QAS
INSIGHT Winter 2017
Emergencies caught on camera Evolution of the QATB | Inside Fleet & Equipment Services Paramedic Registration | Health & Wellbeing
Contents
PARAMEDIC REGISTRATION
EVOLUTION OF THE QATB
HEALTH & WELLBEING
08
12
22
WORK IN CENTRAL WEST
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH 60 MINUTES
HARU REPORT
24
26
33 Second Staff Summit
5
Domestic and Family Violence
6
Show your pride
6
Changes to credentialing
7
Celebrating our volunteers
7
COMMONWEALTH GAMES
FLEET & EQUIPMENT SERVICES
Profile: Ernie Bradley
20
34
36
Graduates start career in Communications
23
Emergencies caught on camera
30
Debbie’s silver lining
35
Cultivating our cultural capability
38
Continuing steps to reconciliation
39
Clinical documentation
42
Foundation continues legacy
44
Profile: Stephen Burns
48
Departures and Appointments
49
Thank You QAS
50
PROFILE: EMMA WILLIAMS
PRIORITY ONE
40
45
QAS Insight is published quarterly by the Queensland Ambulance Service Media Unit, GPO Box 1425, Brisbane 4001. Editorial and photographic contributions are welcome and can be submitted to: QAS.Media@ambulance.qld.gov.au or +61 7 3635 3900.
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Winter 2017 editorial contributors: Emma Crowley, Michael Franks, Michael Augustus, Dr Stephen Rashford, Mark Crossman and Terri-Ann Spence. Graphic design by Nejien Creative.
Minister’s Message Despite challenging workloads and increasing demand for ambulance and hospital services across the state, our continual improvement in service delivery is a testament to the dedication of Queensland Ambulance Service staff. At the end of this financial year, communications officers were performing better than ever, answering close to 92 per cent of Triple Zero (000) calls within 10 seconds. The importance of the role of the QAS was recently reinforced in national media headlines highlighting an Emergency Medical Dispatcher’s (EMD) outstanding assistance. Cairns EMD Jacqui Kelsey kept teenager Sarah Grandcourt calm, and directed her to download the smartphone Emergency + app to pinpoint her location when her grandmother was injured at a waterfall in the Atherton Tablelands.
I am pleased to say progression towards the national registration of paramedics has continued in our state, with legislation recently being introduced to the Queensland Parliament. Times of change can be challenging and confronting, but the regulation and registration of paramedicine as a profession is an exciting time and one filled with opportunity. I look forward to continuing to advocate for Queensland paramedics throughout this process with a view to seeing the legislation brought to fruition next year.
Hon. Cameron Dick MP Minister for Health Minister for Ambulance Services
This story showed the community the important work of our call takers and dispatchers in working behind the scenes to gather crucial information and act quickly to help Queenslanders in need. Although ambulance officers spend their lives caring for others, it’s important not to neglect themselves. With the flu season’s peak far from over, I encourage everyone to look after yourself and ensure you receive your flu shots.
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From the Commissioner It has been a busy time in the lead up to winter as we have paused to mark a number of significant milestones, many of which you will read about in this latest edition of QAS Insight. The sad and sudden loss of Queensland Police Senior Constable Brett Forte in the line of duty on May 29 has been a sobering reminder for us all of the dangers our staff and other emergency responders face while working in the community. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Senior Constable Forte’s family, friends and colleagues. Our highest priority remains ensuring the safety of our staff and patients and we will continue to enact necessary initiatives that reflect this, such as the rollout of monitoring cameras in our ambulances. We take a zero tolerance approach to acts of occupational violence against our employees, and it’s an approach that extends to our position on domestic and family violence in the communities that we serve. During Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May, myself and members of the executive team stood up and spoke out to encourage people in the community to join us and act to prevent men’s violence against women. By participating in the White Ribbon Australia Accreditation Program, we are playing our role in spreading awareness to bring an end to these acts. We trust this will help our workforce respond to and raise awareness of the impact of family and domestic violence.
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Although we are a diverse workforce, staff opinion on how to best shape our future is resonant and echoed around the state. This was evident at the second Staff Summit which more than 100 operational and administrative staff recently attended in Brisbane. It is abundantly clear that we need to continue to evolve as a workforce to keep up with the changing times in which we live, including prioritising improved workplace flexibility. The executive team and I are working through your suggestions and feedback with Human Resources, and hope to update you in the foreseeable future on proposed changes that will be forthcoming. Changes are also occurring to our industry as we continue to progress towards the national registration of paramedics in late 2018. This will be one of the most significant changes to the paramedic profession in recent decades. In this and each coming edition until registration commences, a regular feature will be dedicated to keeping you informed of where we are in the process and what it means to you. I am very proud of the work and progress our staff are making in a range of disciplines across the organisation, and I look forward to seeing this continue throughout the rest of 2017.
Russell Bowles QAS Commissioner
Workplace flexibility
a focus at second summit Continuing from the first QAS Staff Summit held earlier this year, the second brought together more than 100 staff from across the state in May. Participants were encouraged to not only discuss the issues affecting the organisation, but to also develop solutions to address the issues raised. Over the course of two days, the participants were guided through a series of conversations on a range of topics led by the Executive and LASN Leadership teams. Key themes included workplace flexibility, workload and health, organisational fairness, bullying and harassment, reward and recognition, and red tape.
Some of the critical outcomes included: •
Reducing the vulnerabilities of our GPPs by reviewing the GPP program, how GPPs are engaged in QAS and looking at the role of mentors.
•
Increasing flexibility in workplaces across QAS through reviewing rostering practices (staggered shift times and lengths), better utilising casual pools and asking people for roster preferences.
•
Reducing inconsistencies across the organisation through better communication and feedback being provided to staff in relation to decision making and organisational issues.
•
Supporting staff health and wellbeing especially regarding maintaining health and wellbeing in a shift-work environment, further access to initiatives such as the Fitness Passport and the potential for providing facilities for staff meal breaks at hospitals.
•
Reducing incidents of bullying and harassment through education of our people on the complaints management process and outcomes, further education in relation to conflict management and communication skills, as well as establishing liaison officers that staff can go to for advice and information if they feel uncomfortable going to a direct supervisor or manager.
Although some of the solutions offered are simple and easy to implement, others, particularly those relating to workplace flexibility, may take a period of time to implement due to the level of complexities involved. QAS is committed to delivering on the suggestions provided and will continue to work through them. However, the work doesn’t end here. A third summit will be held in September to continue these conversations and consolidate the ideas raised from the first and second summits.
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Domestic and Family Violence is a workplace issue This year QAS teamed up with the Department of Health to raise awareness and actively speak out on the issue of domestic and family violence by participating in the Darkness to Daylight Run in Brisbane. Running overnight, participants covered a distance of 110 kilometres. Each kilometre represented one life lost to domestic violence in Australia each year.
It’s a silent killer in our community but one that workplaces can play a pivotal role in bringing to an end, with two-thirds of women who experience domestic violence being employed. Emergency Medical Dispatchers and Paramedics are regularly confronted with acts of domestic and family violence in their day-to-day work as a first point of call or response. QAS is reflective of the communities it serves and although they may not be visible to the naked eye, these acts could also be unfolding around us and affecting our colleagues.
Members of the QAS team participating in the Darkness to Daylight run.
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month recently provided an opportunity to talk about this issue and bring it into the open. A number of videos featuring members of the executive leadership team were distributed to staff and posted on Facebook to discuss the issue in more depth. These are available on the Domestic and Family Violence page on the QAS Portal. If a patient or colleague in the workplace discloses to you that they are experiencing domestic or family violence, it is important to understand that you are not expected to be a counsellor. Your role is to support and refer the victim to specialist services.
If they’re a QAS employee, encourage them to explore our policy arrangements that include support options such as special leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and counselling support services. Together we can stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence against women. The Domestic and Family Violence page on the QAS Portal has additional resources and information on the White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation Program which the QAS is undertaking. The page is accessible through the Web@Work app or by clicking the White Ribbon desktop icon located on QAS computers.
Show your pride This September QAS will participate in its third Brisbane Pride March. Emergency Medical Dispatcher Sarah Davies is helping coordinate this year’s contingent and is seeking your support.
“Whether you identify as a member of the LGBTIQ+ community or support someone who does, everyone is invited to take part and show their pride.”
“Participating is about celebrating diversity and belonging within the community as well as our own workforce,” she said.
To show your support and express an interest in participating, please contact Sarah at Sarah.Davies@ambulance.qld.gov.au.
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Upcoming changes to credentialing
Keep a look out for new badge and identification card holders that will be arriving at your station or operations centre this September. They coincide with the rollout of a new six-colour coding system to distinguish between the varying roles within the organisation including Advanced Care Paramedic II (red), Emergency Medical Dispatcher (blue) and Patient Transport Officer (green). It forms a component of our credentialing process to review a paramedic’s individual qualifications and experience to determine their competence, performance and professional suitability to provide high-quality care within specific scope of practice in certain settings and geographical locations.
Celebrating our volunteers Given the community-orientated nature of QAS, it is no surprise that Queenslanders are eager to give their time to support our service. Close to 1,600 volunteers – including more than 1,300 Local Ambulance Committee members in almost 150 locations across the state – provide valuable support to our operational staff in engaging with their local communities.
During May, National Volunteer Week provided an opportunity to thank our wonderful volunteers for the contributions and value they provide to QAS. Our thanks and gratitude was shown to our volunteers at numerous local events around the state held in their honour.
Boonah Officer-in-Charge Russell Pavey (front left) and officer David Greenwell (front right) pictured with local First Responders and LAC volunteers during Volunteer Week celebrations.
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The progression to registration and industry regulation The paramedic profession is about to undergo one of the most significant changes in recent times. Once the board is appointed by the Ministerial Council (subject to the Amendment Bill being enacted), a dedicated AHPRA-based team will work with it to help ensure that paramedics are ready for national regulation.
Since November 6, 2015, when Australian Health Ministers decided to include paramedics in the body of health professionals that are nationally registered, work to implement the change has been progressing. QAS Insight will strive to keep staff informed of developments between now and the anticipated ‘participation day’ in late 2018 when registration is expected to commence.
A small dedicated team has also been established within QAS to support the inclusion of Queensland paramedics to the national scheme. The following flow chart created by AHPRA outlines this process in simplistic form:
Quarterly updates in the magazine will include a developing timeline, staff commentary around key topics and provide a basis to share crucial information specific to navigating registration.
Recruit and appoint First appointments to inaugural National Board advertised (late April 2017) Health Ministers make appointments (anticipated in September 2017)
We hope by providing a platform for staff discussion and highlighting the opportunities that registration presents, it will help us to further develop and grow as an organisation.
Be engaged National Board will develop and consult on registration standards, codes, guidelines Open an AHPRA account - you will be able to create an account for your contact details and when registration is open you can lodge your application for registration online
Implementation steps and duration A national implementation team to undertake the necessary policy and legislative amendment to the National Law has been in operation since January 2016, with Victoria taking the lead for policy and Queensland for legislative amendments.
Approval and decisions National Board will submit recommended registration standards to Ministers for approval Accreditation arrangements will be decided by the National Board List of approved programs will be decided by the National Board Registration open Log in to your AHPRA account and apply for registration and provide all requested documents
Once the policy and legislative amendments have been endorsed by the Ministerial Council, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) will have the task of implementing the decisions of State and Territory Heath Ministers.
Assess and decide AHPRA will assess your application National Board will decide if you meet the requirements for registration Paramedics will be advised of registration outcome
Its first priority is to work with governments to support Ministers to establish the inaugural Paramedicine Board of Australia.
Timeline: November 2015 >> Australian Health Ministers endorse National Registration
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Paramedics regulated under NRAS (Go live late 2018)
2016 Dec
Jan
2017 Feb
Mar
Ministers support amendments to the National Law
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Call for applications for inaugural Paramedicine Board of Australia
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Applications for Paramedicine Board of Australia close
Mar
THE PROGRESSION TO REGISTRATION AND INDUSTRY REGULATION
Frequently asked questions
The registration standards will set requirements for professional indemnity insurance arrangements, criminal history of applicants, continuing professional development, English language skills, recency of practice and any other matter relevant to paramedicine the board believes necessary. The board may also need to develop and consult on other codes and guidelines that will provide profession-specific guidance to registered paramedics.
What is the date that registration of paramedics is expected to commence? Registration is expected to commence in the second half of 2018, likely to be in or around September 2018, depending on the date that the first Amendment Bill is passed in the Queensland Parliament. The date registration commences will be referred to as ‘participation day’. The participation day will be declared in a regulation made by the Ministerial Council in 2018.
How will paramedic stakeholders be kept up to date in the lead up to registration commencing? Prior to the start of registration for paramedics on the participation day, Paramedics Registration Project bulletins will continue to be posted at https:// www2.health.vic.gov.au/health-workforce/healthworkforce-regulation/current-regulatory-reform/ paramedics-regulation
When will the Paramedicine Board of Australia be established? The Paramedicine Board will need to be established approximately 12 months prior to participation day to allow the Board to work with AHPRA and undertake limited functions needed to prepare for national regulation. It is anticipated that the Paramedicine Board will be appointed by Health Ministers as soon as possible after the Bill is considered by the Queensland Parliament, which is expected to be in the second half of 2017.
In addition, various QAS registration-related information will be distributed through QAS Insight, Commissioner Communiques, the QAS staff portal and the QAS website. AHPRA will manage the implementation of national regulation of paramedics. This will include managing the registration process in conjunction with the Paramedicine Board. Information about current registration processes for the 14 professions regulated under the national scheme is available on the AHPRA website at www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/ Registration-Process.aspx
Vacancies for the inaugural Paramedicine Board were publicly advertised in the local metropolitan and national press in April 2017 and were available on AHPRA’s website. Applications are now closed.
What does the Paramedicine Board of Australia need to do to prepare for registration?
Once the draft Bill is passed and the project moves into the implementation phase, AHPRA and QAS will keep paramedics up to date with the work that AHPRA and the Paramedicine Board are doing to prepare the profession for registration and to develop and consult on registration standards.
The Paramedicine Board and AHPRA will need to ensure people currently working or qualified as paramedics understand what national regulation means for the profession, and also what they need to do to apply for registration before the participation day.
A new website will be created for the Paramedicine Board once the Board is established. A link to the new website will be available from www.ahpra.gov.au/ National-Boards.aspx
Prior to the participation day, the Paramedicine Board must develop draft registration standards for paramedicine, which will be submitted to Health Ministers for approval. The board must consult with relevant stakeholders including paramedics, employers, education providers, interested members of the public, consumer groups and government Health Departments.
The QAS portal site for registration information is: https://qas.psba.qld.gov.au/governance/Pages/ Paramedic-Registration.aspx
2018 Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Consideration of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 by Queensland Parliament
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
QAS Commissioner advised Queensland parliamentary committee on registration
Jul
Aug
>> September 2018
Expected participation day
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What does the move towards registration mean to you? It’s an exciting time for the paramedic profession in both Queensland and Australia. Having previously been registered as a paramedic [in South Africa] I am aware of the opportunities, responsibilities and development that registration can offer. Registration will allow for greater self-determination of the profession as well as increased recognition and protection of the increasingly essential roles paramedics provide. Gary Berkowitz, HARU CCP, Gold Coast LASN
I believe the move towards national registration is a good one and overdue as it unifies and solidifies our role as pre-hospital experts in the medical field on a national level. It will also mean greater accountability for all staff, and will help ensure the highest standard of pre-hospital healthcare is available to the Australian public. Melinda Little, ACP, Central Queensland LASN
I personally am indifferent to the idea of national paramedic registration. What’s important to me is the ability to come into work each day and do my job to the best of my ability regardless of the governing body. I suppose that if national registration has the ability to create more streamlined approaches to patient care, inter-agency interaction, and inter-state patient care continuity, then its introduction will definitely be worthwhile and valuable. Erica Statham, ACP, Central Queensland LASN
National registration to me means a protection of the title and role of ‘Paramedic’. It means being able to perform our current role under the banner of individual professionalism. It also means the streamlining of current state services around Australia that all perform the same task. This will allow an easier transition for staff to work in other areas and the ability to undergo different experiences. Whether this be a physical location change or a new scope of challenge especially in rural or remote areas. I look forward to being able to be classified as a professional and have that translate to the public so they continue to have a strong confidence in Paramedics. Belinda Deebank, ACP, Central Queensland LASN
The move towards registration does not mean much to me at this moment, as I am unsure what it will change. I have heard a number of different views on the topic and it is hard to know what is accurate. I think an accurate view is it will mean people can only call themselves paramedics if they are registered by the national body authority, by meeting specific criteria. Any misconduct needs to be investigated by the authority as well as QAS or depending on the arrangement undertaken. This will hopefully make sure people who carry out misconduct do not just transfer to another service. This can hopefully maintain the confidence the community have in paramedics and their ambulance services. I am not looking forward to the extra regulatory burden placed on paramedics as I think the current system works well. I don’t personally see a need for the change. Rob Moxey, ACP, Gold Coast LASN
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THE PROGRESSION TO REGISTRATION AND INDUSTRY REGULATION
The move towards national registration is an important step forward for paramedics. Paramedic practice has changed significantly over the years. Professional registration will see paramedics join Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, Pharmacists, Podiatrists, Psychologists, Physiotherapists and Optometrists as recognised health professionals. While paramedics help people every day, the nature of our work poses a significant risk of harm to the health and safety of the public; you only need to think about the administration of drugs, the disrobing of patients for ECGs, or rapid sequence induction to recognise this. The public have a right to expect that when they interact with a paramedic, the paramedic is suitably trained, qualified and will practise in a competent and ethical manner. National registration will help ensure this. If someone wants to call themselves a paramedic, in the near future they’ll need to register and demonstrate the necessary skills, education, and professional conduct as per a national standard. This standard will be applied across both public and private sectors, and the paramedic will need to maintain this standard throughout their career. Registration will protect the title of Paramedic. On a day-to-day basis, I don’t think national registration is going to change the way I go about my work and I’m not concerned about its implementation. I feel it’s a move in the right direction.
I am very excited by the fact that it will be a registered profession. Without registration it is almost like there is no onus. I’m a massage therapist and I have to be registered through that and keep up education points, and personal training is exactly the same. I’m not dealing with life and death. I know that a lot of people currently working within the field are probably thinking that registration is not a great thing, but I truly think it is. It helps us keep on top of any new drugs that are coming through, any new skills. Your skills change. I have been doing CPR just as a personal trainer and fitness instructor for the last 12 years and since I started learning, CPR has changed from day dot to now. To keep on top of those skills and to have a points system that forces you to maintain those skills and keep up to date is such a good idea. You don’t want that bottom of the line just doing it to cut through and make it in the job, you want to go above and beyond. Sahara Dry, LAC Secretary and student paramedic, Gold Coast LASN
Gavin Nichols, ACP, Gold Coast LASN
For queries about registration contact Registration.update@ambulance.qld.gov.au
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The evolution of the QATB
In the second instalment of our 125th anniversary series, we focus on the years following World War II, through to the start of the 1990s, when end of the QATB era was imminent.
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THE EVOLUTION OF THE QATB
The evolution of the QATB After the devastation of the Second World War, Queenslanders breathed a huge sigh of relief as the threat of Japanese invasion dissipated. As the men and women who had served their country so faithfully gradually returned to their home towns, some found work with their local ambulance brigades. Their expertise in treating battlefield injuries was a welcome addition. In what were the first small steps towards formalised training, officers with military experience imparted their knowledge to colleagues, while doctors were also occasionally brought in to deliver lectures.
In another famous incident in 1950, Chinchilla became one of the first ambulance centres in Australia to use an ex-army duck ‘water ambulance’ to transport urgently needed plasma across flooded terrain to save the life of shooting victim Brian Rose at Kogan. The influx of ex-defence personnel was also a catalyst for the continued development of air ambulance services, with the Cairns and Rockhampton centres leading the way.
But life for ambos in the northern state was not easy. Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigades struggled with shortages of both money and vehicles. Innovative as always, officers used whatever they could get their hands on. Sedans were converted into ‘ambulances’ with patient stretchers being placed in the boot or beside the driver. Whatever it took.
The Cairns Air Ambulance.
Indeed, ‘whatever it takes’ would have been an apt motto for the QATB officers of yesteryear.
One of the most significant advancements of the 1950s was the introduction of two-way radios.
Consider the exploits of Mount Morgan Superintendent C.H. Brewster, who served for more than 40 years at centres throughout Queensland through to the end of the 1950s.
For the first time, officers in the field could communicate with their control room back at the ambulance station.
While working at Dayboro, north of Brisbane, Brewster waded through neck-deep water in a creek at night to reach a child who had been bitten by a snake. He then negotiated the use of a car from a neighbouring farmer to rush the child to the Royal Children’s Hospital. The child survived and was discharged a few days later.
QAS Manager of Heritage and History, Mick Davis, said the addition of radio rooms led to a profound change in the way ambulance dispatch was managed. continued >>
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The Brisbane Control Room in Ann Street in the late 1950s.
“Before two-way radios came in, if you wanted to redirect an ambulance you would phone somebody who was along the route the ambulance was travelling and they would run out into the street and flag them down,” Mick said.
But their equipment and training was still relatively rudimentary. Ernie Bradley, who spent 50 years in the QATB serving in a number of roles including State Council Secretary and Cairns Superintendent, recalls the difficulties of the era.
“They’d stop the vehicle and hand them a note that said don’t go to that case, go to this one over here.
“We had very limited drugs and equipment to work with. We had no drugs like morphine in our kits,” he said.
“Throughout the 50s and 60s, many of the larger QATB centres established purpose-built control rooms that evolved into the modern communications centres we know today.” However, with the radios attached to the ambulance and not portable, the officers were uncontactable as soon as they left the car. Retired officer Ken Bedford, who served at Wynnum on Brisbane’s bayside, remembers the feeling back in the control room. “They would go into domestic violence situations, hotel brawls or threatening-weapons situations and you would sit there at the other end of the radio hoping that everything’s OK and hoping that the police would get there in good time,” Ken said. By the end of the 50s, QATB centres had been established across Queensland, stretching from Texas in the south, to Mount Isa in the west and Thursday Island in the far north.
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Retired officer Ken Bedford in the radio control room at the old Wynnum, Ambulance Station – now the site of the QAS Museum.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE QATB
QATB officers during a training course.
“We had normal things like pads, bandages, tins of aromatic smelling salts that were mainly used at the football, a roll of cotton wool and instruments like forceps.” A major development came with the addition of the E&J Resuscitator, which was in service from 1957 to 1964. The rollout was funded through a collaboration with the Courier Mail newspaper, which ran a ‘find the ball’ competition. Many will remember the once-popular newspaper game, which involved a photo of a rugby league match in which the ball was removed. Readers needed to mark the spot where they thought the ball was to win. The E&J was oxygen driven and operated positive and negative pressure ventilation. The patient was pressure ventilated with oxygen, with expired air extracted by the negative pressure created by the resuscitator. The E&J was eventually replaced by the Oxy-Viva in 1964. As the 60s played out, more formalised training started in earnest to lift the clinical skills of ambulance officers. QATB introduced expired air resuscitation and mouthto-mouth resuscitation techniques and training lectures were run to ensure ambulance officers met the clinical standards of the day. The potential benefits of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were also explored during the early 60s by pioneers such as Bob McDermant.
It’s also worth noting that free Triple Zero (000) emergency calls were introduced during the 60s. A major administrative change came in 1967, following the passage of the Ambulance Service Act through State Parliament, which led to the establishment of a new QATB State Council. It was the start of the gradual shift towards a state-administered ambulance service that would play out over the next two decades. By 1969, the first superannuation scheme for ambulance officers started and the push towards professionalism continued with the establishment of the State Ambulance Training School in Brisbane in 1970. “In the 1970s QATB really started to advance from a medical perspective and the establishment of the training school was a major development,” Mick said. “By 1972 all Brisbane QATB ambulances were equipped with the pain relief medication Entonox, which was a world first. Soon all ambulances in Queensland were equipped with medical oxygen, oxygen-powered resuscitators, Entonox and vacuum-powered suction apparatus to clear the patient’s airway. “During the 70s we saw advancements in CPR methods and improvements in equipment design and safety with the introduction of collapsible stretchers with safety belts.” continued >>
“The only training we ever had was that Bob McDermant would arrange for doctors to go to the Brisbane Centre. In Cairns and Gordonvale we also had doctors come in from time to time,” Ernie recalled.
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These advancements were even more impressive when you consider that they were delivered thanks to the tireless fundraising efforts of ambulance officers and committee members. From lucky ticket machines, to chook raffles, chocolate wheels and good old-fashioned door-knocking, the brigades worked hard for their money. Ernie Bradley recalls the pressure to bring in funds. “You used to do all sorts of things. When I first started out I remember the boss in Cairns driving around all the cane farms signing them up for donations,” Ernie said. “People today are still using the same methods, like football clubs with meat raffles. Back then horse racing and chocolate wheels were two common ways of fundraising.
A lucky ticket machine used in Millmerran to fundraise for the local QATB. These machines were commonly found in milk bars or service stations.
Ken Bedford administers oxygen with an Oxy-Viva Resuscitator.
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A QATB officer administers Entonox to an injured patient in the 1970s.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE QATB
The Brisbane QATB centre in Boundary Street, Spring Hill.
Nundah.
“I ran a couple of rodeos and I heard that one Superintendent even put on a day of racing farm machinery. You could get up to all sorts of things.”
But it wasn’t just major centres being built. As Queensland’s population grew in the 60s and 70s new suburban sub-centres also sprang up.
Back in Brisbane, QATB moved to its iconic Boundary Street, Spring Hill location in 1974.
Occasionally, a lack of cooperation between the centres brought into sharp focus a parochialism that did the QATB name a disservice. Brigade committees that worked so hard to fund their centres could also be quite protective of their resources.
The building has played a formative role in the history of emergency services in South East Queensland, housing the former Ambulance and Fire Communications Centre prior to the establishment of the new Brisbane Operations Centre. It is currently home to the Spring Hill Ambulance Station and the offices of the Metro North and Metro South Local Ambulance Service Networks.
“Some of the QATB committees had a view that they raised the funds within the area under their immediate control and should not be incurring expenses by providing services outside of their gazetted patch,” Mick said. continued >>
Mount Gravatt.
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A temporary QATB centre at Cavendish Road, Coorparoo.
“Oddly, the patient benefit was not a consideration for some of these well-meaning locals serving on the committees. They had no insight at all into the need for a patient focus.” The move towards a more structured training program continued in the 1980s. All new ambulance officers now had to complete a four-week preparatory course before starting on-road work. Mick Davis recalls two of our current-day senior leaders – Commissioner Russell Bowles and Assistant Commissioner Peter Warrener – coming through the ranks under his watch in Rockhampton. “In 1980, Russell was one of the first ever officers to participate in a preparatory course to prepare for the role in Central Queensland. It was a four-week, pass-orfail course,” Mick said.
“He was the first cadet under a structured program where the cadet learned to be a paramedic. Peter joined the program close behind him.” As the 1980s progressed, so too did the clinical capabilities of the QATB. “In 1985 we introduced coronary care ambulances and we started running a coronary care course. The training brought an external confidence with it from regulators and health care professionals,” Mick said. “We also introduced specialised neo-natal ambulances for infant retrievals. “It was around this time that we really advanced in the area of pharmacology, with the introduction of antivenom for box jellyfish and Ventolin for asthmatics.
Ready to respond.
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THE EVOLUTION OF THE QATB
A Neo-Natal Retrieval Unit.
“This new pharmaceutical intervention was controversial on two grounds. One that the ambulance officer decided to administer on the basis of his/ her assessment of the patient without reference for medical approval and secondly that the procedure included administering Ventolin to children.”
“Ian Boddice, who was the Manager of the QASB, was instrumental with Dr Mowatt and Board Chair Gerald Moore in working with the cooperative QATB committees and literally dragging the few noncooperative committees along to bring substantial operational and clinical changes.
The steady march towards a professional, state-wide service gathered pace.
“It was mostly unchanged since the 1920s at that stage and the changes were aimed at achieving a greater sense of accountability from the QATB committees for patient safety and welfare.
In 1986 the QATB State Council was controversially replaced by the Queensland Ambulance Service Board (QASB) and the organisation’s first Medical Director, Keith Mowatt, was appointed.
“This is an ethos that I am proud to say remains with us to this day.”
“There was resistance from some of the brigade committees who were concerned about state interference,” Mick said. “The QAS Board brought in standards in accounting, HR, administration and governance. This ensured the committees were audited financially and clinically, which was a huge breakthrough. “With a Medical Director in place there was also a cultural change towards more of a patient focus. The shift rippled throughout the QATB superintendents and brigade committees. “Dr Mowatt spent significant time emphasising the importance of patient care. He saw his role as developing people who could be the champions of their patients.
Dr Keith Mowatt with Mick Davis and former QAS Commissioner and Medical Director Professor Gerry Fitzgerald.
In the next edition of QAS Insight, we focus on the establishment of the Queensland Ambulance Service and the advancements of the 1990s and 2000s.
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A career kept Ernest Ernie Bradley contributed to ambulance services in Queensland for a monumental 53 years between 1938 and 1991. His career story is closely entwined with the history of the service, and shed light on just have far we have come.
It was a fortuitous turn of events that lead to Ernest ‘Ernie’ Bradley beginning a career in ambulance services in 1938. When his young neighbour across the road vacated a position at the then Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade Cairns Centre, Ernie knew little about the ambulance. “The Superintendent had in mind that the lad he employed must have the aptitude to eventually become an ambulance officer,” Ernie recalls. “He had the Principal in the State High School draw up examination papers in English and Maths, and 13 applicants sat down at the Board Room table and did the examination. I was the successful applicant.” Just 14-years-old, Ernie was quickly put to work and had to learn fast. He started administration work in the office before developing an interest in becoming an officer. In his first month on the job, he looked on as the ambulance service organised a blood donation drive in Cairns. It was in the aftermath of a terrible accident and before the Red Cross was running blood drives in the city. He would soon visit the railway to obtain a first aid certificate, years before the QATB would later issue them.
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Ernie (left) pictured with F.W Cash who he would replace as General Secretary of the QATB State Executive Committee in 1965.
“I couldn’t wait to turn 18 and get into uniform,” he reminisced. “But before then, I was still going out on the cars to be on the end of the stretcher, in addition to my office work.” When he attended a drowning case with the station’s Permanent Officer and a volunteer in the year before he came of age, Ernie had a moment of realisation knowing that he wanted to help save people’s lives. In 1941 Ernie wore the uniform of an Honorary Bearer before being appointed a Permanent Officer in December of 1942. The landscape in which he started his career is a stark contrast to that in which graduate paramedics begin their careers today. It was the middle of the Second World War and there was no such thing as state induction for new officers, let alone the existence of a training facility. The ambulance he picked up his first patient was a 1929 model Hupmobile, a world apart from today’s Mercedes Sprinter.
A young and impressionable 20-year-old Ernie.
In more recent times, Ernie and Commissioner Russell Bowles.
Ernie remembers one of the first cases he attended was a man working on a tug boat at the wharf who was suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. “As I am driving out the gate, one of the officers yelled out what treatment to provide him,” he said. “This was the way you learnt, through your mates.” Between 1945 and 1948 he served on the permanent staff of the Ingham and Mareeba centres before returning to the Cairns Centre. He was quickly promoted to Senior Bearer in 1950 and the following year was appointed as Deputy Superintendent. It was a change of scenery when Ernie left Cairns in 1956 to take up the positions of Superintendent and Secretary at the QATB’s Nanango Centre. He recalls the dedication he devoted to the job during the time he spent on the Darling Downs. “Like a lot of people that were in charge of small places, we donated a lot more by the fact that in Nanango, in six and a half years, I had eight days off and never a weekend,” he said. In 1963 he would step into higher duties being appointed as the Assistant General Secretary to the QATB State Executive Committee. Following the passing of the Ambulance Service Act in 1967, Ernie was appointed Secretary to the State Council of the QATB and he held that position until 1986 when the Queensland Ambulance Service Board was established. He served the board in the capacity
of Senior Administration Officer and Inspector of Committees before retiring in 1987. During this time, the QATB Training School was established and was a significant step forward in the evolution of the profession. “I used to say talking to fellows in the training school, we specialise in things that are a little better than the man in the street. We know how to immobilise fractures, we know how to resuscitate a patient and we know how to control bleeding. That’s us,” he said. Ernie’s long service to the QATB came to an end in 1991 after three years as a member of the Brisbane Centre Committee. His contributions and service were formally recognised in 1977 and 1987 when he was awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal and the Medal of the Order of Australia respectively. However, these two accolades aren’t the highlights of his career. “There’s two things that I am proud of in my time. We got a training school and we got superannuation,” he said. Having seen extensive trauma throughout his career, Ernie offers the following advice to today’s paramedics. “Always retain a sympathetic nature. If you’re upset from what’s happened, just think of the people that you are treating,” he said.
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Take time to consider
your health Regardless of how skilled and talented you are at work, if your health lets you down, you can’t perform at your best. The challenges we all face daily – such as shift work, spending extended periods sitting at a desk or driving long distances – can take their toll. It’s generally recognised by health experts that regular exercise and sleep, combined with healthy eating, are the key to long-term wellbeing. Unfortunately, some people turn to alcohol, cigarettes and junk food to get them through stressful periods. But that is not a sustainable solution.
There are plenty of online resources available for QAS staff who want to make a positive change. One of these is the Get Healthy program, a free telephone-based service staffed by qualified health coaches aimed at supporting adults to make positive lifestyle changes. It provides information and ongoing personalised and confidential support and has proven to be effective in improving healthy eating and physical activity behaviours. It is based on the highly successful Quitline (13QUIT) model for smokers, which has helped thousands of smokers quit the habit and start leading healthier lives.
If this becomes a pattern it is unlikely to support the quality of life you would like to enjoy or you and your family’s lifetime goals. At the recent QAS staff summits a number of staff indicated they were unaware of the resources and information that is available to help improve their personal health and wellbeing.
You can find out more at http://www.gethealthyqld.com.au/
There are also a wide range of corporate discounts http://qheps.health.qld.gov.au/hr/staff-wellness/corporate-discounts/home.htm and helpful resources – including healthy recipes, health and fitness age calculators, nutritional information and exercise plans available via the QHEPS staff intranet http://qheps.health.qld.gov.au/hr/staff-wellness/resources/home.htm.
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GRADUATE PARAMEDICS START CAREER IN COMMUNICATIONS
Graduate paramedics start career
in Communications Fourteen aspiring Graduate Paramedics are starting their QAS careers in Operations Centres around Queensland before moving on road. The cohort is part of a new program that seeks to retain promising graduate paramedics by offering them a two-year position as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) before offering them a permanent placement within the Graduate Paramedic Program (GPP). Throughout the program, participants will obtain a Certificate III and IV in Ambulance Communications and gain
invaluable Operations Centre experience. Daniel Essex said the participants were initially disappointed to miss out on securing a GPP position but were quick to recognise the opportunity the alternate career avenue could provide. “I realised that it wasn’t cutting me off entirely,” he said. “It was saying there is a way that I can progress into a career with QAS and I saw that as both exciting and a very, very lucky opportunity,” he said. “As we’ve been progressing through the program, we’ve seen the benefits we provide as
additional resources and helping to bridge between communication and paramedic roles within the organisation. “It’ll be interesting to see how the program develops and what works and what doesn’t.” Like many of his peers, Daniel has just one focus for the next two years – to be the best EMD that he can be. The inaugural group recently completed initial training in Brisbane and are now working in the Brisbane, Rockhampton, Southport, Toowoomba and Townsville Operations Centres.
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Develop and thrive
in the Central West If you want to fast-track your leadership and communication skills, develop the confidence to work independently and still have time for study, the Central West LASN might be just the place for you. The Central West is an increasingly attractive option for young paramedics seeking a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan area. Ben Dickson and Kirrilee Madden are two of the latest Advanced Care Paramedics to take on the challenge of working in rural and remote Queensland. QAS Insight caught up with the pair recently to chat about what led to their decision and their initial impressions of the region. After several years working in Metro South at busy stations such as Centenary and Nathan, Ben and Kirrilee knew the time was right for a change. “I really enjoyed my time working in Brisbane but we just felt it was time for a change of scenery. I have some friends that have moved out and done some rural work and they really raved about it and advised me to go for it,” Ben, who is stationed in Aramac, said.
“It was lucky there were two spots, one in Aramac and one in Barcaldine, which is the next town over. So Kirrilee and I negotiated that we’d be on the same roster for the majority of the time and we’ve signed up for a year. “It’s different for sure – both the lifestyle and the work aspect. But I’m enjoying both and enjoying a break from the hustle and bustle of being a paramedic in Brisbane. “There’s plenty of time between jobs to study and do a lot more professional development and CPR Awareness and to have more community involvement, which is a really big drawcard. “The eight-on, six-off roster is awesome, so you get a week off every two weeks basically. We really enjoy camping and four-wheel-driving and there’s lots to explore out here. I would absolutely 100 per cent recommend it to anyone thinking about it.” Kirrilee, who is based in Barcaldine, is also thriving in her new community.
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“The workload isn’t there like it is in the city, but you have a great deal of autonomy and have to have confidence in yourself. And you have to be on your game if something comes up because when it does, it’s just you there,” she said.
“They may also fear they’ll be disconnected from the organisation, but I can reinforce to them that that’s actually not the case, because quite a lot of the organisation’s leaders have worked in rural and remote stations.
“It was a big leap for me and I guess everyone worries. I was thinking ‘I’ve never lived out there, I don’t really know what I’m going into, what if I don’t like it?’
“It will give you an opportunity to practice in an environment on your own which will really develop your leadership communication skills.
“But there is a lot of support. I like the people out here and the other staff are really supportive and the community is really friendly and accepting of you.
“We provide constant opportunities for our officers to develop and attend training and I’m a very strong advocate of anyone who wants to improve themselves academically, so they’ll get my full support.
“We were quite surprised at what there actually was out here. There’s yoga, a gym, touch football, boxing classes, netball and a lot of football, so the sport was a big one for me. “It’s the show season at the moment so there’s heaps on. A couple of weekends ago was the Tree of Knowledge Festival, which was massive here in Barcy. Pretty much everyone was at the showgrounds and they had the town party with music and goat races and it was really fun. “I’d recommend working in a rural community. It’s so much more relaxing and I have more energy.” Central West LASN Manager Gavin Farry quickly dispelled the myth that a stint in the bush wouldn’t allow a paramedic to fully develop their clinical skills. “It’s the same for paramedics as for doctors and nurses. People feel like they’re not going to be attached to clinical excellence or their skills will deteriorate,” Gavin said.
“For young folks coming out here, you’ll get the opportunity to engage closely with our clinical staff and gain an understanding how the organisation works and we’ll support you to maintain a high clinical standard. “You won’t see the amount of cases you see in a metropolitan area, but what you will see is that you’ll be attending those cases on your own. For a trauma case in the Brisbane CBD, you would have a range of other people supporting you, from Critical Care Paramedics and HARU, right through to the Medical Director. “In these rural and remote settings, it’s generally you and your volunteer driver and you can spend long periods of time doing patient transfers. “I find that paramedics in rural and remote communities have great leadership skills and are good communicators. They need to elicit help quickly from those around them and communicate strongly about what that will mean.”
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Behind the Scenes
with 60 Minutes It was a Saturday spent with mates that would change his life forever. On February 18, Glenn Dickson was attacked by a bull shark while spear fishing in waters off Cardwell in far north Queensland. He sustained a severe wound to the leg and was rapidly deteriorating. Thanks to the quick thinking of his friends and the swift response of our staff, a strong chain of survival gave him a fighting chance. Today, he’s surviving and thriving and telling his story.
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We were recently on location as part of a re-enactment with news program 60 Minutes in an effort to share Glenn’s amazing story of survival. The most important message this case brought to audiences across the country is the value of bystander intervention before medical help arrives. We take you behind the scenes with paramedics Martin Taylor and Leah Payne, as they helped re-enact the events of that day.
Reporter Peter Stefanovic shares a laugh with paramedic Martin Taylor before the interview.
The fishing boat transporting a critically injured Glenn Dickson gets ready to dock at the Port Hinchinbrook boat ramp.
An overhead drone captures the initial moments as the boat docks at the jetty.
Martin quickly makes an assessment and begins treatment with the help of Glenn’s mates.
A cameraman looks on as Martin, the first officer on scene, reaches Glenn.
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Martin and Glenn’s mates stretcher him to an ambulance waiting nearby.
Glenn’s mates Peter Kosica and Aaron Butler share a lighthearted moment during the shoot.
Leah continues patient care with mate Rick Bettua at Glenn’s side as the ambulance transits him to the rescue helicopter.
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An actor portraying Glenn takes a break between shooting scenes.
Leah now on scene provides back-up to Martin.
Mick and Leah stop for a quick snap with the actor portraying Glenn.
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH 60 MINUTES
How it happened 10.00am Glenn Dickson is attacked by a 3.5m bull shark in waters 40-kilometres offshore at Eva Rock. The men are in a remote location without a phone signal.
10.05am Racing against the clock, they are headed for the Port Hinchinbrook boat ramp. Aaron Butler keeps trying for a phone signal.
10.32am Aaron successfully phones Triple Zero (000) and the call is taken by Brisbane Emergency Medical Dispatcher Luke Fox.
10.35am Aaron advises Luke that they’ve applied two tourniquets to Glenn’s severely injured and haemorrhaging leg. Glenn is in and out of consciousness.
10.42am Martin Taylor is the first paramedic to arrive on scene at the Port Hinchinbrook boat ramp. He will soon be backed up by Luke Joplin and Leah Payne.
10.47am Rescue helicopter 8510 is assigned and tasked to the incident. 11.20am An ambulance departs the boat ramp heading to the Tully landing zone to meet the helicopter. Martin is now backed up by Richard Brown, Luke Joplin and Leah Payne.
11.24am Glenn’s condition deteriorates as he loses consciousness. The crews administer fluids and try to control the haemorrhage while struggling to obtain his blood pressure without a radial pulse.
12.23pm Glenn is loaded into 8510 after being administered three units of blood. He has extensive leg injuries including a severed limb and a ruptured femoral artery.
12.44pm
510 departs for Cairns Hospital with Glenn on board in a stable condition 8 but with critical injuries. Richard and Luke continue to provide clinical support.
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We recently caught up with ACP Dan Moore (pictured) on the Sunshine Coast to chat about his experience abroad and the ongoing road to recovery.
Emergencies
caught on camera Just weeks earlier, Tewantin Advanced Care Paramedic Dan Moore had his own encounter with a shark while on holiday in Bali with friends and family.
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Dan was attacked when taking a short break on his board, 200-metres offshore at remote Balian on the country’s south-west coast. Seven tendons in his hand were severely injured, including four that were completely severed.
This started a chain of events that provided a deep insight into the changing media environment that we now find ourselves in. Thankful Dan made it back to land safely, his children and friends decided to keep the details of the shark attack quiet and off social media until after he had been to hospital and received treatment. It was his brother’s 50th birthday and the last thing Dan wanted to do was raise concern among his family and friends in Australia. On the beach, his wife and children turned their attention to ensuring that Dan was given vital first aid. Poor water quality and bacteria from the bite were cause for concern. A nurse vacationing nearby would soon arrive on scene and helped utilise Dan’s own well-resourced first aid kit. Meanwhile, her Australian partner called a local ambulance service for help. So much was beyond Dan’s control during the hour he spent on the beach before the ambulance arrived. He was helped by the information provided by bystanders at the scene but was made to feel vulnerable by the actions of others who took to social media. In a global society driven by the use of technology, it should come as no surprise that international media outlets were ready and waiting for Dan to arrive at hospital, barely two hours after breaking news from bystanders had hit the Indonesian media. Some reports even claimed it had been a fatal attack.
Being a patient after a traumatic incident is hard on any given day. Let alone when you are in another country and unaware of how to navigate the health system. There were many decisions to be made about the course of treatment to ensure the future use of his hand – decisions that could affect his career. The last thing Dan needed to deal with was the distraction of being cast into the media spotlight. It reminds us of the changing environment in which we operate and the considerations we should make when treating our patients. Anyone can be vulnerable, as Dan himself discovered. We can’t control the actions of bystanders at a scene, but we can make an effort to protect a patient’s privacy and make them more comfortable. Experiences like Dan’s will continue to become more common as social media and real-time information sharing revolutionises the delivery and creation of news. And it’s set to evolve further with the launch of applications such as NewsCar. Just months old, the app enables both ride-share drivers and other motorists to provide ‘first response’ vision of breaking stories to newsrooms. Networks are able to establish the proximity of users to news events and drivers can use the app on their phones to film an incident, receiving instant payment from the networks after uploading the content. The media environment is evolving and it’s a reality that we need to be conscious of in the field. Dan’s experience has lessons for all of us, which in retrospect could improve a patient’s experience.
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EMERGENCIES CAUGHT ON CAMERA
Patient learnings: •
Remember to always consider a patient’s privacy. This is especially important at a public location or the scene of a major incident.
•
If bystanders are being invasive, politely ask them to give you space to treat the patient.
•
Alert your SOS and contact QAS Media if media are present. They will manage any interview requests.
•
If your patient is conscious and alert, it may be worth helping to mentally prepare them by warning that the incident has generated media interest and could make the news.
A crowd of bystanders gathers as Dan is provided first aid on the beach following the attack.
Since returning home in January, Dan continues to undergo rehabilitation therapy for his injuries and hopes to make a full recovery. We wish him all the best and look forward to welcoming him back on road soon.
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HARU Report Cases from the HARU Audit By Dr Stephen Rashford
A 50-year-old male was working on an industrial site when a jack holding up a large truck slipped, resulting in a crush injury to the lower half of the victim’s body. Prior to arrival of HARU, the patient had been treated by Advanced Care and Critical Care Paramedics. The initial treatment included basic trauma cares and analgesia with fentanyl and ketamine. Upon arrival of the HARU Paramedic: 1. patent airway. 2. breathing normally, with no evidence of injury. 3. well perfused with a heart rate of 90 beats per minute. 4. Alert, orientated and moving all limbs.
5. Temperature 36.5C, lower abdominal tenderness with extreme pain to pubic symphyseal and left hip areas. Distal perfusion in the lower limbs was normal. The pelvic binder was in the correct position. The HARU paramedic quickly performed a FAST ultrasound, revealing a small collection of fluid (presumably blood or urine) in the pelvis. The bladder was also marginally displaced. The provisional diagnosis was a significant pelvic injury, most likely with diastasis of the pubic symphysis. The patient remained haemodynamically stable and was transferred directly to a major trauma centre. A complex pelvic injury was identified, including diastasis of the pubic symphysis (open book pelvis)
HARU Audit discussion and learnings: 1. The combination of the mechanism of injury and careful clinical examination can allow accurate diagnosis in many cases. 2. The pelvic ultrasound can provide clues to a significant pelvic injury – displacement of the bladder, free fluid, and blood within the bladder. 3. The pelvic binder must be applied correctly in all cases, as it may be the most important life-saving intervention in cases of complex pelvic injury. 4. Placement too high or low may exacerbate injury, by opening up of posterior or anterior pelvic ring injuries. In this case, the binder was marginally high.
5. Feedback to the State Equipment and Vehicle Committee (SEVC) regarding potential review of current options for pelvic binders to ensure most appropriate device is available to paramedics so as to achieve easy application and correct positioning in the majority of cases. 6. A discussion around the potential role of Zone 3 REBOA (Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta) in complex pelvic injury. Currently, the only prehospital use of this technology is in London, UK.
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Preparation underway to be ‘Game Day’ ready There’s not a lot that the Gold Coast hasn’t experienced, but next year’s Commonwealth Games will be the biggest sporting spectacular to ever hit the coast and the largest sporting event in the country this decade.
An estimated 6,600 athletes and team officials from 71 nations and territories will descend on the Gold Coast in April to compete in 18 sports and seven parasports over an 11-day period. To be game day ready, significant work is underway behind the scenes to plan and prepare for our operational deployment during the event, which will involve the support of more than 290 staff and 70 vehicles. Monica Farrow, QAS Executive Manager of Operations for the Commonwealth Games, said the third day of the games on April 7 will be the busiest day for QAS with the largest schedule of events.
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“We will have 194 staff and 53 vehicles to resource the numerous sporting activities unfolding on day three alone,” she said. “These figures reinforce both the significant scale of the event and the vital role that our workforce will play in supporting event organisers, athletes and spectators throughout its duration.” Staff won’t only be trackside, but will also fulfil additional supporting functions within the 17 Event Control Rooms and the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre. Three teams will also be attached to the Queensland Police Service Special Response Capability Teams 24-hours-a-day during the event period, as well as in the lead-up and following the conclusion of the games. “We are currently engaged in the planning of an extensive exercise program which will involve the organisation undertaking more than 70 exercises, including two full deployments in preparation of the games,” Monica said.
Although the games will not begin until the Opening Ceremony on April 4, anticipation will mount with the arrival of the Queens Baton Relay when it touches down on Christmas Day. The relay is the longest and the most accessible in history, travelling through the entire Commonwealth for 388 days and over 230,000 kilometres. In Australia it will pass through the hands of 3,800 batonbearers before it concludes its journey. “Our participation in the games will begin when the baton arrives in Queensland and we will provide support through to its final legs,” Monica said. Beginning at Horn Island in the far north, the relay will travel across the western and coastal towns and communities of Queensland for 32 days before coming to an end on the Gold Coast. Staff interested in being involved in QAS operations during the games are encouraged to keep an eye out for expressions of interest from the various LASNs involved in games-related activities.
“In the coming months we will begin to test our operational capabilities through these exercises and prepare staff for the main event next April.”
Debbie’s silver lining
Tropical Cyclone Debbie brought chaos and devastating destruction to Queensland when she swept across the state in late March. But therein presented an opportunity for Whitsunday paramedics. Advanced Care Paramedic Chris Cranmer said until recently, it was local legend that Proserpine Ambulance Station was home to a very productive lime tree that visiting staff would raid from time to time. “During the cyclone, the tree was uprooted and blown over,” he said. “After relieving in Proserpine one day, I decided to liberate the tree and transplanted it at Whitsunday Station where it is now loved by all.” Chris has a friendly message of jest for Proserpine Officer-inCharge Gavin Cousens: “If your Corona now feels ungarnished, feel free to come for a drive down to the beach.”
ACP Chris Cranmer with the infamous lime tree now found at Whitsunday Station.
More than 110 staff were deployed across the state during the severe weather event and provided much needed support to Queenslanders in their time of need.
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Off-road team keeps us on track It’s the efforts of men and women working tirelessly in the background that keep our staff equipped and moving on road.
Fleet and Equipment Operations comprises 20 employees that make up three teams specialising in Fleet, Equipment and Business Support. Just like crews on road, this off-road team welcomes new life, and maintains and provides care through to end of life. Each year around 200 new and replacement ambulance and emergency response vehicles are processed by the Brisbane-based team. It begins with a new base vehicle being ordered, which is then outsourced to a supplier for fittingout. It returns to Fleet for review before it gets the final tick to go on road. But that’s not all that they do. Working on the suggestions of paramedics and Patient Transport Officers, the team looks for and explores suggested vehicle improvements that may enhance the service QAS provides to its patients and the working environment of staff.
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Fleet and Equipment Operations has almost completed its second year of rolling out the new Stryker power-assisted stretchers in all new ambulances and has recently navigated its way to an Australian first with the introduction of a dual adult and child seat for the safety of our smaller patients. The Equipment team is responsible for everything from the uniform on your back to the defibrillator and first aid kit in your ambulance. Before a new or replacement vehicle leaves Fleet, this team of four paramedics checks to ensure it caters for everything clinically required. Opposite the workshop you will find the Business Support Group which navigates Fleet and Equipment through the many complex processes of governance and procurement. Although it’s a small team, its reach has a profound effect at keeping us ready and on track.
Meet the teams Fleet – some of the technical team that keeps us moving and improving.
Equipment – this clinical team of paramedics works off road to ensure you’ve got everything you need on road.
Business Support Group – some of the administrative framework that brings Fleet and Equipment Operations together.
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Cultivating our
cultural capability Thirty-two recruits have been engaged and eight have qualified as paramedics through our award-winning Indigenous Paramedic Program since its inception in 2013. In a two-pronged approach, the program creates opportunities for recruits to qualify as a paramedic while endeavouring to place them in their home communities where they can make a profound difference to their people. Tyson Kebisu is the most recent recruit to qualify as an Advanced Care Paramedic, receiving his epaulettes from Commissioner Russell Bowles in Brisbane on the eve of Reconciliation Week in May.
Tyson Kebisu receives his epaulettes from the Commissioner.
Like those who qualified before him, Tyson will continue as a mentor to the 24 recruits currently in the program. The success of the Indigenous Paramedic Program has a far-reaching impact on communities across Queensland and has paved the way for more initiatives to follow. Still in its infancy, the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Program has been established to create opportunities in other communities that could also benefit from the concept. Tareta ‘TJ’ Siakisini Jnr and Marigold Tauvao are the program’s first recruits and are eager to make a difference in their Samoan community in south-east Queensland. They recently gathered at Whyte Island with Indigenous paramedic recruits for two weeks of training and assessment.
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TJ and Marigold make handy work of their training and assessment at Whyte Island.
Milestones in continuing the
steps to reconciliation
Uncle Joe Kirk is joined by Deputy Commissioner Craig Emery and staff that travelled from across Queensland to attend the event.
On June 3, 1992, the Mabo decision made by the High Court of Australia was a turning point for the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ rights. Towards the end of Reconciliation Week, members of our workforce came together in Brisbane to reflect and recognise the importance of Mabo Day. We were joined by our colleagues from Queensland Health and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. A special thank you to Uncle Joe Kirk who provided those gathered with a greater insight and understanding about the work still to be done, and to the officers who travelled from across the state to share their stories and attend the event.
Central Queensland Indigenous Paramedic Recruit Shae Guivarra may not be old enough to remember the historic Mabo decision but he personally understands its importance. Based in Bundaberg, Shae says while this year’s 25th anniversary is a significant milestone in our history, it is no more important than any other year. “We don’t celebrate it in the physical sense, instead we reflect and recognise it for what it is,” he said. “It’s a day to remember, celebrating the past and Mabo and what he achieved for all Indigenous people and giving that recognition.” Shae’s paternal roots descend from Thursday Island, the same homeland of Eddie Mabo. Shae Guivarra, Indigenous Paramedic Recruit
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Learning all the tricks of the trade Emma Williams has had a unique introduction to working for the Queensland Ambulance Service since starting in 2015.
In just two years on the Sunshine Coast, she has fulfilled an array of roles across both administrative and operational functions of the organisation. This includes providing relief as the Executive Officer to the Assistant Commissioner and working on road as a Patient Transport Officer and now Student Paramedic and Indigenous Paramedic Cadet. Emma also played a key role in the successful delivery of the Government Wireless Network (GWN) rollout across a fleet of close to 90 ambulance vehicles on the Sunshine Coast. She set out on the journey to become a paramedic following a successful domestic and international career working for the Federal Government, including at the Australian High Commission in London. Emma coordinated successful visit programs for Australia’s most senior dignitaries including the GovernorGeneral, Prime Minister, Federal and Shadow Ministers. During the eight years she spent in London, she worked under the leadership of five Prime Ministers and was at the forefront
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of significant events in recent political history. Emma then began work for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as the G20 Taskforce Team Leader for Workforce Accreditation after returning to Queensland in early 2014. In this role she contributed to the delivery of more than 20,000 workforce accreditation passes utilising strengths in time management, stakeholder engagement and logistical planning. These are skills that she has since put to use in the many roles she has fulfilled since joining QAS. Unlike her peers who are navigating through the Indigenous Paramedic Program (IPP) as an alternative pathway prior to completing tertiary education, Emma is a unique addition in that she was already studying. In her third year, Emma is close to achieving her dream of completing university and becoming a paramedic. Her determination and ambition is reflected through the completion of IPP qualifications - Certificate III
in Non-Emergency Client Transport and Certificate IV in Health Care while also undertaking a full-time study load. She stands as a role model and mentor to Indigenous peers at the University of the Sunshine Coast and to fellow cadets within the IPP. It is in this capacity that Emma recognises the value and importance of being a mentor, sharing her personal experiences with the other cadets to help further their respective journeys. “When you have no education and you are thrown into an academic environment, it is scary,” she said. “When we did our story-telling in the group, it was the first thing that I shared – I am a high school dropout. “I never finished Grade 10 at school, but I am about to complete a university degree. If I can do it, every one of you can do it as well.” Emma recently submitted her application to participate in the 2018 Graduate Paramedic Program. We wish Emma and the many other graduates-to-be around the state all the best in their applications and final semester.
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Coordinated and timely
clinical documentation By Mark Crossman, Executive Manager of Clinical Standards and Quality
The Queensland Ambulance Service Operational Procedure, Completion of Clinical Documentation, was recently released and sets out standards for the completion of eARFs recording the provision of services by QAS paramedics. It is therefore timely to touch base in more detail on an aspect of clinical documentation; the coordinated completion of an eARF record among paramedic crews.
Why talk about this? Firstly, it’s an important contributor to good patient care. QAS paramedics provide a sophisticated level of patient care and it is vital this care is clearly documented. Apart from the requirement for handover at hospitals, requests for eARFs come from the Coroners Court of Queensland, Office of the Health Ombudsman, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, forensic and other parties in criminal and civil legal proceedings. On many occasions multiple crews have attended the patient in question. It is important in these cases that a paramedic takes the role of primary author for the eARF and ensures its completeness, encompassing all relevant details of the patient’s care. However, all signatories to the document are responsible for the accuracy and quality of the content.
Two eARFs were located for the deceased man: eARF1: “Please refer to CCP unit XXX for the management and assessment of this patient.” eARF2: “Patient deceased. ACP unit XXX completing case documentation.” The eARFs completed for the other patients in this accident were fantastic and the paramedics did a great job but assumptions were made as to who would complete the eARF for the deceased patient. You can see how this may happen at a busy scene like this but a simple rule of thumb is, whoever completes the ROLE form should complete the primary eARF.
What happened? Plenty of phone calls and the completion of an eARF a couple of days after the case. Being only a couple of days later, the situation was remediable and the recollection of the paramedics was good. It doesn’t always work out like this though and in the absence of an eARF, often one or two years later, it can be a very difficult task to provide a statement for the enquiring body. Sondra Vandeleur, QAS Manager Legal and Regulatory Services, provided the following advice on the importance of contemporaneous documentation.
Why is this important? The QAS recently received an urgent request for an eARF to assist with an autopsy examining the cause of death of a young man. He had died a couple of days earlier in a car accident, with a number of other patients involved. We understand that these are busy scenes, with the paramedics’ attention quickly moving on to those who are being actively managed, and subsequently the eARFs for those patients.
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Lawyers are commonly heard to say: Good documentation = a good defence Poor documentation = a poor defence No documentation = no defence
When a case becomes the subject of a legal claim, the eARF is the first document insurers and lawyers turn to as evidence of what actually happened on scene. It is therefore important that the eARF is completed as soon as possible after attending a patient, contains all information relevant to the case and that the information is accurate.
Facts: •
QAS attended a male aged 55 years complaining of chest pain, dizziness and numbness in his back and legs at a gym.
•
An ECG provided no explanation for the chest pain.
•
The eARF included – ‘chest pain, 8/10, 5 minutes duration, self-resolving. Lower back pain. Numbness in legs’.
•
QAS administered morphine and transported to hospital.
•
At hospital the patient was triaged, transferred to an orthopaedic bay and given more pain relief.
•
He underwent a CT scan of his lumbar spine and was discharged later that night with a plan that he would consult his GP the following day.
•
He was found deceased at home the following morning.
•
The autopsy result was a ruptured aortic dissection.
•
The inquest considered the appropriateness of the assessment and management of the deceased by the QAS and the hospital.
•
Differing evidence was given about the handover at the hospital.
•
The eARF formed part of the evidence tendered at the inquest.
Contemporaneous + complete + accurate = credible. When a Statement is required, months or sometimes years after a case, the eARF is usually the only record of what occurred on scene and can be used as a memory aid, with a Statement then being built around that information. In 2015, the QAS was involved in a Coronial Inquest in which contemporaneous, complete and accurate record keeping in the eARF resulted in the QAS officer’s evidence being accepted by the Coroner. Opposite is a summary of that inquest.
In his findings, State Coroner Terry Ryan stated: • ‘…from the level of detail contained in the eARF, I consider it likely the officer would have given a thorough handover to the nurse.’ • ‘The description of the patient’s chest pain in the eARF ought to have alerted a competent doctor that further investigations were required to exclude a potentially life threatening cause.’ Thank you for your ongoing vigilance in this area and we look forward to seeing many more great examples of clinical documentation coming through our office.
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Foundation continues
paramedic’s legacy As we’ve been reminded recently by the sudden loss of Senior Constable Brett Forte, the duty of a first responder can result in the greatest of all sacrifices. Paramedic Kenneth James ‘Jim’ McPherson made that sacrifice when his life was tragically cut short in a plane crash near Bundaberg with his medical colleagues and a patient on June 21, 1987. Jim was fulfilling his duties as an Aerial Ambulance Attendant and escorting a critically injured patient to Brisbane when the flight crashed shortly after take-off from Bundaberg Airport. Lost with Jim were pilot John Nelson, Nursing Sister Mavis Endres and patient Noela Petersen. Dr Phil Sweeney was the sole survivor. An anniversary memorial service was recently held in Bundaberg to pause and remember the lives lost and offer support to the friends and family still with us today. 30 years on, the loss of one of our own continues to touch the lives of present and future QAS paramedics through the KJ McPherson Education and Research Foundation.
Jim was known for his dedication to the education and training of Ambulance Officers and for a career spent contributing above and beyond the call of duty. It was therefore only fitting, that his legacy lives on through a foundation established in 1988 to help facilitate research and development opportunities for ambulance officers then and into the future. The KJ McPherson Education and Research Foundation has granted close to $300,000 to outstanding uniformed personnel to date. These grants embody the mission of the foundation to support pre-hospital care research and education and reflect the foundation’s commitment to ensuring better outcomes for patients. It’s a mission that transcends directly into the day-today work of our paramedics and has contributed to improvements in our clinical practices. The introduction of Thrombolytic therapy into QAS Coronary Care Clinical Practice was a result of the findings of a study partially funded by the foundation. The foundation’s annual Professional Development Symposium and Grants Presentation will be held later this year. You can find out more about the foundation and available grants at www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/KJM.html
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Domestic and Family Violence: We are all in this together By Terri-Ann Spence, Priority One Counsellor
“I want to tell everybody that family violence happens to anybody, no matter how nice your house is, how intelligent you are.” - Rosie Batty speaking on February 14, 2014
A healthy relationship
Domestic violence
Male violence against women
A healthy relationship is one where there is mutual respect and trust, shared responsibility and decision making, and most importantly, equal power. Both people feel safe, display respectful behaviour and are honest and accountable for their own actions. Neither party displays threatening, intimidating or manipulative behaviours.
Domestic and family violence occurs in a relationship where one person has power and control of the other person by using abuse and/or violence. White Ribbon Australia defines domestic violence as: “violence, abuse and intimidation between people who are or have been in an intimate relationship. The perpetrator uses violence to control and dominate the other person. This causes fear, physical harm and/or psychological harm. Domestic violence is a violation of human rights” (Phillips & Vandenbroek, 2014).
Any person in an intimate relationship including same-sex relationships and of either gender, can experience domestic and family violence by their intimate or ex-partners. In most cases though, it is women and their children who experience domestic and family violence by men.
When conflict or disagreement occurs in a healthy relationship, both parties treat each other as equals and can allow the other to have different ways of considering a matter.
In the majority of cases, domestic and family violence is a gender issue rooted in social inequality between men and women when men view themselves as superior to women. In patriarchal families, workplaces and societies, certain gender stereotypes, attitudes and behaviours that devalue women continue to foster a culture of male violence against women.
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The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported the following statistics in 2013: • • • •
•
•
On average at least one woman a week is killed by a partner or former partner in Australia. One in four Australian women has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. One in four Australian women has experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner. 76 per cent of adults who experience intimate partner violence are women and 24 per cent are men, so women are more than three times more likely than men to experience violence from an intimate partner. Women are five times more likely than men to require medical attention or hospitalisation as a result of intimate partner violence, and five times more likely to report fearing for their lives. Of those women who experience violence, more than half have children in their care. The children often witness or experience the violence also.
Why don't you just leave? Leaving a domestic and family violence situation may sound straightforward but it can be difficult, complex and dangerous. Often the early days of the relationship involve seduction and manipulation. The person may be very charming, pretend that their partner is the dominant one in the relationship and may confess a secret of early abuse and emotional brokenness. Once the partner is committed and devoted to the relationship, the abuse and violence begins. The power and control aspect of domestic and family violence makes it very difficult for a person to leave. Power and control occurs deliberately and purposefully in various ways. Threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, minimising and denying the violence and blaming the victim, using the children and guilt tactics, and financial abuse all work to suppress the person’s sense of free will. Threats and carried-out threats may be in the form of physical harm, threats of suicide or leaving. Threats and violent behaviour often escalate if the victim leaves or speaks of leaving the relationship. This is the most dangerous time. 75 per cent of domestic violence murders occur soon after the victim has left the relationship and careful consideration of safety must be taken when exploring the option to leave.
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Even disclosing domestic and family violence can be very difficult, particularly if the victim is concerned about being judged by others or where domestic and family violence is common and normalised in their family. When disclosing, the victim may not initially divulge significant details or the severity of the abuse. Amidst feelings of shame, guilt and fear, it can be very difficult to know where to go for help and who to trust. Accessing and financing accommodation, having money for day-to-day living expenses and making decisions that will have the least negative impact on children can seem overwhelming and contribute to the sense of powerlessness.
Helping someone experiencing domestic and family violence If a person discloses they are experiencing family and domestic violence it is important to firstly just listen to them and inquire about their needs and about the nature of the violence. Validate their experience and do not judge them or their actions or decisions. Discuss with them ways to enhance their safety. Asking about the history of the violence, whether it is increasing or if alcohol or drugs are involved can help to assess the safety risk. Also discuss support services such as those assisting with safety and practicalities, as well as trauma-informed psychological services underpinned by an understanding of violence within relationships. When exploring the option of the victim leaving the relationship, it is important to respect their choice if that is to stay. Help them to work out what action they are ready to focus on, which may include a safety plan around staying, parenting, self care, and their and their children’s mental and physical health and wellbeing. This type of support helps to empower them to make decisions and take action that are in the best and safest interests of themselves and their children.
Help and support if you are experiencing domestic and family violence If you are in a domestic and family violence situation it is really important to have a safety plan for the occasions when you and your children are at risk of being harmed.
FOUNDATION CONTINUES PARAMEDIC’S LEGACY
Be prepared to phone the police and also know which friends, relatives or neighbours you will phone. There is a large amount of information online to assist with developing a safety plan and it can be extremely helpful and comforting to reach out to trustworthy people including friends, family, work colleagues and professional services. Feeling isolated and powerless are major aspects of domestic and family violence so allowing others to support you in making decisions and taking your chosen actions is very important. Free, assistance is available from DV Connect’s Womensline on 1800 811 811 or DV Connect Mensline on 1800 600 636.
The bigger picture
Help and support for people who are perpetrators of domestic and family violence
Every man and woman working for QAS in whatever capacity is held in high regard and trust in the community. With this comes an element of power and therefore responsibility. Take a stance when you notice the denigration of women by stating that this behaviour and language is offensive and not appropriate.
As stated, domestic and family violence is used as a tactic to control and dominate the other person in any way that works for the perpetrator. It is not an anger issue and therefore anger management programs that do not address the issues of control and dominance are not appropriate. Often the first step for a person to take towards stopping their violent behaviours is to take responsibility for their own behaviours. One barrier to this is when the person believes that their behaviour is out of their own control. They can blame emotions (‘I just snapped’), their partner (‘they provoked me’) or alcohol (‘the drink made me do it’). People can also minimise or dismiss their violent behaviour (‘it wasn’t that bad’). Domestic violence situations that get out of control may appear to be fuelled by anger and frustration but in fact are often about feelings of weakness and inadequacy. Learning how to manage difficult emotions and understanding how their violent behaviour can impact their partners and children is crucial. The next step is to explore and understand that there are respectful behaviours they can choose instead that will promote healthy, safe and loving relationships with their partners and children. Support, education and counselling is available for people who are concerned their behaviour is affecting their partner, ex-partner or children. DV Connect offers free, confidential support by phoning Mensline on 1800 600 636 or Womensline on 1800 811 811.
If we are serious about standing up against domestic and family violence it is important to take a stance against the societal attitudes that perpetuate inequality between men and women. All people, but particularly men who do not abuse, can challenge men that do abuse. This includes calling out men who victim blame or speak degradingly of women, whether women are present or not. It is not easy for men to challenge men and a large responsibility for this is on men with power.
QAS organisational information and support The QAS Portal and the Queensland Government website contains domestic and family violence information and resources that are relevant to everyone, including the QAS HR Policy Statement – support for employees affected by Domestic and Family Violence. The ‘Recognise, Respond, Refer – Domestic Violence and the Workplace’ online training module is a great place to start and is available on the QAS Learning Management System. There is also a risk assessment and workplace safety plan tool, a domestic and family violence leave process fact sheet, and a comprehensive resource pack containing domestic and family violence referral references. Domestic and family violence has a profound impact on individuals, families, the workplace and the community. Please seek assistance if you are experiencing domestic and family violence, believe you may be perpetrating domestic and family violence or are concerned for or supporting someone in a domestic and family violence situation. Support, information and advice are available from Priority One. Contact details are located on the QAS Portal or you can phone the Priority One 24-hour counselling line on 1800 805 980.
Support, information and advice are available from Priority One. Contact details are located on the QAS Portal or you can phone the Priority One 24-hour counselling line on 1800 805 980.
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Dedicated to the job of helping others
Senior Operations Supervisors are the men and women who work to ensure we are operating at our most efficient, day in and day out. They provide essential operational support and clear the obstacles to help us navigate through the patient care process.
bayside to north Queensland where he held the position of Superintendent of Wowan.
Gold Coast where he has worked for the past 24 years. And although his timing was never quite right to help in the delivery of a baby, the timing of his retirement is perfect with the recent arrival of his first grandchild Sophie.
Stephen’s down-toearth nature and cheery disposition has had Front row (second from the left) is a younger Stephen in a profound impact on 1983 while at Ambulance Training School. his colleagues and is characteristic of the qualities he possesses as a Throughout his career he’s respected Peer Support Officer. witnessed the leaps and bounds It’s a job Gold Coast SOS Stephen in systems technology and the Our organisation benefits from Burns does with passion and development of the clinical role of a the contributions of officers just enthusiasm, and it’s one he’ll be paramedic. He’s also been a stable like Stephen and it’s a bittersweet sorely missed from as he prepares force and helped transition staff day when the time comes to to hang up his hat after almost 40 from the former QATB to QAS during say goodbye. years of service. his time in Cairns. We wish Stephen all the best His career began as an Honorary Communicating with farmers via for what awaits beyond the Ambulance Officer in Cleveland two-way radio while travelling to an station’s doors as he transitions to during the late 1970s and incident in remote Queensland is retirement. took him from Brisbane’s a world apart from the fast-paced Their day varies greatly and can include juggling tasks such as managing the scene of significant incidents to working with hospitals to managing patient flow across the region.
Stephen (far right) pictured with fellow Gold Coast SOS’s Neil Young, Pat Berry and Cary Strong. 48 QAS Insight
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Departures and Appointments Best wishes to the following people who are leaving us after making their valued contributions to QAS.* NAME
POSITION TITLE
YEARS OF SERVICE
DIVISION/LOCATION
Denise O’Keeffe
Administration Officer
44
West Moreton LASN
Greg Hardy
Officer-in-Charge
41
Darling Downs LASN
Michael Donaldson
Workforce Planning Officer
40
Metro North LASN
Neil Reid
Executive Manager Operations
37
Sunshine Coast LASN
Alan Lemon
Paramedic
34
Metro South LASN
Murray Thompson
Paramedic
34
Metro South LASN
Phillip Payne
Paramedic
26
Metro North LASN
Louise Podgorski
Paramedic
23
Townsville LASN
Mark Eggleston
Patient Transport Officer
15
Central Queensland LASN
Timothy Watkins
Paramedic
14
Metro North LASN
Tracy Moore
Paramedic
13
Wide Bay LASN
Judith Hawkes
Honorary Ambulance Officer
12
Townsville LASN
Danny Birach-Mayer
Patient Transport Officer
11
Metro North LASN
Movers and Shakers Congratulations are also in order to those who’ve either joined the QAS family or moved on to a new position or area.* NAME
APPOINTMENT DATE
POSITION TITLE
DIVISION/UNIT
Cameron Anderson
6/2/2017
Officer-in-Charge
Wide Bay LASN
Shane Henderson
15/2/2017
Officer-in-Charge
Metro South LASN
Lisa Dibley
6/3/2017
Officer-in-Charge
Metro South LASN
Bradley Gillam
13/3/2017
Operations Centre Director
Kedron
Amanda Suitor
20/3/2017
Principal Business Analyst
Kedron
Tanis Palmer
10/4/2017
Project Support Officer
Kedron
Michael Randall
24/4/2017
Business Intelligence Specialist
Kedron
* Staff retirements are provided for the period of March 1 to May 31, 2017. Staff appointments are provided for the period of February 1 to April 30, 2017. The appointments list is of classification levels A05 and above and includes those who have been made permanent after acting in a position.
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THANK YOU :) I am always grateful for the staff of the Queensland Ambulance Service, people who make us smile, people who make work enjoyable and people who we can count on to get the job done.
Shout out to the Cooroy Ambos (Andrew Cahill and David Mangels) who attended to my Dad Tuesday (February 7) night. In my sleep deprived and frazzled state, I do not
I take particular enjoyment from reading appreciation letters sent from members of the public and am overwhelmed with the increase in thank you letters. So far this year we have received 193 appreciation letters. Over this course I have written to 184 officers recognising their efforts. My sincerest gratitude to you all. Without you, we wouldn’t be the organisation we are today.
recall your names and I apologise for that. I
Russell Bowles QAS Commissioner
what were very stressful circumstances
do however recall that the two gentleman arrived down a difficult long driveway to my parent’s farm with a real air of competence and calm. I recall that your gentle humour and calm presence was very reassuring in for our family. My Dad was in pain and very distressed. Whilst I rode in the front I was aware that the driver was engaging
I know every officer is important to everyone, but early this morning (March 12) our ‘Miss One’ had a croup attack and it was so scary! The two officers that arrived, Ben (DarlingFilby) and Gareth (Earnshaw) from Durack, were the best! They provided Rheyn with the utmost care to settle her so she wasn’t so scared, from giving her the iPad to watch Wiggles all the way to Lady Cilento to making her a glove elephant and then making her giggle with their dancing to hot potato in the waiting room. People like this make it so much easier for scared parents like myself. Thank you to these fine young men and thank you all for the great job you do every day!
me in conversation to keep me calm and distract me from what was happening in the back. Though I was conscious of this, I was receptive and very grateful that you took the time and thought to care for me too. To the gentleman who worked to keep my Dad calm and manage his pain I am also most grateful. I was still listening and you did an outstanding job. We also appreciated you passing by to check on my dad before you left A&E. Our family would like to extend our warmest regards and appreciation for the work that you do. We thought you were both wonderful. – Katrina, Black Mountain
– Krystina, Springfield
Thank you for all your caring, support and assisting those in emergency situations. Sometimes you guys are even putting yourself on the line as you never know what dangerous events occur when heading to a callout. From assisting a birth, wounds, accidents both minor and serious, heart attacks, strokes and horrible death scenes, I take my hat off to you awesome paramedics. You do an awesome job. Saving lives counts. Thank you for being there. – Jacqueline, Clontarf
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Last Saturday (March 18), at the age of 49, I suffered a massive heart attack driving southbound on the Pacific Motorway. I am very lucky to have survived, for so many reasons, but I feel so indebted to the Coomera ambos (Luke Martin, Andrew McClelland and Jan Muhlenberg) who got to me in time and did such beautiful work. I literally now have a second chance at life, and get to go home from hospital today back to my wife and two young boys (aged 7 and 5). I only caught the name of one fellow (another Andrew), but to all who rescued me, THANK YOU!!
I would like to send a huge thank you the two paramedics (Tristian Goss and Ian Mischewski) who attended to me about 3pm on Saturday (April 1) at Scarborough. Their care and concern was outstanding. Thank you for getting us to the hospital, where tests could be done and a wedding (my daughter’s) could be had. Your kind nature and attitude, handling the situation in a
– Andrew, Pacific Pines
professional manner helped to keep my daughters and I as calm as possible. The wedding went ahead eventually at the hospital Chapel thanks to all the
I wanted to give you guys a big thanks. Skye Krobath
wonderful people who dedicated their
at the Finch Hatton Station came to our Triple Zero
lives to help others. THANK YOU
call on Saturday afternoon (March 11). My dad who is 66 years old jumped at Finch Hatton Gorge and
– Pam, Scarborough
dislocated his knee. He hadn't slipped or hit a rock, just twisted the wrong way as he jumped. After that he couldn't bend his knee and was in considerable pain. I left my daughter with him and had to run 1.6km and then drive to a close by cafe to make the emergency call. Skye came and with some of the
I was just hoping you could pass on my most
locals and tourists was able to lift him out the water
sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the two
and up the steps. She was able to think quickly and
paramedics from Spring Hill who assisted me
acted so promptly that the whole thing went so
yesterday (May 12). Thalia (Jackson) and Nick
smoothly. My dad was hurt at 1.04pm Saturday
(Weijers) were exceptional, not just for medically
but with the help of the community, Triple Zero
treating me, but also and above all, for the
response, Skye’s prompt arrival, locals and the fire
compassionate and humane assistance they
and rescue team, my dad was checked into Mackay
provided to a single mum, stuck on the couch
Base Hospital at 2.50pm. Considering Finch Hatton
with her four year old by her side, who could not
is a 50-60 minute drive from Mackay, I truly thought
let them through due to her inability to move.
this was amazing. I'd like to truly thank everyone
Those two outstanding professionals eased the
who assisted.
pain and the discomfort but more than anything, they reassured my little one and entertained
– Natalie, Finch Hatton
and distracted her while she was stressing about my condition. I commend you for having such amazing staff on board. – Veronica, Toowong
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