e n e c S SAA
DECEMBER 2013
OPERATION FLINDERS PAGE 52
Getting out and about has been an important focus for me since joining SAAS, so when sitting down to write this column, I took the opportunity to review the last 19 weeks. In many ways, I can’t quite believe it’s only that long since I joined SAAS!
FROM THE CEO In that time I’ve learnt a lot, and covered a lot of ground. I’ve visited 60 of our country stations and 9 of the metro. Without a doubt, getting out and talking to all of you has been the highlight of my last five months. Hearing your stories; listening to your ideas; bringing your voice to the conversations that make the difference – these are some of my most enjoyable and proudest moments to date. As you would’ve read in the last edition, I’ve also changed a tyre in the outback and have learnt “the Aussie salute” – needless to say, this Irishman now carries a can of repellent on regional trips! In the October edition of SAAScene, I mentioned a review of volunteer education was afoot. Sparked by my conversations while visiting volunteer stations, this review is focussed on dealing with the elements of our current education program that may not be the best fit for our volunteers. Consequently, we are now looking at ways we can change our approach to be more flexible and focussed on local needs. Along with the review of insurance for self-employed volunteers, I’m very pleased to say these are progressing well, and I look forward to providing more information soon. I’m also pleased to report that SAAS has once again been honoured with some awards since my last column. I was recently invited to attend the Defence Reserves Support Council award ceremony at Adelaide Oval. At this, SAAS was awarded a Silver Commendation as a ‘Supportive Employer’. Many of you may not be aware, but prior to my ambulance career I served some time in the Army, so the idea of service (and ‘the services’) is something I hold very dear. I also understand that SAAS has Reservists within its ranks – to you, I commend your commitment. MedSTAR were finalists in two award categories at the SA Health Awards. They received a nomination for the Minister’s Innovation Award for the development of
the MedSTAR Application for iPhones and iPads, and also the Research/Education in Patient/Consumer Safety nomination for the implementation and review of Clinical Governance Days at MedSTAR. While SAAS didn’t win, it was a great achievement; well done. The Rural Emergency Response Network (RERN) and SAAS were awarded with the SA Health Award Building and Strengthening Partnerships. RERN is a network of rural doctors linked to the our communications network, allowing them to be called to motor vehicle accidents, farm traumas and other life threatening incidents in country South Australia. The partnership supports the best possible health outcome for patients, and is organised by the Country Health SA Local Health Network. The SA Emergency Service Medal and Ministerial Commendation recognises the work of people in emergency service organisations who have contributed to community safety. Craig Murdy and Craig Westlake were both nominated for a Medal: Craig Murdy for his bravery in swimming a patient to shore whilst they were having a heart attack; and Craig Westlake for his dedication and involvement in projects which enabled SAAS to make decisions on crewing and staffing models for the delivery of services. SAAS was also awarded with the ‘Safe Work SA High Commendation’, for the Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue category. The Operational Safety Training Program has proven to be extremely successful, and not just because it’s award winning! It was developed by ambos, for ambos, and because SAAS is committed to responding to your needs – the most critical of which is that you all feel supported, well trained, and as safe as possible in performing your duties. The uptake of this program and acceptance from on-road staff has been truly impressive. In saying that, I do wish to express my disappointment about the recent
SAAScene
/ DECEMBER 2013
sentencing of a person who assaulted and seriously injured one of us. While I’ve personally spoken to our staff member, I would also like to take this opportunity to convey my disappointment to each and every one of you. While I respect the autonomy of the judiciary system, given the seriousness of the assault, I believe the full scope of the legislation has not been reflected in this case. Finally, Merry Christmas! (or Nollaig Shona Duit as it’s said back home) 2013 has been an extremely exciting year for me. It started in Ireland, and ended in South Australia. Even looking from afar I knew SAAS was a great organisation, and the somewhere I wanted to be. Since arriving, I’ve realised that SAAS is a family; a family that looks out for one another. You are the people who make SAAS that family, and I’m proud to join you. Thank you for welcoming me. I wish you all a Merry Christmas; may you and your families have a relaxing summer holiday. I’m not sure I’ll ever equate warm weather with Christmas, but that’s the Irishman in me!) For those of you that will be on-shift during the festive season, I thank you. I know all too well that being away from your families at this time of year is difficult. For those of you that will be volunteering your time during the festive season, I feel my thanks just aren’t enough. What I do know is that your communities do thank you, for ensuring this vital service can provide coverage during this busy time. I will be heading back to Ireland to see my family and will be away from 20 December until 13 January. Aaron Chia, Deputy CEO, will be acting CEO during this time. Thank you for welcoming me into this wonderful organisation that is SAAS. Until the next edition,
Robert Morton 3
CALENDAR Editor Marise Kalika
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SAAScene is the offical internal magazine of SA Ambulance Service. The publication is produced bi-monthly by the Corporate Communications team.
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Find the latest edition of SAAScene, as well as all back issues, on SAASnet.
THURSDAY 1 JANUARY New Year’s Day
Contributions, including articles and photographs, are welcome from all SAAS staff. Please ensure you have received approval from your line manager before submitting.
SUNDAY 19 - SUNDAY 26 JANUARY Tour Down Under
GPO Box 3 Adelaide SA 5001 Telephone 8274 0489 Facsimile 8272 9232 saasnews@health.sa.gov.au © SA Ambulance Service 2013 Material from this publication may be reproduced with the approval of the Editor providing appropriate acknowledgement for all photographs and articles. SAAScene and Pulse are printed on 100% carbon neutral paper. Front Cover: Photo provided by David Jaensch, ICP, Whyalla
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CONTENTS
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6 Commendations Special thanks to our staff 11 On the Job Thinking outside the square 12 Graduation and Presentation Congratulations to all our recipients 16 Whyalla Networking Weekend Fun times for all!
18 One big happy family Family members in SAAS
26 InfoRed At the Clinical Governance Day
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20 Peer Support An update to our coverage model 22 Manual Tasks Say goodbye to Manual Handling 24 A Moment with Mazur Abdominal pain
27 What's up Doc? Have a laugh 28 Gang Green Meet Andrew, Stacey, Jenny and Brett
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30 Pulse General News 59 Media Rap-Up What's in the news?
SAAScene
/ DECEMBER 2013
COMMENDATIONS Metro Thank you, Fiona learnt a lot during the shift. The support for our volunteers on shift was fantastic and the exposure they received will certainly help when they’re on shift in Roxby. From Lee Dale, Far North RTL Douglas Dippy and Paul Pegoli – SPRINT
Sincere thanks for your professional and kind manner, you provided a wonderful service. Josephine Davies – PTS Katie Spencer – West D
I wish to thank you sincerely for participating in our Memorial and Thanksgiving Service. It meant a lot to our supporters who have lost family members and friends to heart disease. The success of the service would not be possible without your wonderful support. From Eyvette Thomas, Donor Relations Manager, Heart Foundation Stacey Solomou – ICP ACTL, East C
Heartfelt thanks for the wonderful care, good humour and expertise in the treatment you provided to her son following a rugby accident. Craig Stephens – SPRINT Michelle Holmes and Sarah Adamson – South A Stephen Hornby – West A
Sincere thanks for your wonderful manner when caring and treating her young daughter.
Thanks for the treatment and care you administered following the accident. Please accept genuine apologies for my behaviour and lack of respect at the time; he wants you to know he admires the work you do and is most grateful. Ashlee Matulick – West B Jarrod Gilbert – Mt Gambier
Grateful thanks for the professional and caring service you provided. Surgeons operated on a ruptured brain aneurism the following day, she is slowly making progress and is thankful for your skills and prompt action which contributed to saving her life. Angelik Van Den Berg – East B Hannah Miller – 8 Hour Team
Please pass on sincere gratitude for saving my husband’s life following his cardiac arrest. You were calm, reassuring and your very professional response was a great relief during a distressing time.
Graem Harding and Patrick Bruse – South C Michael Rushby – West B Rosemarie Bettens – E Shift Suzie Smith – South B
Grateful thanks for your professionalism, competence and laughter amongst the anxiety served to calm him down. Aria Kallonen and Robert Lynch – West D
Sincere thanks for the wonderful care and professional service you provided. He passed away on 6 June 2013 in hospital surrounded by his family and friends, who thank you for giving them the opportunity to farewell their loved one. Paul Ekkelboom – ECP Shane Kuhlmann – SPRINT Toni Lindner and Tracy Hughes – South PT
Andrew Parker and Lynsey Irwin – South D
Most grateful thanks to you for the way you handled a difficult situation. You were professional, efficient and provided concern and compassion to the patient and other residents at the village. Stacey Solomou – ICP ACTL, East C
Please pass on grateful thanks for making their son comfortable with suitable pain relief after he dislocated his shoulder ice skating. It was their first experience with the service and they are pleased to advise they were impressed and knew their son was in good and safe hands. Catherine Brown and Troy Howard – West A
Sincere thanks for your kindness, professionalism and reassurance. Without your gentle persuasion to attend hospital, her health may have declined significantly. Jayden Milde and Lauren Carter – West A
Sincere thanks and congratulations to you for the prompt, professional manner and care you gave following his accident. He was most impressed by you and your organisation. Kylie Ellison – Ashford PIDT Nicola Thoo – East D
Matthew Perry – South C Ross Jackson – South A
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Please pass on sincere thanks for the care and professionalism shown. He continues to recover well and is reminded daily of the good life he is living thanks to your swift action and treatment.
SAAScene / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3
Thanks for the care, respect and professional manner in which you treated her. She greatly appreciated being able to maintain her dignity throughout this experience. Matthew Maylin and Timothy Mojica – West C
Sincere thanks for your professionalism and the sensitivity shown to her during difficult circumstances, it was greatly appreciated. Bryan Ward and James Gardiner – South A
Sincere thanks to you for your professionalism and the wonderful treatment my mother received from you. Brett Smith and Bria Smith – Fulham PIDT
Heartfelt thanks for your care and ability to keep her at ease during what was for her a frightening experience. Graeme McKenzie and Shane Cunnington – ESS B
Sincere thanks to you for your professionalism and great care. Chloe Fogg and Thomas Reynolds – East B
Sincere and grateful thanks for your efforts in difficult conditions. My father had fallen in a difficult area to access and was in a poor condition on your arrival. Thank you for your compassion and getting him to hospital where he and the family had an opportunity to grieve and say their goodbyes. He passed away the following day. Christine Rose – SPRINT Craig Turner – Murray Bridge Karen Hamdorf – 8 Hour Team Richard Larsen – ECP
Sincere thanks for the care and treatment received. He collapsed and felt very confused and alarmed. He appreciated your calm and considered approach to his treatment. The experience has given him a great appreciation for what ambulance staff do – you have a job that makes a real difference to peoples’ lives. Christopher Howie – SPRINT Simon Craddock – SOT
Sincere thanks for your professionalism and the care shown following the accident. He was very impressed with your efforts and skills. Daniel Whipp and David Norris – South C
Thank you for the prompt and efficient service received. Tests later confirmed a bleed to the brain, they are both so grateful for the genuine care and the reassurance you provided during this very stressful time. Christopher Pearce – Murray Bridge Tyson Rohrlach – South D
Sincere thanks for your outstanding care and professionalism. You were also polite and thorough which he greatly appreciated and admired. Sarah Fry – 8 Hour Team Tessa Judd – Tintinara
Sincere thanks to you for your professionalism and skills to comfort and calm her.
Thanks to you for your polite, efficient and excellent service. Belinda Gawlik and Nick Mark – North A
Deep gratitude for your care and professionalism. He suffered a heart attack at home, underwent an angiogram and an insertion of a stent and has since recovered well. The care he received from you was greatly appreciated and enabled them to subsequently celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary. Athol Rayson – EMDSO David Simmons – 8 Hour Team Gary Fry – SPRINT Lana Gill and Simon Walter – East A
Grateful thanks to you for your kindness and reassurance during a stressful time. She is now recovering well. Brett Braysher and Tyson Rohrlach – South D
Please pass on his sincere thanks to you for the professional and caring service he received. Kate Schubert and Shane Leonard – South D
Sincere thanks for your professional and compassionate service. She also greatly appreciated the follow up visit in hospital by Shane to see how she was progressing. Kevin Saunders – South A Peter Boylan – West D
Ray Penhall – South A
Shane Leonard – South D
Sincere thanks for your professional and courteous manner. You provided an excellent service and he could not be happier with the treatment his son received.
Sincere thanks to you for your professionalism and the care she received. She was also impressed at the skills you showed in enabling Jade (intern) to learn in a well-supported and safe environment.
Seth Wilkinson and Tristan Moyle – East B
Nick Worthley – East A
SAAScene / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3
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COMMENDATIONS Grateful thanks to you for your professionalism and the care shown to her mother following her collapse.
Sincere thanks to you for your professionalism and the great care his mother received.
Sincere thanks to you for your professionalism, understanding and empathy for her condition.
Belinda Gawlik – North A Sarah Fry – 8 Hour Team
Jim Howie – East C Starr Dulvarie – East PT
Sincere thanks for your professionalism, care and great efficiency to organise an emergency team in readiness for her arrival at FMC. She was therefore prepped for immediate surgery.
Sincere thanks to you for your professionalism and the care you provided her son Oliver. You made them both feel comfortable and reassured.
Alice O’Connell, Alicia Marcus, Cecelia Baseley, Glen Sparks and Melissa Renko – Mt Gambier Erin Pankoke – South D
Bianca Lang and Glen Cuttance –
Charlotte Davis – West C Lisa Mundy – North D
Noarlunga PIDT
Grateful thanks for your professionalism and the wonderful care given following the dislocation of both artificial hips. Jacqueline Stephenson and Shane Irvine – ESS C Robert Edwards – Fulham PTD
Grateful thanks for your professionalism and the level of care and understanding her mother received. Gabrielle Lott – E Shift Rebecca Elton – West A
Sincere thanks to you for your care and assistance, I’d also like to advise she is doing well following her hypoglycaemic episode. Joseph Schar and Lawrence De Pasquale – West A
Sincere thanks to you for your patience and understanding during a stressful time. Your professionalism and genuine kindness made all the difference and should they require an ambulance in the future, they know they will be in safe hands. Seth Wilkinson and Tristan Moyle – East B
Sincere thanks for your great professionalism, skills and compassion whilst attending to him and his neighbours who commenced CPR before your arrival. He did not survive but his neighbours and family know that you went to extraordinary lengths with efforts to revive him.
Sincere thanks to you for the professional and reassuring service you provided. Paul Pegoli – SPRINT Ray Penhall and Robert Pearce – South A
Grateful thanks to you for the wonderful service you provided following her fall at home. Douglas Whiting and James Tscharke – ESS C
Brian Millowick – Logistics Officer, Metro Patient Services
McEntee – E Shift Elise Hawke – North B
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Thank you for your care, professionalism, and wonderful manner. The Extended Care Paramedic service is fabulous, it’s so reassuring and comfortable to be treated in your own home – it has proved to be invaluable. Maryanne Elsby – ECP Courtney Halliday and Lauren Gormlie – West D
Grateful thanks for the genuine care and reassuring manner in which you treated the patient and staff. The Extended Care Paramedic service is just wonderful and they were all impressed by your professionalism. Katherine Chappill – ECP
Sincere thanks and praise for your gentle manner and professionalism whilst treating his wife. She is recovering well thanks to you and the excellent service your provided. Terry Hernan – ECP
Sincere thanks to a colleague who has been both a role model and mentor, one who is patient, understanding and has taught me many invaluable lessons. He is also a great source of knowledge on SAAS and of our workplace. He has made my time at SAAS absolutely fantastic and I cannot thank him enough.
Craig Murdy, Emily Higgs and Peter
ECP
SAAScene / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3
Country I’d like to share my thanks and appreciation for the fantastic care and professional support. Without your help and care the outcome may have been quite different. Jennie Newman and Peter Hawker – Yankalilla
Thank you for your presentation to the Year 10 students and for the amazing job you do in our community. Certificate of appreciation received by Jon Jaensch on behalf of the Yankalilla team, from the Yankalilla Area School. Yankalilla team
Sincere thanks for the professional and wonderful service provided. John Wicker and Noel Johncock – Tailem Bend
Sincere thanks to you for the wonderful and professional assistance he received 12 years ago. Without it, he would not be the healthy and grateful man he is today. He feels very fortunate there are people like yourself in the community that volunteer their time and skills as you do. Adrian Stephenson and Ken Kurtz – Mt Pleasant
Thank you for providing such wonderful and professional assistance following his fall at home.
Simon Harvie and Tamara Mieglich – Murray Bridge
Christine Meaney and Craig Hunter – Port Augusta
Sincere thanks to staff in Whyalla from our family. I found your skills and humanity quite remarkable; thank you.
Please pass on sincere thanks and appreciation for the wonderful and professional service you provided.
Adrian Stephenson, Kristian Glover, Megan Sylvertsen and Simon Ross – Whyalla
Gemma Fitzpatrick and Kerry Santini – Loxton
Sincere thanks for the care taken – without the great volunteers who attended him so quickly, maybe the outcome would not be the same. Thank you for the time you give so generously. He is recovering slowly and we feel very blessed.
Sincere thanks to you for your professionalism, calm manner and the treatment you provided following her fall at Flinders Chase during a school camp.
Paula Martin, Stephen Dixon and Trish Leeuwenburg – Kingscote
Thank you for your care and concern, I wish you to know the tireless and wonderful work you do does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Brian Reynolds and Melanie Mountstephen – Goolwa
Bernard May, Michael Barnett and Wendy Penhall – Western KI
Grateful thanks for the professional and wonderful care you provided. She suffered a fall which resulted in a complicated break to the ankle. We appreciated your ability to work in the confined space of a caravan, your professionalism and the care taken to support her en route. Annette Lewis, Jessica Billing– Tieste, Glyn Hartley, Melissa Duckford and Suzanne Gregory – Kadina
SAAScene / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3
EOC Grateful thanks to you for your professionalism and invaluable assistance to both her and Daniel. She would not have managed on her own given the circumstances. Amy Defluiter – EMDSO John Graham and Rosemary Coldwell – Stirling
Sincere thanks for your professionalism; the newborn was an unexpected birth at home. You were supportive and calm whilst assisting extremely shocked parents, and followed up by transporting both mother and baby safely to hospital. Amy Defluiter – EMDSO Anthony Letcher, David Brookes and Jennifer O’Hehir – South B Sharon Bayliss – South PT
Sincere thanks to you for saving Mr Elsdon’s life, you did a wonderful job and they are most thankful. Alison Christie – EMDSO Ashlee Matulick – West B Geoff Clarke and Jason Keefe – SPRINT Mary Bagshaw – West B Simon Bernard – South C
Please pass on sincere thanks for the wonderful and helpful service you provided during the triple zero call. My elderly mother had collapsed and during the lengthy call you were patient, professional and showed great kindness for which she is most grateful. Owen Ridgwell – EMDSO
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COMMENDATIONS West Coast Sentinel
14 Nov 2013
MedSTAR
(Ceduna), Ceduna SA
Letters, page 5 - Size: 95.40 cm² Regional - Circulation: 3,079 (---T---) Cop
yright Agency lice Thanks to MedSTAR for using Israeli (www.copyright.com.ansed copy u) bandage on my patient. Good kit for open wounds needing compression. Well done. From Dr Tim Leeuwenburg, KI Medical Clinic
Dave Tingey – Retrieval Practitioner
Needless to say MedSTAR teams were spoken of very highly in the township last night. The kids were grateful for your attention and time for the bee sting/ anaphylaxis. From Dr Tim Leeuwenburg, KI Medical Clinic Dr Cathrin Parsch – Retrieval Doctor Simon Gibbon – Nurse
Sincere gratitude for the professionalism of the MedSTAR crew; truly amazing. My father-in-law is alive and has a positive outlook for the future due to the care he received. Dr Min-Qi Lee – Retrieval Doctor Simon Gibbon – Nurse
ID 223667603
BRIEF AMBO_ISS
Letters to the Editor Volunteers did a great job
M
y husband and I would thank the volunteer SA like to sincerely Ambulance crew and CFS me assistance when we ne mbers who came to our ed South Head Walking Tra ed it, half way around the il at I had lost consciousne Venus Bay. ss and fallen in a seizur the difficult terrain. e in After a distress call to 000 the Port Kenny Ambulance crew and CFS volunteers spran SA g into action. One crew member ha d even jumped off his header in order to help. A lady who had comp leted the walk, saw ambulance arrive and the ran back along the tra il again to offer assistance. The terrain prevented vehicles getting close where we were. to The crew had to carry the ir heavy equipment to me on foot. After a recovery period and extensive tests, I helped out to a ute, the n in the ute to the ambu was for the trip to Elliston lance Hospi We would also like to tal. nursing and ancillary sta thank the doctor and all ff their kind and caring att at the Elliston Hospital for ention during my aftern and overnight stay. oon What was a very traum was made much mo atic episode in our lives everyone’s professiona re bearable because of l and caring attitude. Australia is definitely are able to rely on all the a lucky country when you se wonderful people rus to your assistance in a hing time of need. We cannot thank you en ou gh and please keep your good work; you are the living soul of up country. our J. & M. FROST Two Wells, SA
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SAAScene / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3
ON THE JOB Thinking outside the square On 17 September crews were called to a case in the north-western suburbs where PAGE 1 of 1man had fallen off a stool a 68 year-old in his shed. On the initial call the job sounded simple – a man had fallen and had shoulder pain. However, upon arrival Fulham ESS crew Mike Geisler and Phil Rodeghiero quickly realised there was more to this case than they thought. “He’d actually dislocated both of his shoulders. The dislocations meant both of the patient’s arms were extended out and up – basically in the crucifix position, perpendicular to his trunk. This meant it was impossible for him to be transported in a normal ambulance,” Phil said. To make matters more interesting the patient was about 120 kg, had landed on his back so crews queried spinal injuries and loss of consciousness, and to top it all off he had “no neck”, so a cervical collar couldn’t be applied. Mike and Phil quickly called for backup and soon enough they had a crew from Port Adelaide and the ACTL along with the ESS TL to assist with pain relief and extrication.
Staff Moves
“The best thing about the case was we had a lot of space to work on him and the driveway went all the way up to the shed. Using the bariatric ambulance was ideal because of the centrally located stretcher and extra space. We had to straighten his arms a tad to fit, so there was no way he was going to get in a normal ambulance,” Phil said.
Casaba Nagy commenced as a Radio Installation Technician at Fulham on 1 November.
The patient was moved onto the stretcher using the HoverJack and HoverMatt and was transported to the RAH where his bilateral dislocations were confirmed and relocated. Fortunately,
James Schaller has commenced as Critical Infrastructure Technical Specialist in the EOC.
the patient was cleared of any cervical or other injuries and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. The case took about two and a half hours from start to finish and Phil said it’s important to have appropriate resources at difficult cases.
Barb Keller has commenced as Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer, Robert Morton.
Carly Evans has commenced as a Student Ambulance Officer (RSDP). Erin Standish commenced as Administration Assistant, Metro Emergency Operations on 18 November.
“It’s better to call for backup and not need it, than not call and find out you need it.”
ATTENDING CREWS • BR75
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F67
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“We tried him on Penthrane first but it was no good so he was cannulated and given IV morphine and ketamine which helped a lot,” Phil explained. The next challenge for the crews was to get the patient out of the shed and to hospital. With some creative thinking, the crews called on a bariatric fleet to transport the patient.
SAAScene / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3
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GRADUATION & PRESENTATION It was a beautiful spring day when award recipients and their guests arrived at the Crowne Plaza for the 2013 SAAS Graduation and Presentation Ceremony. Along with the sunshine, came smiling faces ready for the annual event we all wait for. 12
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/ DECEMBER 2013
Simon Leonard MC, kick started the day’s proceedings with a viewing of the video ‘It’s more than a job, it’s a life’. Robert Morton then took to the stage, and in his inaugural graduation ceremony, spoke of a patient’s journey. But not just about a crew attending someone and arriving at hospital, this speech was all about the people and business units that make up the SAAS family – Fleet, EOC, Customer Services, Revenue, Building Services, Clinical Education, MedSTAR, Special Operations Team, career staff, volunteer staff, and everyone else in between. David Swan, Chief Executive SA Health, was on hand to pass on the Minister’s well wishes and present some awards. The presentations then flowed on, and soon everyone was celebrating with a glass of bubbles and some nibbles. With over 250 people in attendance and from all over the state, this ceremony was certainly a day to remember. Congratulations recipients! CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMENDATION Recipients of this commendation are personally chosen by Robert Morton for their outstanding level of service to SAAS and the community. Richard Butterworth Australian Helicopters On 15 February 2013, Richard was flying the Rescue 52 helicopter on a routine medical retrieval mission, with a SAAS MedSTAR crew, helicopter crewman and patient on board. During this flight, the helicopter experienced a severe adverse event in which it pitched violently upwards, rolled, and inverted. Richard’s quick thinking and bravery under pressure ensured there were no injuries or loss of life, despite the helicopter sustaining significant damage. He showed extreme skill and his many years of experience as a pilot allowed him to regain control of the helicopter and make a safe landing.
SAAS SAFE COMMENDATION
SAAS SAFE CHAMPIONS AWARD
This commendation is for individuals or groups who demonstrate excellence and innovative solutions to occupational health, safety and wellbeing.
This award is for individuals or groups who demonstrate exceptional safe work practices. Champions initiate change and help promote SAAS’s health and safety objectives.
Shana Brewer Megan Cree Tyson LeClercq Simon Leonard Sophie Pantelios Anthony Pryzibilla The SAAS Operational Safety Program Team has worked hard to ensure SAAS staff are kept safe in unpredictable environments.
Jenny Crago Jenny is a peer support officer (PSO) and instructs manual handling, driving and Chemical, Biological and Radiological courses. She is held in high regard by her peers, and showcases her commitment and dedication to provide a safe working environment for all SAAS staff and external clients.
The potential for violence and aggression within our work environment is often complex. The Operational Safety Training
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
program educates staff on how to keep safe, including: behavioural awareness, re-familiarisation with mental health issues, the use of communication skills to defuse situations and some selfdefence techniques.
This award recognises clinical leadership through commitment to personal, professional and clinical development by an individual at SAAS.
This program is already award-winning; it won the Self-Insurers of South Australia award for Best Work Health and Safety Solution, and came runner in the Safe Work Week Awards. Rob Elliott Meredith Knowler Andrew Pearce Rob, Meredith and Andrew played a pivotal role in the development and execution of the Vehicle Crash Simulator (VCS). The VCS is a tool for SAAS clinicians to learn extrication skills in the safest possible environment. The team was successful in obtaining a federal grant from Heath Workforce Australia, which allowed the building of a custom made Holden Commodore that can be dismantled section by section to simulate an extrication rescue. The VCS can be transported anywhere in the state and is an excellent learning tool for all clinicians.
AWARD
Andrew Noble Ever since Andrew joined SAAS in 1997, he has been dedicated to the development and clinical education of others. Andrew is a well-respected, credible and sought after mentor, whose recent commitment to the education and support of qualifying Extended Care Paramedics has been typical of his dedication to go above and beyond. Andrew’s approach to education and clinical practice is renowned as quiet and considered; making him an excellent teacher and an inspiring role model. Brett Smith Brett has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty in his mentoring of Flinders University students, paramedic interns, clinical instructors and intensive care paramedic interns. His knowledge, enthusiasm and motivation for teaching means he is well respected and his views are held in extremely high regard. Brett is dedicated to his students and ensures they not only know what they are doing, but more importantly, the rationale behind their decisions.
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CLINICAL EXCELLENCE IN PRACTICE AWARD This award recognises the contribution of an individual or team for excellence in clinical care at any level within SAAS, which directly impacts on patient outcome. Todd Kenny On his way to work, Todd witnessed a highspeed motorcycle crash, where the rider collided with a truck, was catapulted into the air and lost both legs in the crash. Todd overcame the shock of witnessing this event and immediately stopped to render assistance to the rider, who was conscious but critical. When crews arrived Todd continued to provide calm leadership and clinical direction at the scene. He also assisted those who witnessed the crash and went above the call of duty to ensure those on scene were cared for. Craig Murdy Craig was off-duty, enjoying a walk with his partner along Grange Beach when he noticed a man and woman in trouble in deep water. Without hesitation Craig swam out and found the man to be underwater and unresponsive. Craig swam the man back the beach, and immediately began CPR. Grange Surf Life Saving members provided oxygen and assisted with CPR until an ambulance crew arrived. When the crew arrived the patient was breathing and had a radial pulse. Thanks to Craig’s selfless act of bravery, the man was released from hospital after just a few weeks.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENDATION
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT
This commendation recognises significant and outstanding service by a staff member, and is particularly for those who have demonstrated or performed an outstanding act, beyond normal duty.
This certificate recognises the contribution of volunteers to SAAS, the community, and their commitment to the ongoing development of themselves or others within SAAS. Janet LeBrun
Stacey Solomou Stacey constantly goes above and beyond the call of duty to promote SAAS and the work we do in the community. She takes every opportunity possible to get involved in public relations activities, all in addition to her work as an Area Clinical Team Leader and member of the Bicycle Response Unit. Stacey is the driver behind Paramedic Pete, and volunteers much of her time to get him out and about in the community. Pete is a fantastic way to engage with the community, particularly young children, as they become familiar with the SAAS brand and uniform through their interaction with Paramedic Pete. VOLUNTEER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD (FORMERLY LIFE MEMBERSHIP) The award acknowledges volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional or significant service to SAAS and the community, and are committed to the ongoing development of themselves or others within SAAS. Norman Hill Robert Berlin
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MEDALS, AWARDS, CERTIFICATES National Medal – 15 years 1st clasp – 25 years 2nd clasp – 35 years 3rd clasp – 45 years 25 Year Service Award Certificate IV in Health Care (Ambulance) – career and volunteer Paramedic Intern Certificate Intensive Care Paramedic Certificate Extended Care Paramedic Certificate Regional Sponsored Degree Program Mental Health Program Certificate III in Ambulance Communications (Call Taking) Certificate IV in Ambulance Communications Certificate IV in Training and Assessment Certificate IV in Frontline Management Certificate IV in Business Diploma of Human Resources Management Diploma of Management Diploma of Business Diploma of Project Management Diploma of Vocational Education and Training Advanced Diploma of Management Masters Retrieval Practitioner
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