QAS
INSIGHT Spring 2017
CCP interns graduate Paramedic registration update Ambulance Week 2017
Contents
CCP INTERNS
PARAMEDIC REGISTRATION
LAC CONFERENCE
05
08
13
AMBULANCE WEEK
CAIRNS OPERATIONS CENTRE
QAS IS BORN
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PRIORITY ONE
MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
AMBO KIDS
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30
GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP?
VANCOUVER RIDE-ALONG
THANK YOU QAS
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36
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
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Cover photo: Our latest intake of Critical Care Paramedic interns undertakes an intensive training workshop in airway management, as our latest graduates of the program - Group 25 - join the CCP ranks (page 5)
Minister’s Message There are few of us whose work is genuinely a matter of life and death, but for Queensland Ambulance Service officers it is a daily reality. Yet the men and women of the QAS go about their work with dignity and humility. Officers do not save lives, treat the injured and sick, help bring babies into the world and transport people to hospital to win awards and garner praise. So it was a great honour to join Commissioner Russell Bowles and ambulance officers from around Queensland to see officers recognised at the Commissioner’s Achievement Awards and Remembrance Service in Brisbane on September 15. The event, held as part of Ambulance Week celebrations, recognises the incredible work of QAS officers. I would again like to congratulate those who received awards and medals for up to 40 years’ service, along with National Emergency, National and Long Service medals.
There was a time when paramedics were not seen as part of the health workforce. But today, paramedics are trusted to sedate patients, use high-level analgesia to relieve pain and specialised clot-busting drugs to treat heart attack. At some point in our lives, we all look back and wonder what difference we have made in the world. Each ambulance officer can honestly say they have made someone’s life better. I thank all of those honoured this year, and all of you who continue your day-to-day work at this important organisation as it celebrates its 125th year.
With very best wishes,
Hon. Cameron Dick MP Minister for Health Minister for Ambulance Services
The event was also a time of commemoration, to remember those officers who lost their lives in the course of their duties. Our everyday heroes who will never be forgotten. The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting you, with 75 more officers set to join QAS as part of the 2017-2018 State Budget. On top of this, 40 new paramedics will join the frontline in South East Queensland alone. I am pleased that our Government is also leading Australia, with the Queensland Parliament passing the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 in September. It recognises that the increasing responsibilities of paramedics requires a national registration and accreditation scheme.
Operations Centre Manager Brina Keating, Minister Dick, Assistant Commissioner Michelle Baxter and Assistant Commissioner Gerard Lawler during a recent visit to the Cairns Ambulance Station and Operations Centre.
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From the Commissioner It has been a consistently record-breaking year for us on the road and in our operations centres, and it’s a theme that you have continued to embrace. In August, we again experienced an unprecedented demand for service with some of our busiest days ever on record. This year’s winter flu season brought with it new challenges, and I want to thank all staff for your efforts to keep the wheels turning while recognising the essential need to prioritise your own health as well. It was also during this time that we were provided with the opportunity to take our 125th anniversary celebrations to the tens of thousands of visitors at the Ekka in Brisbane. Our involvement was greatly enhanced by the tireless work of our volunteers regarding all things historical, and our operational personnel who assisted in staffing the stall and delivering vital community education messages to the public. Ambulance Week has come and gone for another year, but was again a great opportunity to connect with our numerous communities throughout the state. Being able to interactively showcase and celebrate the long history of ambulance services in Queensland this year has no doubt helped the community to better understand the crucial service that we provide today.
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Our volunteers are the backbone of our community engagement, and it was terrific to see the presentation of a number of service awards at the recent Local Ambulance Committee State Conference in Hervey Bay. An astounding near 600 years of combined service was recognised – a phenomenal testament to our Local Ambulance Committee volunteers. We have also reached another significant milestone in the progression to national registration next year, with the passing of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 in September. You can read about the advancements and what is next to come, on page 8 of this edition of QAS Insight. The year is all but over, and there is still much ahead of us with a number of major events yet to come. Thank you for the great work you have achieved so far this year, and will continue to achieve until the year’s end.
Russell Bowles QAS Commissioner
The next chapter of their careers has begun for Hayden Murphy, Michael Branch, Ben Elliot, Michael McAuliffe, Sophie Hoskins, Jack Williams, Brigid Wall, Jacob Lange, Robert Birmingham, Dean Bennett, Nick Abussi, John Perry and Sam Streeter.
Critical Care
interns graduate
Congratulations to our 2017 graduates: Cairns John Perry Darling Downs Ben Elliot
There is one definitive reason for these 13 beaming smiles – graduating the Critical Care Paramedic Program to help care for some of our most vulnerable patients. Members of the cohort received their new epaulettes and Certificates of Achievement at a ceremony in Brisbane on August 23, surrounded by their family, friends and colleagues. Commissioner Russell Bowles paid tribute to the graduates and their support networks after months of training and assessment. “Achievements like this don’t just happen on their own. They take dedication, hard work and a rallying of support,” Commissioner Bowles said. “QAS thanks all the family and friends who have helped support our graduates through this challenging, but rewarding time in their careers.” Group 25 hails from communities across Cairns, the Darling Downs, Mackay, Metro North, Metro South, West Moreton and Wide Bay.
Jack Williams Mackay Robert Birmingham Metro North Michael Branch Michael McAuliffe Sam Streeter Metro South Sophie Hoskins Brigid Wall West Moreton Nicholas Abussi Hayden Murphy Wide Bay Dean Bennett Jacob Lange
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Sitting on an Australian first The concept is simple – make an improvement suggestion and we will see what can be achieved.
It is the approach of our Queensland Ambulance Service Fleet Services team, and one that has led to an Australian first for ambulance vehicles. All new and replacement QAS ambulances are now being fitted out with a dual-capability seat suitable for both adults and children aged one and up. The seat is incorporated into the rear-facing chair often utilised by patient escorts, and patient care officers in critical emergencies. A child that needs to accompany a sick parent can now be transported quickly and safely without the delay in waiting for another guardian or carer to arrive on scene. It will also serve a purpose for young sitting patients. Principal Fleet Technical Officer Graeme Hodges said the suggestion was put forward by a paramedic who had seen similar seats utilised by other emergency medical services overseas. He recalls the process for approval and implementation was not as easy as the one to submit the suggestion. “When we initially applied to have the seat installed, it didn’t meet the existing standards and neither did it fit the criteria,” Graeme said. “The criteria was specific to forward-facing seats utilising an existing seatbelt. Our situation was literally in reverse.
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“Within a period of six months, we gained Australian approval and have set a precedent that our counterpart state and territory services can now also adopt.” Chermside Ambulance Station Officer-in-Charge Doug Buchanan said the days of returning to station to retrieve a car seat to transport a child would soon be long gone. “We have received one of the new vehicles fitted out with the seat and it’s been great for crews by making their jobs easier,” Doug said. It’s even gained the approval of its target audience, with three-year-old Hayley Watson (pictured) all smiles when she and brother Nathan recently put the seat to the ultimate test. As of October, every Local Ambulance Service Network has at least one ambulance featuring the new addition, with 45 new vehicles now on the road around Queensland.
World’s most remote festival takes the stage in Central West
For a town with a population of around 140, an influx of 6,000 music fans is a daunting prospect. For Birdsville in far western Queensland, it’s no big deal. They draw a similar crowd to the annual Birdsville Races, after all. However, for the local emergency services, it’s a major event that requires months of planning and additional resourcing.
A Queensland Ambulance Service contingent of six Paramedics, two Emergency Medical Dispatchers and a State LASN Operations Logistics Officer were on hand to look after more than 6,000 patrons during the three-day event – which is considered the world’s most remote music festival. In its fifth year, the 6,100 festival goers included 450 volunteers and more than 1,000 children.
They travelled from every corner of the country via the Simpson Desert, Longreach and Quilpie, to see the likes of Lee Kernaghan, Kate Ceberano, Ian Moss, James Reyne and Missy Higgins in action. It meant an influx of caravans and camper vans hitting some of Queensland’s lesstravelled roads.
Central West Local Ambulance Service Network staff were assisted by additional staff from Central Queensland and Townsville during the event. They dealt with 140 presentations over the three days, with one of the most notable cases the successful stabilisation of a man that suffered a ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) on his way to the event.
Sarah Long, John Nolan, Steve Robertson, Jon Nolan, Ryan Lindsay and David Kain.
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Paramedic registration: Keeping on track to September 2018 Since the first update on national registration for paramedics in the Winter edition of QAS Insight, progress has continued towards ‘participation day’ in September 2018. On June 27, Commissioner Russell Bowles addressed the Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Parliamentary Committee.
The QAS National Registration Team has also begun to visit Local Ambulance Service Networks to deliver information sessions about the forthcoming changes.
The committee considered a number of submissions from the public following consultation and reported back to Parliament on August 11.
Keep an eye out for a list of visits in the upcoming Summer edition of QAS Insight.
The Queensland Parliament then passed the Bill on September 6 and the legislation received Royal Assent on September 13. Following the receipt of Royal Assent, other States and Territories can now adopt the legislation, except for South Australia which will accept the amendments through regulation, and Western Australia where similar parallel legislation will be drafted. From here, the recruitment of the Paramedicine Board of Australia will be finalised by Health Ministers and the Board will be formed.
Timeline: November 2015 >> Australian Health Ministers endorse National Registration
AHPRA has recently released details of its process to allow paramedics to create their own online account in preparation for the upcoming registration process. Given the considerable number of practitioners to register, AHPRA will be requesting practitioners to open an account on its website when the registration window is open (in 2018).
In this update, we explore the benefits of national registration and consider the experiences of other health professionals who have experienced similar changes in their field.
In this regard, AHPRA has released the following information: •
The site now has a button where you can record your details with AHPRA to create an account for your contact details in preparation for registration.
•
The site contains a new set of questions and answers, which will be regularly updated.
What has changed since the last update? Information on national registration for paramedics provided on the QAS public-facing website has been updated to include a link to a suite of Frequently Asked Questions provided by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This information can be found under the ‘About QAS’ drop down menu. There are links there to other web pages including the national project team site and the Office of the Health Ombudsman.
What are the benefits of national regulation for paramedics? The purpose of the National Scheme is to protect the public. Benefits of national regulation under the National Scheme for paramedics include:
2016 Dec
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Ministers support amendments to the National Law
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Call for applications for inaugural Paramedicine Board of Australia
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Applications for Paramedicine Board of Australia close
Consideration of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 by Queensland Parliament
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QAS Commissioner advi parliamentary committe
PARAMEDIC REGISTRATION: KEEPING ON TRACK TO SEPTEMBER 2018
Recruit and appoint First appointments to inaugural National Board advertised (late April 2017) Health Ministers make appointments (anticipated in September 2017)
•
Paramedicine will be a registered health profession and come under the same national regulation as 14 other health professions, including nursing and midwifery and medicine. Some paramedic stakeholders see this as an acknowledgment of the importance of their work in emergency care. From the point of view of a regulator, it means that only health practitioners who are suitably trained and qualified to practise in a competent and ethical manner are registered – to protect the public.
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There will be consistent national standards. Some paramedic stakeholders refer to this as acknowledging the professionalism of the paramedicine workforce. The Paramedicine Board of Australia, once established later this year, will need to develop and publicly consult on five mandated registration standards – continuing professional development, recency of practice, professional indemnity insurance arrangements, English language skills and criminal history.
•
There will be approved programs of study that provide qualifications for registration as a paramedic. The Board (once established) must approve the qualifications and programs of study. But there will also be grandparenting arrangements in place to provide a pathway to registration for paramedics with qualifications and experience – so that paramedics will be able to seek registration if they don’t have a ‘current’ qualification.
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 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
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
Paramedics regulated under NRAS (Go live late 2018)
•
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The title ‘paramedic’ will be protected under the National Law. This means that once registration is ‘live’ for paramedics (which may be in late 2018) only people who hold registration as a paramedic can use this title. For the public, this means that when a person calls themselves a paramedic it means they have met (and continue to meet) national standards for registration. Furthermore, the public can check the online national register to see if the person is registered as a paramedic.
Additional information is available at: ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Regulation-of-paramedics.aspx
National mobility for paramedics. Once registered, it will be possible to work as a paramedic in any state or territory in Australia (subject to employment). Registration must be renewed annually. This is the same for all health professions regulated under the National Scheme.
F or queries about registration contact Registration.update@ambulance.qld.gov.au
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>> September 2018
Expected participation day
Paramedicine Board of Australia members appointed
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PARAMEDIC REGISTRATION:
Although the shape paramedic registration will take in Australia is still developing, we can gain understanding from other health practitioners who have undergone similar changes in their part of the health service sector.
Paramedic registration: An experience and journey to practitioner registration Norma Solomon is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Health Worker Cluster Coordinator within the Division of Medicine at Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.
Norma recalls some Health Workers were required to upgrade their qualifications to be eligible for national registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
With 20 years of experience in Queensland and Victoria, she oversees and manages 32 Health Workers across 15 departments providing support, mentoring leadership and assistance.
“I have spent most of my time as the Health Worker Cluster Coordinator negotiating training and up-skilling for the Health Worker workforce so they can be eligible for national registration,” she said.
She has spent the past three years at Queensland Health working as a registered ATSI Health Practitioner following changes to the National Law in 2012.
This includes her work with the ATSI Health Practitioner Accreditation Committee to develop the accreditation standards for Registered Training Organisations.
In the wake of, and following the commencement of registration, Norma has viewed the move as a positive one.
Having helped navigate her staff one-on-one through the process, she encourages others undergoing registration that may be uneasy about the process to remember that things don’t change overnight.
“For me it was always a positive because I saw that Health Workers would finally be seen as professionals alongside other health professions,” she said.
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“In the short-term, our Health Worker workforce has been given the opportunity to up-skill to gain the qualification required for national registration,” she said. “Long-term, once we have the legislation to support the Health Practitioner role, we can have a better model of care that is very specific to our people’s needs and delivered by qualified, skilled and competent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners.”
PARAMEDIC REGISTRATION: AN EXPERIENCE AND JOURNEY TO PRACTITIONER REGISTRATION
Department of Health
National Registration for
Queensland Ambulance Service
Paramedics
W O N K O T D E E N U O HAT Y
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Important dates About the National Scheme The National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) was established in 2010 to ensure the safety of consumers of health services provided by registered health practitioners. More than 650,000 practitioners from 14 registered health professions are currently regulated nationally. Under NRAS, National Boards and the Australian Health Practioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) work together to ensure that practitioners are appropriately qualified and competent to practise a registered health profession. National Boards exercise functions in accordance with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law, as in force in each state and territory (the National Law).
September 2017 Anticipate Paramedicine Board of Australia is appointed by Health Ministers From October 2017 National Board and AHPRA to consult on registration requirements 1st quarter 2018 Paramedics create their online account with AHPRA Mid 2018 Registration opens
Regulating paramedics Australian Health Ministers agreed on 6 November 2015 to progress the inclusion of paramedics under the National Scheme. In June 2017, the Queensland Health Minister introduced into the Queensland Parliament the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 (the Amendment Bill) that if passed, will amend the National Law to regulate paramedics under the National Scheme. The Amendment Bill is the mechanism to include paramedics in NRAS.
September/October 2018 National registration is live!
What will change? Subject to the National Law being amended: The title ‘paramedic’ will be protected nationally. Paramedicine will be a registered health profession. There will be consistent national standards which will allow increased public safety. » National registration will increase potential mobility for paramedics across the country. » There will improved uniformity of endorsed programs of study across the country.
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Project Governance
»
QAS has established a project regulation implementation team which will be responsible for providing support to QAS paramedics in the lead up to the Regulation/Registration participation day in 2018. More information is available at: https://qas.psba.qld.gov.au/ governance/Pages/Paramedic-Registration.aspx
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1892
Back where it all began
Returning to the place that inspired the birth of ambulance services in Queensland was an apt way to celebrate our 125th anniversary recently. Those familiar with our history will know that it was a horse riding accident at the Brisbane Showgrounds back in 1892 that led to the formation of the City Ambulance Transport Brigade. So it was a natural fit for QAS to be part of this year’s Ekka in Brisbane. In one of our most successful community engagement events ever, paramedics taught more than 3,000 people CPR and how to use Automated External Defibrillators. We also participated in the Ekka Grand Parade, with a showcase of historic ambulance vehicles, ranging from a push litter and horse-drawn sulky, right through the decades to the latest Mercedes Sprinter.
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LAC State Conference a success In late August, ambulance volunteers from around Queensland gathered in Hervey Bay for the 2017 Local Ambulance Committee State Conference.
a community engagement component involving local paramedics delivering CPR Awareness sessions on the Scarness Foreshore.
More than 200 hard-working volunteers were joined by members of the QAS Executive Leadership Team and Minister for Ambulance Services Cameron Dick.
A number of service awards were presented at the event, recognising a combined 600 years of volunteering service to both the community and QAS.
The conference went beyond round-table discussions and reinforced what was at the core of the great work LACs do, with
Toowoomba was announced as the host of the next State Conference in 2019.
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AMBULANCE WEEK
2017
Remembering the fallen and celebrating success More than 250 QAS staff and volunteers from across Queensland gathered at the Kedron Wavell Services Club in Brisbane for the annual QAS Remembrance Service and Commissioner’s Achievement Awards during Ambulance Week (September 11-15).
Charters Towers Ambulance Station Officer-in-Charge Clark Magelle led the Remembrance Service, to honour the 34 ambulance officers who have died on duty since 1911.
Commissioner Russell Bowles and Minister for Ambulance Services Cameron Dick then presented National Emergency Medals, National Medals, Long Service Medals, LAC Badges and the Commissioner’s Achievement Awards.
Commissioner Russell Bowles with retired officer Ernie Bradley and Minister Cameron Dick.
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REMEMBERING THE FALLEN AND CELEBRATING SUCCESS
Commissioner’s Achievement Charter Towers Officer-in-Charge Clark Magelle leads the QAS Remembrance Service.
Awards winners
Customer Focus
Courage and Integrity
Kenilworth First Responder Group
Dean Ellaby, Acting Clinical Support Officer, Sunshine Coast
Fostering Innovation QAS Infrastructure Team for Emergency and Fleet Management Precinct
Excellence in Performance Adrian Gielis, Critical Care Paramedic, West Moreton
Excellence in Leadership Patricia Murray, Inspector of Cultural Capabilities, QAS Education Centre
Young Hero of the Year Sarah Grandcourt, Atherton for using the Emergency + smartphone app to get ambulance assistance for her injured grandmother
Commissioner’s Achievement Award Rebecca Taylor, Manager Clinical Education, Metro North Mick Davis, Volunteer Manager, QAS Heritage and History Conor Fardon, Principal HR Consultant, Corporate Services Michael Augustus, Director of Media and Communications
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AMBULANCE WEEK
2017
Ambulance Week in review Ambulance Week has come and gone yet again, but this year provided not only an opportunity to meet our local ambulance officers and volunteers, it also gave the community a chance to embrace our 125-year history of ambulance services in Queensland.
These happy faces were spotted at our historical exhibition that was on display at the Bundaberg School of Arts building.
These Local Ambulance Committee volunteers lent a helping hand to teach CPR Awareness sessions at the recent Dayboro Station Open Day.
Macleay Island Station and LAC held a combined open day with the Rural Fire Service and Queensland Police. They pushed the importance of bystander intervention, with even Officer Rudi learning correct paw placement for CPR.
North Rockhampton Ambulance Station received a visit from the very excited and enthusiastic children of Narnia Kindy.
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AMBULANCE WEEK IN REVIEW
Buderim Station celebrates the 125th anniversary of ambulance services in Queensland, the Centenary of the station itself and Ambulance Week. Pictured left to right are Officer-in-Charge Paul Boyd, Volunteer History Manager Mick Davis and Executive Officer Noel O’Mara. Retired officer Dick Fairhurst cuts the cake with Paramedic Megan Goudsouzian at Ipswich Station Open Day.
The Central West LASN crew.
The QAS Museum at Wynnum drew a great crowd for its annual open day.
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Watching over the Far North A team of 37 Emergency Medical Dispatchers in the Cairns Operations Centre are the first point of call in an emergency from Tully through to the Torres Strait and west to Weipa.
Talia Radke is one of 37 Emergency Medical Dispatchers working in Cairns Operations Centre.
Kirk Binnington is one of five Operations Centre Supervisors in Cairns.
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WATCHING OVER THE FAR NORTH
Assistant Commissioner Gerard Lawler and Assistant Commissioner Michelle Baxter with Brina Keating.
It is one of the smaller centres in the state, and operates out of a shared facility with Cairns Ambulance Station and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Communications.
Cairns Operations Centre Manager Brina Keating said there were other annual callouts which were distinctly known to materialise in the north of the state.
In June 2015, the centre played an integral role from the moment it answered the first Triple Zero (000) call in response to the Ravenshoe café explosion.
Last financial year the team answered the phone to almost 49,500 Triple Zero (000) calls, at an average of 135 calls for help each day.
“Something that we attend each year are marine stingers which are a seasonal callout, as well as the occasional crocodile attack,” she said.
To invest in its future, the State Government has announced a $5.6 million redevelopment of the site.
The most common call outs were for people experiencing chest pain, having breathing problems or that had suffered a fall.
“We also co-ordinate and manage a number of incidents unfolding on the reef, with the assistance of the rescue helicopter, water police or the coastguard.”
Planning is underway this financial year to determine the most suitable upgrades to cater to both the needs of staff and a growing demand for service in the region.
When an orange light is activated at a terminal it means a call is in progress or the EMD is talking on the radio.
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QAS is born By 1991, after nearly 100 years of serving the people of Queensland as a collection of self-administered local ambulance brigades, the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade was nearing the end of its tenure.
July 1, 1991 delivered profound and irreversible change, with the amalgamation of the 96 QATB brigades to form the state-wide Queensland Ambulance Service.
Rapid advancements in clinical standards, training, communications, equipment, vehicles and the use of drugs soon led to QAS becoming one of the nation’s leading ambulance services.
Following a Parliamentary Select Committee of Review, a new regional operational structure was implemented, with the Commissioner reporting to a Director-General and the Minister for Police and Emergency Services.
In this edition, we speak with two officers who have played a key role in its development – Commissioner Russell Bowles and Manager of Heritage and History Mick Davis.
Local Ambulance Committees were also established to facilitate community input and provide advice to the Commissioner on local service issues.
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Ambulance officers during a training session.
Q: What are your recollections of the era prior to the amalgamation in 1991? Russell Bowles: “Prior to 1991 it would depend on whether you were a rich town or poor town as to what type of ambulance service you had. For example, if you lived in Ipswich you got a pretty reasonable ambulance service but if you lived 50km away, chances are you might have a car with re-treaded tyres and the staff would have to sell tickets to pay for their wages and that was very common through most brigades.” Mick Davis: “Amalgamation brought a major change to how ambulance services were delivered, with the implementation of the principle that the closest ambulance should respond to a case, rather than brigades only responding to cases within their own boundaries. The rationalisation of the communications centres was also important. Previously each centre ran its own operations, but amalgamation saw the introduction of regional control rooms and the reduction of rooms in smaller centres.”
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Q: Today’s new recruits are tertiary educated, but that hasn’t always been the case. How has the education of ambulance officers changed over the years? Russell: “When I started my career in Rockhampton in January 1981, cadets were put through a program that mimicked in-hospital nursing training. Most other ambulance services were well in advance of us clinically. The most significant game changer was the introduction of the associate diploma. We introduced a baseline education and that’s gone from associate diploma to diploma to degree-based now. It was a progression there’s no doubt about it, but it was a significant leap from where we were. The old training schools used to have prep, stage one, stage two and stage three and they were quite basic to say the least, so this was a big step forward. But it wasn’t only about paramedic practice, it was much more encompassing. There was business management, mathematics, English – all the necessary components of a vocational education.” Mick: “The introduction of the associate diploma was the first nationally recognised training in Queensland Ambulance and was quickly replaced by the establishment of a diploma program in 1996. By 1997 we saw our first graduating class of Intensive Care Paramedics, which was a very significant milestone and enhancement of our clinical standards. We saw an enhanced role for our Medical Director and a Clinical Quality Improvement Program, including Clinical Audits and published Clinical Practices. Pharmacology also began to advance quickly and we began authorised IV and intubation.”
The Brisbane Operations Centre is a state-of-the art facility that is the envy of other ambulance services.
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The Rockhampton Ambulance Centre communications room in 1983.
As the QAS evolved through the 1990s and 2000s, so too did its communications systems and technology.
Advances in functionality and technology have changed the modern Emergency Medical Dispatcher’s workplace.
QAS IS BORN
Advances in patient stretcher technology have eased the pressure on paramedics’ bodies.
Q: The vehicles and equipment used by modern paramedics continue to improve and evolve. What have been the most significant changes over the past 25 years? Mick: “The improvement in our transport and treatment of patients over that time has been incredible. Ambulance responses were further broadened beyond a four-wheel option as we saw better management of aeromedical resources and the placement Intensive Care Paramedics on rescue helicopters. The image of the service was transformed as we moved from the old white uniforms to the teal and blue, and the livery on the vehicles was updated. Another very important development was the introduction of new safety measures and safety gear, including measures to prevent staff being exposed to illnesses when treating and transporting patients.”
Russell: “We didn’t have a lot of funding even post 1992 so the fleet was old. A lot of the fleet was over 10 years old, whereas now we have an average fleet life of 3.4 years, which is the lowest nationally. I still remember the first defibrillator being introduced in 1995. It was that big you had to split it in two to use it. Prior to that defibrillation was something that only happened in a hospital. Then in 1995 it went into the ambulance and now it’s with the bar person at the bowls club and we’ve been part of that evolution. The uniforms were white, so every bit of fluid or whatever that landed on it, you would see. When I started, it was the navy pants and the white shirt and tie and you’d wear a tie in Winter and not in Summer. Under the old system some people even made up their own badges – Bundaberg had its own badge back in those days. Then QAS came along and the uniform evolved over time to what it is now.”
The new Stryker Power-Pro stretcher.
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QAS IS BORN
Recruit paramedics now enter the service with a tertiary degree.
Q: As we approach the end of our 125th anniversary year, what are some of the key issues that will shape the future of the service? Russell: “After the implementation of national registration it’ll be ‘anything’s the limit’ for this type of industry. The role of the paramedic will broaden so much over time and paramedics will be able to provide services independently. I think the thing that management of ambulance services will have to come to grips with really quickly in the future, is that our people are going to have a lot more options than they have now. We also have to effectively use the information we have available to us; we’ve got to be clever with data to know what’s actually happening. Because we have an aging population, we are going to have to think of new and exciting ways to be able to respond to that, otherwise we won’t keep up. I think the other important thing that we’ve learnt over the past 25 years, is you’ve got to bring your people with you, you’ve got to bring the staff along. You can’t just push things out. You’ve actually got to bring them along and make sure that they’re part of any change.”
The Patient Safety Distribution Unit at Kedron provides 24-hour oversight across the state.
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Critical Care Paramedics from the High Acuity Response Unit can now perform ultrasounds in the field.
Department of Health
Queensland Ambulance Service
2016-17 Achievements Recruited 110 additional officers to enhance roster coverage to manage increasing demand for ambulance services. Classified Officer Development Programs 1 and 2 were delivered to 220 participants. 26 officers completed the 5-day residential Local Ambulance Service Network (LASN) Leader Development Program. Facilitated additional professional training for over 900 operational staff. 16 candidates commenced the Indigenous Paramedic and the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Programs. Over 1000 applications received for the Graduate Paramedic Program (GPP). 247 candidates gained placement on the GPP. 23 of these commenced a new recruitment pathway, and will become qualified Emergency Medical Dispatchers working in communication centres before transitioning to the GPP in 2019. Two summits brought over 100 staff (per summit) together to discuss workforce issues and challenges and to develop solutions (derived from the Working for Queensland Survey 2016). Response to issues raised has commenced. 16.9% reduction in lost time injury frequency rate. 17.9% reduction in the injury downtime rate. All Paramedic Safety Taskforce recommendations have been implemented. Installed Duress Monitoring Systems in acute ambulances. Implemented inter-agency CAD Electronic Messaging System with the Queensland Police Service to enhance officer safety and reduce calls between agencies on joint cases. Finalised Bilsen Road Emergency and Fleet Management Precinct acquisition, refurbishment and redevelopment, including the Geebung Ambulance Station. New stations at Yandina, Rainbow Beach and a replacement station at Collinsville. Delivered $10.7 million in minor works including projects to support staff and vehicle enhancements. Sites involved include Ipswich, Woodridge, Durack, Ningi, Mudgeeraba, Caboolture, Townsville (Kirwan), Fraser Island, Kedron Park and Coen. State Ambulance Coordination Centre stood up and 111 staff from multiple LASNs were deployed to support ambulance operations during Tropical Cyclone Debbie, flooding of the Queensland coast and the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton. Triple Zero (000) calls answered within 10 seconds was 91.91% against a target of 90%. Local-area Assessment and Referral Unit expanded in Townsville, West Moreton, Metro North and Metro South LASNs. Commenced the White Ribbon Accreditation Program along with 12 other Queensland Government agencies. Indigenous Paramedic Program formally recognised with two awards at the 2016 Council of Ambulance Authorities conference. The program took out the ‘Management Practice and Operational Performance’ and overall ‘Star’ Awards demonstrating the importance and positive changes made. It also underscores potential to further help ‘close the gap’ on Indigenous disadvantage. Continues to deliver CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) Awareness Program to create a more CPR-engaged and aware community. This has resulted in over 60,000 people attending sessions in Queensland. Commenced a project to develop and implement LASN Community Partnership Plans in consultation with Local Ambulance Committee representatives. Introduced Droperidol for patients with acute behavioural disturbance. Introduced Oxytocin to enhance the treatment of post-partum haemorrhage. Released new Infection Control Framework, supported by a new educational package. Worked with the National Heart Foundation of Australia, The Cardiac Society of Australia and the National Stroke Foundation to contribute to national external guideline reviews for the management of acute coronary syndrome and stroke. New Field Reference Guide inclusive of an infection control section. Enhanced Digital Clinical Practice Manual.
170 new and replacement vehicles were commissioned across the state. Redesigned twin power assisted stretcher PTS vehicle and Hyundai iLoad LARU vehicle. Distributed 158 additional satellite push-to-talk radios within rural and remote locations. Launched on-road and operations centre uniforms.
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R U OK & U R OK By John Murray ASM, Priority One Counsellor
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R U OK Day was recently held on September 14 and provided an opportunity to reflect upon what we mean by ‘OK’ or ‘okay’. OK is the most widely recognised word in the world, and it potentially has multiple etymologies from a wide range of cultures and languages with no one origin being clear. Consistent with contemporary clichés like ‘it’s all good’ and ‘not a problem’, one theory of the word’s origin is that it comes from common cultural misspelling in the 1830s of ‘all correct’ being ‘oll korrect’.
The converse is where we feel superior to others: we are OK but others are relatively not OK. In this state, we can be arrogant, over critical and judgemental of others, and often jump to inaccurate conclusions about them. This is a state of disrespect towards others. In this state, we are less likely to value others enough to even ask them authentically if they are OK.
...you are not being asked if things are perfect for you and your world, but are they acceptable?
However, across almost all cultures the word means: all right, adequate, satisfactory, acceptance, in agreeance. It seems to be a word of acceptance with moderation, and is rarely used with any sense of perfection or excellence. So, when asked, “Are you okay?” you are not being asked if things are perfect for you and your world, but are they acceptable. There is also another message being given by the authentic asking of this question. That message is that you matter enough for another to ask and thus you must, to some degree, be an okay person in the mind of another. So, this is a two-layered message, that being ‘R U OK?’ and simultaneously ’U R OK’. The sense of ‘okayness’ we have towards others and towards ourselves is critical in how we engage in relationships and in the world more generally. When we don’t feel OK within ourselves we are often self-doubting, self-deprecating, overly apologetic and feel inferior or low in self-acceptance. This state means we often put others ahead of ourselves by default, are too keen to please others and are not good at asking for our needs nor asserting ourselves when needed. This state of mind is disrespectful to one’s self. We have a sense of I’m not OK and others are relatively more OK.
The states of ‘I’m OK and U R not OK’ as well as the ‘I’m not OK and U R OK’ both create a power and value differential with one stance taking too much power and not enabling others the responsibility for themselves and the other giving too much power and not taking responsibility for one’s self.
The healthy and secure state of mind for us is one of ‘I’m OK’ and ‘U R OK’. This is an ego state of being, that is respectful to oneself and to others. When we feel that we are equally as worthy to others and others as equally worthy to us, then we are far more open to engage in mutually respectful, meaningful, trusting and thus effective conversations and communications. ‘I’m OK, U R OK’ is the basis for all healthy relationships be they in the business world, workplace, intimate relationships or with our children. ‘I’m OK, U R OK’ enables us to be assertive of our own needs, i.e. respectful to ourselves, but in a manner that is equally respectful towards and considerate of others – we won’t take advantage of another in this state nor allow disadvantage to ourselves without good reason. ‘I’m OK, U R OK’ enables us to be positively assertive towards others as well, i.e. being affirmative of others and giving compliments where due. Part of being affirming towards others is checking in with them to let them know that you care about how they are going, particularly if you perceive they are not travelling well. Let’s make the most of the ‘R U OK?’ message, not just one day of the year, but by regularly checking in with each other to build a caring and resilient network of support with one another.
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Mark Taylor with QAS Priority One Executive Manager Todd Wehr and Staff Counsellors, Leanne Thompson, Terri-Ann Spence and John Murray.
Identifying pathways
to improve men’s mental health ‘Bravo 501206 you are responding Code 1 Alpha to a 40-year-old male patient, hanging. Patient has been cut down and CPR is in progress.’
It’s 0200 on his second night shift and Metro North paramedic Mark Taylor and his partner have been tasked to what they know will be a confronting scene. Upon arrival, the crew can see the patient has been unresponsive to the CPR attempts made by his distraught wife and neighbour. The paramedics know there’s precious little time as they calmly attempt to restore signs of life. Years of experience dictate their actions, with seamless procedures masking the inevitable distress a case like this brings. No matter how hard they try, the reality is they could be minutes away from completing a Recognition of
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Life Extinct form – that small piece of paper forming one link in the chain of the service’s last official ‘contact’ with the patient. Other links are those forever etched into the memories of paramedics like Mark and his partner. Despite their best attempts, for this patient, life would not go on – another tragic contribution to the nation’s leading cause of death of men aged 54 and under. In more than a decade on the job, Mark said this statistic would be no surprise to the operational workforce. “Although we expect a significant volume of our workload to be cases of this nature, there isn’t a way for us
to totally disconnect from the tragedy of these calls, nor would we want to,” he said. “Many people believe the majority of cases we attend are things like car accidents or heart attacks. I think the public would be shocked at how many calls are related to mental health issues. “Nationally, suicide deaths are three times higher than the annual road toll — it’s a tragedy. “As clinicians, we care about those we are treating but we are also objective, and that is what makes us focused on the job. In many cases though, long after we’ve left the scene, the reality is that our patients can and do remind us of our own
IDENTIFYING PATHWAYSTO IMPROVE MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH
loved ones and that’s a powerful motivator to do all we can in trying to prevent outcomes such as these.” Mark explained paramedics were uniquely placed to identify and engage with vulnerable men. “As a first point of emergency response, we have the opportunity to ask these patients questions about their mental health in a straightforward but comforting manner, and that’s often the first step toward them recognising the need to access help,” he said. “Reinforcing the role of mental health being comparable to physical health is vital in to reduce feelings of weakness or shame. I compare it to having a broken ankle, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about and will take time and medical attention to recover from. “Whether it’s responding to a call from a concerned relative or friend, or indeed the patient himself, I believe there’s scope for us to make small steps toward progress in this space. It’s this hope that made me happy to take part in the Beyond the Emergency project.” Funded by the Movember Foundation’s Australian Mental Health Initiative, and led by Turning
Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, the project aims to better understand men’s reasons for accessing ambulance services for mental health issues, and examine paramedics’ experience of these patients’ presentations. QAS Information Support, Research and Evaluation Unit Director, Dr Emma Bosley, said Beyond the Emergency was one of many research projects her team oversaw each year. “When it comes to addressing the needs of mental health patients and the associated impacts on QAS personnel and workload, we know there’s no quick fix. But together, our research partners are committed to solving this complex puzzle, one piece at a time,” Emma said. Ambulance services from across Australia have participated with more than 1,200 paramedics completing an online survey, including 360 respondents from QAS. Follow-up phone interviews were conducted with 70 paramedics and 30 patients. The project will also help inform the development of interventions and training to ensure paramedics can better link men into appropriate mental health care.
these cases, Mark reinforced the importance of paramedics being supported in their work. “Knowing our limits in respect to the expectations we can have in changing such a multifaceted problem is key. That’s where Priority One, our staff support service comes in,” he said. “There’s a number of ways they support us, including the provision of free confidential counselling for staff and their families, chaplaincy and follow up after potentially traumatic cases by one of the 173 trained Peer Support Officers (PSOs) across the state. “As a PSO myself, I know the difference an approach from a likeminded colleague can make after tough cases, particularly suicides or self-harm attempts where our interventions can sometimes sadly be limited. “Sometimes all it takes is a quick and private phone call to check in on those who may be feeling upset, and this can make a world of difference in terms of building our resilience and capacity to offer the best level of care to patients.”
In discussing the trying nature of
Help is only a phone call away Priority One (QAS staff & families)
1800 805 980
Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
SANE Australia helpline
1800 18 7263
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
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Ambulance kids of yesterday,
our leaders of today
In celebrating 125 years of ambulance services in Queensland this year, there are many members of our workforce who have watched our evolution through growing eyes.
In many cases their early exposure to the ambulance service and hands-on involvement played a deciding factor in their choice of a future career or call to action. Beaudesert Local Ambulance Committee President Maurice Dux is one of many children of Superintendents and Ambulance Officers that have followed their parents footsteps. Maurice was just five years old when his father Arthur Dux was appointed as the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade Superintendent of Beaudesert in 1939 and moved the family from Boonah. “I can remember coming to Beaudesert because it was the biggest experience,” Maurice recalls. “Back then, the centre was down the other end of Tina Street in a rented Queenslander.” Set to the backdrop of World War II, Maurice notes that he used to sleep on the verandah near the side steps to the casualty room and would often awake to soldiers stopping by.
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“Even when dad was away, the soldiers never gave mum any trouble,” he said. “She did most of the casualty cases.”
“I can remember that mum would call the next farm over and ask them to keep an eye out for the ambulance and give a hand if needed,” he said.
In those days a Superintendent’s wife had to hold a first aid certificate for her husband to be appointed to the role.
“It was a different day, not only for the ambulance profession, but the whole attitude was more of a community focus.”
Their role was so vital that Maurice describes the wives as being the strength behind Queensland’s regional ambulance centres.
The job was a family one, and Maurice and his two brothers did their fair share of work at the centre.
People wouldn’t go to the doctor. They would come to us with splinters, burns and gravel rashes “You lived at the centre, that was part of the deal. The wife would manage the casualty room cases and answer the phone,” he said. Without two-way radio in the country, communication was difficult.
“At a young age, I used to go out off-site to ordinary jobs and would give a hand with the casualty room cases after football matches,” he said. “People wouldn’t go to the doctor. They would come to us with splinters, burns and gravel rashes. I liked looking after people.” Maurice’s passion for the ambulance service continued to grow, and he has volunteered his time for more than 60 years as both an Honorary Bearer and committee volunteer. “I think I have got more out of it than I have put in, from personal satisfaction,” he said.
Brina Keating
Metro South LASN staff think differently, and say Maurice represents everything volunteering means. He continues to provide an ever-vital role of stewardship, mentoring and community spirit within Beaudesert and the Scenic Rim. Just seven-years-old when her mother Jillian Timms joined the QATB in 1989, Cairns Operations Centre Manager Brina Keating said a significant change she has noticed over the years is the evolution of women. “As a child, it was a rarity to see another female Ambulance Officer. We now have a 45 per cent female workforce which is continuing to grow,” she said. Another significant change Brina notes, is the move to safer work practices. “Mum worked for the ambulance when there wasn’t such a thing as safe lifting training and the response kits seemed to weigh a tonne,” she said. Brina was also hands-on to assist her mother, but in a different way to Maurice.
Maurice Dux
“Most weekends my mother would take my brother, sister and I to clinical competitions where I would often be a patient and if she wasn’t competing, she was the resident make-up artist to make the scene more life-like,” Brina said. “I also played the patient for first aid courses at Dreamworld when many years ago, there was an ambulance station at the theme park.
I can remember mum selling raffle tickets in the local shopping centres to help buy equipment “Before the park opened, staff would complete first aid training where mum was the facilitator. Once the training was over, my brother and I spent the day at Dreamworld while mum went to work.” Fundraising was essential for the livelihood of centres and subcentres and was still important as late as the early 1990s – prior to the establishment of the statewide Queensland Ambulance Service.
“I can remember mum selling raffle tickets in the local shopping centres with other staff to help buy equipment for both Cleveland and Capalaba stations,” she said. Brina travelled across the state throughout her childhood as her mother secured new placements. “She worked in most stations in the south east from Bribie Island to the Tweed Heads border as an Honorary Officer,” Brina said. “When mum completed her Associate Diploma, we moved to Charleville for her first permanent appointment. “A few years later she transferred to Mission Beach, and then went onto Cairns.” As for Brina, she didn’t know that she was applying for the QAS when she landed the job. “I applied for a call centre position through a local recruitment agency, but at the time I wasn’t aware that the position was working for QAS. I was born to work in communications and anyone who knows me, knows I like a good chat,” she said.
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A balancing act for
shift workers Our body clocks may take some time adjusting to shift work, but what effect can this have on our waist lines?
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital dietitians Michaela Hatzirodos and Margot Leeson-Smith say it’s often far too easy to choose convenience over health. But the solution could be as simple as a sandwich over a meat pie at 2am, in the middle of night shift. “Time is such a big factor for paramedics or any health workers doing shift work, therefore healthy food choices can be incredibly difficult,” Michaela said. “Being tired and time poor are both barriers to healthy eating, but there are ways to overcome these obstacles. Taking time to plan ahead and having some ‘go-to’ healthy, convenient options can help to manage your weight. “Many convenience foods are high in calories, fat and salt and offer little nutrition to fuel your body. Often, these foods will only satisfy you for a short time, making you hungry and lethargic later in the day. “The egg salad sandwich might not seem like the heartier option at the time, but it will pay off a few hours down the track.” N eed help to find recipe ideas? Visit www.nutritionaustralia.org/national/recipes.
Of course, preparation is always the key to success. Making meals in bulk prior to shifts not only ensures that you have a nutritionally balanced day in front of you, it saves time and money. “If you can, prepare a large batch of spaghetti bolognaise or stir fry on the weekend to freeze into portions, and pack it full of your favourite vegetables,” Margot suggested. “Or even bring wraps — chicken or tuna are two great options. Use multigrain or wholegrain, they’re high fibre, well-balanced options that will keep you going throughout the day. “Planning is a really good way to know what to eat during your shift, but that isn’t always possible. Even if things don’t go to plan, many takeaway restaurants have healthier options available, and it’s about finding those alternatives.”
Snacks on the go Hummus/dip with multigrain crackers or veg sticks Muesli bars or nut bars Crackers with cheese and tomato Yoghurt Wheat/Rye crispbread and tuna 12-15 nuts Raisin toast Toast with avocado Regular milk-based coffee
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital dieticians Michaela Hatzirodos and Margot Leeson-Smith.
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Popcorn
Hitting the hay during the day
From warm milk to counting sheep, the search for sleep has pushed people to the limits of logic for eons. For shiftworkers the search rages on, as individuals juggle social, life and family commitments around their rosters. But how does this line of work really affect your sleep cycle, and what can you do about it?
“If you’re taking a nap in the evening it can make it harder to get to sleep at night,” Dr Ritchie said. “But if you’re having one in the afternoon, or in the middle of a night shift, without any issues, then you might want to continue this habit. “An adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep a day… whatever you can do to get up to this is fine. A short nap can boost both energy levels and concentration.”
On average, a shiftworker might sleep around one hour less a day than someone pulling a 9 am-5 pm. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on catching some quality pillow time. Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital sleep physician Dr Alexander Ritchie says the key is time, making enough of it, and practising good sleep hygiene during the time you do have. “The human body is designed to sleep overnight, so problems will generally arise when you try to sleep during the day,” he said. “While a regular sleep schedule is the best thing you can do, other things can of course be avoided. “Stay away from caffeine for at least four hours before bed. Avoid any stimulating activities an hour before sleep, and don’t try to sleep while you’re hungry.” Napping is common on night shift, and while this may cause problems getting to sleep later on in the day, it comes down to individual circumstance.
Get some quality
Zzzzzs: • • • • • • • • •
Don’t watch the clock Wind down Avoid caffeine and alcohol Use heavy curtains Only use your bed for sleeping Cut down on screen time. Don’t go it alone As a shiftworker, you’ll have to sleep while others are awake. They can make it easier on you by: »» Rearranging social events so you can still join in the fun »» Help you sleep in peace by cutting down on noise.
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Gold Coast Mayor takes learning CPR to heart People working in the medical field know the odds are high that they or someone they know will suffer a heart attack in their lifetime. It was an emergency that Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate found himself thrust into on June 21, when his beloved wife Ruth went into sudden cardiac arrest at Changi Airport in Singapore. Trained in first aid, Mr Tate immediately began CPR which lasted for more than 20 minutes and he described as feeling like an eternity. Following effective use of a defibrillator and CPR by both bystanders and medical professionals at the scene, Mayoress Ruth was transported to Changi General Hospital and placed in an induced coma. When the couple – who have been married 37 years – returned to the Coast, they were determined to use the experience as an educational tool to raise awareness of the value of first aid training.
Officers Kylie Lee, Carmen Jensen and Warren Painting demonstrate lifesaving CPR with Mayor Tate.
Mr Tate provided media with frank details of the harrowing experience and how he felt that his intervention had helped save Ruth’s life. His message was simple – first aid knowledge can and does save lives. Gold Coast officers and volunteers are now working with Gold Coast City Council to deliver several free CPR Awareness sessions across the coast between now and early 2018. Thank you to all training officers, paramedics and volunteers around the state who deliver our first aid and CPR Awareness courses. Your efforts help QAS prepare the Queensland community today, for whatever surprises tomorrow may bring.
Swinging into action The eighth Emergency Services Golf Day was recently held at Indooroopilly Golf Club in Brisbane. Organised by Fiona Ferrier and Jason Kluver from QAS and Mike Driver from the Public Safety Business Agency, the event is a networking day open to current and retired staff from QAS, Queensland Police, PSBA, Corrective Services and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. The event also raises money for charity – this year for the Queensland Brain Institute Centre for Ageing and Dementia and the Breast and Prostate Cancer Association of Queensland, which supports rural and regional Queenslanders suffering from Breast or Prostate Cancer. The day raised $8,000 thanks to the players and the very generous prize donations of event sponsors.
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CHANGING LANES:
12-hours on-road with British Columbia’s Paramedic Specialist Unit By Tim Makrides, Townsville Critical Care Paramedic and Secretary of the Australian Tactical Medical Association
I recently had the privilege of working a 12-hour shift with the British Columbia Emergency Health Services’ new Paramedic Specialist Unit. It operates out of the downtown east side of Vancouver. The unit is a single responder car – much like our Critical Care Paramedic single responder units – that was created following a massive spike in opioid related drug overdoses within the city. I start my shift at 1400 hours and am paired with Graham, a veteran paramedic with over 20 years of experience. Graham is an Advanced Care Paramedic. Although, the name is deceiving. His skills are identical to that of our own Critical Care Paramedics. He asks me how many unconscious and apneic opioid overdoses I have attended in my career. I tell him around five cases in 10 years. He laughs, and assures me that today I will double that number. Graham shows me around the car, and we talk a little about the types of
cases that he regularly attends. Before I know it, the Mobile Data Terminal is ringing and we are off to our first job – an elderly male with chronic obstructive airways disease. The job was quite routine and the patient required some continuous positive airway pressure, so we travelled along with the transporting crew to hospital. After clearing hospital, we are called to our first opioid overdose in the downtown east side. We enter an old building. The hallways are narrow and there is no elevator. The room is filled with paramedics and firefighters. The firefighters are ventilating the patient, and I am immediately impressed by how effective their airway and ventilation skills are. They strike me as having the same experience and competence as a seasoned paramedic – not at all surprising considering they attend on average seven overdoses a shift.
for a couple of minutes and then administer Naloxone. The patient wakes, and is grateful to have been resuscitated. He refuses transport and we discharge him with advice. The Paramedic Specialist Unit is a sought-after commodity and it is not long before we are off to our next case, which happened to be at the bottom of the staircase we had just entered through. We repeat the same steps as before, and when the patient wakes, he is taken by friends to the nearby drop-in centre to be monitored. We clear again, and while loading our kit back into the emergency response vehicle, we are called 100 metres up the road for another opioid overdose. Again, we repeat the same steps as before. The remainder of our shift is filled with five more overdoses and several other medical calls. We wrap-up at 0200 hours, exhausted but buzzing and ready to repeat the same shift tomorrow.
We continue to oxygenate the patient
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THANK YOU :) Everyone has different levels of success. For me, success can never be achieved unless you have the desire to initiate it. The amazing work and commitment from staff that continuously results in appreciation letters we receive from members of the public, makes me constantly aware of what accomplishments we have made as an organisation. This month has seen an influx of thank you letters, with 304 letters received this year to date and 609 letters and emails of thanks sent to staff members.
Just want to say a big thank you to the ladies (Corinne Wilkes, Kate Olive and Candice Boileau) that came to my house this morning (July 19) for my little girl and the dispatch guy (Jamaine Prieditis) who helped me stay very calm. They do an amazing job and I really appreciated them being so fantastic. Kristie, Morningside
I cannot thank you enough for all your hard work. Russell Bowles ASM QAS Commissioner I want to send a quick thank you to the paramedics (Chantal Greaney and Melissa Dajic) who assessed my son and took him I would like to take the time to express our thanks
to hospital on Wednesday night (July 12). It
to various QAS officers for their attendance
was the first time I have ever had to call the
and assistance at our unplanned home birth
ambulance and I was quite nervous in doing so
on 4/9/2017. I commend the Triple Zero officer
– worried I was overreacting and wasting the
(Julie Ricardo) for her efficiency and ability to
paramedics time. The two ladies who attended
reassure us that help was on the way and clear
our home were so calm and reassuring. They
instructions in the meantime. Tammy (Olsson)
quickly assessed my son and took us to Lady
arrived on scene approximately 5 minutes
Cilento, all the while distracting my son with
following the birth of our son Woody and I would
Wiggles videos and calming a nervous and
like to commend her professionalism, calm in
panicked mum. Thank you for such excellent
the situation and ability to treat me as a fellow
service and care!!! I don't believe this service
being rather than just a patient. She was caring,
gets the recognition it deserves for all the work
compassionate and efficient. I appreciate Tammy
your paramedics do.
arranging for our transfer through to Hervey Bay Hospital. I believe Arto (Hirsimaki) and another
Amanda, Wellington Point
officer (Andrew Rach) assisted with my transfer from Hunters Hut through to Hervey Bay and I found Arto to be very attentive to my needs at this time considering I was having much
Just want to give a shout out to the LARU officer
difficulty. I hope our message can reach the
who attended my home on Monday (August
individual officers involved. Thank you to QAS for
21). His name was Steve (Kliese) and we are
the important work you do I know we certainly
in the Ipswich area. He was prompt, caring,
needed the service on this day! Our little man
compassionate, empathetic, funny and the list
Woody is doing great settling in at home with his
goes on. He had me reassured within minutes.
older sister Anna, feeding and sleeping well.
If my thanks could be passed to his OIC that would be appreciated.
Darren and Kate, Lakeside Des, Silkstone
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Thank you to the two paramedics (Blair Fogarty and Stephen Smith) that attended to my husband today (July 23), just outside Toowoomba on the Thanks to the guys who let my son hop in the
New England Highway. Also, a big thank you to
ambulance (August 27 at Bridge to Brisbane
the Triple Zero (000) operator (Ailsa Mullins) who
event) - was awesome to see. He loves
spoke to me until they arrived. Luckily, things
ambulances at the moment so he was so
righted themselves as these gentlemen arrived.
happy to hop in one. Great work guys. Cheryl, Forest Lake Angus, Brisbane
Last night (July 26) I was transported to QEII Jubilee Hospital via an ambulance. Whilst my condition was not life-threatening, I would just like to say the two officers (Tareta Siakisni and Lisa Taylor) that I had were absolutely wonderful and I couldn’t thank them enough. It was my first time in an ambulance and I felt I couldn’t have been in better hands. I am not sure which station they are from but hopefully this message will reach them somehow so I can extend my gratitude to them for making me feel comfortable, safe and at ease. These officers put in a lot of hours and sacrifices to help people and I don’t think they get thanked enough. Cindy, Boronia Heights My wife and I were staying at the Capella (north of Emerald) van park and while there we were invited by Andrew (Borchardt), the local paramedic, to attend a CPR knowledge
On Saturday (July 8) afternoon my 4-month-old son
session. He went around and spoke to
had uncontrollable vomiting, became unconscious
everyone he saw, inviting them to join him
and went pale. Obviously I called Triple Zero
which we did. He was great. His presentation
(000). The two paramedics that attended were
audience consisted of grey nomads like us,
Eddie (Prasser) and another man (Tiernan Beattie)
was brief, covered DRS ABCD, gave general
whose name started with a T (my apologies I can’t
information about heart problems/conditions,
recall). Being a first-time mum is so daunting and
including information for those who may not
something like this to happen is very traumatic. I
be able to get to ground level to do CPR, they
would like to thank these two paramedics for their
could instruct someone else how to do it. He
professionalism, calming nature and efficiency.
included everyone there and was very, very
What an absolute testament to QAS they are.
positive. He gave everyone the opportunity to
Please thank them for taking such good care of
practice on a manikin, gave those who wanted
our son and myself during such a stressful time. I
one a booklet. He is a great asset, a very
will never forget how wonderful they were. QAS
positive profile for QAS. Please pass this on
should be so proud of their employees. Thank you,
with our thanks.
thank you, thank you.
Tony and Christine, The Gap
Bianca, Svensson Heights
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Know your commitment to WHS
Department of Health
Queensland Ambulance Service
Workplace Health and Safety
Statement of Commitment A Patients first
core value of the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) is the health, safety and well-being of ourselves, our patients and others. The ability to care for our patients relies directly on our own safety and this shall be a key underpinning factor supporting the provision of quality ambulance and patient care services.
October marks National Safe Work Month and will reflect the theme – sharing safety knowledge and experience benefits with everyone.
To achieve this we will: » Comply with all relevant legislative requirements including standards and codes of practice. Health and safety
» Take all reasonable care for the health and safety of ourselves, our colleagues at work and our patients. » Make managers and supervisors responsible for implementing this policy as an integral part of their accountabilities.
There is no better time to familiarise yourself with QAS’s new Statement of Commitment to Workplace Health and Safety.
» Promote systems that will minimise harm through the identification of hazards, effective and timely investigation of incidents and the appropriate control of risks. Ideas into action
» Ensure every person is fit for duty and is able to deliver our services in a professional, safe and competent manner. » Provide early intervention following a workplace injury or illness to optimise recovery and promote an early and safe return to work. » Seek continuous improvement in our safety systems through consultation, technology, work practices and health and safety performance.
Unleash potential
» Monitor and review QAS standards to enable best practice in all that we do. This is our commitment to you.
Be courageous
Russell Bowles ASM Commissioner Queensland Ambulance Service Date effective: 01 September 2017
Review date: 01 September 2020
Read it on the QAS Portal at:
Empower people
http://bit.ly/2xwUe16
694QAS
Executive appointments confirmed The permanent appointment of Dee Taylor-Dutton as Deputy Commissioner, Service Planning and Performance, and Michael Metcalfe as Executive Director, Corporate Services, were announced by Commissioner Russell Bowles in early October. “These two highly respected officers have more than four decades of combined experience in the delivery of ambulance services and I’m very pleased to confirm their permanent appointments to these key executive roles,” the Commissioner said.
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
Amanda Sheriff
1/5/2017
Principal HR Consultant
Spring Hill
Brett Wilson
11/5/2017
Manager Business Support
Hamilton
Gregory Hehir
22/5/2017
Manager Business Support
Rockhampton
Gavin Farry
29/5/2017
Executive Manager
Longreach
Mark Dray
19/6/2017
Manager Workforce Planning
Townsville
Steven Raven
26/6/2017
Clinical Policy Development Officer
Kedron Park
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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
Ronald Alexander
Paramedic
51
Sunshine Coast LASN
Michael Lazell
Manager Operations Centre
37
Townsville LASN
Colin Nash
Senior Operations Supervisor
37
Gold Coast LASN
Gordon Smith
Paramedic
37
Metro North LASN
Terence O’Sullivan
Patient Transport Officer
36
Townsville LASN
Wayne Peach
Paramedic
36
Metro North LASN
Michael Gaskin
Senior Operations Supervisor
30
Central Queensland LASN
Roy Waterhouse
Senior Operations Development Officer
25
State LASN Operations
Judith Partridge
Manager Business Support
24
South West LASN
Helen Eyles
Paramedic
20
Townsville LASN
Diane Cavanough
Honorary Ambulance Officer
18
Gold Coast LASN
Raymond Cavanough
Honorary Ambulance Officer
18
Gold Coast LASN
Leslie Colquhoun
Quality Assurance Officer
18
Sunshine Coast LASN
Alice (Marie) Weatherford
Executive Manager Education and Development
17
Service Planning and Performance
Jacinta Kelly
Paramedic
17
Wide Bay LASN
Cathryn Jackson
Paramedic
15
Cairns and Hinterland LASN
Williams Landers
Paramedic
14
Townsville LASN
Peter Massick
Paramedic
13
Wide Bay LASN
Trent Wrayford
Paramedic
12
Darling Downs LASN
Jay Gilbert
Paramedic
11
Gold Coast LASN
Nicholas O’Brien
Paramedic
11
Central Queensland LASN
Phillip Dewhurst
Patient Transport Officer
10
Metro North LASN
Melda Dunning
Health and Safety Advisor
10
Metro North LASN
Lisa Fenech
Senior Educator
10
Service Planning and Performance
Brian May
Paramedic
10
Metro South LASN
Alan Muxworthy
Senior Operations Supervisor
10
State Operations Centre
Christopher Olds
Patient Transport Officer
10
Metro South LASN
*Staff appointments and retirements are provided for the period of June 1 to August 31, 2017. The appointments list is of classification levels A05 and above and includes those who have been made permanent after acting in a position. The retirements list is of officers with 10 years and over of service and notes the officer’s current position title.
CORRECTION: In the Winter 2017 Edition Gold Coast Senior Operations Supervisor Neil Stead was incorrectly captioned as ‘Neil Young’ in the retirement feature titled ‘Dedicated to the job of helping others’.
QAS Insight
SPRING 2017
39
40 QAS Insight
SPRING 2017