QAS Insight Magazine - Winter 2020 edition by QAS Insight Magazine

END OF LIFE REPORT • OUTBACK CALLING • AIRPORT EXERCISE • HAPPENINGS

Winter 2020

Also inside Innovative Lifesaver

COVID-19 RESPONSE Mission to Mars

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ASM Recipients

Mine Response

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CONTENTS • Winter 2020

Features

Regulars Minister’s message

Commissioner’s message

News 3 Briefs 4 Innovation 10 OpCen Reports

ISRE Report

Priority One

LARU Report

Inside the LACs

Thank yous

HIGH DISTINCTION

ACP’S SPACE MISSION

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

MCCDTOPIC INTRODUCTION TITLE

MINE EXPLOSION

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

00 10

COVID-19 RESPONSE

BEV THE BRAVE

DUAL OUTBACK ROLE

BABY BIRTH REUNION

Happenings 42 Movers and shakers

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. Winter 2020 edition contributors: Jo Hales, Michael Augustus, Andrew Kos, Jo Mitchell, Matt Stirling and Tracey Cater. Designed by: Paper & Desk

Front cover: This edition of Insight magazine details the QAS preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more on pages 20 – 27. Photo: Jo Hales

Winter 2020

Minister

Commissioner

Queensland is in a great position in the COVID-19 pandemic response because of the hard work and dedication of Queenslanders just like you.

As we move forward in these challenging times, it is pleasing to see that our concerted efforts in Queensland to help stop the spread of COVID-19 have been paying off.

I have touched on this in the Autumn edition but would like to mention it again. I am immensely proud of our EMDs, PTOs and paramedics who have been at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. Queensland is a safer place because of the great work you do.

However, we must not become complacent, with the recent COVID-19 outbreaks in other states proving just how quickly the situation can change once this virus starts to spread.

Recently I had the pleasure to visit Cairns to welcome some of our 60 additional paramedics as part of the government’s fast-tracked response to COVID-19. This is an investment of $6 million and is part of our Government’s overall $1.2 billion COVID-19 Health Response. Six paramedics were deployed across Cairns and surrounding areas to support the communities of the Far North. Along with additional paramedics, our State Operations Centres have had a further 15 EMDs join the ranks. We will make sure that you are well-resourced and funded and will continue to invest in technology to support the great work that you do. An additional $1 million will be invested in the state-of-theart Mechanical Chest Compression Device, with 21 in the initial rollout increasing to 40 over this financial year. This is about giving you the tools you need and providing the community with the best possible care.

New ambulance stations are on track to be open in the communities of Yarrabilba and Munruben later this year, providing much needed resources in these growing communities. Thanks for working hard to look after Queenslanders. Stay safe,

Steven Miles Deputy Premier Minister for Health and Ambulance Services

Winter 2020

It is important that we continue to remain vigilant at work and in our daily life when it comes to hygiene and physical distancing practices, so that we can continue to remain on top of this pandemic and help prevent future cases. Once again, I would like to thank all staff for their hard work and enthusiasm during these extremely challenging times. A special mention must go to our dedicated team in the State Incident Management Room (SIMR) who have been diligently coordinating our ongoing response effort and keeping staff abreast of all the latest updates and intelligence relating to the pandemic. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to our staff around the state who have been assisting with the pandemic response, including our 15 new EMDs and 60 graduate paramedics whose inductions were fast-tracked. Finally, I want to thank staff for having their influenza vaccination this season. The influenza vaccination is essential, but this year there was an urgency for staff to be immunised due to the added risk of COVID-19 and the introduction of the Federal Government legislation, that as of 1 May 2020, any health professional who enters a Residential Aged Care Facility must have received a seasonal influenza vaccination. Well done on your prompt and professional response!

Russell Bowles ASM QAS Commissioner

NEWS • Winter 2020

New safety glasses Safety glasses act as a physical protective barrier between your eyes and the objects and substances that can cause you harm. Ordinary eyewear, in the form of prescription glasses and contact lenses, is not designed specifically to meet the safety standards needed to adequately protect you against injury. Currently, many staff wear safety glasses over spectacles with their prescription lenses. QAS has introduced an alternative option, Bolle IRI-S Dioptre, which allow staff who normally use glasses for reading/close up work to wear safety glasses with in‑built correction for their reading/close work. Features: • available in clear and smoke lens • provides five reading area dioptre versions from +1.0 to +3.0 • ultra-lightweight frame • B-Flex nose bridge which is fully adjustable in height, depth and width • tilt adjustable temple arms for a customised and secure fit.

These are available to staff through their OIC via the QAS PPE catalogue.

LARU graduate certificate The LARU program’s Graduate Certificate in Enhanced Assessment and Critical Reasoning (Queensland Ambulance Service) launched in July. The Graduate Certificate course is being offered to paramedics currently working in the LARU environment, providing those officers with an opportunity to upgrade their qualifications to the Graduate Certificate level, recognising their previous skills and experience. It will also be offered as a pilot program to those paramedics who wish to augment their current knowledge and skills; or diversify into a LARU position as a future career choice; or those officers working in rural and remote communities where these skills will be of benefit. This is the first time a vocational education program such as this has been developed in Australia. The LARU program was initiated after the QAS identified that it was responding to an increasing number of patients who presented with conditions which were complex, but non-critical. In response, QAS developed an alternative service delivery model for this patient cohort, which is known as the Local area Assessment and Referral Unit, or LARU. The pilot LARU model kicked off in Metro North in August 2014. Since that time, the successful pilot has been expanded across the state, and it is now located in 17 locations in the Metro North, Metro South, Gold Coast, West Moreton, Cairns, Townsville, Sunshine Coast, Darling Downs and Mackay LASNs. The QAS has 68 permanent LARU paramedics appointed across the state and they have responded to almost 270,000 incidents since the program commenced in August 2014, providing treatment at home, or transporting or referring the patient into the broader health networks of Queensland. As the LARU model expanded, QAS has reviewed the knowledge and skills required to ensure they were meeting the needs of this patient cohort, providing LARU paramedics with increased treatment and assessment skills. In 2019, QAS revised the LARU education program which has been accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority at the postgraduate certificate level.

Winter 2020

Briefs Multi-agency training exercise

In May, the QAS took part in a multi-agency training exercise at the Brisbane Airport’s new runway which simulated a ‘crash’ scenario to test the emergency services response. Undertaken with our QPS and QFES counterparts and airport stakeholders, this was the first time a training exercise had been held since the COVID-19 restrictions. These scenarios provide a valuable learning experience, ensuring a consistent level of knowledge, understanding and collaboration exists between all emergency response agencies and airport stakeholders in the rare event a crisis occurs. Consisting of a paramedic crew, the Emergency Support Unit and a supervisor, the team went through their triage procedures and prepared to receive a large volume of ‘casualties’.

QAS farewells trailblazer One of the leading experts in the field of trauma care, highly‑respected Associate Professor Cliff Pollard was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for his unwavering dedication to the QAS over many years following his resignation from the Medical Advisory Committee in May. Commissioner Russell Bowles said the world class standard of prehospital care provided to trauma patients by the QAS, was largely due to Associate Professor Pollard’s collaborative support, education and mentorship over the last 25 years. Associate Professor Pollard’s patient supervision, instruction and encouragement made him a vital member of the QAS education teams, particularly in recent years with the High Acuity Response Unit Critical Care Paramedics. Numerous paramedics are indebted

Winter 2020

to his instruction and wisdom and have benefited from his many decades of surgical experience. Associate Professor Pollard’s overriding advice at surgical sessions, ‘Don’t create a second lethal injury’, will remain engrained within the QAS’s trauma teachings. The QAS will miss Associate Professor Pollard’s willingness to share knowledge and his calm disposition and humble personality, all of which ensured paramedics quickly gained confidence under his instruction. Associate Professor Pollard received an Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2015 for his significant service to medicine in the field of trauma care and through contributions to health policy and reform in Queensland. He is the former Chair of Queensland’s Statewide Trauma Network. He was also the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Director of Trauma and the Director of the Queensland Trauma Registry at the Centre of National Research in Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Queensland.

BRIEFS • Winter 2020

Passing of Danny Murphy

It was with great sadness and deep regret that the QAS learned of the passing of Officer Daniel (Danny) Murphy on 24 April 2020 following a short illness. Danny was the Executive Manager Operations, Emergency Management Unit within State Local Ambulance Service Network Headquarters and was well known by many within the QAS and emergency services organisations. Danny, who was well respected by his peers, commenced as an Ambulance Officer at Mount Gravatt Ambulance Station on 30 April 1990. Danny worked in various roles throughout his long-standing career, including paramedic, Intensive Care Paramedic, Regional Education Officer, Clinical Support Officer, Officer-in-Charge, Regional Operations Supervisor, Area Director and recently as the Acting Director, Emergency Management. ■ Danny Murphy in the centre (top photo) and second from the right (bottom photo).

Danny will be sorely missed!

ASM ceremonies There was no wiping the smile from the faces of three of our finest QAS officers when they were presented with Ambulance Service Medals (ASMs) at Government House. Mackay Executive Manager Operations Tracey Eastwick, Gympie Officer-in-Charge Wayne Sachs and Gold Coast Senior Operations Supervisor Cary Strong, who were announced as ASM recipients in the Australia Day 2020 Honours List, received their ASMs from the Governor of Queensland, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey, at separate ceremonies in June and July due to COVID-19 restrictions. The officers were elated to receive the prestigious ASM which recognises distinguished service by the women and men of Australia’s ambulance organisations.

Left to right

■ Tracey Eastwick, Wayne Sachs and Cary Strong. Photos: Supplied by Government House (for Tracey Eastwick and Wayne Sachs)

Winter 2020

Selfless couple recognised for unwavering service and commitment Well-respected Honorary Ambulance Officers Lyn and Ian Richter have been going above and beyond to assist people in their time of need for more than 30 years. Insight editor Jo Hales reports on this selfless Rathdowney couple who were both announced as Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) recipients in The Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List on 8 June. Despite the unwavering volunteer work they have been providing to their community and the QAS over the last three decades, Lyn, 70, and Ian, 71, were humbled and ‘surprised’ to be announced as ASM recipients. “We were blown away when we found out, we definitely weren’t expecting it,” Lyn said. “We just love being able to give back to our community and what we get back from our roles is personal satisfaction.” The couple’s association with the ambulance service stems back to 1988 when they lobbied for bicentennial funding to establish a community centre at Rathdowney to base a doctor and an ambulance.

6 Above

■ The Peter Chettle Memorial Casualty Centre is where the QAS 4WD is stored and where Lyn holds CPR awareness sessions and first aid classes. Background

■ The Richters enjoy views to the iconic Mount Barney from the back of their property. Opposite

■ Lyn and Ian have been assisting their community and the QAS for more than three decades. Lyn said helping the community ‘is the reason we do what we do’.

“A local teacher named Peter Chettle started the fundraiser, but he was sadly killed in a tragic accident, so we wanted to continue in his honour,’’ Lyn said. “When the community room, now known as the Peter Chettle Memorial Casualty Centre, was established, people needed to be trained as Honorary Ambulance Officers and that’s when Ian and I put up our hands and joined the service. “We really just fell into it, but we love what we do.”

Photos: Jo Hales

The prestigious ASM recognises distinguished and outstanding service by the men and women of Australia’s ambulance organisations. It is acknowledgement of their outstanding service to the community and as role models within the QAS.

Winter 2020

At the time, the busy couple was running their service station mechanical repair business and bringing up two young children. However, their fundraising efforts were far from over as the ambulance did not fit into the garage at the community centre. They applied for a separate grant to build a shed out the back and the garage was converted into a training room. A fully equipped QAS 4WD ambulance is now housed in the shed, while the centre has been upgraded recently with QAS assistance and input to comply with new procedures and potential future community needs. Since becoming Honorary Ambulance Officers with the former Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade in 1988, Lyn and Ian have been volunteer first responders, which has resulted in them providing assistance and care to patients at medical incidents and jobs such as road and farming accidents and mountain falls until paramedics can attend or medical assistance can be provided. In addition, Ian is a member of the Beaudesert Local Ambulance Committee (LAC), joining the committee on 8 February 1999. Meanwhile, Lyn regularly provides

ASM recipients

cardiopulmonary resuscitation awareness (CPRA) sessions and first aid classes to the local community. Lyn said as they live in a rural area, they can be kept very busy responding to incidents. Just recently she responded to four jobs in one night. “We are 30 minutes under lights and sirens from the nearest medical assistance. We are also a big rural community with an ageing population, so we do attend many jobs including residents with breathing difficulties and chest pain,’’ Lyn said. Ian, who has a long history with the Auxiliary fire service, has spent decades undertaking both his QAS and fire roles. He served in the fire service for 37 years. For 32 of those years, he was the captain of the Auxiliary branch. Ian was also a member of the Rural Fire Brigade for six years, four of which he served as first officer. Amazingly, Lyn, who has amassed a wealth of skills and knowledge from assessing and treating patients over the years, said when she was a young mum, she could not stand the sight of blood. “Our son, Malcolm was really accident prone as a kid. There was one occasion when he had a fall and needed to be stitched up. Well, I was a mess, despite him being fine, but that’s when my mum said, ‘right Lyn you have to learn to deal with this’,” Lyn said. “I started learning first aid and haven’t looked back.” Lyn said she has lost count of the number of jobs they have attended over the years, but one thing is for sure, there are many which have left lasting impressions. “One of the incidents which had an impact on me was a serious crash involving a male motorcyclist in his early 20s,” Lyn said. “The young man had come off his motorbike and gone under a fence. He needed to be airlifted out. “He was not in a good way and when the flight doctor examined him, he told the man there was a strong chance he was going to be a paraplegic because of the way he fell off the motorbike.

“I just wanted to cry because despite having life-threatening injuries and the distinct possibility of not being able to walk again, all he was worried about was how his injuries would affect his mother.” In addition, living in a rural town means when they are attending serious jobs, especially where death is involved, they often know the patient. Ian said one night there were three jobs they attended involving people who died from natural causes – the couple knew all three patients. “This is the hard part of community work. We know the people, we live and interact in the community with them,’’ Ian said. “While we have attended some very confronting jobs over the years, we deal with them through community support and Priority One.” Thankfully, Lyn said there are plenty of rewarding jobs that make up for the tough ones such as a ‘dear little boy’ who had a compound arm fracture. “He was so brave, and he just said, ‘can you please give me a Mickey Mouse band aid?’,” she said. “I was amazed...it was just the mere fact that he trusted me to give him a band aid.” And while Ian and Lyn have spent most of their lives dedicated to helping people, especially in their darkest hours, the couple has not been immune to their own grief, with daughter Kirstyn sadly losing her brave battle with breast cancer at the end of 2017. Kirstyn hung in for five years, despite doctors initially giving the then 35-year-old less than 12 months to live when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012.

The couple said Kirstyn’s memory is kept alive by 21-year-old Cooper, who is now a mechanical engineer in the navy. “Cooper is a great, sensible young man who has many of Kirstyn’s qualities,’’ Lyn said. “He wanted to give up the navy to care for his mum, but she wouldn’t let him. She would be so proud of his accomplishments.” Lyn said the outpouring of community support following Kirstyn’s death, helped them when they were experiencing their own devastating loss. “The community support we received was overwhelming. People could not do enough for us,’’ Lyn said. “The amount of food, flowers and cards we received was amazing. People just wanted to give us a hug and let us know they were thinking about us. It was very heart‑warming.” Likewise, the community was also quick to respond when Lyn and Ian were announced as ASM recipients in June, with many congratulating the couple on social media and adding how deserving they were of the honours. Meanwhile, one Rathdowney local summed up the sentiment of those who have been assisted by the couple over the years posting ‘whether it be for an accident, sickness or dressing a wound, one or both are there. All of Rathdowney hold their breath when Lyn and Ian go tripping’. With comments such as this, it is easy to see why this remarkable husband and wife, who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2021, have been announced as ASM recipients.

“Kirstyn’s dream was to see her son Cooper graduate from the Royal Australian Naval College in Jervis Bay. She managed to do that and passed away shortly afterwards. She was only 40 when she died,’’ Lyn said.

“All the young man could say to me was ‘how is mum going to take this?’

Winter 2020

Steve’s out of this world mission to Mars Pause for a brief glance at this page and you might assume you are looking at stills from the set of The Martian. Rather than a desolate Matt Damon planting leftover potato, however, Matthew Stirling turns the telescope on Burleigh Heads paramedic Steve Whitfield during his own mission to Mars late last year. No stranger to working in extraordinary environments, a chance meeting during an expedition high in the Himalayas with an American physician rocketed Steve to an opportunity out of this world. The physician was involved in space medicine and this encounter led to Steve being recommended as a medical officer on a simulated Mars exploration, funded by the Mars Society and the Musk Foundation.

A lengthy application process later and Steve was over the moon to receive confirmation he was joining a team of six scientific researchers on Expedition 215 to the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah, United States of America. This once-in-a-lifetime journey began with specialist training in Colorado in November 2019, before the team was deployed for 16 Sols (see info box on opposite page) into the extreme conditions of ‘Mars’.

“The training concentrated on remote and adaptive/improvised medicine,” Steve said. “How to do cool things with no tools mostly.” Isolated from the outside world for the duration of the simulation, the six crew members were housed in a habitat, or ‘Hab’ – a two-storey tin can less than eight metres in diameter. Any venture outside of the Hab, known as an Extra Habitat Activity (EHA), required a full space suit and strict protocols to simulate the low atmosphere of Mars. The key responsibilities of the medical officer involved monitoring the crew’s vital signs 24/7 through wearable technology and observing Rapid Eye Movement cycles and fatigue. Every few days alarms would ring through the Hab signalling a medical emergency scenario, putting Steve’s training and problem-solving ability to the test as he stabilised an array of injuries with backup mere ‘millions’ of kilometres away. Roles were shared across the crew members and Steve often found himself assisting with scientific research. The team’s major project during the simulation was extracting

water-bound minerals from rocks and distilling them into water to turn into hospital-grade sodium chloride. “It was super weird for me, pulling H2O molecules out of rocks to create water and then medical-grade solution,” Steve said. “It was a really good experience, I felt quite scientific.” Steve’s research project may have failed to launch without a KJ McPherson Education and Research Foundation grant in 2018 and the Gold Coast officer is astronomically grateful for the various support he’s received to accomplish his mission. “Without the KJM grant I would have had to sell a load of chocolate and I’m not a good salesman,” he said. “I don’t think many people consider that a paramedic can get involved in these types of things. I certainly didn’t until I stood there.” With an invitation to participate in another simulation in 2021, will Steve eventually be the first paramedic to step foot on Mars? Watch this space.

Background

■ The simulated exploration was funded by the Mars Society and the Musk Foundation. Opposite background

■ View from inside the HAB: The simulated mission, Expedition 215, was undertaken at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah. Opposite, clockwise from top

■ Wherever mankind goes, medicine must follow. ■ The crew heads out into the ‘Martian’ landscape during an Extra Habitat Activity. ■ Steve Whitfield.

Winter 2020

ACP’s Mars mission

A ‘Sol’ is a solar day on Mars and is approximately 24 hours, 39 minutes and 35 seconds long. A Martian year is almost twice as long as Earth’s, consisting of approximately 668 Sols.

Sol 4. I make my way to breakfast where everything is dehydrated or bombed with preservatives and calories. Breakfast today is reconstituted egg and cheese. Yum. I am not on the EHA schedule for the day, so I am assigned to assist the crew members prepare. The space suits are bulky to work in and even harder to do simple tasks, so it is essential that crew assist each other don them. After donning the space suits and checkin g the life support systems, the crew members move through the airlock until it depressurises before exiting the second door to ‘Mars’. They will be gone on a two-hour cycle of oxygen which gives me plenty of time to get my tasks done. After lunch an all-stations alert is sounded. An enginee r outside of the airlock has received a large electrical shock from a battery bank near the solar array and is currently unresp onsive. An emergency EHA team is already donning space suits to retrieve him. Inside I prepare the makeshift clinic on the ground floor with my clinical assistant Jen, the crew architect. Once inside he is hypoxic and has sustained a significa nt burn to his left arm. I send an incident report back to Earth, howeve r, due to the elliptical orbit of Mars, the distance can be anywhe re from 56 million to 400 million kilometres. This means my signal can take between four to 24 minutes to be received. For them to respond will take just as long. This means we both need to pre-em pt the patient trends before we send anything. Following a 48-hour exchange of messages, the patient deteriorated to the point where I received instructions to perform an emergency escharo tomy… Pass the scalpel please!

Sol 12. I am next to Commander Andrew loadin g surface gypsum into the rover during an EHA to an area of operation known as White Moon when Larissa calls on the radio for assistance. Although Mars has 1/3 of Earth’s gravity, she has stumbled in the space suit and fallen. Tools in her belt have inadvertently pierced her suit and impaled her left leg. Andrew quickly retrieves a large roll of duct tape and we work to seal her suit; this will prevent hypoxia, however, we are approximat ely two kilometres from the Hab. We also have no way of know ing how bad the bleed is until we are back inside the airlock, so our first objective is getting Larissa back to safety. We seal her suit as best we can and then use an improvised drag to get her to the rover. During the return trip we attempt to conta ct the Hab via radio, however, this is unsuccessful due to the terrain. To complicate things, the warning light on the rover has also illuminated indicating a mechanical issue. Thankfully , the trusty rover, named Curiosity, makes it back. We spend five minutes in the airlock re-pre ssurising and once we are through the crew inside have alrea dy prepared the clinic downstairs. I still must extricate myself from my space suit so other crew members take over patient care. Bleeding is controlled, the wound is dressed, and she is prescribed antibiotics to stave off any potential infect ion whilst recovering. Talk about paramedicine at extremes!

Winter 2020

New life-saving technology bridging links in Chain of Survival The Innovation Report showcases ground‑breaking prehospital care being delivered by the QAS. This report introduces the new state-of-the-art Corpuls Mechanical Chest Compression Device (MCCD) which can improve survivability for an important group of cardiac arrest patients. Statewide Reperfusion Coordinator Brett Rogers reports. Right

■ The mechanical chest compression device can improve survivability for an important group of cardiac arrest patients. Photos: Jo Hales and Matt Stirling

Over the past 20 years, the valued efforts of QAS paramedics in treating patients for out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have been compiled to form a detailed and comprehensive collection. The gathered information provides important insights into patient outcomes and survival trends, showcasing the quality of prehospital care provided by QAS clinicians. OHCA survival rates reported by the QAS already compare very favourably with other national and international ambulance services.1,2 The management provided to cardiac arrest patients has evolved considerably over the past two decades, resulting in increased survival rates. However, there is still scope for improvement and we are committed to continuously evaluating the management provided to identify opportunities to further improve the care and outcomes for our patients. All links in the “Chain of Survival” – early access, early CPR, early defibrillation, early advanced life support, and early post resuscitation care – remain fundamental to survival. Central to our current practice is the delivery of high-performance CPR, early defibrillation, high quality compressions, minimisation of interruptions and the reduction of hands-off chest time. QAS paramedics have focussed on high performance CPR through “CPR Masterclass” workshops, and it is vital that these concepts remain a cornerstone of our care. However, there are circumstances that present significant challenges to the delivery of quality manual chest compressions. So, with

Winter 2020

increased availability of portable mechanical chest compression devices, the QAS has identified an opportunity to enhance the care we provide for a subset of potentially salvageable OHCA patients who present early with an identified reversible cause of cardiac arrest. MCCDs can provide uninterrupted high-quality chest compressions in situations where it is unlikely that chest compressions could otherwise be provided manually (e.g. during patient relocation or during transport to specialist definitive care). The use of MCCDs in combination with access to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and emergency Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) will, for certain patients, increase salvageability within an integrated, high performance health care system such as in Queensland. The QAS is preparing initial installation of 21 state-of-the-art Corpuls MCCDs, purpose built for the prehospital environment and selected following a rigorous evaluation process. The devices will firstly be rolled out in South East Queensland on selected Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) units that are in the catchment

Innovation

areas of the tertiary hospitals able to provide this extended care. Subsequently, an additional 19 devices will be deployed to support areas with access to primary PCI but not ECMO. Consideration for a wider deployment will depend upon the performance of the MCCDs and an evaluation of our outcomes. Currently, the literature does not support the widespread use of MCCDs. Within the QAS, they will only be used to provide a bridge for sophisticated in hospital care, where that is available. A pilot training program has been developed in collaboration with Device Technologies Australia. From July 2020, CCP operators will undertake a one-day face-to-face workshop to gain authorisation to use the devices in the field. Importantly, relevant on-line educational material will also be made available to ensure all QAS personnel are familiar with the device. Additionally, the introduction of innovative adjuncts such as MCCDs must be viewed as prompt for all staff to refresh and revisit all components of care delivered during resuscitation.

The referral of patients on a MCCD to specialist definitive care offers a potential survival benefit, with positive neurological outcomes, for appropriately selected patients when combined with a comprehensive definitive care plan.3 The introduction of innovative interventions such as MCCDs is yet another example of how our health care system can work collaboratively to give patients the best likelihood of survival. These devices will facilitate continuity of care from the scene, throughout transport and in to hospital; supporting ongoing improvements to the management and survival from OHCA in Queensland. References 1. Queensland Ambulance Service. Out of hospital cardiac arrest in Queensland 2018 annual report. 2. Queensland Ambulance Service. Survival trends out of hospital cardiac arrest in Queensland 2000-2016.

Clockwise from top left

■ The MCCDs will initially be carried by Critical Care Paramedics. ■ MCCDs can provide uninterrupted high-quality chest compressions from the scene and during transport into specialist definitive care. ■ Statewide Reperfusion Coordinator Brett Rogers and Kate Scriven with the new MCCD. ■ The Corpuls CPR will initially be rolled out where major public hospitals are evolving their emergency department care for patients suffering cardiac arrest. Photos: Jo Hales and Matt Stirling

3. Bartos J, et al. Surviving refractory out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest: Critical care and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management. Resuscitation. 2018; 132: 47-55.

Winter 2020

Mine explosion’s coordinated response A workplace explosion at an underground mine at Moranbah in the Mackay LASN on 6 May left five men with significant injuries. Jo Hales reports on the comprehensive multi-agency response to help save the lives of the patients, four of whom had critical injuries. Moranbah OIC Jodie Nicholas said when ACPs Luke Allen and Kristen Scougall responded to the incident in separate ambulances, they were initially unaware of how many patients were involved.

suffering from the most critical injuries still being brought to the surface. Luke re-triaged when the fifth patient arrived to ensure the most critical patients were transported in the correct priority order.

“The call was for an explosion with a query regarding the number of patients,” Jodie said.

“Kristen loaded the two most critically injured patients, as well as the patient who was walking, and she and the mine site nurse hopped into the back of the ambulance which was driven to hospital by a mine site emergency driver.”

“When they arrived on scene, Luke and Kristen were informed four patients with burns were being brought up from underground by the mine site’s rescue team. At the surface the mine site nurse and paramedic were waiting at the mine’s medical centre, which is where Luke and Kristen were directed to. “While they were waiting for the patients to arrive, Luke, who had a single-stretcher ambulance and Kristen, who, had a two-stretcher ambulance, positioned the vehicles so that they would be ready for a quick turn-around. The officers set up a triage area. The stretchers were removed from the vehicles along with fluids, burns kits and other patient care supplies ready for the arrival of the patients.” Jodie said when Luke and Kristen first saw the patients, they were confronted with the severity of the incident.

“Three of the patients were critically injured with significant burns to their faces and airways, upper body, arms and upper legs. The fourth man, who was walking and had less severe burns and no airway involvement, was taken for irrigation in a shower cubicle while the others were treated and rapidly loaded into the ambulances. “It was important to get the critically injured miners to Moranbah Hospital for ventilation while they were waiting to be airlifted to Brisbane Airport to be transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for specialist treatment.” Jodie said Luke had commenced the transport triaging process when he was informed there was a fifth patient believed to be

Winter 2020

Luke loaded the third most critically injured patient into his vehicle. “The mine site’s paramedic was also required to transport a patient in their ambulance in convoy with Luke and to pull over immediately if there was any deterioration in the patient’s condition on the way to hospital,’’ Jodie said. On arrival at the hospital, Jodie said four of the patients required immediate intubation and ventilation, but the small country town’s medical facility only had one ventilator. “Nursing staff and QAS officers subsequently had to hand ventilate three of the patients,’’ she said. At the hospital, the medical staff and QAS officers were assisted by ACP Ethan March, who travelled from Clermont and ACP Ryan Storey, who was the Acting OIC of Moranbah at the time. Ryan had been on days off at the time of the incident. Jodie, who was in Mackay when the incident happened, made her way to Moranbah Hospital to provide peer support to her team. She arrived at the hospital as the last three patients were about to be transported to the airport. Retrieval Services Queensland (RSQ) coordinated the aeromedical response for the incident with the assistance of QAS, CQ Rescue Helicopter, LifeFlight (LF) and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

Mine response

RSQ Medical Director Dr Brett Hoggard said the CQ Rescue Helicopter with Critical Care Flight Paramedic Ian Buck Barrett and a LifeFlight Medical Officer was the first of six aeromedical teams to arrive. “The flight crew provided support for the staff and QAS officers at Moranbah Hospital and in particular, the preparation and triage for allocation of patients to the fixed wing retrieval teams as they arrived,’’ Dr Hoggard said. “The remaining aeromedical response comprised two RFDS fixed wings, each with a RFDS Flight Nurse and a LifeFlight Medical Officer on board, as well as three LifeFlight Aeromedical jets (LFA jets), each with a Flight Nurse and a Medical Officer. “Clinical challenges for the management of the burns patients during transfer were principally related to temperature and fluid management.” Dr Hoggard said the mine explosion response demonstrated the benefit of an integrated and collaborative system. “The QAS and all members of the Moranbah Hospital team plus the community should be congratulated for the way they responded to this incident. It was quite remarkable,” he said. “The early notification from QAS was absolutely critical to the response. Ongoing communication between QAS and RSQ continued to be maintained throughout. Mackay Hospital and Health Service was also proactive in the response and communication of their response.” Jodie also praised the efforts of everybody who was involved in the response effort. “Everyone did an amazing job, especially considering the limited resources. We even had our local QPS officers assisting. It was a great community and multi-agency response,’’ she said. “I am really proud of our paramedics who did an absolutely amazing job of getting the patients from the scene to the hospital and then to the airport for the aeromedical transport. “They provided a professional response and maintained great communication at all times with Comms, the hospital and RSQ.”

Jodie said a clinical debriefing was held the day after the mine explosion. Priority One’s Mackay LASN regional counsellor Serah Steemson also drove to Moranbah a few weeks later to check on the welfare of the staff. Following the incident, the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Dr Anthony Lynham and Mackay LASN Chief Superintendent James Cunington visited Moranbah to praise the QAS paramedics for their efforts. The Governer of Queensland, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey also rang Jodie to thank the paramedics for their role in the incident. Outline of the RSQ response:

• The following aeromedical response was activated following the initial call

• Immediate response, anticipated Brisbane (Burns) disposition

• CQ Rescue Helicopter with a LifeFlight Medical Officer and QAS Critical Care Flight Paramedic. (First to arrive and tasked to provide on-site support. However, they subsequently transferred a patient to Mackay who was not involved in the mine incident).

• Two RFDS fixed wings – each had a RFDS Flight Nurse and a LifeFlight Medical Officer on board

• Three LifeFlight jets – each had a LifeFlight Nurse and Medical Officer

Above

■ ACPs Kristen Scougall and Luke Allen were thanked for their efforts in responding to the mine site incident by the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Dr Anthony Lynham. Background

■ QAS paramedics in Brisbane assisted in the response, transporting the injured miners to the RBWH following the arrival of the aeromedical jets.

• RBWH Specialist Burns Consultant and ICU

Consultant were notified of the event for awareness and determination of ICU bed capacity

• Mackay Hospital Emergency Operations Centre and ICU liaison regarding potential reception of patients

• Townsville University Hospital ICU bed capacity sought • Confirmation that the RBWH Burns unit and ICU can take all patients

• Telehealth established immediately with Moranbah Hospital • RSQ Mass Casualty Incident response stood up • Dedicated Nurse Coordinator and Medical Coordinator allocated to coordinate response

• Ongoing communication with Moranbah Hospital Photo: Josh Woning/ Courier Mail. The mine response photos on the cover page and the contents page of Insight magazine are also courtesy of Josh/ Woning/Courier Mail.

maintained via telehealth/dedicated Video Conference (VC)

• All patients reviewed and ongoing advice via VC with

RSQ, treating team at Moranbah Hospital, RBWH ICU and Burns specialist concurrently

• Patients triaged for transport priority • Handover and Situation Reports from retrieval teams with VC.

Winter 2020

Operations Centre Reports

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

Southport

Southport EMD Chis Howitt demonstrated the importance of regular practise of Pre-Arrival Instructions (PAIs) for Childbirth when he assisted a woman in the delivery of her second baby. Due to a medical condition, the mother was extremely concerned about the safety of her imminent arrival. With the phone on speaker, Chris transitioned from second party to first party caller and back again. Always calm, Chris skilfully navigated through the PAIs providing clear instruction and reassurance. With bub seemingly undecided about an entrance into the world, and with only the head presenting after three contractions, Chris had mum reposition and helped her to successfully deliver a healthy baby boy, his first in his 11-year EMD career!

Southport

Our state-of-the-art telephony system helps a Southport EMD successfully delivery the baby of a fellow Townsville EMD. It’s been a big 12 months for Townsville EMD Hollea Whiting. Last year she was at the 2019 Navigator Conference in New Zealand representing the QAS at the IAED Dispatcher of the Year Awards. This year, under the expert instruction of Southport EMD Angela McCormick, delivering the latest addition to her family. Angela was at her usual best when she picked up the call for her northern colleague, successfully assisting Hollea to deliver a little boy. Congratulations to both Hollea and Angela on a job very well done.

Call Lesson

Whilst EMDs may assist in the delivery of a baby from time to time, from a statistical perspective, they are not a common occurrence. Regular practice of PAIs, whether they be, childbirth, CPR, choking or the new tourniquet instructions is essential. Whether it is by scenario-based examples, studying the Protocols or International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Continuing Dispatch Education (CDE), practising PAIs will ensure you are ready should you get the call!

With the Genesys telephony system now statewide, our Operations Centres have greatly increased call-taking capabilities. One of the great benefits of Genesys is its call routing functionality. As this call demonstrates, Triple Zero (000) calls can be rapidly routed to an available EMD anywhere in the state. With this technology comes the importance of correct application of address geo-verification techniques. As local knowledge may not be available to EMDs on each call, it is therefore very important that EMDs verify the address at the start of the call and confirm the address at the end of the call including the closest intersection or landmark where appropriate.

Lisa Ng

Kahlia Barker

Call Lesson

Angela McCormick

Southport

Rockhampton

It’s raining babies in Southport! Genesys also played a part in rapidly distributing a call when Southport EMD Lisa Ng assisted a woman and her partner, located on the Sunshine Coast, in the delivery of another baby.

Rockhampton EMD Kahlia Barker showed her versatility when she disconnected from a routine scheduled transport request to take a Triple Zero (000) call for an eight-month-old girl with a complete obstruction to her airway.

Like Chris, this was Lisa’s first solo childbirth PAIs delivery. CDS Craig Warner, listening from a distance, reported that Lisa remained calm and professional throughout the call. Lisa demonstrated compassion yet provided firm directions when required. The baby was delivered with the assistance from Lisa. Once the baby was born, it became clear there was a problem. The baby was born blue with no initial signs of life. Lisa calmly and assertively continued to give PAIs. To the collective relief of CDS Warner and the rest of the OpCen, the baby girl soon cried out her first breaths. CDS Warner commented “Lisa did an amazing job!”

Recognising the urgency of the situation at just over one minute into the call, Kahlia commenced PAIs. The crew arrived on scene and continued CPR. The crew obtained ROSC and the baby was later flown to Brisbane for further treatment. As soon as the crew arrived on scene, Kahlia immediately called back the routine caller to finish their request. During a debrief, a CCP commended Kahlia on her part in the response to care for the patient.

Call Lesson Lisa’s ability to take control in this situation made all the difference. Though there is obvious relief in her voice when she first hears the baby cry, her ability to refocus the caller’s attention, through the calming techniques where she used the caller’s name, utilised repetitive persistence and gave reasons for the actions required, along with compassion, was evident. Her utilisation of an assertive tone where required demonstrates how vital effective communication is to successful outcomes.

Winter 2020

Call Lesson Kahlia’s ability to react rapidly to this situation demonstrates the importance of being prepared. Kahlia went from being in the middle of taking a routine scheduled transport, to providing life-saving PAIs - all in just over one minute. Kahlia followed all processes correctly but with the sense of urgency required in these critical situations.

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Paramedic’s role in patient’s end of life journey Tom was at home with Jean, his wife of 50 years, and was in the final stages of his life after suffering metastatic carcinoma for many years reports QAS Clinical Director Tony Hucker. Tom was feeling quite unwell on this morning and was sitting in his favourite chair. He suffered a short seizure then lost consciousness and turned blue. Jean knew this was the end, but what was unfolding in front of her terrified her and she called Triple Zero (000).

A paramedic crew arrived on scene soon after. The crew, according to Jean, was wonderful and very professional. They gently lowered Tom to the floor and gathered a focussed history about Tom’s end of life plan. Jean said he did not want anything done and an Advance Health Directive (AHD) had just been completed. The original signed copy of the AHD was with her son who lived a couple of kilometres away. The paramedics gently explained that they were required to sight the original to allow them to follow Tom’s wishes. Jean was sobbing but understood the crew’s position and called her son to bring the AHD. The crew commenced resuscitating Tom. Ten minutes later the crew read the AHD and stopped resuscitation. The crew was fantastic and explained everything and why they had to start resuscitation. They continued to support Jean and her family in their bereavement phase. The family was very impressed by the level of kindness and compassion provided by the crew. After the case, the officers had a quiet debrief and reviewed the Clinical Practice Manual (CPM). They both felt uncomfortable about starting resuscitation. After reading the CPM, they noted Jean had provided enough information for them to confidently withhold resuscitation as it was in line with “good medical practice”. Additionally, it is likely that Jean was Tom’s health attorney. A well-planned journey to the end of life involves families, carers and health care professionals providing the best care as determined by the patient’s specific needs. Despite improving strategies to provide a palliative approach to care, there is an ongoing need from the community to seek support from paramedics during times of stress, exacerbation of symptoms and in some circumstances, imminent death. One of the challenges for paramedics is knowing the patient they are being dispatched to is at the end of their life or receiving palliative care. There are several ways we may receive information about a patient’s wishes in this phase of their life. The CPM outlines the documentation that may (or may not) be available at the time of call, or on arrival at the patient’s home. Understanding the patient’s wishes at a time of acute deterioration can be difficult. However, if we approach each patient and their loved ones with the kindness and compassion we are famous for, we will always provide the best care we possibly can. The case at the start of this article is not uncommon, so it is important that we all think about, study, read and discuss with colleagues how we can best manage this very special group of patients. There is an amazing amount of information available online, and short courses to complete, for those who want to make this a special interest area of practice. Also, please remember you can be connected to very experienced clinicians via the QAS Clinical Consult and Advice line. In the near future, we will have access to Palliative Care Specialists via the consult line too. Following is information and links for extra learning about the palliative approach and end of life care.

Winter 2020

1. T he QAS CPM provides the best overview of the legislation, as it applies to end of life care, for paramedics. Documents that may be available at the scene In addition to enduring documents such as an Advance Health Directive, a range of clinical documents may be available and provided to the paramedic at the scene. For example, a Queensland Health Acute Resuscitation Plan (ARP), Statement of Choices or other documents that include clinical information and medical directions provided by the patient’s private medical practitioner. A Queensland Health ARP will include the following information: clinical assessment, capacity assessment and diagnosis; the patient’s express wishes regarding resuscitation (if known); a resuscitation plan with information about the treatment that should be provided and not provided in the event of an acute deterioration; medical authorisation for that treatment; and details regarding any consent that was obtained from the patient or health attorney when the ARP was completed. The information provided in the ARP or Statement of Choices (and other clinical documents if completed to the same comprehensive standard), will assist the paramedic when determining if a lawful direction to withdraw a life-sustaining measure, in accordance with the CPG, exists. See below: • Medical Decision: evidence in support of the decision that the commencement or continuation of life-sustaining measures would be inconsistent with good medical practice. • Patient Decision (Advance Health Directive): evidence that the conditions required under the Powers of Attorney Act and set out in this CPG, have been satisfied. • Health Attorney or Guardian’s Decision: evidence that the consent provided by the health attorney or guardian to withhold life-sustaining measures, is not inconsistent with good medical practice.

The end of life journey

3. Advance Health Directive Form (Form 4) An Advance Health Directive is a document that states your wishes or directions regarding your future health care for various medical conditions. It comes into effect only if you are unable to make your own decisions. You may wish your directive to apply at any time when you are unable to decide for yourself, or you may want it to apply only if you are terminally ill. https://clinicalexcellence.qld.gov.au/priority-areas/ service-improvement/improving-care-end-lifequeensland/advance-care-planning/resources

4. Acute Resuscitation Plan (for adults)

2. Care at End of Life - Care Alert Kit Care Alert Kits are designed to conveniently store all important health care documents in one location. This allows easy accessibility for anybody who may need to view hard copy documentation, including carers, family members, substitute decision-makers, paramedics or other health professionals. It is recommended people are encouraged to bring along or ensure access to their Care Alert Kit if being admitted to hospital, attending a General Practitioner or clinical appointment, or for use in an emergency. The insert card provided has two design options available. One side is a design consistent with the Care at End of Life campaign; the other side features artwork by the artist Gilimbaa, from the Sad News, Sorry Business: Guidelines for caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through death and dying. Two magnets, which can be affixed to the plastic wallet, are provided for optional use. This allows the Care Alert Kit to be kept on a magnetic surface such as a refrigerator, for ease of access if required.

An Acute Resuscitation Plan (ARP) is a medical order initiated and completed by a medical officer through the completion of the ARP form SW065 Acute Resuscitation Plan. The form is authorised by the most senior medical practitioner available and provides information about: • the patient’s health condition • medically appropriate resuscitation management plans in the event of an emergency • treatment that is available and is recommended • substitute decisionmaker(s) if the patient loses capacity to make their own health decisions • preferences about life-sustaining measures, including whether it is medically appropriate to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). • ARPs can be used in any health setting in Queensland, including but not limited to public sector and private health services and facilities; residential aged care facilities; general practice and primary care; and a patient’s home. Medical practitioners and other health professionals working outside of Queensland’s public sector should be aware of legislative, legal and indemnity information before completing an ARP.

Implementation sites

https://clinicalexcellence.qld.gov.au/resources/arp

Over 10,000 Care Alert Kits have been provided to 15 of the 16 Hospital and Health Services within Queensland, as well as to two Primary Health Networks.

5. palliMEDS app

https://clinicalexcellence.qld.gov.au/improvementexchange/care-end-life-care-alert-kit

The palliMEDS app is endorsed by the Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine (ANZSPM). This is a very helpful guide to the use of endorsed medicines for common emergent symptoms in home-based palliative care. This can be used as an information supplement to the QAS CPM and relevant DTPs. Clinical intervention outside the QAS Clinical Practice Guidelines must only proceed after seeking advice from the QAS Clinical Consultation and Advice line.

6. Bereavement resources Each resource provides useful information about preparing for the end of life of an adult family member or friend; what to do after someone dies; grief and loss; caring for self and others; a removable checklist of suggested tasks; and a comprehensive list of support services. https://clinicalexcellence.qld.gov.au/priority-areas/service-improvement/ improving-care-end-life-queensland/resources/bereavement-support https://clinicalexcellence.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/docs/improvement/endlife-care/bereavement-door-sign-guide.pdf https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/the-national-palliative-carestrategy-2018 https://pepaeducation.com/

Above

QAS Clinical Director Tony Hucker.

Winter 2020

Grateful patient’s stroke of luck With earphones in and her thoughts tuned to an upcoming Canadian holiday, patients were the last thing on the mind of Townsville paramedic Ashleigh Jenner as she sat in the international terminal of Brisbane Airport. By the time her flight was supposed to be taking off, Ashleigh was still at the departure lounge, kneeling beside a patient suffering a serious stroke reports Matt Stirling. Among the throng of travellers gathered at Gate 75 on 10 February was Canadian couple Nelson and Pat Choma, preparing for the long journey home as their trip in Australia came to a close. When Nelson suddenly became unresponsive, Pat turned to the closest person sitting nearby for assistance - not realising she was approaching an off-duty paramedic. Pat’s obvious concern immediately snapped Ashleigh from her relaxed pre-holiday disposition into the tunnel-vision focus of patient care. “This case definitely wasn’t something I expected as I was about to board my flight, however, it’s amazing how quickly work mode switches back on,” Ashleigh said.

She quickly confirmed the obvious signs of a stroke; Nelson was unable to speak, facial droop was evident, and the right side of his body was being affected. Although Ashleigh was limited in her capacity to treat Nelson clinically, she used equipment provided by airport first responders to compile observations such as blood pressure and temperature for a quick handover to responding crews.

Above

■ Ashleigh Jenner back at work after assisting stroke victim Nelson Choma while she was on leave earlier this year.

Most crucially, she was there to comfort Nelson and Pat and provide reassurance during an extremely distressing event. This compassion cast an impression on the Canadian couple and Pat ensured a letter of heartfelt thanks reached Ashleigh and a fellow off duty paramedic at the scene, Steve Whitfield, describing the aid as tremendous. Pre-notification was given to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital as Nelson was raced from the airport for a CT scan of his head, which

Winter 2020

uncovered an extensive clot within the carotid artery. He was immediately thrombolysed, followed by a successful endovascular clot retrieval. Within a very short time Nelson was talking and moving his right arm and leg. With Nelson’s strong recovery attributed to the quick medical intervention he received, it underscores the sombre realisation that the same help would have been unavailable only a few hours later. “As sad and bad as it was, the time and place certainly were a blessing,” Pat said. “Had we been two hours into our flight, the outcome would have been entirely different. I want to thank them for coming to be with me and help.” Ashleigh also reflected on how close she was to facing the daunting prospect of managing a stroke patient 30,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. “Boarding was minutes away and our ability to get Nelson the advanced care he required would have been very different once in the air,” she said. “This case goes to show the importance of early recognition and early transport to an appropriate facility.” The 13-plus hours in a direct flight from Brisbane to Vancouver is spent nearly exclusively over ocean with limited options for a hasty diversion. Not many can claim a memorable experience on their overseas trip before leaving home soil, but appreciatively the flight was held back for Ashleigh and she embarked on her well‑earned holiday. “I’ve often thought of how Nelson was going, so it was amazing to hear that he is doing exceptionally well,” she said. “It’s not often that we hear of the patient’s outcome or from the patient’s family, so this case is very special.”

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COVID-19 Response by QAS A defining global event which has forever changed the way we live and work, the COVID-19 pandemic came fast, bringing unprecedented change. Andrew Kos reports on the QAS response to the health crisis. Left

■ LARU officer Helen D’Arcy was part of the Surge Response Team set-up specifically for the pandemic. Top right

■ Assistant Commissioner Stephen Zsombok providing a briefing to SIMR officers. Bottom right

■ The SIMR at Geebung was stood up early on and continues to operate during the pandemic response.

LARU Officer Helen D’Arcy is going through the motions of what’s become a new normal. Sanitising her hands, carefully donning a thumb gown and tying a neat bow at the back, securing a mask snuggly to her face, and sliding on some glasses and gloves, being extra vigilant to ensure it’s all in place correctly. For Helen, this is just another shift as part of the Surge Response Team set-up specifically for the QAS pandemic response. Usually working out of Mitchelton Station in Metro North LASN, Helen, along with other LARU officers, Patient Transport Officers and ACPs joined the team to assist with any surge in demand and respond to incidents that triggered the MPDS 36 Pandemic Protocol.

An unknown pneumonia detected in China was first reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO)

Winter 2020

“It was in the forefront of our thoughts so we would keep good lines of communication with our OIC so we knew what was going on and it was made sure all the equipment we needed was always available.” Assistant Commissioner Stephen Zsombok, the deputy incident controller for the Incident Management Team responsible for the QAS pandemic response, said early action in Queensland had played a big role in limiting the number of cases.

First recorded case in Australia QAS introduces extra screening measures for Triple Zero (000) callers enabling the Emerging Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) tool

29 JAN 20

25 JAN 20

COVID-19 TIMELINE

“It’s always an anxious moment when something like a pandemic, lands on your doorstep.

“Back in January when the Chief Health Officer first identified the novel coronavirus as a threat we immediately began planning,” Stephen said.

“The role was evolving right from the beginning as it was a team that was stood up in case of need,” Helen said.

31 DEC 19

First recorded Queensland case

COVID-19

30 JAN 20

■ The Clinical Hub set-up in the Brisbane Operations Centre for the QAS pandemic response has now transitioned into BAU. Right

■ Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young in the State Health Emergency Coordination Centre (SHECC) with QAS liaison officer Ben Wilkin.

Helen said most patients were well informed about the virus but anxious about testing and what a positive result could mean for them and their families.

“Most of the patients that I encountered were pleased to see someone as they didn’t have a lot of contact during isolation,” Helen said. “They were very good about allowing us time to put on our PPE upon entry and were pleased to have someone that could reassure them and keep them updated.” While the pandemic response is still underway there have already been several key legacies. “The way we’ve utilised the SIMR with our lesson’s management approach has been invaluable, informing intelligence, planning and positioning our strong response capability has been a real success,” Stephen said.

11 FEB 20

“We were very cognisant of the potential impacts the virus could have on our staff, their families and our patients so the need to keep them safe has been the highest priority.”

Bottom left

WHO names the novel coronavirus ‘COVID-19’

The outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by WHO. The Queensland Health State Health Emergency Coordination Centre (SHECC) and QAS State Incident Management Room (SIMR) moved from ‘lean forward’ to ‘stood up’

Story and timeline continued on next page

Australia closes its borders

WHO declares COVID-19 a pandemic

29 MAR 20

“While we’re used to preparing for all sorts of disasters there’s no doubt COVID-19 has surpassed any other event in terms of seriousness, scale and the need to be agile,” Stephen said.

■ Temperature check – Health screenings have become a regular part of everyone’s day.

25 MAR 20

This included health checks for OpCen staff and other areas, the establishment of a ‘Clinical Hub’ in the Brisbane Operations Centre, social distancing practices and restricted entry at QAS facilities, daily ‘all staff’ emails to keep officers abreast of the rapidly changing environment and a 24/7 Medical Services phone line for advice.

Top left

As Queensland and the rest of the country went into an unprecedented lockdown, the public looked to organisations like the QAS for support and reassurance.

20 MAR 20

“By the time the World Health Organisation declared a pandemic on 11 March we had a raft of procedures in place to protect our staff and patients.”

Along with the evolving procedures that were implemented during the height of activity in March, April and May, additional paramedics and EMDs were also recruited, inducted and deployed.

11 MAR 20

“This included pre-ordering PPE supplies, utilising the Emerging Infections Disease Surveillance (EIDS) tool within our Operations Centres to identify potential cases, standing up the State Incident Management Room (SIMR) and establishing a high-level team with representatives from across the organisation to coordinate our response.

Quarantine restrictions for returning travellers come into effect

Queensland records its first COVID-19 death

Winter 2020

“We’ve also enhanced our management systems around our PPE, staff engagement and immunisation and permanently embedded the Clinical Hub.

Left

■ OpCen – Regular sanitisation of workstations is now normal practice. Middle

■ The donning and doffing of PPE has become a more common practice for on‑road officers. Top right

■ Video meeting – Social distancing has meant many meetings have gone online. Bottom right

■ Border closure – Border checks have been put in place to prevent spread of the virus.

“Like many people have said along the way, ‘this is a marathon, not a sprint’ and we will continue to treat this as seriously as when it began as we’ve seen how quickly things can turn around.

2309

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

“We should be proud of what we’ve managed to achieve and thankfully none of our staff have contracted the virus whilst in Australia.

551

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

“This is a testament to the way in which our staff have followed and applied new procedures and the seamless way we’ve connected with the broader health and government response.”

>250

Helen, who is now back to her business as usual role, agrees.

Emails to all QAS staff with updates, including safety information and support

“We are very fortunate that our people have taken it seriously and took the lockdown procedures seriously in the beginning and we’re enjoying the positive outcomes of that.”

4624

QAS Staff Flu Vaccinations All numbers approximate as at 16/7/2020

Stage One of the Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions comes into effect

Winter 2020

10 JUL 20

Stage Two of the Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions comes into effect

3 JUL 20

1 JUN 20

Queensland Home Confinement, Movement and Gathering Direction comes into effect to strengthen restrictions on movement and socialising

15 MAY 20

2 APR 20

SIMR Snapshot – COVID-19

Queensland’s borders reopen to domestic visitors who have not been in a declared hotspot

Stage Three of the Roadmap to easing Queensland’s restrictions comes into effect

COVID-19

Mental health calls increase during COVID-19 pandemic The QAS has been experiencing a spike in the number of mental health related calls to Triple Zero (000) during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Latest figures reveal that in recent months, the QAS has seen a 12 to 15 per cent increase in mental health related calls. In addition, there has been a five per cent increase in the number of people calling emergency services for non‑mental health conditions who are then assessed as having a mental health condition. QAS Mental Health Response Program Director Sandra Garner said she was not surprised by the rise in calls as the pandemic has brought about unprecedented levels of prolonged uncertainty, worry and unease for individuals, families and communities. “Many people have been experiencing changes to their health care needs, work environments, financial stability, child care arrangements and considerable changes to their way of life,” Sandra said. “These challenges can result in increased symptoms of stress and anxiety, for some, for the first time, and for others an exacerbation of existing conditions.”

“The QAS has been providing a wholistic health response, being able to provide a comprehensive assessment of a person’s physical, mental health and wellbeing,’’ she said. “Paramedics throughout the state are updated and have a good understanding of the COVID-19 signs and symptoms, in addition to a thorough understanding of social and emotional wellbeing assessment and treatments.” Meanwhile, in southeast Queensland, the QAS Mental Health Co-responder program, which pairs a senior mental health clinician and a senior paramedic, has been responding to people feeling stressed or anxious about the current pandemic situation.

Above

■ Clinical Hub Operational Supervisor Grant Gamble at the Brisbane Operations Centre. He oversees the Mental Health Clinicians. Below

■ QAS Mental Health Response Program Director Sandra Garner and Senior Mental Health Clinician Kristina Burrow at the Brisbane Operations Centre. The clinicians speak directly with people who are experiencing compromised social and emotional wellbeing.

The QAS Brisbane Operations Centre’s senior mental health clinicians have also been speaking directly with people who are experiencing compromised social and emotional wellbeing.

Sandra said patients symptoms can include a broad range of physiological, psychological and behavioural changes that can be distressing. “Physical symptoms of anxiety can mirror the symptoms identified as COVID-19, including shortness of breath, tightening of the chest, quick breathing, restlessness, which can exacerbate fear, worry and stress responses,” she said. Sandra said that the QAS had been well placed to respond to patients accessing support services during the COVID-19 crisis.

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Record flu vaccination program A record number of staff took part in the 2020 QAS Influenza Vaccination Program. The program was conducted from 13 April 2020 to 30 April 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in the Federal Government legislation, that as of 1 May 2020, any health professional entering Residential Aged Care Facilities must be vaccinated against influenza. During the three weeks, a record number of vaccinations were administered by paramedic immunisers to on-road, Operations Centre and corporate staff. The program encompassed an extensive area of Queensland ranging from Cairns, down the coastline to southeast Queensland and inland to Mount Isa. More than 4,600 QAS staff members and volunteers were vaccinated between paramedic immunisers and external providers, including the Hospital and Health Services system, Pharmacy Guild of Australia clinics and general practitioners’ medical services.

Additionally, the pandemic saw a temporary change in legislation that allowed paramedics to administer the influenza vaccination. This change allowed a select group of paramedics across the state to assist in administering flu vaccinations to staff within the Local Ambulance Service Networks. The nominated paramedics underwent specific training in cold chain management and vaccination administration and undertook this momentous task with willingness and commitment. The annual influenza strategy is a multi-faceted process. This year, Specialist Pharmacist Danielle Ironside took lead of the program and was instrumental to its success. Huge contributions were also made by multiple disciplinary teams within the QAS, including the State Incident Management Room (SIMR) who were invaluable in collating the take-up data. They also took on the laborious task of following up with staff to ensure that all on-road clinicians received the influenza vaccination. The program has been highly successful since its conception and the uptake has continued to steadily increase each year. Undoubtedly, this year’s outstanding uptake can assist in reducing the severity and spread of influenza between colleagues and to our clients, especially those more vulnerable members of our community.

Graduate Paramedics fast-tracked for COVID-19 response The training of 60 Graduate Paramedics was fast-tracked in April to assist with the COVID-19 response reports Jo Hales. The compressed induction was to ensure the QAS was wellstaffed and well-equipped for any potential surge in workload during Queensland’s pandemic response. Acting Manager of Clinical Education, Initial Services Programs – QAS Education Centre, Scott Nash said the rapid deployment process included a one-week State induction, followed by driver training and a one-week LASN induction. “Paramedic safety was paramount in the State induction phase, this included the individual officers’ safety as well as crew safety,” Scott said. “A lot of the topics we covered related to the QAS’s ethos of health, safety and wellbeing. Key components of the training included manual tasking, occupational safety and all the processes of communication and de-escalation.”

Above

■ Staff member receiving flu vaccination.

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COVID-19

UWU and QAS share collaborative approach during pandemic

He said the Graduate Paramedics did not disappoint. “They did very well when they were with us, especially considering there was a lot of information for them to process in a shorter amount of time,’’ he said. “They absorbed the information effortlessly and performed their assessments enthusiastically and professionally.” When the training was finished, the graduates were deployed to stations around the state, with the majority being stationed in the southeast corner. Scott said the cohort was extremely eager to get out on the road. “My hat goes off to them putting their hand up to jump into a pre-hospital emergency field setting while a global pandemic is occurring,” he said. A total of 105 paramedics were deployed around the state to assist with the COVID-19 response. This included the 60 fast-tracked Graduate Paramedics, as well as a cohort of 45 Graduate Paramedics who commenced their induction in March. Meanwhile, Operations Centres also received a boost, after an additional 15 Emergency Medical Dispatchers commenced an induction course in April. Thirty Patient Transport Officers also commenced in April 2020 to support response activities.

United Workers Union (UWU) Ambulance Coordinator Fiona Scanlon said the AWU has seen a lot of challenges faced by members during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have had many members from other industries lose their employment whilst other members from essential services are having their wellbeing and personal safety tested because of the uncertainty this pandemic has brought to us,’’ Fiona said. “Our delegates and officials have worked hard on behalf of members, supporting them through potential safety issues and ensuring that all other workplace entitlements and conditions remain intact during these strange and unusual times. Fiona said UWU has appreciated the collaborative approach between the union and QAS during the pandemic. “With regular consultation, briefings, information sharing and updates, we have been able to address problems as they arise and advocate an appropriate outcome for our members,’’ she said. “Our shared objective, that we will always continue to labour towards, is for all staff to work in an environment that delivers the best patient care and keeps everyone safe so at the end of shift they all get to go home to family and loved ones.”

Above

■ A group of the fast-tracked Graduate Paramedics at Whyte Island.

■ UWU Ambulance Coordinator Fiona Scanlon.

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ISRE Report

Planning for pandemics – prehospital preparedness decades in the making Decades of planning have informed the Queensland Ambulance Service’s robust and measured response to COVID-19, ensuring the safety of paramedics, their families and patients. Insight caught up with Information Support, Research and Evaluation (ISRE) Unit Director Dr Emma Bosley PhD to discuss the scope of work done behind the frontline. Dr Bosley said it was no accident the QAS’s response to this unprecedented public health event has been so thorough.

“Since the mid-1990s, Queensland has endured many extreme events, from devasting bushfire seasons to the destruction caused by the 2010-11 and 2019 floods, and Tropical Cyclones Larry and Yasi - which saw the complete evacuation of the Cairns Base Hospital,’’ Dr Bosley said. “Throughout, our expertise and professionalism in responding to major events has been honed and our service has developed a proud reputation in the eyes of the community as being highly dependable.” Dr Bosley said, ‘with respect to this pandemic, every arm of the service has come together to seamlessly enact our contingency planning’.

“From a research perspective, we’ve contributed by reviewing and preparing summaries of literature and previously completed research, including the 2008 joint publication authored by the Australian Centre for Prehospital Research (then comprising the University of Queensland and QAS) and Monash University, The Australian Prehospital pandemic risk perception study and an examination of new public health roles for ambulance services in pandemic response,” she said. “This seminal work laid the foundations for understanding the potential operational impact during a pandemic - focusing on the characteristics, attitudes and perceptions of the prehospital workforce, and their families. “Our early investment in that research — some 12 years ago now — helped to

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inform our 2020 response, tailored to understanding their perspectives and concerns, which were collated via a national survey and focus groups. “Doing the hard yards back then with such targeted quantitative and qualitative research methods has allowed us to meet — and exceed — our responsibilities today when it comes to ensuring the safety of our personnel, and in turn, their loved ones.” Dr Bosley said the challenge of COVID-19 tested the service’s planning and contingency strategies like no other incident in modern history. “We have to remember, unlike a major multi-casualty incident where there’s no risk of harm to friends and family after clocking off — a novel virus such as COVID-19, particularly in its initial stages, can create anxiety for staff and community members, even with

COVID-19

“That’s why our preparedness was so important to ensure the resilience of our workforce during pandemic conditions. “In addition to being an early contributor to research in this space, over the years we’ve routinely undertaken close surveillance of emergent epidemic trends overseas, including Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (also known as Mers CoV) and prepared modelling advice focusing on transmission dynamics from other biological threats including Ebola and Influenza to inform service planning. “While COVID-19 has changed the face of daily life for our society, it’s encouraging to see such a seamless implementation of the contingencies we’ve planned and practised for, and while Australia is not out of the woods yet, it’s very reassuring to know as a service we’re well placed to continue to safeguard our staff, family members and friends, and the community as this event evolves.”

across Queensland, drawing on the expertise of its Cardiac Outcomes Program Research Fellow Dr Tan Doan PhD. Dr Doan has extensive experience in mapping and modelling the impacts of infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis in some of the world’s most resource-limited countries, and hospital-acquired infections in developed nations. “Before the declaration of the pandemic, we set about reviewing the emergence of similar scale public health crises internationally and potential operational impacts. Alternative response models were also explored and assessed taking into account Queensland’s decentralised population, age structure and health issues,” Dr Doan said. “From there, we began tailoring our approach through the lens of the SEIR (Susceptible-Exposed-InfectiousRecovered) model — factoring in the condition’s respiratory aetiology.

Mapping the potential impact of COVID-19 to inform prehospital demand

“We accounted for the impact of our operational mitigation strategies and kept a keen eye on the information coming out of Australia and overseas, as well as the changing pace of the definitive care response in our state.”

At the outset, the ISRE Unit simulated the epidemic trajectory of COVID-19

Dr Doan said with coronaviruses known for their unpredictability, it was

vital to consider various scenarios to cater for a range of potential impacts. “Our models simulated a range of epidemic profiles to inform service planning — thankfully, due to the hard work of the community, we’ve been spared the impact other countries have endured,” he said. “It’s my hope our — and my infant son’s generation — don’t have to live through another pandemic…though if we do, I have every confidence in our response model and our ability to not only thrive but prosper in its aftermath.”

27 Exercise Cumpston 06, a major pandemic influenza exercise was held in 2006 to test health responses set out in the Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza. The national exercise involved all states and territories; however, Queensland (particularly Brisbane), was the focus for the operational component of the exercise. The exercise received wide national and international coverage and the lessons learned are guiding pandemic planning.

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Photo: Adobe Stock / Dschwen

the most stringent PPE and hygiene measures,” she said.

Priority One The significance of finding true meaning in what we do Finding meaning in what we do is extremely important to our wellbeing reports Priority One Executive Manager Nat Dunton. Whilst we often advocate calm through strategies such as mindfulness or meditation, what we know is that when our experiences require contemplation and reflection, true meaning can often be found in adversity. This is a concept within Priority One that we also refer to as Post Traumatic Growth. This growth or meaning making has even led to new career paths in some instances and on a recent road trip with Clark Magele from Townsville to Ingham, he relayed a story that happened almost 25 years ago about this very thing:

Above

Priority One Executive Manager, Psychological Education Nat Dunton.

“Magele, you’re in!” were the words that Clark remembers as he stood in the pouring rain, looking out at the 10-foot dinghy being skilfully manoeuvred by the farmer through the flooded waters from the other side. He suddenly wished he could have fit under the covered area like the others and been a bit more inconspicuous. However, waiting on the other side, at the farmhouse some distance away, was the wife of the farmer, and the birth of their child was imminent, so time was of the essence. Clark jumped into the boat and held the equipment close to him to protect it from the weather and started contemplating some contingencies should he and the equipment end up downstream! On making it to the other side, Clark’s adventure continued as he now had to get up the mossy rocks and into the station wagon that also housed the farmer’s other nine children. With only the driver side door that opened, Clark laid himself across the seats as best he could, still holding the kit and equipment and it was all getting very cosy. The mud was thick and the rain continued to pelt down. Just as Clark was wondering how they were going to get through the mud, the tractor ahead of them started and the farmer told him they were just going to follow in the tractor treads – obviously! The mud from the tractor flicked up onto the windscreen and the farmer now driving with one hand on the wheel and another acting as a make-shift windscreen wiper to allow him to follow the tracks caused Clark to say a prayer or two that they would make it to the farmhouse intact. His prayers were answered, they made it to the farmhouse and Clark assisted in the safe delivery of the baby. Clark now had the baby, the mother and the equipment and they all made their way back to the boat and back across the flooded creek the same way they had just come. Clark remembers praying and contemplating his faith several times throughout the job somewhat unconsciously. Upon reflection though, Clark ponders

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about this providing the meaning for him that ultimately led him to following a path to study theology and become the QAS Senior Chaplain. More recently, Clark has accepted the role of Manager of Statewide Spiritual and Pastoral Services as part of the new structure within Priority One.

Priority One expansion boosts proactive support for QAS staff and families This revised structure of the Priority One unit was an important expansion to ensure consistency and clarity across the state in terms of support and psychological education delivery as well as to provide a more proactive and preventative focus. To accomplish this a further three portfolio management positions were established to assist the Director, Todd Wehr in implementing this new model and include:

• Executive Manager of Clinical Psychological

Support – Dr Renee Treloar-Munroe. Renee has been within QAS HR Services for more than a decade, is trained as a Clinical Psychologist and undertook her PhD with Emergency Medical Dispatchers. Her role is to support and lead the internal and external Counselling teams and ensure that we continue to provide consistent evidence-based psychological interventions.

• Executive Manager of Psychological Education – John Murray. John is well known within QAS with more than three decades experience in various roles as a Critical Care Paramedic, Clinical Educator and more than a decade as a Staff Counsellor. He is currently taking some well-deserved Long Service Leave and his position is being filled by Nat Dunton. Nat is an experienced Psychologist, having worked within QPS and QFES. John and Nat’s role is to provide leadership and direction around evidence-based psychological education across the state.

• Executive Manager of Peer Support – Terri-ann Spence. Terri-ann, who will be known by many of you is a Psychologist who has had more than two decades within QAS, having worked as a paramedic and for more than a decade as a Staff Counsellor. Her role is to provide leadership, support and ensure consistency across the Peer Support groups located throughout the state.

Priority One

In addition to the highly experienced Priority One Management Team, a Priority One Regional Counselling Team was also established. These new fulltime regional counsellors are located in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Maroochydore, Brisbane (Metro North and Metro South), Toowoomba and the Gold Coast. Many of these counsellors (with the exception of Brisbane) will cover more than one LASN, with their areas aligned with the old QAS regional areas and each of them will support the Operations Centres in their geographical location. This is so that there is adequate coverage of all the LASNs and to try to equalise the number of staff that each regional counsellor will provide support to.

Priority One regional counsellor team In March this year, as COVID-19 restrictions were just ramping up, we just managed to onboard these ‘essential’ workers to support all our QAS staff in what was to become a time of great uncertainty. Below is a picture of the new team all socially distancing and even one virtual team member who was unfortunately unable to travel interstate during that time although is pictured here on facetime on the IPAD.

These positions will be an important part of the Priority One structure to provide an opportunity for a more enhanced and localised level of support to the LASN, the existing Priority One external counsellors and the peer support officers. This role will play a critical role to support staff to continue to do the important work they do. These regional counsellors have been tasked with getting out and about, attending meetings and getting to the staff in their areas in order to assist to reduce barriers and mental health stigma. To ensure that they maintain a proactive and preventative approach they will not necessarily be spending all their time providing counselling. Their role is to:

• provide referral pathways for staff to access the existing Priority One external network

• conduct risk assessments and assist with treatment pathways as required

• provide advice and support to managers around mental health issues

• provide informal and formal psychological

education, consistent with the rest of the state

• identify and if possible, assist in mitigating psychological risks or hazards

• provide support to the peer support officers and

managers around critical incident management and assist in identifying if additional supports may be required in some instances

• provide support and advice to peer support officers for any issues

• provide support to the peer support coordinators. By May 2020, all the counsellors were in their positions and many of you will have already met with them in your respective areas. Due to COVID-19 restrictions they weren’t able to travel as much as they would have liked to, however as restrictions are starting to ease, you will likely start seeing more of them. Priority One external counsellors still continue to be an important component of the Staff Support Services. A considerable area of feedback during the QAS Workforce Forums has been around the availability to be able to access these counsellors in a timely manner or the desire to have more options to choose from within this group. For this reason we will continue to identify the needs and enhance the number of counsellors within particular areas. Additionally, there may be times when the internal Priority One regional counsellor may assist in obtaining a more timely appointment through the links that they have established with this group. The most notable difference with this group is that they may have, in the past, attended meetings and undertaken station visits in the LASNs which will now be more appropriately undertaken by the internal regional counsellor. There may be instances where this may still be appropriate, however, this will be determined on a case by case basis by the Priority One management team to ensure consistency and governance. Priority One peer support team is still the most critical component of the support that is provided through the Priority One Program. The biggest difference for Peer Support is that we anticipate that the above changes will provide a greater level of support and assistance to Peer Support. Research continues to demonstrate that the formal and informal conversations that peers have with their colleagues every day makes a difference. The QAS is committed to supporting and promoting the psychological health, safety and wellbeing of all personnel. Priority One has a long history within QAS, with its roots and foundations stemming from evidence-based practice and ongoing research into the strategies and efficacy of programs to support staff within the organisation. Further support, information and resources for families: Another area of consistent feedback during the QAS Staff Forums and through the QAS Mental Health Taskforce, is that many staff and their families express having difficulty accessing Priority One counsellors contact numbers if they do not have access to the internal QAS Portal. To enhance this access Priority One now has a new external web page attached to the QAS website. You can access this site through https:// www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/staff%20support.html or simply through a search engine. You can also still continue to access the resources and contacts on the QAS Portal under the Priority One Tab. <https://qas.psba.qld.gov.au/priorityone/Pages/default. aspx>

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

29 Priority One has moved. T he new address is Terrace Office Park, Ground Floor, South Tower, 527 Gregory Terrace, Fortitude Valley.

References: Sean C Murphy & Brock Bastian (2019). Emotional extreme life experiences are more meaningful, ‘The Journal of Positive Psychology.’ DOI: 10.1080/ 17439760. 2019.1639795 Shakespeare-Finch, J.E, Smith, S.G., Gow, K.M., Embelton, G., & Baird, L., (2003) The Prevalence of Posttraumatic Growth in Emergency Ambulance Personnel in Traumatology 9, 58-70

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Beverley finds inspiration sharing cancer journey with family and friends When Yeppoon ACP Beverley Brown was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in February this year, she initiated a blog to keep family and friends up to date about her chemotherapy. What initially started as a means of communication soon turned into a source of strength when she began to realise just how many people were rallying behind her reports Caitlin Lambert. Background

■ Beverley after the shave off.

“It’s been really inspirational to hear just how big my village is,” Beverley said. “I’m not somebody who wants attention. I didn’t start the blog for that reason, I started it as an informative thing because I didn’t want to be repeating myself over and over again about what was happening. “I am aware that this is not just happening to me, this is happening to everyone who knows me.” The blog has not only been a useful tool for family and friends, but also to strangers who have been affected by a cancer diagnosis.

“I had a lady contact me from New Zealand whose daughter is going through breast cancer. I think it’s just a contact thing, everyone’s cancer journey is different,” she said. “I’ve had people I knew in school that I only kept in touch with over Facebook, they’ve sent me a care package.” The teams at the Yeppoon and Rockhampton ambulance stations feature heavily on Beverley’s blog, acting as a strong pillar of support and setting a fantastic example of just how important it is to support your colleagues and accept that support in return. “It’s been so encouraging and heart-warming to see how many people have come along for the ride,” Beverley emphasised. “As colleagues, we’re not just in a supporting

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caring industry - we also need to support each other in it. How great is it that I am being supported by my colleagues?” In addition, Beverley said she has been humbled by the support she has been receiving from the local community, including staff at Capricorn Coast Hospital and Health Service. Working as an Advanced Care Paramedic since 2003, Beverley knew what to expect prior to her diagnosis. “I felt a lump on my breast and my lymph nodes were swollen. I could actually feel a few lymph nodes under my arm,” she said. “I had a mammogram and a core biopsy which both came back positive for cancer and then I was referred to the surgeon. Not knowing when I was going to hear from the surgeon was the worst part.” Having studied a little about tumours and how they behave, Beverley had a fair idea of what was coming next. “You don’t hear the word cancer and think pleasant thoughts. You have to go through the grieving process, but I think it was good to process it before I was diagnosed,” she recalled. “I felt like I was a step ahead of the doctors. When I did get told it was like ‘yep, okay next step.” Beverley was diagnosed with breast cancer on 7 February – four days before her birthday. Her experience so far has inspired others thanks to the roles people around her have played.

Beverley’s cancer journey

Following scans which identified a spot on her lung indicating potential spread, Beverley was given three options moving forward. “One option was to have a mastectomy and reconstruction straight away, the second was to have a mastectomy with no reconstruction and the third one was to have chemo first and a mastectomy later. I chose to have chemo first based on that spot,” she said “I had a panel of professionals who worked in different disciplinary roles related to cancer who reviewed my case and came up with these options. It’s all about empowering you to make decisions because there is no real answer.” Writing about her health and discovering just how many people connected with her over her words has inspired Beverley to spread the word about the importance of ‘letting your village be your village’. “I’m really passionate about the village concept. A little while ago we got called to a man to take his socks off, as he had compression socks on and lacked the capacity to take them off,” she said. “I just thought to myself ‘how many people could I call if I found myself in that situation’.

“The importance of letting people be your village, knocking down those walls, this is the message I really want to get out there.”

Photo: Adobe Stock / Dschwen

Beverley cannot work in her current condition. Beverley has had four doses of chemotherapy at fortnightly intervals and 12 rounds of weekly chemotherapy. To follow Beverley’s She is still to have surgery. blog visit: Nevertheless, she is still www.facebook.com/ caring for people in every Bevs-Battleway she can and we can’t 102015318048904/ wait to see her back on road!

Top

■ Beverley, pictured with Kym Mazzaferri, has been inspired by her village of supporters. Middle

■ Beverley’s colleagues and friends helping her shave her head in preparation for chemotherapy. Pictured with Beverley are Yeppoon paramedics Dan McGee, Helen Barndon, Kym Mazzaferri and Tracey Kent and friends Kerryn McClintock and Ainsley Vaughan. Bottom

■ Dan McGee helping take off Beverley’s locks.

Winter 2020

Paramedic discovers benefits of outback living while tapping in to nursing skills Insight magazine Editor Jo Hales reports on an enthusiastic QAS officer who has found the perfect balance working as an Advanced Care Paramedic and Registered Nurse (RN) in an outback town in the Central West. “I came out to Blackall (which has a population around 1000) initially on a six-month term transfer. But I enjoyed it so much I wanted to stay longer.”

When Zayla Bourke moved from her coastal suburb of Kirra on the Gold Coast, to the remote outback township of Blackall in May 2019, the self-confessed beach lover, admits she was ‘a bit out of her depth’.

The station currently has three paramedics, all of whom provide a mostly single officer response.

Not only did she have to adjust to country living, Blackall’s newest paramedic also had to deal with being the centre of attention in the close-knit community, with locals quickly referring to Zayla as ‘the new ambo chick who lives in the big blue house’.

Zayla, who is Acting OIC, said she has learnt so much over the last 12 months. “The experience has been invaluable to my career especially if I want to go down the managerial path,” she said.

‘’I definitely got people talking when I moved here, it probably didn’t help when I accidently reversed into my fence one day and a section of it came down,’’ Zayla laughed.

She has also been enjoying the challenges of responding to jobs as a single officer. Jobs range from horse accidents, crashes involving cattle trucks, house fires and a light plane crash involving a person who was mustering.

“It was embarrassing, but it was also so lovely to have people come over and help me out. I guess it was a bit of an unconventional introduction to some of my neighbours.”

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was dispatched and landed on the property as the patient was in a really bad way,’’ Zayla said.

Now more than a year later, Zayla, 27, who grew up in the coastal town of Byron Bay, is settling well into country living and the many opportunities it presents her with.

“He had head, leg and face injuries and was intubated on the property before being transported in a critical condition.” Zayla has also responded to a siege.

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However, one of the saddest jobs she was involved in was a three-day search for a 78-year-old Blackall resident in January this year. Unfortunately, the lady who had a medical condition, was found deceased after becoming disorientated on her large property. While it was a tragic ending, Zayla said a rewarding aspect of that job was watching the way the small rural community banded together to search for the lady.

Zayla’s outback roles

“It was fantastic to see the community rally together for three days on horse and motorbike, people even donated planes and helicopters. It was just incredible to be a part of,” she said.

“I also assist with incisions for skin biopsies, take out lesions, conduct blood tests, help suture wounds and set up telehealth appointments in Brisbane for specialist services.

Zayla said working in outback areas, it is essential to build relationships with other emergency services and volunteers ‘because you rely heavily on them’.

As people in the township work on the land and with animals, there are also plenty of vaccinations to be administered.

“It is important to dedicate time to undertake training with them and build those trusting relationships’’ she said. Another rewarding element of her Blackall stay, is how the rural transfer is allowing Zayla to hone in on her nursing skills. Zayla is also helping recruit and pilot a graduate program in outback Queensland for people who hold a Bachelor of Nursing/ Bachelor of Paramedicine degree. Zayla, who completed her Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine degree in 2014, put her feelers out for RN work when she was posted to the town and was given a casual position at Black Stump Medical Centre. “I work eight days on for QAS and then have six days off,’’ she said. “On my days off I spend, two, sometimes three days, working at the medical centre as a RN. There is even the odd shift at Blackall Hospital. “I am really loving this opportunity. Being able to work some of my days off allows me to feel more involved within the community. It is definitely giving me more purpose and fulfillment with my time out here.” The centre has two doctors and two nurses and Zayla said she can be kept extremely busy with a range of presentations including chronic wounds, immunisations and pathology requests.

“We set up a drive through flu clinic this year at the showground so people were able to drive through in their cars to get vaccinated. It was a huge success and allowed for adequate social distancing,” she said. At the eight-bed Blackall Hospital which provides basic x-ray services, Zayla said it was amazing the number of people who walk or hobble into the facility, rather than call an ambulance. “Country people are very resilient and can at times leave it to the very last moment to seek help,’’ she said. “I’ve been amazed by some of the people who come in because they are in such a bad way, whether it’s from an illness or an injury. “We treat them and arrange for the RFDS to fly them out.” Zayla said what she loves most about her dual roles is the ability to provide a continuation of care to the people in her community. “It is great being able to attend to the patients when I am working as a paramedic in an emergency setting and then see them recovered when they come into the clinic in a much better way. I get to bond with them and have a greater understanding of their medical and psychosocial needs,’’ Zayla said.

As for the future, Zayla has high hopes to expand her dual roles to benefit the surrounding rural and remote areas. “There are smaller towns around Blackall and the Central West LASN that have primary health care centres with a nurse running the clinic and an ambulance supplied by QAS for the nurse to respond to jobs with a volunteer driver,’’ she said. “My aim is to undertake training with the nurses and volunteer drivers in these clinics and to attend callouts in the ambulance with them. I think it would be fantastic for them to have a dual-trained person working alongside them as it would enhance their confidence and competence when attending to patients in a prehospital setting where QAS services are a few hours away. “It would also be great to see these health clinics employee permanent dual trained RN/paramedics in the future.”

Opposite, above

Zayla Bourke outside Blackall Ambulance Station. Opposite, background

Zayla Bourke admiring the countryside from a lookout in Betoota, confirming the population is ‘zero’. Above, from left to right

Zayla Bourke and former QAS volunteer driver turned Indigenous Cadet Dwayne Kangan observe The People’s Sign on the Landsborough Highway at Blackall. The pictures on the sign represent what it means to live in the region. Exterior of the medical centre. Zayla Bourke in Windorah, a small town between Longreach and Birdsville known for its famous Yabby races. The ambulance parked just outside of Blackall near the Roly Poly, a sculpture created by artist Richard Moffat. The visual arts concept is all about fun!

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Paramedics’ emotional reunion with cute and cuddly bub

Paramedics Justine Buckley and Aimee Sweet were called to an imminent delivery at a Ningi address on Friday 15 May at 4.26am reports Tracey Cater. Above

■ Paramedics Justine Buckley and Aimee Sweet were delighted to reunite with baby Summer and Mum Jessica. Right

■ Summer is finally back at home with her parents after her dramatic entry into the world.

A scary moment for first-time Mum Jessica as her baby was not expected for another 10 weeks and her husband was out of town for work. Luckily Jessica had her Mum with her. Baby Summer was delivered in the living room of the family home at 4.41am but was unresponsive after birth. Paramedics followed their protocol of active stimulation, ventilations and CPR. After two minutes of CPR, Justine felt a heartbeat under her fingers. Jessica and Summer were then transferred lights and sirens to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for further care. Summer remained in special care until she was strong enough to be transferred to a hospital a little closer to home. Mum and Dad finally welcomed their little bundle of joy home in the last week of June. On 8 July, Jessica and Summer were reunited with Aimee and Justine in a Channel 10 exclusive that aired that night. What an amazing story this beautiful family will have to share with baby Summer when she grows up.

Winter 2020

Remembering lives lost

QAS remembers lives lost in tragic Marlborough crash twenty years ago Our ambulance service suffered one of the most tragic moments in our history on 24 July 2000. Five people, including two Ambulance Officers, a pilot, a patient and a family escort died when the Capricorn Rescue Helicopter crashed in Marlborough, 100 kilometres west of Rockhampton. In the early hours of that day, Ambulance Officer Douglas John “Bill” Birch and Intensive Care Paramedic Craig Staines boarded the helicopter with pilot Paddy O’Brien, bound for a cattle station 200 kilometres west of Rockhampton. Five-year-old patient Anthony Sherry was suffering from croup and required airlifting to Rockhampton Hospital with his Mum Susan escorting the young boy. As visibility worsened, with thick fog blanketing the region, the decision was made to land at Marlborough and continue the journey to hospital by road ambulance. Sadly, on the descent to land, the helicopter crashed, leaving behind no survivors.

Above, left and right

■ Bill Birch and Craig Staines.

QAS staff find different ways to show their respect on ANZAC Day

Bill Birch and Craig Staines were very well-respected ambulance officers in the Central region and their loss, as well as the three other souls on board was felt around the state. Their memory will never be forgotten, and their lives will forever be celebrated as we remember them 20 years on.

The sound of bugles still filled the streets at dawn on 25 April as communities joined together in spirit to reflect on the service of our soldiers, current and past, during the unprecedented COVID-19 global pandemic which resulted in services being cancelled for the first time since World War II. Whether in military dress or pyjamas, people gathered at the ends of driveways holding candles as a campaign to ‘Light Up the Dawn’ encouraged residents to commemorate the occasion during isolation. Despite the restrictions, the day lost none of its significance. Our QAS staff around the state, were among many Australians and New Zealanders who found a way to pay their respects to our ANZACs while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Above

■ Chermside.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning – we will remember them. Lest we forget.

Winter 2020

LARU skills benefit island-hopping paramedic QAS paramedic Jamie Paul explains in this special report how his LARU qualifications are benefiting the island jobs he attends in the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBIs). Jamie became the OIC of Macleay Island in January this year following a three-year stint in the country at Injune. Right

This process can be very stressful to island residents, so by being extended scope qualified, it has enabled me to provide extended care to residents especially outside of regular business hours to enable them to stay home. Since working at Macleay, I have been called to residents for skin tears, wound management and suturing. These procedures would normally have needed to be done at a medical facility on the mainland. Recently I sutured wounds with patients who would normally refuse to go to the mainland and wait for Monday to have their wounds treated which would have increased the risk of infection.

Flashback: QAS paramedic Jamie Paul at Injune in the South West LASN. Below

The Kitty Kat allows QAS officers, such as Jamie, to transport patients to the mainland for further assessment or treatment. Opposite, top

Jamie loves working on the islands. Opposite, below

Flashback: Jamie watches on proudly as his daughter, Holly, competes in an equestrian event at Injune.

I am LARU qualified and carry out my duties on Macleay, Karragarra and Lamb Islands as a single responding officer. I am also required to assist with responses to Coochiemudlo and Russell Island when needed. As an Advanced Care Paramedic with extended scope of practice, I can provide care for residents so they do not have to leave the islands which can cause a lot of distress for them due to logistical reasons. The SMBIs do not have any after-hours care available, and if a resident requires further treatment or assessment, they must be transported by us on the Kitty Kat boat (QAS boat) to Redland Bay to hand over to another crew, then be transported to a hospital on the mainland.

One patient was a 70-year-old male I attended on a Friday night. The patient was injured after he cut the top off his left thumb just below the knuckle with a clean kitchen knife when trying to open an ice cream container. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, and the fact that he was in an at-risk group due to his age and low immunity, he did not want to leave home let alone leave the island. The patient called QAS for wound management. On arrival, I cleaned the wound and consulted for authorisation to suture or glue the wound. After consulting for authorisation to suture the wound, I was contacted by the Operations Centre and dispatched on another case. After responding to that case and transporting the patient to the mainland via boat, I returned to the initial case. The patient’s wound was again cleaned and assessed as directed by the on‑call QAS specialist emergency physician. The patient’s wound was then successfully closed with three sutures. Another case involved a patient who had accidentally cut the left index finger just above his knuckle with a clean knife late on a Saturday afternoon. On QAS arrival the patient had an obvious deep laceration approximately two to three centimetres across his finger with bleeding controlled. The patient’s wound was irrigated, cleaned and dressed initially whilst I called the consult line to get authorisation for

Winter 2020

Local area Assessment and Referral Unit report

I have been working for the QAS for 21 years and currently live on the Gold Coast with my family. I started as an Honorary Officer at Burleigh Heads, before becoming a communications officer at Southport Operations Centre. I started working as a paramedic in 2007 and was stationed at Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta and Agnes Water, before becoming an OIC at Injune and now Macleay Island. I love many aspects of the job from helping others, both the public and fellow QAS staff, as well as the comradery between QAS staff, and engaging within the community as an OIC. I really enjoyed my time out in the country, and the challenges that being isolated in a remote rural area brings, whether it was responding to major incidents on my own or driving 160 kilometres to a case as a single officer with limited radio or phone reception. either suturing or gluing of the wound. Photos of the wound were sent for authorisation to glue or suture, along with details of occurrence and patient medical history. This system means a very senior doctor reviews the patient with me, adding a further safety net into the system. Authorisation was then given to proceed with suturing of the wound. After the consult I was called away on a Code 1 case. After transporting that patient to the mainland, I then returned to the initial patient irrigated and cleaned the wound again and prepared for suturing after administering subcutaneous lignocaine for local anaesthesia. After successfully suturing the wound, I also used some histoacryl glue to assist with sealing the wound and to make the procedure more effective. Final photos of the outcome were sent to the consult email as requested.

There are a lot of similarities between my country and island roles. One position was remote due to distance or land, the other is isolated by water. I have only been at Macleay for a short time, but I am really liking the challenges that come with being a single officer response on the islands and hopping on and off the boat between islands to respond to cases. One of the biggest things I learnt whilst being out west was the importance of our role within communities. It is not just about responding to cases and carrying out our duties, it is important to truly be part of, and engage with the community on a daily basis, and support people socially and during local events. This concept is something I want to bring to the islands, to show residents that as a service we are part of their community not just for emergencies!

For both suturing jobs, I advised the patients to see a local GP on the Monday for further assessment, antibiotics and tetanus injections. The patients were extremely impressed with the improved care and procedures that QAS can provide due to the LARU program, this includes the opportunity to not have to leave their homes. The other benefits derived from these outcomes are that it saves time and costs on the greater health system and it prevented any potential spreading of COVID-19 to a high-risk patient.

Winter 2020

QLAC enhances quality of ambulance services around the state This edition of Inside the LACs Report is dedicated to the Queensland Local Ambulance Committee Advisory Council (QLAC) and the selfless men and women behind this peak principal volunteer and community advisory body to the QAS.

QLAC is comprised of 19 representatives from Local Ambulance Committees (LACs) located across the state. Each Local Ambulance Service Network (LASN) provides a representative drawn from the members of LACs within the LASN who join two statewide CPR Awareness Program representatives and two State Operations Centre representatives. The members are elected for a two-year term with the current members elected for 2019/20. The Commissioner convenes the QLAC, and chairs the meetings, with secretariat support provided by the Executive Manager LAC and Volunteer Support in the Commissioner’s office. QLAC meets with the QAS Commissioner and all central office Senior Executives approximately four times a year, usually in face-to-face meetings in Brisbane. These meetings are held to discuss the needs and requirements of LACs in their local areas with the aim of supporting and enhancing the strong relationship that exists between the QAS and the Queensland community.

QLAC is a forum for discussion, and the presentation and sharing of information provides the QAS Commissioner and executives with an opportunity to consult directly with community representatives about the provision of ambulance services in Queensland from a state rather than regional or local perspective. The Council recommends policies and procedures for the LACs, oversees statewide community engagement programs, such as CPR Awareness and Snakes Alive, and advises the Commissioner on initiatives for improving the volunteer experience within QAS. QLAC members perform a key role within the LASN supporting the LASN manager to build vibrant committees, and to support their ongoing viability. In some communities each station has an associated LAC, while in others one LAC may support a larger number of stations and their personnel.

often very well connected in their broader communities, holding multiple volunteer roles as well as having past or present professional connections. Current QLAC members include individuals who have worked in the fields of teaching, nursing, policing, health and safety, the railways, government, military and real estate. There are QLAC members also involved with the Volunteer Marine Rescue, Returned Services League, Qld agricultural shows and Crime Stoppers. One thing is for sure, all our QLAC members share a passion for helping their communities and the QAS. QLAC also provides a representative to sit on the KJM Foundation Board – the current representative is Desley Cunnington from Wide Bay LASN. Desley is one of two State Operations Centre representatives on QLAC. QLAC also acts as a coordinator for the QLAC Travel Subsidy and helps LACs that do not have the resources to fund members to attend the biennial State Conference. This subsidy is funded through donations from LACs across the state and QLAC determines recipients based on need. The 2021 State Conference will be held on the Gold Coast in the later half of the year.

Top

However, during the COVID-19 restrictions, QLAC met with the Commissioner and executives monthly via teleconference to receive updates on the QAS pandemic response, and for QLAC to provide feedback on how their volunteer members and communities were coping during this challenging time. QLAC held a special role in assisting the QAS to disseminate accurate and reliable information to communities from the QAS which is a trusted source of information in the eyes of the public.

QLAC members from across the state attending the QLAC/LASN Workshop held in early March 2020 (this was before COVID-19 social distancing requirements came into effect). Pictured is Rae Guyder, June Nielsen, Gary Langford, Mereyln McIntosh, Beryl Wilson, Anne Glasheen, Desley Cunnington, Peter Doherty, Ian Merritt, Scott Walsh, Harold (George) James, Linley Macleod, David Stubbs. Absent are Trevor Lymbery, Greg Thomson, Josie Meng and Don Young.

The QLAC member provides advice and assistance to LACs directly in areas such as recruitment, welcoming new members to the LAC or new staff to the station or assisting the LAC when they are formulating budgets and planning calendars of events. QLAC members at the LASN level support the manager to formulate and implement the LASN Community Engagement Plan with particular involvement in activities involving LACs, but also in partnering with other relevant services and agencies within the LASN. QLAC members are

Winter 2020

Middle

LASN Managers join QLAC members and Executive Manager Local Ambulance Committee and Volunteer Support Di Seekers (in red) at the March 2020 workshop.

Photos: Michael Augustus

Inside the Local Ambulance Committees Report

2019-2020 QLAC members

Partnership Charter

LASN

LAC

Name

Cairns and Hinterland

Gordonvale

Beryl Wilson

The Queensland Ambulance Service and Local Ambulance Committees value the importance of working in partnership.

Central Queensland

Rockhampton & Districts

Harold (George) James

The strength of our partnership comes from listening, supporting each other and working toward one vision.

Central West

Longreach

Ian Merritt

Darling Downs

Millmerran

Peter Doherty

Gold Coast

David Stubbs

Mackay

Trevor Lymbery

Metro North

Bribie Island

Desley Jozefowski

Metro North PROXY

Bribie Island

Rae Guyder

Metro South

Logan and Districts

June Nielsen

North West

(Vacant)

South West

Roma

Scott Walsh

Sunshine Coast

Nambour

Gary Langford

Torres and Cape

(Vacant)

Our Mission A partnership that responds effectively to community needs and enhances the quality of ambulance services in all Queensland communities.

Our Vision A partnership that maintains effective communication between the Queensland Ambulance Service and communities across Queensland.

Our Values

Townsville

Ayr

Merelyn McIntosh

Together we will:

West Moreton

Ipswich

Gregory Thomson

• share information and listen to each other

Wide Bay

Agnes Water / 1770

Josie Meng

• be transparent, honest and accountable • have respect and understanding for each

Specialist Role – CPR Awareness Program Representatives Sunshine Coast

Cooroy

Linley Macleod

Darling Downs

Clifton

Anne Glasheen

Specialist Roles – State Operations Centre Representatives Wide Bay

Bundaberg

Desley Cunnington

West Morton

Boonah

Donald Young

other’s roles.

Our Partnership Principles Together we will: • maintain effective relationships at the Local

Ambulance Service Network and State level • actively canvass community views

regarding the delivery of ambulance services in Queensland • effectively represent and promote the

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

• mutually support the enhancement of

ambulance services at the Local Ambulance Service Network and State levels.

Winter 2020

THANK YOU :) ert Annandale, Everyone has different levels of success. For me, success e to the four paramedics (Ock pass on my deepest gratitud se plea you parents’ Can my can never be achieved unless you have the desire to ian) who attended Just want to say a big thank you the ladies anto Loth ne, Kimberley Lennon and Teag coig Gas rgia ge Geo wled kno s, skill initiate it. The amazing work and commitment from staff May). Their (Corinne Wilkes, Olive (24Candice t and nigh lastKate ce on Caboolture River Road den resiwe that continuously results in appreciation letters receive recovery. I’ve worked as a a full to Boileau) that came to my house this morning path the on er fath Commissioner’s thanks my e left hav nt tme trea and e and as a nurse and from members of the public, makes me constantly aware of defe r in (July 19) for myman little age girl and thethe dispatch guynce forc medic, scrub nurse and practice As you’ve been seeing e been a lot different hav what accomplishments we have made as an para organisation. d so I know things coul

ing, who helped me stay very (Jamaine Prieditis) harg first‑hand, the COVID-19 administration officer after disc thank you. sive pandemic has not only impacted ily, a mas fam my calm. They do an amazing job and I really From e. This month has seen an influx of thank you letters, with not been ther had they the Queensland community, but appreciated them being so fantastic. 304 letters received yearand to date letters and Australians as athis whole in and 609And y, Rouse Hill, NSW emails ofthe thanks sent to staff members. fact world. Queenslanders Kristie, Morningside rely on the Queensland Ambulance Service being I cannot thank you enough forthere all your hard work. for them during their time of needBowles and theASM continued support Russell Hello, I had a sudden cardiac arrest at hom you’re providing during this e I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks QAS Commissioner challenging time is very much on 3 May last year. Thanks to the quick to QAS and to the QAS officers (Jessica Bell I want to send a quick thank you to the appreciated. response from my husband and daughter and Christopher Muldoon)paramedics who transported (Chantal Greaney and Melissa Your valuable contribution to and the paramedics that attended, I am very my father (Robert) from the Brighton Dajic) who assessed my son and took him your community is also evident Health Centre to Caboolture Hospital fortu by the Iappreciations we continue nate to be here today (17 April). As it’s to hospital on Wednesday night (July 12). It would like to take the time to express our thanks to receive from grateful patients, today (13 March). You see, is my com was today the first time I have ever had to call the to various QAS officers for their attendance ing up to the first anniversary, I would patients’ relatives, friends or Mother (Irene) and Father’s 50th wedding ambulance and I was quite nervous in doing so y like the oppo and assistance at our1unplanned associates. Between March home birth reall rtunity to thank the teams anniversary, both of whom have had some to 31 on May 2020, there were the 157Triple Zero officer – worried I was overreacting and wasting (Lau the ra 4/9/2017. I commend Perr yer, Pete messages of appreciation with r Quirk, Daniel Lynskey, serious medical issues including lung cancer, paramedics time. The two ladies who attended (Julieemails Ricardo) for her efficiency and ability to 325 sent to officers.

Parkinson’s and most recently my mum

Maree McDougall and Bar ry Callen) that evening.

our home were so calm and reassuring. They reassure us that help was on the way and clear Thank you for your hard work. broke her arm from a fall whilst visiting saved my life that quickly assessed my son and took us to Lady instructions in the meantime. Tammy (Olsson) my dad in hospital leaving her unable to Russell Bowles asm all the while distracting my son with arrived on scene approximately 5 minutes Kind Regards. QAS Commissioner drive. Today, your officersCilento, detoured (with Wiggles videos and calming a nervous and following the birth of our son Woody and I would permission) to my mum’s house so she

Anita, Ningi

panicked mum. Thank you for such excellent like to commend her professionalism, calm inand dad could see each other on their very service and care!!! I don't believe this service the situation and ability to treat me as a fellow special day. The officers facilitated a very

the recognition it deserves for all the work being rather than just a patient. She was caring, special moment for themgets both and for this your paramedics do. compassionate and efficient. I appreciate Tammy my family and I

will be eternally arranging for our transfer through to Hervey Bay grateful. Hospital. I believe Arto (Hirsimaki) and another

Amanda, Wellington Point

officer (Andrew Rach) assisted with my transfer Kindest regards. from Hunters Hut through to Hervey Bay and

Hi QAS. I had a motorcycle crash on Payne Road and Gymea Street at The Gap Just want to give a shout out to the LARU officer at this time considering I was having much yesterday morning (24 May). who attended my home on Monday (August difficulty. I hope our message can reach the I received a fractured c2 21). His name was Steve (Kliese) and we are individual officers involved. Thank you to QAS for Vertebrae and a concussion in the Ipswich area. He was prompt, caring, the important work you do I know we certainly for my motorcycle gymnastic compassionate, empathetic, funny and the list efforts. But luckily, I’m walking needed the service on this day! Our little man goes on. He had me reassured within minutes. and talking today and a few Woody is doing great settling in at home with his If my thanks could be passed to his OIC that of the neurologists said that’s older sister Anna, feeding and sleeping well. close to a miracle given the would be appreciated. Darren and Kate, Lakeside mechanism of the injury to my Des, Silkstone neck. Thank you! We (sons Isaac and Will) just wanted the officers (Jordan Grice, Tayla Gray and Jamie Rhodes) and 36 QAS Insight SPRING 2017 all QAS to see truly how much of a difference they make. QAS_Insight_Magazine_SPRING_2017_DRAFT3.indd 36 11/10/17 8:43 pm This morning (29 March) QAS attended our Morgan, The Gap home in Burpengary East where our little grandson had a severe burn to his leg. In our anguish and fear for our grandson, we forgot to thank the wonderful QAS officers (Timothy Robbins and Frances Watt) Above who helped us. Our grandson made an Robert and Irene were able excellent recovery and we continue to be to reunite on their 50th grateful for your help. Stay safe. Thank you. Allison, I found Arto to be very attentive to my needsBeachmere

wedding anniversary due to the kindness and compassion of QAS officers Jessica and Christopher!

Janelle, Burpengary East

Winter 2020

Department title / section Thank / topic you

Hi there! My husband (Jonathan) got a call we thought would never come for a kidney transplant at 2.26am on Sunday morning (17 May). Two of your wonderful crews took us from Cairns Base Hospital (Shelley Burston and Brooke Chauvin-Hartmann) to Cairns Airport and from were the LifeFlight Jet landed at the Brisbane Airport to the PA Hospital (Emma-Jaine Austen and Joshua Miller). Both my husband and I were in shock, incredibly nervous, had been already awake for the previous 24 hours, not to mention the mental battle we were in knowing that the gift my husband was going to receive was a result of a young person most likely involved in some sort of accident and thoughts of the incredible loss this person’s family would be feeling in our time of total elation. I just wanted to mention how capable, friendly and accommodating your crews were and with everything that was going on, they put us at ease. We knew we were in good hands. Even with the plane delay in Cairns, Shelly and Brooke helped us take our minds off the incredible journey we were about to begin. My husband went in for the operation Sunday at 4pm and was back up in the transplant unit at midnight last night. Rejection markers coming down, kidney function increasing. My husband has cut two unassisted laps around the nurse’s station today and had his first coffee and meal tonight. So far so good but obviously a long road ahead. We want to thank you guys for the incredible job you do and for making one of the most stressful days of our lives, stress free. THANKYOU!!!! Tahnee, Cairns

Getting in touch Messages collated on these pages are derived from a range of QAS contact points, including: via Facebook facebook.com/qldambulanceservice

My husband (Eddie) and I are both paramedics in Bundaberg, and regularly go home on call, so our little neighbourhood of Bargara know we are both paramedics because they always see the ambulances in our driveway. Today, we got home to this beautiful note an anonymous person had put in our letter box, thanking us for the work we do. It’s small acts of kindness like this that make working in these challenging times just a little bit easier.

by email QAS.Media@ambulance.qld.gov.au by post QAS Media Unit, GPO Box 1425 Brisbane QLD 4001

Above

Jonathan received the gift of life after undergoing a kidney transplant at the PA Hospital in May thanks to a selfless donor.

Nikki, Bargara

Left

ddenly very and became su My loving husb passionately h and was com ill on 18 Marc your by attended to and efficiently Rutledge m da (A ics ramed marvellous pa hi ok m to afford) who to and Daniel St l where he ita sp ivate Ho Greenslopes Pr March. 28 on ay ed aw tragically pass many years e th grateful for We have been have been Greenslopes to we’ve lived in f and I thank dedicated staf aided by your rely. you most since all. God bless you nslopes Lorraine, Gree

Check out the detail in these super cute colourful posters that the ‘senior toddlers’ at a Brisbane early learning centre made for our often unseen (but much-loved) QAS Emergency Medical Dispatchers in June!

EMD Sarah Davies-Richards with the creative messages from the ‘senior toddlers’.

Last Saturday (22 February) I had to be transported to Gold Coast Robina Hospital and had two fantastic officers (Chloe Bree and Joshua White). May I just compliment them both on their professionalism with a touch of humour, which is what I needed believe me. Can you tell them Gaz said thank you! I couldn’t breathe properly, as soon as I received the respirator of Ventolin, Atropine and Oxygen, I settled down. Big hugs to them both. Thank you for all your wonderful work. Garry, Clagiraba, Gold Coast

Winter 2020

Happenings Paramedics Bernadette and Doug were involved in an RACQ Docudrama road safety program for Cragislea State High School seniors in June. The presentation included a mock car crash scenario which showed the outcome of a serious crash and the impact it can have on the driver and passengers as well as the emergency services attending the scene.

Sunshine Coast staff went above and beyond to support Caloundra Meals on Wheels by collecting and donating non-perishable ingredients, then handing the items over to the organisation in May. Meals on Wheels provides the delivery of healthy and nutritious meals to those in need. Daily visits allow them to monitor their clients’ health and wellbeing.

Archerfield Flight CCP Peter Drew and the team from Rescue 500 dropped into the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in June to hand over a pretend ‘patient’. This was filmed by Queensland Health for a promotional video simulating a patient’s journey from the helicopter to the ward!

In March, we recognised International Transgender Day of Visibility as a day of significance and one of celebration. The QAS is proud of our growing diversity, with openly transgender paramedics, including Corey and Jennifer. The QAS also proudly supported LGBTI Domestic Violence Awareness Day in May.

Thumbs up to our QAS staff who did not let the COVID-19 pandemic deter them from raising awareness that everybody deserves to feel safe during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month (DFVP Month) in May. Staff were swift to reinforce the message that family violence is never acceptable - Not Now, Not Ever. Together, while adhering to social distancing.

Winter 2020

HAPPENINGS • Winter 2020

Paramedics Kaitlin and Nicole, as well as Critical Care Paramedics Jason and Brenton, responded quickly to help deliver little Seaja when he decided to make his entrance into this world on the way to hospital in April.

During National Reconciliation Week, which ran from 27 May to 3 June, we proudly welcomed four new cadets to the Indigenous Paramedic Program in the South West LASN. Congratulations to Kristy, Tamara, Charlene and Dwayne, who are spending time at our stations at Cunnamulla and Charleville.

All you need is love! Patient John had been in hospital for a month and was missing his wife of 61 years dearly. That’s when officers Laura and Louis came up with a cunning plan and made a little pit stop by home to reunite the couple in May. Needless to say there were plenty of tears of joy.

When one of the wettest towns in Australia, Tully, experienced a reprieve from rain and cloud cover, paramedic Rick was quick to jump on the chance to admire the town’s iconic landmark Golden Gumboot while on a break one day in April.

In June, our QAS Mount Isa flight paramedics joined forces with their friends from LifeFlight and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to refresh their helicopter training skills. Emergency services respond to many remote areas in the North West, so this kind of training is vitally important for maintaining the high level of care we provide for our patients, ensuring their safety and that of everyone involved.

Winter 2020

Reflects activities during the period from 16 March to 30 June 2020.

Notes Notes

Appointments made during the period from 6 January to 29 June 2020.

Appointments

Farewells

Movers and Shakers

Years of Service

NAME

Position Title

Jacinta Nauer

Data Integrity Officer

Service Planning and Performance

Shane Tutton

Paramedic

Mundubbera

Neville Weazel

Patient Transport Officer

Rockhampton

Patrick Berry

Senior Operations Supervisor

Gold Coast Operations Centre

Kenneth Crowley

Patient Transport Officer

Nambour

Isadora Greenfield

Paramedic

Chermside

Richard Smith

Paramedic

Chermside

Matthew Wright

Patient Transport Officer

Metro North LASN

Emma Keenan

Paramedic

Eatons Hill

NAME

Position Title

Appointed date

Location

Stephen De Keijzer

Clinical Support Officer

06-Jan-20

Mackay LASN

Mark French

Clinical Deployment Supervisor

20-Jan-20

State OpCens

Craig Eaton

Clinical Deployment Supervisor

27-Jan-20

State OpCens

Dean Hay

Operations Supervisor

03-Feb-20

Mackay LASN

Jonathan Ormond

Officer in Charge

09-Mar-20

Mackay LASN

Jodie Brown

Counsellor

18-Mar-20

Staff Support

Rebekah Volgin

Counsellor

23-Mar-20

Staff Support

Stephen Harbidge

Counsellor

30-Mar-20

Staff Support

Laanie Metcalfe

Counsellor

30-Mar-20

Staff Support

Serah Steemson

Counsellor

30-Mar-20

Staff Support

Narelle Raeburn

Counsellor

30-Mar-20

Staff Support

Glen Davey

Counsellor

30-Mar-20

Staff Support

Helen Reed

Counsellor

30-Mar-20

Staff Support

Caleb Moore

Director Frontline Services Group

06-Apr-20

Frontline Services Group

Rachel Chambers

Director Business Intelligence and Planning

06-Apr-20

Operational Business Intelligence and Planning

Hayley Salethorne

Manager Workforce Readiness

06-Apr-20

Wide Bay LASN

James Robinson

Director Service Planning

09-Apr-20

Service Planning

Luke Bamford

Snr Ops Supervisor MNTMST

27-Apr-20

Metro North LASN

Adam Gaffel

Senior HR Advisor Metrics and Reporting

01-May-20

HR Analysis and Reporting

Rohan Foote

Senior Clinical Educator

18-May-20

Continuing Education

Graeme Lerner

Communications Quality Support Officer

18-May-20

State Communications Development

Troy Aporo

Principal Business Analyst

22-May-20

ICT Programs and Service Management

Christopher Vickers

CSO Indigenous Cadet Coordinator

25-May-20

Townsville LASN

Joshua O'Grady

Officer in Charge

15-Jun-20

Wide Bay LASN

Michael Mercer

Program Manager

29-Jun-20

ICT Programs and Service Management

Lacey Riesenweber

Senior HR Consultant

29-Jun-20

Cairns and Hinterland LASN

Winter 2020

Division / Location

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QAS Insight Magazine - Winter 2020 edition

Articles inside

LARU Report

ISRE Report

Innovation

Priority One

Briefs

News