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helipad | www.daat.org
The highs and lows - delivering critical emergency care in challenging times Many people have been impacted by Coronavirus, and this has been a particularly challenging time for our paramedics – their work is often physically, mentally and emotionally demanding but, during the pandemic, they have had to get used to delivering this exceptional care and medical treatment in a fast-evolving and uncertain environment. Two of our crew share their personal thoughts on what working through the pandemic has been like for them.
Jessica Thomas-Mourne
Lee Hilton
“ Despite Coronavirus lurking in the background for several months, I don’t think the severity of the pandemic truly struck until the point that both of our aircraft were grounded with immediate effect. Among the operational team there was significant uncertainty and anxiety as to how the comings days, weeks and months would proceed; we were concerned about the health and welfare of ourselves and our families, our friends and colleagues, and of course the patients that we treat. Numerous changes were implemented that meant our way of working was very different: the specialist and advanced paramedics were permanently crewed in pairs to minimise cross-infection which meant major rota changes for us. We began responding primarily on our critical care cars and, once modifications had been made to the aircraft such as the screen segregating the cockpit and the clinical space, we began loading and unloading patients through the rear of the helicopter rather than the side door, which is more challenging and time-consuming. Personal protective equipment was mandated which added physical stress due to the extreme heat when wearing it and meant that communication was more challenging. Some positives that have arisen during this time include us growing closer to our colleagues by working in smaller teams, recognition of the benefits of having our critical care cars available so that we can always reach the patients that need us as quickly as possible by road if needed, and the ability to attend our regular clinical governance sessions remotely – where we meet to discuss individual cases in more depth - so that both the ‘live’ operational teams based at our Exeter and Eaglescott airbases can dial in every month while on shift. ”
“ It is hard to believe that any organisation, team, or indeed individual will emerge the other side of this pandemic having not been affected by it in some way. This is certainly true of the organisation I work for, my colleagues, and indeed me personally. y definition of working as part of a Critical Care team, professionals are adept at rigorous preparation, planning, simulation training and detailed reflection. This ensures precision when dealing with often significant, lifethreatening critical conditions. One of the most challenging aspects of working through the Coronavirus pandemic is the impact it has had on this. Since the virus hit our shores, we have been faced with the challenges of rapid adaptation, uncomfortable uncertainty and a lack of, or conflicting, evidence which impacts on our decision-making and our ability to plan ahead. Despite these challenges, the team have adapted well and adopted rostering changes and responding by car in place of the helicopter as alluded to by Jess. We have secured a supply of personal protective equipment and introduced changes to make our working environment as safe as possible. I feel that any time of crisis highlights an individual’s personal challenges, their own level of resilience and their need for robust emotional and psychological support. Without doubt, I am truly proud of the team within which I operate. My colleagues have been outstanding during this di cult time and Coronavirus has shown the true compassion, care and determination offered by my professional colleagues. e have long regarded ourselves as a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service family. The strong connection we have developed within the team has allowed us to continue to deliver exceptional care to our patients despite the challenges. ”
Trainee Specialist Paramedic Critical Care
Advanced Paramedic Critical Care
