one of our longest serving paramedics in the service, since he first volunteered as an Honorary Driver Bearer in the QATB back in January 1973.

Within an hour of arriving at his first posting in Mitchell with the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade (QATB), a fresh-faced Peter was delivering his first baby on the side of the road. It was the early

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hours of January 10, 1974, and Peter, aged only 19, had just qualified as a Driver Bearer. This would be the first of many cases to come, resulting in a distinguished career spanning 47 years, that would ultimately see him receive an Australia Day Achievement Award in 2016, the Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) in 2017 and the 3rd clasp to the National Medal in 2019.

Delivering a baby on your first day on the job could be daunting for some, but Peter had already been volunteering at the local QATB Coolangatta Centre since February 1973. Back then, he had to log 1,000 hours as an Honorary Driver Bearer in the hope that one day he would be able to get a permanent position.

During this time, he was exposed to things that could only be imagined by other school aged teenagers, so by the time he was sent to Mitchell Station, he was already relatively

Left to right

Peter Fiechtner in 1975 when he was working for the QATB. Peter is currently the Senior Operation Supervisor of eTimesheet Program Assurance.

Photo: Ian Pyper

The 3rd clasp to the National Medal.

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Long standing paramedic’s achievements

experienced and well-versed in the humour that comes from working within emergency services.

Working in rural and remote communities came with a toll however. He saw his fair share of tragedies, made all the more personal from living in the towns he served. Some left their mark more than others with Peter able to recall the names of many patients he attended, some he knew personally, that were a stark reminder of how fragile life can be.

Despite the tragedies, there was hope and humour.

Working throughout a large area of Queensland, Peter has delivered so many babies he’s unsure if it is 21 or 22, and a couple of those were delivered where the mothers didn’t know they were pregnant! He was the first officer in the world to successfully defibrillate a patient who went into cardiac arrest, using a Physio Control Lifepac 300, a defibrillator that had only just been introduced into the QAS. What’s more, the lady regained consciousness and survived. He also recalls his first use of Magill’s Forceps to successfully clear a completely blocked airway from an elderly patient in a nursing home.

From the towns of Mitchell, Roma and then Gatton where he spent almost

fifteen years, Peter finally transferred to Caboolture in 1989, and took up a role as a Training Officer, where he remained until 1991, helping train and educate the next generation of ambulance officers. When the QATB finally transformed into the QAS in July 1991, he decided to move back on road to Chermside Station.

It was there that he spent the rest of his on-road time before transitioning into the role of eTimesheet System Support Officer in 2007.

Peter has seen some enormous changes in his time, from the transition of the QATB to the QAS, the introduction of university-based education, the implementation of new skills and equipment only dreamed about in his early years,

to being professionally recognised through registration with AHPRA. He has embraced all of these changes.

Changes that have been positive moves forward for the QAS and the ability for paramedics to provide world class patient care. This is something he has always been passionate about and is why he joined the QATB all those years ago. He has always enjoyed assisting others in need and when asked if he had any advice for younger paramedics out there, he said to treat every patient with dignity and respect, or as if they were your significant other.

Currently the Senior Operation Supervisor of eTimesheet Program Assurance, Peter is responsible for ensuring all paramedics are paid correctly. A very worthy role indeed! Peter has enjoyed every day of working in the Ambulance, where he has been able to treat and bring relief to his patients. He now looks forward to his remaining years, being part of the team that will release a new contemporary Time and Attendance application into the service, so paramedics continue to be paid without errors. This is where he intends to see out his career after completing a half century of servicing the Queensland community.

Above

Commissioner Russell Bowles and Peter Fiechtner.

Background

Russell presented Peter with the 3rd clasp to the National Medal at Kedron’s Emergency Services Complex and congratulated the revered officer on his outstanding dedication to his patients, colleagues and the QAS.

Photos: Jo Hales

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A Focus on Mental Health-related Research Projects Research in the field of paramedicine has been traditionally predominated with clinical and procedural innovations—but an increasing number of the service’s projects now have a mental health focus. Mental health related calls represent a significant proportion of ambulance workload. Consequently, QAS has invested in strong partnerships across a range of projects to investigate the most effective ways to support this vulnerable cohort. alcohol and drug use is an emergent issue that represents a driver of ambulance demand. Currently, there is a scarcity of information detailing the experiences of these individuals and patient satisfaction.

Beyond the Emergency: A national study of ambulance responses to men’s mental health In collaboration with Beyond Blue, Turning Point and Movember Foundation, the QAS is a partner in the Beyond the Emergency project, which recently released the Beyond the Emergency: a national study of ambulance responses to men’s mental health report.

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www.beyondblue.org.au/docs/defaultsource/default-document-library/beyondthe-emergency-report.pdf “The research sought to uncover: the extent and characteristics of men experiencing mental health crises; paramedics’ understanding and attitudes toward their treatment; and whether contact with emergency services and definitive care effectively links men to ongoing support,” said QAS ISRE Director Dr Emma Bosley.

“In terms of the patient perspective, the study found men often had poor mental health literacy and were hesitant to seek professional help due to stigma and feelings of weakness in doing so. When they did, it was usually during a highly volatile mental health crisis, involving either a suicide or self-harm attempt.

A recent journal article that was published out of this study examined the experiences of men who had received care from an ambulance service for a mental health related presentation: “I was worried if I don’t have a broken leg they might not take it seriously”: Experiences of men accessing ambulance services for mental health and/or alcohol and other drug problems (Ferguson et al. 2019) Male presentations to ambulance services for mental health or issues relating to

Published in the Journal of Health Expectations (Ferguson et al. 2019), this study aimed to understand men’s experiences of using ambulance services with a view to identify positive aspects of care and highlight areas for further improvement. This study utilised a qualitative methodology to undertake semi-structed interviews with 30 males that were attended by ambulance services in Queensland and throughout Australia.

Three main and interconnected themes were found in the participant’s experiences of care, these being professionalism and compassion, communication and handover. These themes contributed to positive or negative experiences, depending on how they emerged in the participants accounts.

Professionalism and compassion referred to the participants’ perceived competence of paramedics and the care provided, often referencing displays or compassion, or conversely a lack of compassion. The second theme, communication, referred to how participants were spoken to (or not spoken to), the language used and the types of comments that were directed towards participants. The third theme, handover, included predicant’s experiences of being transferred to emergency department staff, in which communication was also influential.

The authors concluded that their findings reiterate the calls for broad investment to improve the quality of care provided to individuals presenting with mental health or alcohol and drug issues.

Ferguson, N, Savic, M, McCann, TV, et al.

“I was worried if I don’t have a broken leg they might not take it seriously”: Experiences of men accessing ambulance services for mental health and/or alcohol and other drug problems. Health Expect. 2019; 22: 565– 574. https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.1288

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Partners in Prevention (PIP): Understanding and Enhancing First Responses to Suicidal Crisis This collaborative research initiative is aimed to help Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers better respond to individuals experiencing a suicidal crisis.

The project, funded by the Queensland Health Suicide Prevention Taskforce, is a partnership with QPS, Queensland Health (QH) and Associate Professor Ed Heffernan, Queensland Forensic Mental Health Service (QFMHS) Director; and involves multiple stakeholders from government and community organisations.

ISRE Director, Dr Emma Bosley PhD, said the venture, spanning two years, would be of benefit to patients and operational personnel alike. The benefits of developing close collaborations with colleagues in QH mental health services and QPS, and importantly with lived experience representatives, are already evident in new service initiatives that are being implemented within QAS and its partners. This particular project is nearing completion, and the full findings report will be released in coming months, but the impacts of this work will be enduring.

“On the whole, pre-hospital research into suicide related call-outs is in its early stages. However, the findings made by the PIP project team have already identified opportunities to address knowledge gaps and inform system enhancements, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration,” Dr Bosley said.

“The powerful feedback received in the lived experience workshops, as outlined by CCP Tash Adams on the opposite page, is of particular value to our service in terms of providing case-specific support.

ISRE report: Mental Health-related Research Projects

CPR-induced consciousness in cardiac arrest: a growing phenomenon

Attending a patient workshop sharing ‘lived experiences’ with mental health crisis – A personal reflection from Metro South Critical Care Paramedic Tash Adams We know the ‘engine room’ of being a good paramedic lays between our ears. It’s a simple and grounding axiom – but one that can be easily forgotten from case to case.

I was reminded of its importance when I heard a patient say, ‘the medical kit you should bring to a mental health case should contain warmth, strength, compassion and empathy’.

She was sharing the story of her suicide attempt and reflections on the emergent care provided to her at a ‘lived experience’ workshop, with stakeholders from police, ambulance and community organisations.

I didn’t attend this lady’s case, but there’s been countless others just like hers where I have been responsible – and entrusted – with managing the care of some of our most vulnerable patients, who were in the grips of a mental health crisis.

Her insights were invaluable and really brought home some hard truths for me and other operational personnel in the room.

And what she said was reinforced by other patients, and the bereaved family members of those who had completed suicide.

Collectively, their concerns included first responders not listening, speaking without empathy, or failing to ask simple questions like, ‘what’s helped you before? – what hasn’t?’, not engaging in a private manner and perhaps most devastatingly, inadvertently hearing paramedics and police make seemingly flippant remarks.

Listening to these types of accounts was both uncomfortable and shocking. And while it may sound trite, it was an undeniable privilege.

My heart went out to them as they very generously gave their time to share their experiences; and I immediately began to reflect on how we, as a service, can do better.

While no first responder sets out to upset or undermine the needs of these patients or their loved ones, clear shortfalls were apparent in the way we have approached the care of some of those sharing their stories.

Encouragingly, there were also many positive examples of effective and helpful interactions also shared, with the common theme centred around first responders taking the time to express empathy, understanding and empowerment.

The group reported this approach helped anchor their feelings of helplessness—knowing a professional with the authority and agency to help them would do so, ensuring their safety until they could receive definitive care.

Whether reporting a positive or negative experience with first responders, all patients said the first point of contact in their crisis situation stayed with them; and for better or worse, had a lifechanging impact.

We must keep this at the forefront of our minds when we are called to assist these patients.

Respect is a basic tenet owed to all of our patients, but especially so for those who may already feel stigma or shame due to the effects of mental illness. When they seek help, or it is sought for them, compassion and kindness are two virtual yet vital ‘treatments’ we must dispense.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation-induced consciousness (CPRIC) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) refers to a phenomenon in which patients regain consciousness during CPR. The exact mechanism of CPRIC remains unknown. However, it has been hypothesised that when performed optimally, CPR could generate sufficient cerebral perfusion for the patient to regain consciousness while CPR is being performed.1 CPRIC has recently been observed with increasing frequency in the pre-hospital setting (and in-hospital setting alike).

CPRIC provides challenges to paramedics, potentially impeding successful resuscitative efforts. The QAS Clinical Practice Guidelines emphasise that the goal of treatment is to manage the patient’s awareness and/or pain to facilitate CPR, defibrillation and other resuscitation interventions to occur safely, effectively and humanely.2 Paramedics who encounter cases of CPRIC that are interfering with resuscitative efforts are advised to contact the QAS Clinical Consultation and Advice Line to discuss treatment options.2 Given the shortage of knowledge regarding CPRIC, the QAS with Luke Adams (CCP), is undertaking research to investigate the incidence of this unique presentation, factors determining its manifestation, and the characteristics and outcomes of these patients. This information will be valuable to inform guideline development for the most effective management of these patients.

The QAS has recently updated the eARF to allow specific capture of CPRIC cases.

To support this research, paramedics are requested to fill in the relevant section of the eARF for patients showing signs suggestive of CPRIC. Signs of CPRIC are: Spontaneous eye rolling Increased jaw tone Body movement Combativeness Speech

References 1

T obin JM and Mihm FG. A hemodynamic profile for consciousness during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Anesth Analg 2009; 109: 1598-9.

2

Q ueensland Ambulance Service. Clinical practice guidelines: resuscitation/special circumstances. 2019.

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#EKKA

The 2019 Ekka was a resounding success for the Queensland Ambulance Service with bumper crowds pouring into the display in the Queensland Government precinct.

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The 1970 Ford Fairlane and Mercedes G Wagon vehicles immediately grabbed the attention of Ekka-goers as they entered the precinct, along with the bright colours of the Bicycle Response Team uniform and bicycle.

Families relished the opportunity to explore the vehicles, particularly the G Wagon, which has been making its way around the state as part of an evaluation to provide a safer and more robust response to patients located in difficult areas of the state.

The inclusion of the G Wagon in the QAS display embodied this year’s theme of ‘Year of Outback Tourism’, which is designed to highlight the best of the Queensland outback.

The G Wagon saw plenty of foot traffic as eager visitors explored the vehicle and discovered its capabilities.

The heritage Fairlane ambulance provided a trip down memory lane for many who remembered the iconic colour of ambulances of yesteryear.

The CPR game was a popular aspect, with people of all ages including young children having a go. Nearly 8,000 people stopped by and learnt the life-saving skill of hands only CPR. The CPR Challenge was hotly contested and always a crowd favourite with many Ekka visitors gathering to watch paramedics, firefighters, police and corrections staff test their skills.

Congratulations went to the QAS team, once again taking first place!

Spring 2019

High Acuity Response Unit Report

CASE

A 43-year-old was ejected from his motorcycle.

He was initially attended by both Advanced Care and Critical Care paramedics on scene. The HARU paramedic met the crew en route to the trauma centre, approximately 30 minutes by road.

The patient presented as follows: •

GCS 15, pupils equal and reactive to light

• Airway intact, tachypnoea (28/min), grossly reduced air entry on the right with an obvious clinical flail segment and paradoxical chest expansion, SpO2 96% • Shocked, SBP 70 mmHg, HR 80/min with significant peripheral circulatory failure • Extensive bruising and abrasions across the flanks and pelvic areas The initial treatment included supplemental oxygen, cervical immobilization, intravenous access, and 50mcg fentanyl.

The HARU paramedic reassessed the patient, who by now had further deteriorated with an increasing oxygen requirement and marked worsening of his respiratory distress. A focused ultrasound revealed a large right haemothorax, which was consistent with the clinical findings.

AUDIT findings 1. Careful clinical examination should always occur – LOOK, FEEL and only then listen. The diagnosis should well and truly be sorted well before the stethoscope is used!

2. In this case, the differentiation of the likely cause of shock was required – hypovolemic versus obstructive causes.

3. Should a needle thoracotomy have been done?

Answer – No. There were no clinical signs of a tension pneumothorax. Not all reduced air entry and hypoxia is due to a tension pneumothorax. The clinician must carefully assess the patient.

A decision was made to electively ventilate the patient.

The assessment was that the haemodynamic compromise was more in keeping with blood loss rather than a tension pneumothorax. However, a tension haemothorax was a potential complication. It was not felt the patient would have tolerated an intercostal catheter insertion under local anaesthetic, therefore a rapid sequence intubation (RSI), followed by surgical thoracostomy was planned. A blood transfusion was immediately commenced.

Point of care testing did not indicate the patient was coagulopathic at that point.

The RSI was conducted without incident, using significantly reduced induction doses given the impaired perfusion.

The thoracostomy performed immediately post RSI released a significant amount of blood. Following these procedures, the patient’s vital signs and clinical status improved. Imaging at hospital confirmed he suffered extensive chest injuries, including a markedly displaced 8th rib causing a lung laceration.

CXR: demonstrates a moderate right sided haemothorax, pulmonary contusion and markedly displaced 8th rib fracture. The patient is intubated and an intercostal catheter has been inserted by hospital staff through the prehospital thoracostomy.

QAS Medical Director Dr Stephen Rashford 4. Awake intercostal catheter insertion is very poorly tolerated in the haemodynamically compromised patient, especially when hypoxia is also present.

The use of sedation in this scenario will inevitably see an urgent requirement for rescue RSI. 5. This was a very high-risk RSI. It required considerable risk assessment and planning, including the pre-RSI optimisation with blood product transfusion.

6. This case demonstrated the requirement for excellent crew resource management between ACPs, CCPs and HARU on a quite complicated patient. Ultimately this contributed to excellent care.

Spring 2019

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Priority One Sense of Coherence – Gaining a sense of it all Stress happens daily. We see it in the world around us, in our workplaces, in our lives and perhaps in ourselves writes Acting Staff Counsellor and ACP Jodie Brown.

Some stressors may encourage us and motivate us. Some may make us feel like we want to run in the other direction. Or, some may just leave us feeling stuck and trying to comprehend what to do next.

Above

Priority One Acting Staff Counsellor and ACP Jodie Brown.

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To understand our stressors and our reactions, understanding and acknowledging our ways of coping is also important. Looking at our coping habits and strategies is a really important aspect of learning how to keep ourselves well. This is a salutogenic approach to health and wellbeing, with the focus being on the origins of what keeps people well, rather than looking at the pathology of disease. A core concept of salutogenisis is looking at the way in which people cope in their daily lives when experiencing their daily stressors. This idea of understanding an individual’s coping capacity was explored and defined by a sociologist and academic, Aaron Antonovsky, who subsequently labelled it ‘sense of coherence’.

This sense of coherence was formed by our previous lived experiences, worldviews and personal values, which often change throughout our lifetime. Another way to understand this concept, is if you imagine a box. The box represents our sense of coherence, thus also representing our lived experiences, worldviews and personal values.

This box is the narrative and meaning we make about our lives, our ways of coping and the ways in which we deal and adapt to stress. Often when we have an experience it fits inside this box, and these are the experiences or beliefs we readily will accept.

But sometimes there may be experiences which exist outside this box, which is outside our sense of coherence. Sense of coherence consists of three elements: comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness.

These elements form the basis of what is our individual coping responses and responsiveness to the adverse environments or experiences we may have.

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Comprehensibility acknowledges the belief that experiences in life will happen in a likely and orderly fashion, giving us a sense of understanding about life events and predictability about the future. Whilst, a lot of people may logically disagree with the statement that life is predictable and orderly, emotionally we as humans believe it to be true, to varied degrees. This belief was developed from the experiences and learnings we had at a very early age. When growing up, especially in our infancy and childhood stages, we learnt that depending on our behaviours and actions we could solicit a reaction from our caregivers.

For example, a cry could result in a comforting hug, or learning a new skill could result in praise. This taught us we could have some level of predictability of events in our lives, forming the basis of our comprehensibility.

Manageability also stems from the learnings we have gained through different lived experiences. This is the belief which informs you that you have the skills, supports, or resources within you needed to take care of things, and that things are within your control and manageable. Through each experience where you feel challenged or stressed, we intrinsically lean on the knowledge we have about how we coped during a previous similar experience. If it is a new stressful experience, it may take a more deliberate approach to coping with the situation. But with time, and using other supports, more often than not, we find we can cope through most situations. This reiterates the importance of having multiple ways of coping or coping strategies. Our brains are constantly working hard, writing new neural pathways, staying alert and keeping us alive. So naturally our brains are going to create default pathways to reduce the load and effort it needs to perform. Default pathways are created when a behaviour, action, belief or association is repeated multiple times, creating a stronger and more readily accessible neural

Priority One

The last aspect of our sense of coherence is Meaningfulness. This is the belief that things in life are a source of satisfaction and are interesting, along with knowing that many things are important, worth doing and there is a reason to care. Meaningfulness speaks to our personal values as individuals and as humans. We choose roles, occupations and friends, which bring us satisfaction and a sense of purpose. Most of the important choices in our life are decided by our individual values, and previous life experiences. If we lose or don’t have a sense of purpose in the work we do, we lose the satisfaction in that role.

That is often the reason people select into the emergency service work, their experiences in life have shaped their values to want to perform in these specific helping roles. There is a satisfaction and meaningfulness performing in an occupation which heavily aligns with your personal worldly values. However, when we have experiences which are in conflict with our values, this can often be the moments which leave us feeling lost and unsure where to turn. These might be those cases where we have been left feeling rattled and doubting, sometimes unsure of the reason behind having this response. This sense of meaningfulness may help to explain why our sense of coping and reactions can be varied and diverse depending on the person and situation.

So why talk to a detailed construct which is essentially an expansive way of looking at our ways of coping? Perhaps it can help to shed some light or insight on those experiences or operational cases which just don’t seem to fit in our box of understanding and are incoherent to us. When we have experiences, which may only mildly challenge us or stress us, our sense of coherence, our ways of coping, can adapt to accept these experiences. These are the experiences which sit just outside the box of understanding. These may be experiences like, performing certain tasks under pressure, completing assessments or some personal

stressors. But there are times where our sense of coherence is really challenged, and the stressor is miles outside the box of understanding. These are the experiences where we hear ourselves saying “I just can’t believe it”, or “it just doesn’t make sense”, or “how could someone do that?”. For each person, the experiences which challenge us will be different. It may be the “big job” or it may be doing your 15th cardiac arrest case, and there is something about this one which just catches you. Often, we don’t know what it is until we have that feeling of disbelief or confusion.

Our first reaction to this may be to be avoidant of the stressor or using coping strategies which may not be helpful. This might feel like it is working initially, however, over time we find that being avoidant can increase our anxieties around having that experience again. But what we really need to do is reflect and understand what it is about that job or experience which is making it sit well outside the box, making it incoherent. This process of reflection and understanding isn’t always easy and may actually be a bit of a struggle. Sometimes this process can be done alone, but sometimes we need to talk to someone to “hear ourselves think” but to also help us make sense of it all.

But this intentional and purposeful rumination or thinking is how we grow our sense of coherence, expanding the box of understanding to welcome and integrate the stressor. It helps to build new neural connections, beliefs and associations around the experience, which in turn helps to build our coping capacity and resilience. Sometimes a new narrative may emerge from the experience, and a new sense of meaning may arise. This is what we also know as Post Traumatic Growth.

Where do I find help?

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

So, take the time to reflect upon and learn about your coping capacity and ways of dealing with stressors and in doing so, allow yourself to find meaning and acknowledgment in your own personal worth, experiences and values.

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Photo: Unsplash / Denys Nevozhai

connection. This can happen in a positive or negative way. If we have developed only one way of coping with stressors, we may find overtime as the stressors increase, this way of coping is no longer sufficient, leaving us feeling out of control, bringing a sense of not managing the situation. Having various ways of coping, increases a person’s sense of manageability, therefore increasing their sense of coherence.

Rural remote paramedic’s life-saving procedure In April this year, Central West LASN Advanced Care Paramedic Trudi Hanslo performed her first decision supported Fibrinolysis. Trudi writes about her experience for INSIGHT readers.

On the 27th of April 2019 at 8:18am my partner Ryan Parrish and I were dispatched to a 51-year-old male with chest pain, approximately 60 km out of town heading towards Winton.

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We both jumped into the modular 4WD, thinking we might be going off-road onto someone’s property.

On route, the Operations Centre rang to provide an update. They said the patient was going to be driven into town by his wife and that we needed to look out for a red ute with hazard lights on.

At approximately the 40-kilometre mark we came across the ute.

I jumped out of the 4WD and went straight to the patient to assess him. He was sitting in the front seat and was difficult to assess.

He was pale, slightly diaphoretic and had a 5/10 pain score.

He weighed approximately 140kg and was a type 2 diabetic with no cardiac history.

The ambulance was parked directly behind the ute, so I proceeded to get him straight into the ambulance for a full assessment.

The patient said that the pain commenced when he was lifting some boxes out of his ute.

He described the pain as heavy in nature. His pain at the time was 7/10 score and he was very sweaty.

He was lucky to have his mother-in-law at home with him.

She was the one who told him he needed to get to hospital immediately.

I got the basics completely quickly. After a quick look at a 4-lead ECG, I knew immediately that we would be calling the consult line for a decision supported Fibrinolysis request.

Ryan looked over the ECG and agreed.

I did a 12-lead which confirmed our suspicions.

Even though the Corpuls did not identify a STEMI, our interpretation of the ECG was clear. We used our clinical judgment. The 12-lead showed ST elevation in leads 2, 3 and aVF, with depression in the reciprocal leads.

With this information, Ryan was straight onto the consult line, whilst I was checking my iPad to go over the Fibrinolysis steps.

I had completed the training 12 months ago and I had never done the procedure before, so I was slightly nervous.

With approval given by the consult line it was full steam ahead. So, after the basic cares, Aspirin and Fentanyl,

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our patient signed the consent form and then we pushed the thrombolytics.

A few days later, the hospital SMO came to the station along with our CSO for a debrief.

Pushing the tenecteplase was a little frightening. I was watching the monitor like a hawk. During the procedure, I kept reassuring the patient he was going to be okay. I knew it was important to keep him calm.

The SMO said the hospital was happy with the QAS treatment and discussed the importance of early notification to the hospital and RSQ.

By this stage, we had asked the Operations Centre to get us some back up for transportation.

Back up came in the form of local police officers who drove for us and provided a police escort as the ambulance travelled towards Longreach Hospital lights and sirens.

On route to the hospital, the patient’s pain subsided to a 2/10 pain score with the ECG throwing some ectopic beats.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient stated that he felt so much better. I think I started to breathe by this stage!

The whole procedure took a good 45 minutes from the time we arrived at the patient’s side to transporting him to Longreach Hospital.

The patient was at hospital for approximately one hour undergoing further assessment, then we picked him up and took him out to the airport so the Life Flight jet could fly him to Brisbane.

There was also an in-depth anatomy and pathophysiology lesson on the heart and going forward, a discussion on how we could do things better next time.

For me, this case highlighted the importance of staying calm and reassuring the patient.

What also intrigued me was the considerable time needed to go through the check lists, the consent form, and get all the drugs drawn up.

I can honestly say that doing a job like this was as satisfying as delivering a baby!

It was such a positive outcome for the patient. It really makes a difference having these advanced cardiac drugs and makes me proud to be part of an organisation delivering high quality care no matter where you are in Queensland.

Above

ACPs Trudi Hanslo and Ryan Parrish.

Local Area Assessment and Referral Unit report

Do all fractures need Emergency Departments?

LARU officer David Krygger reports on an interesting case which popped up on his MDT on a Wednesday morning around 11am. The case was a Code 2C and involved a 40-year-old female complaining of persistent pain to her left elbow after falling off her couch the previous day.

These cases are rarely as simple as they appear, and I was interested to explore the details and take the opportunity to examine the patient who was complaining of the painful injury.

On arrival, the patient met me at the door holding her left arm in a makeshift sling. She told me that at 9am the previous morning she had fallen off her couch (whilst trying to jump over her dog) and landed heavily on her left elbow, immediately suffering pain. The injury was isolated with nil head-strike or other painful areas. She had been taking paracetamol overnight to avoid going to the ED, she hadn’t slept well, and she had become more worried this morning.

On examination: • The patient was c/o pain to her left elbow, with some radiation proximally up her humerus and distally towards her wrist • Tenderness was present on palpation of the radial head and she was unable to supinate and pronate her hand (increasing suspicion of a # radius as this bone travels the furthest distance during this simple movement) • The elbow appeared mildly swollen but was in-line and not obviously deformed • The patient had reduced movement from the elbow and some mild discomfort when abducting her arm from the shoulder • Neurovascular observations to her hand and fingers were normal and she reported 5/10 pain but was able to find a position of relative comfort • No other tenderness or pain was noted on examination of all the major bones and structures of her arm, including her shoulder and clavicle.

History and VSS: The patient was a healthy 40-year-old female, with no current medications or allergies.

She had a past history of IV substance abuse (heroin), and she had been on the suboxone program, however, she was no

longer on this program and had been abstinent for two years.

Her recent health had been good and social life normal with no major changes. The patient was unemployed and lived in a low socio-economic area and did not have any transport options available to her. VSS was unremarkable.

Initial thoughts: This patient was likely suffering from a radial head fracture, as there was no major deformity, she had good neurovascular observations, the injury was greater than one day old and her pain was not severe enough to warrant opioid analgesia at this stage. Furthermore, risk factors such as osteoporosis and menopause were not present and the injury occurred mechanically removing suspicion of the injury distracting from a medical issue. Due to these factors, I felt it would not require a reduction or immediate surgery, but urgent medical imaging was certainly indicated to gather further information and would help guide the acute care process moving forward.

Treatment: A broad arm sling was applied, and she had taken paracetamol 2/24 which provided sufficient pain relief and kept her comfortable without the need for stronger analgesia, providing she did not move her arm too much.

Plan: I contacted the patient’s General Practitioner via telephone and explained my provisional diagnosis of a radial head fracture. The GP agreed.

We discussed me transporting the patient to his clinic after an x-ray. A referral was sent immediately to a local x-ray facility, which I drove the patient to, and within 15 minutes of arrival the x-rays had been done.

The x-ray confirmed a minor left non-displaced impacted radial head fracture. The GP was contacted again. He accessed the pictures on his computer while we spoke and he agreed that the injury was minor, no emergency care was needed and requested I bring the patient to his clinic for secondary review and ongoing management.

Above

ACP2 David Krygger.

Lessons:

1

2

3 Result: The GP placed the patient in a long-term broad arm sling, prescribed panadeine forte for her pain and referred her directly to the Orthopaedic Outpatients department at the local hospital for follow up and ongoing care/rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation is important for patients with a radial head fracture to ensure a good range of movement returns to the elbow. The patient was very happy that she did not require an ED admission and was thrilled to have the same care that she would have received at the hospital delivered locally and quicker.

4

5

This case demonstrated the benefits of a thorough examination and good relationships with local primary health care providers This same outcome would likely not have been possible if the 000 call was made afterhours or if the LARU paramedic did not have a professional trusting relationship with the GP Some larger GP superclinics have medical imaging available in their centres. Consider using these resources for patients with nondisplaced traumatic injuries, who you believe may not require emergency care Sticking around for the results of the x-ray and formal diagnosis is wise because if a more complicated or unforeseen injury becomes present, you can continue transporting to an ED Most medical imaging centres are open from 0800-1700 on weekdays

Spring 2019

37

THANK YOU :)

38

To the Queensland Ambulance Service.

Can I just take this opportunity to thank Everyone has different levels of success. For me, success you for the incredible job you do. My name can never be achieved unless you have the desire to Just want to say a big thank you to the ladies is Steve and I’m a current serving police initiate it. The amazing work and commitment from staff (Corinne Wilkes, Kate Olive and Candice officer from Victoria. I’m on holiday with that continuously results in appreciation letters we My receive husband and I would likeBoileau) to thank that came to my housemy this family morning and staying in Port Douglas.

Commissioner’s thanks from members of the public, makes me constantly aware paramof edics Ian (MacQueen),(July Sam19) for my little girl and theEarlier dispatchtoday, guy (22 June) we had to utilise my pleasure to we once again what It’s accomplishments have made as an organisation.

(Colledge) and CCP Jamie (Rhod services of the QAS; for our two-yeares) for (Jamaine Prieditis) who helped the me stay very report an increase in the number of everything they did for me on Monda oldI really daughter Harper, who was having appreciations received byinflux the QAS. y night calm. They do an amazing job and This month has seen an of thank you letters, with From 1 January to 31 August 2019, difficulty breathing. Can I just take this (8 July).

It was a very frighten ing time for appreciated them being so fantastic.

304 received year to date and 609 letters and thereletters have been 485this appreciations opportunity to highlight how appreciative me and my husban d Walter , but they were emails of thanks sent staff received which is ato24 permembers. cent we are. From the moment we spoke Kristie, Morningside wonderful. Thank you. increase when compared with the to dispatch over the phone, to when same I cannot thank you period enoughlast foryear. all your hard work.

Lyn, Arana Hills paramedics (Ian Day, Pamela Price and WithBowles the significant Matthew Varney) arrived. The service we Russell ASM demand for service being experienced for some received, was phenomenal. The prompt QASnow, Commissioner time it’s very much appreciated arrival that you are continuing to make I want to send a quick thank you to the and professionalism displayed was so reassuring. Can I also take this positive impressions on the grateful paramedics (Chantal Greaney and Melissa opportunity to highlight the incredible patients, patients’ relatives, friends Dajic) who assessed my son andservice took him we received from Ian, who or associates you are attending.

Hi, I just want to say how amazing QAS to hospital on Wednesday nighttransported (July 12). It I would like to take the time to express our thanks our daughter to hospital. paramedics are.

I will say straight up I Russell Bowles asm My wife was planning the first time I have ever had to call theRhiannon and I cannot thank him to various QASCommissioner officers for their attendance QAS work for QAS - I am a workforce enough for officer in the Darling Downs LASN. I often ambulance and I was quite nervous in doing so how diligent, calm, caring and and assistance at our unplanned home birth professional he was with our daughter. in case – worried I was overreacting and wasting the on 4/9/2017. I commend the Triple Zerojoke officerI wouldn’t call the ambulance (This also includes the medical staff I got someone I knew but unfortunately, paramedics time. The two ladies who attended (Julie Ricardo) for her efficiency and ability to at the Mossman Base Hospital). If you life does not go that way. I live in Ipswich our home were so calm and reassuring.

They reassure us that help was on the way and clear could please pass on our appreciation and over the last week I have had to call quickly assessed my son and took us to Lady instructions in the meantime. Tammy (Olsson) and acknowledge Ian’s fantastic work. the ambulance for my partner due to is an Cilento,left all the while distractingHe my son withasset to the QAS and we thank arrived on scene approximately 5 minutes post-operative issues. The incident him sincerely.

And thanks again for the me a bit shaken but the paramedics Wiggles videos and calming a nervous and following the birth of our son Woody and I would fantastic job everyone at the Queensland Megan (Brigginshaw), Alicia (Hughes) and panicked mum. Thank you for such excellent like to commend her professionalism, calm in Ambulances Serve does. student George were amazing. They were service and care!!! I don't believe this service the situation and ability to treat me as a fellow compassionate, professional, efficient and Regards, Steve, Rhiannon and of the recognition it deserves for all the work being rather than just a patient. She was caring, extremely reassuring. I really gets want to course Harper - Koroit, Victoria yourand paramedics compassionate and efficient. I appreciate Tammy pass on how amazing they were how do. arranging for our transfer through to Hervey theyBay are a great example of the quality of Amanda, Wellington Point paramedics in the QAS. I do know I have Hospital. I believe Arto (Hirsimaki) and another a bias but being on the receiving side officer (Andrew Rach) assisted with my transfer of ambulance care makes me extremely from Hunters Hut through to Hervey Bay and appreciative and proud of the officers in I found Arto to be very attentive to my needs our organisation. Thank you. at this time considering I was having much

Just want to give a shout out to the LARU officer

difficulty. I hope our message can reach the

who attended my home on Monday (August

individual officers involved. Thank you to QAS for

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

the important work you do I know we certainly

in the Ipswich area. He was prompt, caring,

needed the service on this day! Our little man

compassionate, empathetic, funny and the list

Trina, Leichardt

Woody is doing great settling in at home with his older sister Anna, feeding and sleeping well.

Darren and Kate, Lakeside

36 QAS Insight

SPRING 2017

QAS_Insight_Magazine_SPRING_2017_DRAFT3.indd 36

goes on. He had me reassured within minutes.

Hello, I would If my thanks be passed to his OIC that likecould to thank the officers and nt who helped wouldstude be appreciated. deliver my daughter into the world at Des, Bray Park on 19 June.

Silkstone (Paige Clifton, Murray Brookes and student Benji Porter) were all amazing. I can’t thank Paige enough for her patience. I am so glad she got me onto the stretcher in the ambulance or 11/10/17 8:43 pm I would have had my daughter on the floor. Lillyarna is doing amazing, smiling and all! Again, Left, clockwise I can’t thank these three special Paige Clifton holding the newborn. people enough and I can’t wait Precious bundle of joy. until the day I can tell my girl Kylie and baby Lillyarna with Paige how fast she came into the world Clifton, Benji Porter and Murray Brookes. and how cool - in the back of an ambulance...Amazing.

Above, clockwise Kylie, Bray Park Family photo with Steve, Harper’s sister Indiana and Harper.

Harper with the Teddy, Ian Day gave her on the day she was transported to hospital. The much-loved teddy is called Minty.

Spring 2019

Thank you

Hey guys! I’m a manager at Brothers Sports Club in Bundaberg. Saturday just gone, (15 June) just before 5pm, we called an ambulance for an elderly lady who was having trouble finding strength in her legs and standing. Two paramedics Jennifer (Clifford) and Neil (Fritz) attended to help the lady out. I just wanted to leave a compliment for both the officers. They were absolutely wonderful.

They kept the lady’s spirits high by having a good conversation with her. Jen was joking around with her about coming out to play the pokies and having a bet. And when they strapped her into the stretcher, Neil was making jokes that he didn’t like his girlfriends running away on him.

Both paramedics were wonderful to deal with. They helped the lady’s family out, were caring and kept everyone laughing and smiling in a sad situation. Could you please pass my compliments onto Jen and Neil. I can’t thank them enough for how they handled the situation.

Kay, Brother Sports Club, Bundaberg

Patient Poem “000’s the number you can call

Getting in touch

When you feel you’re starting to fall

Messages collated on these pages are derived from a range of QAS contact points, including:

If you feel like you’re gonna pass out Call 000 – give the Ambo’s a shout

via Facebook facebook.com/qldambulanceservice

Tireless and thankless is the job you see

by email QAS.Media@ambulance.qld.gov.au

But always there to help you and me Caring, compassionate, resilient and strong If you’re in need - they will come along

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

Frail, injured or fallen from a tree Car accident, snake bite or fallen debris Ambo’s come and provide some first aid Calm and collected, you will not feel afraid A sniffle, a cold or a sore throat Don’t call 000, don’t be a goat Leave the lines open for an emergency For those who need medical urgency.”

Hey, my family had the unfortunate circumstances of having to call Triple Zero (000) on 4 June for our son, Koda, who suffered a seizure that lasted over five minutes. I would like to send our thanks to the dispatcher (Nicole Goyne) and the paramedics (Jenny Chesters and Alexandra Sandner) and let them know that our son is fine. Many thanks.

Kara, Pimpama I would like to thank the team (Joanne Cuxson and Thom as Knight) who col lected my profoundly disab led daughter, liaised with and then got he r to QEII Hospital last night (28 May ). She was seen ver y quickly and attende d to by a nurse who really knew his stuff, got her out of pain and back home the same night. Great ser vice and ver y appreciative.

James, Mt Omm aney Shout out to the EMDs, responders and paramedics (Adrian Falconer, Jackson Kilsby, Tashi Wood-Ward, Courtney Guest, Christian Turner, Ian Macaulay) who answered our call and attended the scene at Coorparoo on Saturday afternoon (15 June) with my parents Gail and Jack!!

They were absolutely AMAZING. It takes a special kind of person to do those jobs and we are so thankful that you choose this field!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the work you do!!

Selina, Coorparoo

39

Poem by Wendy Phillps, Greater Brisbane.

I would like to thank everyone who came to our rescue on King Street and Cotton Tree Parade at Maroochydore on Sunday morning (9 June) when my mother fell heavily on the pedestrian crossing. It was so traumatic, but I was blown away by the instant help and community spirit, people came running to assist....from an ex-paramedic, to nurses, a doctor, an ED nurse, people who directed traffic, the lady who called Triple Zero (000) and followed up, to the local police and the amazing QAS paramedics (Kate Ofield) and (Craig Lewis)...to the staff at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital ...thank you all.

After an overnight stay, seven stitches to the head and a blown-up knee, she is back home with me resting.

Please pass on our thanks to Kate and Craig - they were absolutely brilliant. Thank you from all the family xx Lynne, Alexandra Headland

Above

Lynne’s mother being treated by QAS paramedics Kate Ofield and Craig Lewis.

Spring 2019

Queensland Ambulance Service

Classified Officer Development Program

CODP

Phase 3 - LEADER AS COACH

CODP the journey continues…

CODP3 Leader as Coach – making conversations great!

CODP3 was introduced in May this year and is a three-day residential program centred on understanding the role of leader as coach, and the ability to influence organisational culture through quality conversations and quality interactions using a coaching mindset. Building on previous programs, CODP3 continues as a further experiential learning program delivered in partnership with the expertise of QUT Creative Industries.

CODP3 aims to develop the construct of coaching as a philosophy, a mindset and a practical tool in action, which has multiple applications across QAS. It is a coaching program that assists participants to better understand their own approach to effective relationship building with people and teams, and develops an understanding of the concepts of life narratives, mindfulness, motivation, psychological influences and what motivates and drives people and teams.

40

Understanding these factors is essential to being effective as a coach and therefore as a leader. Success is largely dependent on the ability of the leader as a coach to provide an environment or process that helps people understand their drivers and how to link those drivers to achieving their goals.

Leadership from an Indigenous perspective The CODP3 session led by Billy Williams has a cultural focus on – understanding the power of connection, narrative and storytelling in a coaching context.

CODP3 will positively influence an organisational culture of quality conversations and interactions to create a safer, more productive organisation. Contemporary leadership theory underpins the program focusing to create a workforce that demonstrates:

The session is designed to provide the participants with a deeper understanding of why narrative, story, and respect for culture and people are crucial to a coaching mindset through the example of Indigenous culture.

1.

optimism and purpose led vision - patient care

2.

leadership that balances task and relationships

3.

leadership that builds individual potential through productive encounters

A further outcome objective of the session is to broadly challenge people about their assumptions and biases, along with providing general cultural awareness development in a way we may not have experienced before.

4.

leadership effectiveness

CODP3 really built on CODP 1 & 2, the effectiveness of the sessions that subtly introduced listening and learning about the others in the group was so well done. It slowly built over three days, reinforcing connectivity and listening to have better coaching conversations, not giving the answers but allowing others with their own experiences and values to come to their own conclusion or fix.

– CODP3 Participant

Above

Billy Williams connecting with his audience at a COPD3 session.

Spring 2019

The session is conducted outside, under the trees at Virginia as a way of experiencing the idea of ‘connection’ in a new and powerful way. The time with Billy links to many aspects of the program, none the least of which is to understand that all people have a narrative, all people have a story, and all people in the organisation have a connection to the organisation in some way. We can’t be effective as coaches if we don’t tap in to these aspects of people.

CODP3 will continue to be offered during 2020.

The cultural awareness session was powerful in terms of understanding more about indigenous culture but also in reflecting on how we can create or influence a culture through leadership.

– CODP3 Participant

Station anniversaries

Stations centenary celebrations

41 Charleville photos: Emily Mildred

Charleville Charleville Ambulance Station certainly knows how to throw a party, after all it is not that often you turn 100 years old. To kick start celebrations for their centenary, staff from Charleville Station opened the doors to members of the community.

The station open day allowed the public to experience vintage ambulances and medical equipment, try their hand at CPR awareness sessions and indulge in a good old sausage sizzle.

Longreach Longreach also recently celebrated 100 years of service to the local community. Celebrations in Longreach kicked off with the unveiling of a plaque outside the station followed by a magnificent sunset cruise on the Thomson River and dinner at Smithy’s.

To continue the celebrations, the finest suits and gowns were pulled out of the cupboard to celebrate the Emergency Services Triple Zero (000) Ball focusing on the Charleville Ambulance Service Centenary. The event was attended by more than 500 people, along with sponsors from the wider community and other emergency services.

Spring 2019

Happenings Brisbane Bicycle Response Team officers Andy and Russell had plenty to grin about when they rubbed shoulders with The Hornet Jeff Horn. The Australian professional boxer, who is an antibullying ambassador, was attending a youth empowerment event.

In November 2018, Joey was critically injured when he fell from a horse. He endured months of treatment and care in Townsville and Brisbane.

On Joey’s first day of his rehabilitation at Atherton Hospital he was reunited with EMDs Brina, Jaala, Ben and paramedics Adam, John and Terry – all of whom were involved in providing his life saving care and transport.

Townsville paramedics were on hand to assist at the Townsville 400 on the Townsville Street Circuit in July. However, the annual motor racing event for supercars turned out to be uneventful operationally.

42

NAIDOC week in July celebrated the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Paramedics around the state participated in a range of activities to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Cooktown paramedics set themselves an arm-burning challenge to complete 3,128 push-ups over a course of 21 days. The Push-Up Challenge raised awareness and funds for headspace, an organisation working to strengthen the mental health and well-being of young Australians.

Spring 2019

HAPPENINGS • Spring 2019

In 2010, when Sophie was just four-years-old, a call was made to Triple Zero (000) as the youngster had suffered a stroke. Almost ten years later Sophie and her parents reunited with Durack paramedics Dominic and Michael to say thank you and use the opportunity to raise paediatric stroke awareness.

Paramedics, regional office staff and Cairns and Smithfield LAC members undertook CPR awareness and provided handy first aid tips at the Cairns Show in July. Paramedic Takeshi was greeted by a familiar face at the show – former patient Isaac. The youngster, who had been treated for serious injuries, spotted Takeshi at the display and gave him a recovery update.

Great work to all the QAS staff around the state who participated in the Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s Emergency Services Blood Challenge 2019 from June and August, also responding to an O Negative blood type donor appeal. All up, QAS members made 259 donations during the challenge.

43

There was lots of thrills and spills when Rodeo Week came to Mt Isa in August. Our staff provided coverage for spectators at the events and even got to rub shoulders with retired rugby league star Johnathan Thurston.

Paramedic Hugo Evison has been granted a new Emergency Medicine Foundation (EMF) research grant. This is the first time EMF has awarded a grant to a project led by a QAS paramedic. Hugo’s research builds on a body of Qld research that has found 30% of patients in Emergency Departments have cannulas inserted unnecessarily. The study aims to describe the proportion of PIVCs placed that do not get used within 24 hours, differences between the pre-hospital setting and the ED and describe which factors are associated with clinicians’ decision making regarding PIVC insertion.

Spring 2019

Movers and Shakers

Farewells Notes Reflects activities during the period from 1 June to 31 August 2019.

44

Years of Service

NAME

Position Title

Division / Location

Ronald Allport

Paramedic

42

Tully

Martin Schot

Paramedic

40

Burnett Coast

Raoul Payne

Paramedic

39

Hervey Bay

Peter Wood

Director

37

SEQ Patient Transport Service

Richard Barnett

Paramedic

35

Gympie

Desmond Kurz

Community Education Instructor

32

QASEC

Anthony Damarell

Manager Resources Readiness

29

Spring Hill

Paul Foley

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

24

Townsville

Christopher Ropers

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

18

Maroochydore

Jamie Quinn

Principal Research Manager

16

Information Support, Research and Evaluation

John S Bennett

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

15

Maroochydore

Norman Honeysett

Patient Transport Officer

14

Hervey Bay

Robert B Gray

Officer in Charge

14

Rainbow Beach

Tamarind Przewlocki

Design and Multimedia Officer

14

QASEC

Jamie-Lee Healey

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

12

Southport

Marc Shearman

Paramedic

11

Rainbow Beach

Matthew Wright

Patient Transport Officer

10

Spring Hill

Cathy Ihm

First Responder

10

Dayboro

Lionel Law

Information and Communications Technology Officer

10

Cairns

Appointments Notes Appointments made during the period from 1 April to 19 August 2019.

Appointed date

NAME

Position Title

Ian Grimes

Operational Mobility System Support

1-Apr-19

Frontline Services Group

Joanna Baird

Operational Mobility System Support

1-Apr-19

Frontline Services Group

Thomas Hassall

Operational Mobility System Support

1-Apr-19

Frontline Services Group

Paul Burnett

Officer in Charge

22-Apr-19

Cape York TSNP

Nicholas Fisher

Operational Support Officer

22-Apr-19

Frontline Services Group

Tamanya Newton

Operational Support Officer

22-Apr-19

Frontline Services Group

Kathryn Fitzpatrick

Clinical Support Officer

22-Apr-19

Wide Bay LASN

Philip Glover

Officer in Charge

22-Apr-19

Darling Downs LASN

Paula Russell

Clinical Support Officer

17-May-19

North West LASN

Megan Matthews

Operational Support Officer

20-May-19

Frontline Services Group

Ross Marks

Executive Manager ICT Service Management

27-May-19

ICT Programs and Service Management

Leon Oliveri

Senior Operations Supervisor

30-May-19

Cairns and Hinterland LASN

Diana Seekers

Executive Manager LAC Vol Support

3-Jun-19

Executive Services LASN

Kent Grayson

Executive Director ICT

3-Jun-19

Office of the Deputy Commissioner

Alan Cunningham

Professional Development Officer

3-Jun-19

State OpCens

Rita Kelly

Manager Clinical Education

10-Jun-19

Cairns and Hinterland LASN

Dej Vipathkun

Design and Multimedia Officer

13-Jun-19

Education Development

Adrian Gielis

Senior Clinical Educator

4-Jul-19

Continuing Education

Scott Nash

Senior Clinical Educator

4-Jul-19

Continuing Education

Debbie Bowen

Manager Business Support

8-Jul-19

Central Queensland LASN

Michael Anderson

Exec Manager Industrial Relations

15-Jul-19

Industrial Relations

Timothy West

Officer in Charge

15-Jul-19

Cape York TSNP

Sarah Shaw

Operations Centre Supervisor

15-Jul-19

State OpCens

Rachel Chambers

Senior Planning Officer

29-Jul-19

ICT Governance Strategy and Performance

Matthew Burgess

Technical Coordinator

19-Aug-19

ICT Programs and Service Management

Leigh Anderson

Officer in Charge

19-Aug-19

Mackay LASN

Spring 2019

Location

Operation Nighthawk

Operation a resounding success Darling Downs paramedics supported scouts and Venturer scouts in a bush-walking event called Operation Nighthawk in August.

Left to right

Operation Nighthawk is a popular event on the scouting calendar.

Youngsters were keen to learn valuable life-saving skills at the event.

Participants completed activities such as mapping, scouting, CPR awareness and first aid.

Photos: Kent Jackson and Stephen Zsombok.

Photo: Adobe Stock / Dschwen

The popular event, one of the largest scouting youth activities in Queensland, apart from Jamborees, was supported by the Emergency Management Unit’s Tactical Medical Centre and Forward Command Post.

QAS staff provided plenty of safety tips and advice to eventgoers.

Spring 2019

iv

OUR

T C E RESP

F F A ST

qldambulanceservice www.ambulance.qld.gov.au Season YYYY

Violence in the workplace affects much more than just me.