RESPONSE - The Australasian College of Paramedicine

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RESPONSE - The Australasian College of Paramedicine
RESPONSE
         AUTUMN 2022                                    www.paramedics.org

PRIVATE
PRACTICE
WA’s first paramedic private
practice model benefits patients,
staff and the health system P22

A CAREER
HIGH
The sky’s the limit for Critical
Care Flight Paramedic P24

BAND-AID
SOLUTION
Ambulance delays: “More
paramedics” not the solution P31

                                       CHANGES
                                     OF SCENERY
                                             From the high seas to the desert,
                                    variety is key for contract paramedic P20
RESPONSE - The Australasian College of Paramedicine
INSIDE
                                                                                                       BOARD OF DIRECTORS
                                                                                                       Chair – Ryan Lovett
                                                                                                       Vice Chair – Marty Nichols
                                                                                                       Simone Haigh ASM
                                                                                                       Dr Bill Lord
                                                                                                       Clive Addison
2

                                                                                                                                                  3
                                                                                                       Colonel Gabrielle Follett AM
                         College News                           Professional practice                  Kate Worthington
                                                                                                       Tony Gately ASM
                         04_    Message from the Chair          31_     Ambulance delays:
Response | Autumn 2022

                                                                                                                                                  Response | Autumn 2022
                                                                                                       CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                                                                        “More paramedics” not
                         05_    Message from the CEO                    the solution                   John Bruning
                                                                                                       john.bruning@paramedics.org

                         06_    College consultations and       34_     Improving the culture
                                                                                                       NATIONAL OFFICE
                                submissions                             of leadership in
                                                                        paramedicine                   PO Box 3229
                                                                                                       Umina Beach NSW 2257
                         08_    College Working Group
                                                                Clinical practice                      1300 730 450
                                and Committee updates                                                  info@paramedics.org
                                                                36_     Insight into inappropriate     https://paramedics.org
                         09_    New college                             internal defibrillation in     ACN 636 832 061
                                appointments                            the pre-hospital setting       ISSN 1836-2907
                         11_    College developing
                                                                38_     Statins, paramedics and        MEMBER ENQUIRIES
                                transformative ways for                 patient education              members@paramedics.org
                                members to engage in
                                learning                        Paramedic wellbeing                    EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES
                                                                                                       Lauren Daws
                         13_    Australasian Journal of         40_     Shift work, health and
                                                                                                       lauren.daws@paramedics.org
                                Paramedicine update                     paramedicine: Towards a
                                                                        sustainable career             ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
                         14_    College involved in
                                                                Research                               Jonathon Tremain
                                updating Australian
                                                                                                       jonathon@tremedia.com.au
                                guidelines for the              43_     GRADE - A systematic
                                management of ACS                       approach to developing         RESPONSE is published quarterly by the
                                                                                                       Australasian College of Paramedicine.
                                                                        clinical practice guidelines
                         15_    Learning the ropes thanks                                              Editorial and photographic contributions
                                to College education grant      Legal/ethics                           are welcome and can be submitted
                                                                                                       to EditorResponse@paramedics.org.

                         16_    Trauma on the Border            46_     Legislative issues with        All material accepted for publication is

                                2022 conference                         employing paramedics           subject to editing.

                                highlights                              outside of ambulance           ©2022. The Australasian College of
                                                                        services                       Paramedicine. All rights are reserved.
                                                                                                       The College and its Editor cannot
                         19_    EMSA 2022 conference:
                                                                Students                               be held responsible for errors or
                                The future of emergency                                                any consequences arising from the
                                and pre-hospital                49_     Telehealth placement           use of information contained in this
                                healthcare                              improves paramedic             publication; the views and opinions
                                                                        student’s assessment skills    expressed do not necessarily reflect
                         Features                                                                      those of the College and its Editor,
                                                                Sector news                            neither does the publication of
                         20_    From the high seas to the                                              advertisements constitute any
                                desert, variety is key for      50_      welcome face-to-face
                                                                        A                              endorsement by the College and its

                                contract paramedic                      return for CAA Congress        Editor of the products advertised.
                                                                                                       COVER

                         22_    WA’s first paramedic            52_     Ahpra news                     Kasha Szewczyk
                                private practice model                                                 The Australasian College of
                                benefits patients, staff        52_     Te Kaunihera Manapou           Paramedicine acknowledge Aboriginal
                                                                        Paramedic Council news
                                and the health system                                                  and Torres Strait Islander peoples as
                                                                                                       the traditional custodians of the land

                         24_    The sky’s the limit for         54_     National COVID-19 Clinical     and sea in which we live and work, we

                                Critical Care Flight                    Evidence Taskforce             recognise their continuing connection
                                                                                                       to land, sea and culture and pay our
                                Paramedic                                                              respects to Elders past, present and
                                                                                                       future.
                         26_    Call of duty for trailblazing
                                                                                                       The College acknowledge Māori
                                tele-triage aramedic
                                                                                                       as tangata whenua and Treaty of
                                                                                                       Waitangi partners in Aotearoa
                         28_    The growing importance                                                 New Zealand.
                                of non-traditional
                                paramedicine
RESPONSE - The Australasian College of Paramedicine
FROM THE CHAIR                                                                                                                          FROM THE CEO

                                                                                                                                                               PARAMEDIC
                                                                                                          subsequently approved meaningful investment
4

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5
                                                                                                          in building College capacity and capability. The
                                                                                                          main recommendations concentrated on en-

                                                                                                                                                               EDUCATION AND
                                                                                                          suring the College was appropriately resourced
Response | Autumn 2022

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Response | Autumn 2022
                                                                                                          to improve operational capacity to be successful
                                                                                                          today and into the future. This has seen an
                                                                                                          internal restructure, with Education being split

                                                                                                                                                               DEVELOPMENT
                                                                                                          out into a standalone unit (formerly Education
                                                                                                          and Research) and the creation of new units
                                                                                                          focusing on Member Services and Advocacy.

                                                                                                          The College strives to be the industry leader in
                                                                                                          professional development content for paramed-        with John Bruning, College CEO
                                                                                                          ics, and we know that we can never stand still. To
                                                                                                          build our education capability, the Board is also

                           CONTINUOUS
                                                                                                          investing in additional resourcing in education
                                                                                                          through subject matter experts to progress our
                                                                                                          education content goals.                             In the 2021 Winter edition of Response, I spoke      The College has our CPD tracker available for
                                                                                                                                                               about our education plans and the clinical           members to manage their professional devel-

                           IMPROVEMENT
                                                                                                          The past 12 months have seen the College prior-      education resourcing we were investing in to         opment, which provides a section to create your
                                                                                                          itise the development of our advocacy capacity,      generate new and interactive content, and to         personal development plan and set learning
                                                                                                          which has led to numerous submissions, media         deliver on our purpose of excellence in paramed-     objectives. The CPD tracker allows members
                                                                                                          activities, and attendances at hearings across       icine. As with many things, the initial investment   to connect learning back to these defined
                                                                                                          a range of areas covering paramedicine and           takes time to show the value that it is creating,    objectives, creating a seamless link between
                           with Ryan Lovett, College Chair                                                broader health care delivery. The establishment      but I am excited to see the benefits that have       development, learning objectives and CPD un-
                                                                                                          of a new and dedicated advocacy team staffed         now been realised from that investment with          dertaken. It is pleasing to see that more than 1100
                                                                                                          by individuals with demonstrated experience          the first handful of our dedicated eLearning         members have development plans in the CPD
                                                                                                          across government and health will see the            modules.                                             tracker, but ultimately, every paramedic needs to
                                                                                                          College continue to improve our capability and                                                            have a development plan and defined learning
                                                                                                          be better positioned to lead the profession.         The Education team released the first modules
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    objectives if we want to achieve excellence. If you
                                                  Welcome to the Autumn edition of Response.                                                                   in mid-March, and we now have a three-module
                                                                                                          The Board’s role is fundamentally one of                                                                  don’t already have a development plan in place, I
                                                                                                                                                               obstetric series and three other modules on
                                                  This edition I wanted to take a more introspective      governance, strategic direction setting, and                                                              strongly recommend using your CPD tracker on
                                                                                                                                                               motor neurone disease, mentoring, and palliative
                                                  approach to provide you with an update on how           oversight. Guiding the Board and the College                                                              the College website and spending time to reflect
                                                                                                                                                               care. Since the launch, there have been more
                                                  the College is positioning ourselves to better          in all that we do is our Constitution. Following                                                          on your practice and set learning objectives to
                                                                                                                                                               than 800 enrolments in the modules, with the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    improve the care you provide to your patients.
             THE BOARD
                                                  provide services to you, our members, and to
                                                  better place us to represent and advocate more
                                                                                                          the formation of the College in 2020, the Board
                                                                                                          committed to regularly review the structure
                                                                                                                                                               obstetric series being the most attractive to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          EVERY
                                                                                                                                                               members. Our plan is to release new modules          Conferences
             IS ALSO
                                                  broadly for the profession.                             and operation, including the Constitution, to        every month, building a strong library of            It was great to be back to face-to-face               PARAMEDIC
                                                                                                          ensure we remain contemporary and responsive.        interactive eLearning content for members.
             INVESTING
                                                  The College’s strategic plan sets out our vision,
                                                  “A strong and influential College representing
                                                                                                          Shortly, a call will go out for members to express
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    conferencing with Trauma on the Border in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    March, where more than 180 attendees enjoying
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          NEEDS TO
                                                                                                          an interest in being part of a constitutional        An essential part of paramedic registration

             IN ADDITIONAL
                                                  and supporting paramedicine”, and purpose, “To
                                                                                                          review group to provide feedback to the Board        in both Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia           our one-day conference. It was also good to see       HAVE A
                                                  advance and support excellence in paramedicine                                                               is the requirement to undertake 30 hours of          more than 150 online attendances, and that we

             RESOURCING IN                        and patient-centred care”. It is important to
                                                                                                          on the Constitution. We do not expect, nor are
                                                                                                          we seeking, significant change, but the Board        Continuing Professional Development (CPD).           continue to create opportunities to engage with       DEVELOPMENT
                                                  remember that the College, in its current form,                                                                                                                   our education content no matter where you are.
             EDUCATION                            is still relatively young, and there remains a lot of
                                                                                                          does believe there is opportunity for refinement.    The Paramedicine Board of Australia and Te
                                                                                                                                                               Kaunihera Manapou Paramedic Council expect
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          PLAN AND
                                                                                                          Any proposed changes to the Constitution must                                                             We have hit conference season now, with ROAR
             THROUGH
                                                  work to do to ensure that, following the merger,
                                                  we have the right people with the right skills, and
                                                                                                          be approved by you, our members, at a                the CPD to be relevant to your area and scope        on later this month in the Adelaide Hills, the        DEFINED
                                                                                                          General Meeting and, as always, we will              of practice, and that it directly contributes to     Research Symposium (Sunshine Coast) and
             SUBJECT
                                                  the right systems and processes to deliver on our
                                                                                                          encourage feedback throughout the process.           improving your competence. It’s important to         Student Conference (Sydney) in July, and our          LEARNING
                                                  vision and our purpose.                                                                                      note that these are the minimum standards
             MATTER                                                                                       It continues to be an exciting time to lead the      required to practice in the profession.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    major international conference, ACPIC22, in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Brisbane from 14-16 September. I know COVID
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          OBJECTIVES
                                                  To ensure we are well placed to do so, late

             EXPERTS TO                           last year the Board approved an independent
                                                                                                          College. The organisational review has identified
                                                                                                          opportunities for us to continue our growth and      The College’s purpose is to advance excellence       hasn’t gone away and the pressures on                 IF WE WANT
                                                  external organisational review. The review looked                                                            in paramedicine, and there is a significant          paramedics as we enter flu season will not
             PROGRESS OUR                         at College performance against our strategic
                                                                                                          development, helping us to progress to a strong
                                                                                                                                                               opportunity for paramedicine to go beyond            dissipate, but we have greatly missed the ability     TO ACHIEVE
                                                                                                          and influential College. We are advancing our

             EDUCATION
                                                  objectives, department structures, employee
                                                  roles and functions, what we were doing well and
                                                                                                          plans to lead the profession through advocacy,       these minimum standards to enhance and               to meet colleagues, rekindle friendships, and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    learn together through both light-hearted and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          EXCELLENCE
                                                                                                          education, and research, as well as ensuring the     elevate practice. I’m certain everyone has heard
                                                  where could we do better. It was an invaluable                                                               of SMART goals and, ideally, all paramedics          robust debate over a cuppa and a treat at a
             CONTENT                              exercise that highlighted a number of key
                                                                                                          College is run sustainably and successfully.
                                                                                                                                                               should have a development plan that docu-            conference. This is something we should

             GOALS                                opportunities for improvement.                          Stay safe.                                           ments your learning goals using the SMART            prioritise for our enjoyment, wellbeing and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    development.
                                                  The Board carefully considered the recommen-                                                                 acronym, so that the CPD undertaken is targeted
                                                  dations stemming from the review and has                                                                     to your needs. In that way we can lift standards,    Stay safe and well.
                                                                                                                                                               practice, and improve patient care.
RESPONSE - The Australasian College of Paramedicine
COLLEGE NEWS

                           COLLEGE
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7
                           CONSULTATIONS
Response | Autumn 2022

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Response | Autumn 2022
                           AND SUBMISSIONS
                                        The College regularly engages in government and industry consultations
                                        to represent and advance the interests of the paramedicine profession.        Adelaide Hills | 26 -27 May                 #ROAR2022
                                        This behind-the-scenes work is often a result of the dedication and hard
                                        work of our College’s advisory committees and working groups.
                                        In the past three months, our advocacy efforts have involved:
                                         The College attended the Federal Budget Lock-in following our
                                          pre-budget submission for funding to develop and trial community                             Rural Outback and Remote
                                          paramedicine in primary health. Unfortunately, we were not successful
                                          in securing funding for this initiative, but we continue to work on                          Paramedic Conference
                                          expanding the role of paramedics.
                                                                                                                                       Thursday 26 and Friday 27 May 2022
                                         The College has been engaging in the news cycle where opportunities
                                          arise to promote the greater inclusion of paramedics in workforce                            Face-to-face & online
                                          solutions and innovative models of care across Australian communities.
                                                                                                                                       Adelaide Hills Convention Centre
                                         Coming into the Federal election cycle, we have been meeting with
                                          numerous MPs and communicating with all federal politicians to                               Theme: Breaking down barriers
                                          advocate for role of Community Paramedics in health care solutions.
                                                                                                                                       A two-day conference designed specifically for paramedics and allied
                                         The Advocacy team has drafted position papers on “Expansion of Health                       health professionals working in rural, outback and remote locations.
                                          Services in Australia to deliver urgent care” and “The role of Paramedics
                                          in the Health Care system”. These positions are still under development                      What’s in store for you?
                                          and part of consultation with key stakeholders.
                                                                                                                                        > An exciting and hands-on program showcasing a broad range of
                                         A key part of our advocacy work is to develop beneficial relationships                         speakers and topics.
                                          with other colleges and professional groups (Australian College of Rural
                                                                                                                                        > Exposure to knowledge and skills which will benefit paramedics, rural
                                          and Remote Medicine, Rural Doctors Association of Australia, Australian
                                          Primary Health Care Nurses Association) to engage with, and garner                              and remote nurses, retrieval and flight specialists, and other allied
                                          support for, the role of paramedics in innovative models of care. This                          health staff working side-by-side in this unique environment.
                                          work is ongoing.                                                                              > Opportunities to socialise and network with peers working in rural,
                                         Following advocacy engagement work across all jurisdictions, the                               outback and remote locations.
                                          College was invited to and attended the ACT Allied Health Professional
                                                                                                                                        > An idyllic rural location just 40 minutes from Adelaide airport.
                                          roundtable.
                                         The Advocacy team has also worked closely with the College’s
                                          Education team and the Indigenous Allied Health Association to                                     Visit paramedics.org/events for more information
                                          grow opportunities for cultural awareness education and training
                                          for all our members.

                                                                                                                      paramedics.org
                                                                                                                               @ACParamedicine
RESPONSE - The Australasian College of Paramedicine
COLLEGE NEWS                                                                                                                       COLLEGE NEWS

                                        Working Groups:                      Advisory Committees:                    Member Committees:
                                        Paramedic Wellbeing
                                        Community Paramedicine
                                                                             Research Committee
                                                                             Professional Standards Committee
                                                                                                                     QLD Member Committee
                                                                                                                     SA Member Committee
                                                                                                                                                                      NEW COLLEGE
                                        Clinical Fellowship                  Clinical Standards Committee            NSW/ACT Member Committee
                                                                                                                                                                      APPOINTMENTS
8

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9
                                        Clinical Practice Guidelines         Student Committee                       VIC Member Committee
                                        Violence, Abuse and Neglect          Education Committee                     WA Member Committee
                                        Women in Paramedicine                                                        TAS Member Committee
Response | Autumn 2022

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Response | Autumn 2022
                                                                                                                                                                           JULIE JOHNSON
                                        First Nations Peoples                                                        NT Member Committee                                   EDUCATION MANAGER
                                                                                                                     NZ Member Committee                                   Julie Johnson has been working as the College’s clinical education officer since June 2021
                                                                                                                                                                           and has been instrumental in creating and developing our new eLearning platform. She

                           COLLEGE SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
                                                                                                                                                                           has just been appointed Education Manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience
                                                                                                                                                                           in her more than 20 years in health education. Julie is a registered paramedic, a nurse,
                                                                                                                                                                           a clinical educator (nurse preceptor and paramedic clinical educator), asthma educator,

                           BECOME WORKING GROUPS
                                                                                                                                                                           and yoga teacher. She is a recognised leader in vocational education (a postgraduate
                                                                                                                                                                           qualification in tertiary and higher education) and is currently a research candidate
                                                                                                                                                                           investigating paramedic education post qualification. She was worked across a range
                                                                                                                                                                           of paramedicine sectors, including state ambulance service, primary health care,
                                                                                                                                                                           non-emergency, sports medicine and private paramedic practice in Victoria and New
                                                                                                              delivered their third workshop under the                     South Wales. While working as a nurse, she worked mainly in midwifery, surgical and
                                                                                                              Research Mentoring Program.                                  rehabilitation and primary health care, and community care. Julie has also worked as
                                                                                                                                                                           both a paramedic and nurse in primary health care, in dermatology, GP practice, chronic
                                                                                                              The Education Committee worked on
                                                                                                                                                                           disease management, women’s health and midwifery. She has a special interest in,
                                                                                                              the education policy and framework,
                                                                                                                                                                           and passion, for equity in education, and is looking at how education is the key to
                                                                                                              collaborating with the education team
                                                                                                                                                                           professional growth and career happiness. She believes in developing education that
                                                                                                              to develop a subject-matter experts’ col-
                                                                                                                                                                           is engaging, interesting and fun, and that is strongly aligned to sound philosophies and
                                                                                                              laboration group, developed multi-modal
                                                                                                                                                                           learning theories. Her recent projects include championing education for the South
                                                                                                              education content, including multi-disci-
                                                                                                                                                                           Pacific through the development and delivery of training in vocational paramedicine,
                                                                                                              plinary problem-based learning.
                                                                                                                                                                           facilitating the transition of knowledge for defence medics to civilian qualifications
                                                                                                              The TAS Member Committee is con-                             through a recognition framework and supported pathway to university.
                                                                                                              tinuing supporting future paramedics
                                                                                                                                                                           JACINTHA VICTOR JOHN
                                                                                                              and provide opportunities for Tasmanian
                                                                                                              paramedics to develop their knowledge                        ADVOCACY AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS MANAGER
                 The College benefits from a number             Bias. In this campaign, clinicians from
                                                                                                              and skills. The committee continues to                       Jacintha has joined the College as Advocacy and Government Relations Manager. She
                 of groups comprised of members who             across Australasia came together to
                                                                                                              run a voluntary mentorship program for                       has a Master of International Law LLM and a Bachelor of Law (Hons) LLB, has a NSW
                 work to advise the College and advance         celebrate the many roles that women
                                                                                                              students at the University of Tasmania, in                   Practicing Certificate and was admitted as a Solicitor in the ACT’s Supreme Court. She
                 paramedicine in their respective spaces.       undertake in the profession, with an
                                                                                                              which Ambulance Tasmania paramedics                          has more than eight years’ experience in the legal and policy field, and has worked for
                 Separate to our advisory and member            emphasis on celebrating diversity and
                                                                                                              meet monthly with the students to men-                       federal and state government departments, political parties, the Law Council of Australia,
                 committees, these groups have previ-           challenging stereotypes - “Break the
                                                                                                              tor them on both theory and practical                        and NGOs, and has undertaken private-sector consultancies, providing leadership
                 ously been referred to as Special Interest     bias: Be curious and ask why?”. The
                                                                                                              skills. The initiative was implemented as a                  guidance, technical support, training, coaching and mentoring to relevant stakeholders.
                 Groups.                                        working group is currently developing a
                                                                                                              result of a lack of placement time during                    Jacintha is known for her expertise in legal and policy work, stakeholder engagement,
                                                                membership survey on finding solutions
                 From April 2022 onwards, Special                                                             COVID-19 lockdowns and was aimed at                          advisory services, contract management, international law, research and analysis, and
                                                                for workplace issues for women in
                 Interest Groups have been renamed                                                            providing collegial support to students.                     corporate governance. She is recognised for her unwavering capability to manage clients
                                                                paramedicine.
                 Working Groups to better reflect the                                                                                                                      and provide recommendations for resolving disputes. She has a strong background in
                                                                                                              The QLD Member Committee hosted an
                 work these members are undertaking             The Research Committee completed                                                                           legal document preparation and is proficient in conducting research and gathering
                                                                                                              End of Life Law Workshop in partnership
                 to achieve goals and outcomes aligned          Phase 1 of the Research Agenda for                                                                         clinical evidence and legislation to summarise and present information to the
                                                                                                              with Queensland University of Technolo-
                 with their targeted purpose. Rather            Australasian Paramedicine (RAAP) project                                                                   government and key stakeholders. She applies a meticulous approach to following
                                                                                                              gy. This interactive workshop for para-
                 than a discussion forum for those with         - a survey of the paramedicine sector to                                                                   organisations’ legislative guidelines and interpreting and analysing operational
                                                                                                              medics across Australia used a case study
                 a mutual interest, our Working Groups          determine research priorities and barriers                                                                 blueprints to develop effective solutions.
                                                                                                              format to explore some of the legal issues
                 have evolved to be productive driver of        and enablers to research being conduct-
                                                                                                              that can arise in practice for paramedics,                   JEMMA ALTMEIER
                 progress and activity for the benefit of the   ed - and is in the process of writing the
                                                                                                              and the role law plays in end-of-life care.                  MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
                 College, and as such are to be recognised      results into a paper. The committee also
                                                                                                              This workshop was part of End of Life Law
                 accurately according to their function.        announced the opening of the College’s                                                                     Jemma has joined the College as our new Marketing and Communications Manager.
                                                                                                              for Clinicians, a free training program
                                                                2022 research grant applications. There                                                                    She has worked in strategic marketing, communications and public relations roles at
                 First quarter highlights:                                                                    for paramedics, doctors, nurses, and
                                                                are three grant categories that can be                                                                     leading organisations and not-for-profits across Victoria, including the Royal Children’s
                 The Women in Paramedicine Working                                                            allied health professionals about the law
                                                                applied for: Early Career Research Grant,                                                                  Hospital Foundation, the Spinal Research Institute, and the National Gallery of Victoria.
                 Group was established in July 2021 with a                                                    relating to end-of-life decision-making.
                                                                Higher Degree by Research Grant and the                                                                    Throughout her career she has delivered high-profile campaigns, managed major
                 focus on supporting and advocating for         Research Dissemination and Translation        The Clinical Standards Committee                             organisational projects and implemented communications to various stakeholder
                 the progression of women in Paramed-           Grant. For more information about             reviewed status of opioid analgesic                          groups. Jemma is passionate about health and science communications and is thrilled
                 icine. On International Women’s Day on         the types of grants available and the         stewardship and is in the process of devel-                  to have the opportunity to work with the College.
                 8 March, the Women in Paramedicine             guidelines for applications, visit https://   oping the College’s first clinical standard
                 Working Group launched its first IWD           paramedics.org/research/grant or contact      on “Paramedic Management of Pain”.
                 campaign under the theme #BreakThe-            research@paramedics.org. They also
RESPONSE - The Australasian College of Paramedicine
NEW HEALTHY                   The College has partnered with Health at Work to deliver our new Healthy
                              Body & Mind Hub, a dedicated online space for College members that will
                                                                                                          COLLEGE NEWS

BODY & MIND                   provide you with a range of resources and learning to support your health
HUB AVAILABLE                 and wellbeing. Fresh content will be available each month, and content

FOR COLLEGE
                              from previous months will always be available within the hub, so you can          THE COLLEGE IS DEVELOPING
                                                                                                                TRANSFORMATIVE WAYS FOR OUR
                              be sure you won’t miss a thing.
MEMBERS                       Members can access the Healthy Body & Mind Hub via the QR code below

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               11
                              or via paramedics.org/health-and-wellbeing/hub
                                                                                                                MEMBERS TO ENGAGE IN LEARNING

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Response | Autumn 2022
                                                                                                                         THE MORE THAT YOU READ, THE MORE THINGS
                                                                                                                         YOU WILL KNOW, THE MORE THAT YOU LEARN,
                                                                                                                         THE MORE PLACES YOU’LL GO – DR. SEUSS
                                                                                                                         How we learn and how we teach impacts our                    In March we launched our new eLearning portal,
                                                                                                                         practice. Just like our clinical practice should be          offering College members another valuable suite
                                                                                                                         evidence-based, our learning and teaching must               of professional education programs designed to
                                                                                                                         have strong connections to educational philosophy            enhance the transfer of skills and knowledge to
                                                                                                                         and learning theory.                                         real-life practice.

                                                                                                                         Why?                                                         All eLearning is 100% online and specifically
                                                                                                                         Because educational philosophy and learning                  developed for paramedics and relevant to all
                                                                                                                         theories provide the conceptual frameworks that              paramedics irrespective of their level of practice.
                                                                                                                         facilitate an individual’s acquisition of knowledge,         It features case studies and activities that are based
                                                                                                                         skills, and attitudes to achieve changes in behaviour,       on real world examples.
                                                                                                                         performance, and growth.                                     Our eLearning courses, which complement
                                                                                                                         Our team of education professionals at the College           our already extensive range of CPD courses, are
                                                                                                                         are constantly working to develop transformative             peer-reviewed, adaptive and engaging, and are
                                                                                                                         ways for our members to engage in learning.                  designed to be self-paced to enable members to
                                                                                                                         We appreciate that new knowledge needs to                    work in accordance with their own schedules and
                                                                                                                         become integrated into existing knowledge while              study time requirements.
                                                                                                                         continually challenging perspectives, and enhancing          Driven by industry need and equity in access to
                                                                                                                         opportunities for critical evaluation and self-reflection.   education, we have assembled a team of cross-
                                                                                                                         How?                                                         practice expert collaborators and adopted an
                                                                                                                                                                                      interdisciplinary approach to learning, recognising
                                                                                                                         • Comprehensive Professional Development Program
                                                                                                                                                                                      the implicit relationship between learning and
                                                                                                                         • Access to a range of activities to enhance clinical,      professional growth.
                                                                                                                           leadership, professional and essential skills
                                                                                                                                                                                      New courses are constantly being added, and at
                                                                                                                         • Maintain, improve and broaden knowledge                   present include:

                                                                                                                         • Develop the personal and professional qualities           • Understanding and caring for patients with motor
                                                                                                                           needed throughout professional lives.                        neurone disease

                                                                                                                         • Flexible framework of activities                          • Obstetrics: Management of physiological birth, and
                                                                                                                                                                                        management of a nuchal cord
                                                                                                                         • Enhanced exchange of expert and professional
                                                                                                                           knowledge in a positive and supported learning             • Palliative care: End of Life Law for Clinicians
                                                                                                                           environment                                                • Clinical training and mentoring, touching on adult
                                                                                                                         • Structured reflection to enhance competence                 learning concepts in a way that can really improve
                                                                                                                                                                                        how you work with students and new graduates.
                                                                                                                         • Self-directed learning paradigm to support
                                                                                                                           lifelong learning                                          We’re also working towards making all our courses
                                                                                                                                                                                      more mobile-friendly, as we recognise that many
                                                                                                                         Learning isn’t just about teaching and retaining             of our members may want to access content while
                                                                                                                         information.                                                 they’re at work or on the go. Our aim is to be the
                                                                                                                         “The way you mentor and provide clinical instruction         frontrunner in this learning space.
                                                                                                                         for your students will stay with them,” said College         You can access our eLearning modules at:
                                                                                                                         Education Manager Julie Johnson. “They will                  https://paramedics.org/eLearning
                                                                                                                         remember more of how you made them feel than
                                                                                                                         exactly what you taught them. They will mimic the            If you’re a subject matter expert who would like to
                                                                                                                         way they were taught when teaching others, and this          collaborate with the College, contact Julie Johnson at
                                                                                                                         is what fosters an inclusive culture, where respect and      Julie.Johnson@paramedics.org
                                                                                                                         a sense of belonging are valued. You are mentoring

   Paramedicine
    Australasian College of          ®                                                                                   the new mentors.”
RESPONSE - The Australasian College of Paramedicine
Paramedicine
                                                                                                                                                                                                             Australasian Journal of
                                                                                                                                  COLLEGE NEWS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Paramed
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Australasian College of

                                                                                                                                            A NEW ERA OF OPPORTUNITY
12

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 13
                                                                                                                                            – SECURING EXCELLENCE FOR
Response | Autumn 2022

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Response | Autumn 2022
                                                                                                                                            OUR JOURNAL
                                                                                                                                            PAUL SIMPSON
                                                                                                                                            Interim Editor in Chief; Chair, Journal Advisory Committee at Australasian Journal of Paramedicine
                                                                                                                                            Associate Professor; Director of Academic Program for Paramedicine at Western Sydney University

                                                                                                                                The Australasian College of Paramedicine       period as it seeks to build towards a third   is imminent. Importantly, the renewed
                                                                                                                                (ACP) has a distinguished history of           decade of growth and expansion. The           Journal will maintain its connections to
                                                                                                                                supporting, promoting and disseminat-          past decade has seen substantial change       the AJP and JEPHC era by bringing over

  W eLearning for members
                                                                                                                                ing research in paramedicine. Central to       in the discipline of paramedicine and         the existing archives. Further, the Journal

 E
                                                                                                                                that outcome has been its longstanding         rapid expansion of paramedicine re-           will continue its commitment to open
                                                                                                                                commitment to scientific journal publish-      search. Concurrently, scientific publishing   access publishing at no cost to authors.

N
                                                                                                                                ing by way of what is currently our journal,   in paramedicine has evolved, giving rise
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             It is expected that the new Journal will
                                                                                                                                the Australasian Journal of Paramedicine.      to new and innovative opportunities and
    Innovative online learning relevant to                                                                                      In 2003 the Australasian College of
                                                                                                                                                                               modalities for disseminating evidence,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             launch in early 2023, heralding a new
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             decade of excellence and progression
                         paramedics of all practice levels                                                                      Ambulance Professionals (ACAP), the
                                                                                                                                                                               stimulating critical debate and promoting
                                                                                                                                                                               an informed discourse in our profession.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             with a stronger international focus and
                                                                                                                                precursor organisation to ACP, published                                                     a resolute commitment to progressing
                                                                                                                                                                               Against this background, it is essential
                                                                                                                                the inaugural edition of the Journal of                                                      the scientific discourse in paramedicine.
                                                                                                                                                                               that our Journal evolves to enable it to
                                                                                                                                Emergency and Primary Health Care                                                            The reopening of submissions for the
                                                                                                                                                                               secure its position as an international
                                                                                                                                (JEPHC).1 JEPHC grew steadily over the                                                       first edition of the relaunched journal is
                                                                                                                                                                               leader in paramedicine research and
                            How confident are you attending an out-of-hospital birth?                                          following years under the stewardship
                                                                                                                                                                               scientific publishing.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             expected in October 2022.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             In the interim, the College is pleased
                            Could you support a birthing person from early labour through                                      CHANGE IS THE LAW OF LIFE, AND THOSE WHO                                                     to announce the release of the Volume
                             to birth of the newborn?                                                                           LOOK ONLY TO THE PAST OR PRESENT ARE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             19 (2022) of AJP, consisting of articles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             submitted prior to the submission

                            Do you know how to manage a nuchal cord?                                                           CERTAIN TO MISS THE FUTURE – JOHN F KENNEDY                                                  hiatus in 2021. Readers will note several
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             enhancements in this volume, including
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             a fresh and contemporary article format
                            Does the thought of shoulder dystocia make you anxious?                                            of Professor Frank Archer, providing           In November 2021, AJP commenced
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             and primary author linkage to ORCID.
                                                                                                                                a platform to showcase Australian              a hiatus on new submissions that will
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Under the Journal’s continuous
                                                                                                                                paramedicine research and increase             continue until mid-2022. An interim
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             publishing model, articles currently in
                             If you are a little rusty in your obstetrics skills, rest assured. The College has developed       translation of research into practice.         Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor Paul
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             the editorial system will continue to be
                             a series of eLearning modules in obstetrics. Learn how to support a birthing person                In 2012, JEPHC entered a transitionary         Simpson, was appointed to oversee the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             published throughout 2022.
                                                                                                                                period and went on a 12-month hiatus;          operations concurrent to a transition
                             throughout the whole birth process, and, most importantly, learn how to recognise
                                                                                                                                the Journal needed reinvigoration, a           strategy being developed. A Journal           We find ourselves on the cusp of an
                             when intervention is and isn’t required.                                                           new identity, and to be repositioned to        Advisory Committee (JAC) with                 exciting new era for the Journal; one
                                                                                                                                ensure its survival into a second decade.      international membership was tasked           that will be characterised by boldness,
                              Engaging case studies                                                                            The Journal re-emerged in 2013 with a          to advise the College on the future           innovation and agility, and underpinned
                                                                                                                                new identity and a refreshed editorial         direction of the College’s Journal. The JAC   by a commitment to continuous quality
                              Activities based on real-world examples                                                          team led by Associate Professor Malcolm        has consulted widely with researchers         improvement, and a focus on publishing
                                                                                                                                Boyle.2 Renamed and repositioned as the        in and outside of paramedicine, and           high-quality international research and
                              Professional peer-reviewed education                                                             Australasian Journal of Paramedicine, the      with experienced leaders in the journal       enhancing author and reader experience.
                                                                                                                                Journal again grew and evolved, proving        publishing space, to identify best practice
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             References:
                              100% self-paced online learning                                                                  itself to be a valuable disseminator of        models that will be sustainable and give
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             1. Archer F. In this Issue. Journal of Emergency
                                                                                                                                research in paramedicine and a strong          the Journal the best opportunity to grow
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Primary Healthcare. 2003; 1(1)
                                                                                                                                proponent of Australasian paramedicine         and prosper into the future.
                                Visit paramedics.org/education to enrol in your eLearning course                                research and evidence-based practice.
                                                                                                                                                                               The future of the Journal is bright. The
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             2. Boyle M. Resurgence of an Australasian
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Prehospital Journal. Australasian Journal of
                                                                                                                                Almost a decade later, in what might           review of the Journal’s editorial and            Paramedicine 2013;10.1
                                                                                                                                constitute a case of “back to the future”,     publishing infrastructure is complete, and

                                                                             Paramedicine
                                                                                                                                AJP has now entered a transitionary            the appointment of a new editorial board
                                                                                  Australasian College of                   ®

                          @ACParamedicine
RESPONSE - The Australasian College of Paramedicine
COLLEGE NEWS                                                                                                        COLLEGE NEWS

                           COLLEGE INVOLVED IN UPDATING                                                                                            LEARNING THE ROPES
14

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Response | VOL 50 Autumn 2022 15
                           AUSTRALIAN GUIDELINES FOR                                                                                               THANKS TO COLLEGE
                           THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE
Response | Autumn 2022

                           CORONARY SYNDROMES
                                                                                                                                                   EDUCATION GRANT
                                                                                                                                                   Caringbah, Dharawal Country

                                                                                                                                                                   Rappelling down the side of a cliff might         “By the end of the second day I was able
                                                                                                                                                                   not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for NSW         to comfortably make my way through the
                                        The Heart Foundation, in partnership with          The ACS guideline update has been initiated                             Intensive Care Paramedic Harry Reeves it          Serpentine Canyon in the Blue
                                        the Cardiac Society of Australia and New           to address the current knowledge and                                    was not only an opportunity to explore a          Mountains, which involved a number of
                                        Zealand, have recently begun the process to        practice “gaps” identified in the 2016                                  lifelong interest, but also a potential pathway   abseils with a range of heights,
                                        update the current (2016) Australian guide-        guideline, with the aim that the update will:                           to specialise in special operations and           obstacles and difficulties.”
                                        lines for the management of acute coronary                                                                                 rescues.
                                                                                           • Incorporate new, practice-changing                                                                                     Harry said in addition
                                        syndromes (ACS). These guidelines focus on
                                                                                             evidence, including evidence supporting                               Thanks to a College education grant,              to his future career
                                        the diagnosis, management and secondary
                                                                                             the critical role of early access to advanced                         Harry, who works as on-road paramedic at          ambitions, the course
                                        prevention of unstable angina, non-ST
                                                                                             care provided by out-of-hospital clinicians,                          Caringbah Station within their Metropolitan       was also beneficial in his
                                        elevation acute coronary syndromes and
                                                                                             and the state-wide, integrated systems of                             Operations division, was able to complete         current duties.
                                        ST elevation myocardial infarction, and will
                                                                                             cardiac care implemented in most                                      the “Abseil 3” course with the Australian
                                        provide evidence-based recommendations                                                                                                                                       “I feel the learning form
                                                                                             Australian states.                                                    School of Mountaineering.
                                        for health professionals (including paramed-                                                                                                                                 the course will lead to
                                        ics) caring for patients with suspected or         • To include specific recommendations for                              The two-day course in the rugged terrain          improved patient care as
                                        confirmed ACS.                                       priority groups known to have worse out-                              of the Blue Mountains involved learning           I feel that having a better

                                        Excitingly, for the first time since the initial
                                                                                             comes from ACS, including women, people         THE INITIAL           to select and fit equipment, performing a
                                                                                                                                                                   number of abseils, and practising improvised
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     knowledge of access and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     extrication techniques
                                                                                             living in regional and remote areas, people
                                        publication of the ACS guidelines in 2006,
                                        the integral role of out-of-hospital clinicians
                                                                                             experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage,        STEP OVER             rescue techniques, which proved particularly      will assist in coordinating
                                                                                             people from culturally and linguistically                             demanding in the sweltering December              with special operations
                                        and systems in the management of
                                                                                             diverse communities, and Aboriginal and/        THE EDGE              heat.                                             and rescue providers
                                        patients with ACS has been recognised and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     in creating plans. It
                                        prioritised, and the College was invited to
                                                                                             or Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The role
                                                                                             that paramedics can play in providing both
                                                                                                                                             AND PUTTING           “On the first day I went through two litres
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     will also prepare me
                                        be a member of the ACS guideline update                                                                                    of water pretty quickly,” he said. “Minimal
                                        Reference Group.
                                                                                             emergency care and secondary preventa-          WEIGHT INTO           shade cover on cliffs and sweating at the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     to potentially apply
                                                                                             tive care for ACS patients in regional and                                                                              for a role within special
                                        The Reference Group comprises nominated              remote areas will be explored.                  THE HARNESS           sight of some heights probably didn’t help!”
                                                                                                                                                                   he said. “The initial step over the edge and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     operations or austere
                                        representatives from key stakeholder organ-                                                                                                                                  paramedicine in the future,
                                        isations that have national relevance in the
                                                                                           • To demonstrate person-centred care with        WAS ALWAYS            putting weight into the harness was always
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     and how I can best position
                                                                                             consumer involvement in guideline devel-                              a nervous movement, but once I was on the
                                        provision of ACS care in Australia. The role of
                                        the Reference Group is to provide guideline
                                                                                             opment, and consideration of important          A NERVOUS             line I was much more comfortable.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     myself to gain a role in these
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     fields.”
                                                                                             patient-reported outcome measures and
                                        oversight, by reviewing and contributing
                                                                                             patient-reported experience measures to
                                                                                                                                             MOVEMENT              A large portion of the course was spent
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     And while working at heights might be
                                        to the scope of the guidelines, the remit of                                                                               practicing vertical access on a number of
                                                                                             inform recommendations                                                                                                  daunting for some, he highly recommended
                                        the literature reviews, the guideline content,                                                                             different rock faces and determining the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     the course to others who also wanted to
                                        presentation, clinical recommendations             The College welcomes input from members                                 best approach to each. He was also taught

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Photo by Yente Van Eynde on Unsplash
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     pursue such challenges.
                                        and implementation approach. Members of            should they wish to comment on the                                      how to safely extricate a casualty using
                                        the Reference Group will endorse the final         integration of out-of-hospital care into                                improvised evacuation methods such as             “It’s definitely worth giving it a go. It’s an
                                        guideline in consultation with the organisa-       the updated ACS guidelines.                                             lowering and raising systems.                     exhilarating and fun course to learn some
                                        tions they represent.                              Please email Suzanne Avis directly                                                                                        new skills and broaden horizons for future
                                                                                                                                                                   “One of the main learnings from the
                                                                                           Suzanne.Avis@sydney.edu.au.                                                                                               roles.”
                                        The College is represented by Suzanne                                                                                      course was the importance of conducting
                                        Avis, a College member and academic with           The Australian clinical guidelines for the                              a thorough risk assessment and how to             The College is committed to supporting
                                        extensive national and international expe-         management of acute coronary syndromes                                  implement safety measures, especially when        members in their educational pursuits
                                        rience in research, evidence evaluation and        2016 can be accessed here. https://www.                                 operating in small teams or independently.        and offers a number of education grants
                                        guideline writing, focusing on resuscitation       heartfoundation.org.au/conditions/fp-acs-                               I learned how to mitigate risks such              each year that can be used for professional
                                        and emergency cardiovascular care.                 guidelines                                                              as weather and other environmental                development activities. If you’re interested
                                                                                                                                                                   conditions. I also learned how to implement       in applying, please visit: https://paramedics.
                                                                                                                                                                   safety and belay systems for others that do       org/education/grant
                                                                                                                                                                   not have experience abseiling or climbing.
RESPONSE - The Australasian College of Paramedicine
COLLEGE NEWS
16

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  17
                                        2022 HIGHLIGHTS
Response | Autumn 2022

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Response | Autumn 2022
                           THE BEST THING ABOUT CONFERENCES IS THAT
                           PARAMEDICS HAVE A HUNGER FOR LEARNING,                               17   speakers

                           AND BECAUSE IT’S SUCH A BROAD SPECIALITY,
                           YOU’RE ABLE TO GET A REALLY DIVERSE RANGE                            14   presentations

                           OF EXPERIENCES THROUGH OTHER PEOPLE
                           PRESENTING AT THE CONFERENCE.                                      429    attendees
                                                                                                                                                              services, and the knowledge and skills        Thank you
                           TASH ADAMS, CRITICAL CARE PARAMEDIC, QLD.                                                                                          transfers that are shaping remote and         Thank you to the Conference Chair:
                                                                                                                                                              austere emergency services response;          Hayley Grant.
                                                                                                                                                              the opportunities and challenges              Thank you to the Conference
                                                                                                                                                              that are present at the intersection of       Organising Committee: Wayne
                                                                                                                                                              paramedicine and aid and development;         Loudon, Buck Reed, Julie Hughes,
                                                                                                                                                              how streamlining medical and technical        Tash Adams, and Alisha MacFarlane.
                                                                              Held at Tweed Heads in northern
                                                                                                                                                              aspects of vehicle extrication through
                                                                              NSW, the ninth Trauma on the Border                                                                                           Finally, a huge thank you to Lead
                                                                                                                                                              data-driven decision-making contributes
                                                                              conference brought together more than                                                                                         Event Manager Georgia Coetzee,
                                                                                                                                                              to better long-term patient outcomes;
                                                                              400 paramedics from across Australasia                                                                                        supported by our College staff.
                                                                                                                                                              and Queensland Ambulance Service’s
                                                                              for a hybrid one-day event.
                                                                                                                                                              recently established clinical hub, which      Thank you to our Event Partners:
                                                                              The comprehensive program, delivered                                            sees paramedics engaging in a new area        Zoll and Edith Cowen University.
                                                                              under the theme of “Driving professional                                        of practice.                                  Thank you to our Event Sponsors:
                                                                              change”, offered attendees access to
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Medical Developments International
                                                                              the latest developments in paramedic
                                                                                                                                                                                                            and Trauma and Sim.
                                                                              practice, current research and featured       Dr Ben Meadley and QAS Critical
                                                                              a host of speakers and presentations          Care Paramedic Tash Adams                                                       Missed the conference?
                                                                              relevant to the priorities and needs of                                                                                       Session recordings are available on
                                                                              paramedics at all levels.                                                                                                     the College website under Record-
                                                                              Keynote speaker McQuilty Quirke, a                                                                                            ings, search the menu Trauma on
                                                                              former medic in the Australian Army’s                                                                                         the Board 2022. Recordings are
                                                                              Medical Corps, engaged attendees                                                                                              free for College members: https://
                                                                              with his inspirational story of courage,                                                                                      paramedics.org/recordings
                                                                              determination and a positive mindset
                                                                              after battling post-traumatic stress
                                                                              from the physical injuries he sustained
                                                                              in-action while in Afghanistan. Through
                                                                              his extraordinary lived experiences, he
                                                                              shared invaluable insight and knowledge
                                                                              on a range of topics such as leadership,
                                                                              resilience, perspective, adversity, and how
                                                                              to develop better wellbeing and lifestyles.
                                                                              Other presentations included the use
                                                                              of evidence-based systems to optimise
                                                                              trauma care, the areas of convergence
                                                                              between tactical combat casualty care
                                                           Keynote speaker    in the military and civilian emergency
                                                     McQuilty “Coco” Quirke                                                                                                                              Alex (Sandy) MacQuarrie and
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Professor Vivienne Tippett
RESPONSE - The Australasian College of Paramedicine
COLLEGE NEWS

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                        the commencement            of Market
                                                              and mention ‘PARAMEDICS’.
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3:17:28 PM
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Paramedics_FP_May2022.indd 1                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          20/04/2022 3:17:28 PM
FEATURE

                                        FROM THE
20

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              21
                                        HIGH SEAS TO
Response | Autumn 2022

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Response | Autumn 2022
                                        THE DESERT,
                                        VARIETY IS KEY                                                                                                                                                               IT’S A GREAT LIFESTYLE,

                                        FOR CONTRACT
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     BUT NOT FOR EVERYBODY,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     AND THAT’S THE BEAUTIFUL

                                        PARAMEDIC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     THING ABOUT IT

                               Aotearoa New Zealand

                               Intensive Care Paramedic Kasha Szewczyk’s career             of different certifications in order to receive the        medics on day and night shifts on large facilities like
                               has taken her from the desert lands of Australia’s red       requisite credentials. Kasha said it generally took two    the Prelude FPSO, where there are more than 500
                               centre to the Pacific Islands, from hinterlands to the       to five years of state-run/road ambulance experience       people on board, or anything in between.
                               outback, from the northern tropics to the Southern           to even be considered.                                     Regular rotations in the oil and gas industry range
                               Ocean, and from exploration vessels to deep-sea              “I was sure to line up my ducks for when the time          from two and four weeks on and an even amount
                               and land rigs and floating production storage and            arrived. Then the first contract came, and it has          of time off. However, Kasha has tended to gravitate
                               offloading (FPSO) units.                                     snowballed ever since.                                     towards longer contracts.
                               Like many of her peers, she worked her way through           “Variety of experiences has always been the key for        “My ship contracts have been around six to seven
                               the ranks of ambulance service, from Auckland                me. I have made a choice to not commit to one              weeks; my outback contracts were three to four            Working in such environments builds camaraderie.
                               Metro EMT to paramedic to ICP, but from the outset           contract for an extended time. This has allowed me         weeks. The longest one was 18 months in the               “The crew often spends long workdays and weeks
                               was drawn to working in remote areas.                        to accept a variety of contracts over the years, which     Solomon Islands, with a few breaks, when I was a          together. This creates a very special bond. The
                               “Contract work and helicopter work were always my            has been both exciting and liberating.”                    ‘resident medic’ for a development mission.”              industry is huge, but somehow people’s paths cross
                               main goals, ever since I decided to pursue a career          She said that while there were times of “drought”          She said prevention was the focus in offshore/remote      time and time again. When this happens, it feels like
                               in paramedicine. This requires a focus on remote             and not knowing when the next job may arise, which         work, together with early detection and manage-           coming home. The friendships last forever.”
                               medicine - expeditions, wilderness, tropical, extreme        could be “unsettling”, there were also many regular        ment of symptoms.                                         For paramedics wanting to embark on a similar
                               or hostile environments - as well as good grasp of           ongoing contracts available for those who preferred                                                                  career pathway, Kasha said it was important to
                                                                                                                                                       “Avoidance of escalation of any condition/illness is
                               primary care and common diseases.                            more stability.                                                                                                      consolidate skills, training and experience, and to
                                                                                                                                                       the key. Therefore, primary care, health promotion,
                               “Early on I made sure to put my hand up for any              The nature of the work varies greatly, from                sleep hygiene and fatigue management, hydration           attain the necessary certifications. Ultimately though,
                               remote work - rural stations at city peripheries,            clinical practice to health and safety, coaching and       education, manual handling, and occupational              word of mouth was the most powerful hiring tool - “If
                               secondments, seasonal covers. A few years into               administrative tasks, and requires flexibility and         health and safety are paramount.                          you’re good, people will hear about you”.
                               my career I moved to Nelson, which meant a lot of            ingenuity. At times, there is access to a fully equipped                                                             “There are many hoops to jump through to get to
                                                                                                                                                       “Mental health is also a big part of the job - long
                               rural work, long transport times, cell phone black           hospital; other times “it is you, your skills and a                                                                  do offshore/remote/contract work, including certifi-
                                                                                                                                                       hours of work, isolation, separation from family or
                               spots. Then along came helicopters and work in the           minimal pack with bare essentials in the middle of                                                                   cations, training and experience. Line it up, have it
                                                                                                                                                       support networks, sometimes medication compli-
                               Australian outback, still in the ambulance service.”         an austere environment, hundreds of miles away                                                                       ready for when the time comes. And be adaptable -
                                                                                                                                                       ance issues for known disorders – all contribute to
                               For contractors to be sure that paramedics can               from any human settlement - these are the most             vulnerabilities. We are there to make sure we pick        the notice may be short, the contract may be longer
                               operate autonomously and are sufficiently skilled            exciting jobs for me”.                                     up on the early warning signs in time. And then of        than anticipated, you may not have your regular
                               to handle any type of presentation with no back-up           For most of her career in contract paramedicine, she       course there are incidents, and this can be just about    creature comforts and your routine - this is how this
                               available, a range of skills sets are required for private   has worked as the sole paramedic, although this is         anything, just like in regular ambulance service          business works.
                               sector and contract work, as well as defined lengths         dependent on the size of the crews. There can be           - trips, slips, falls, tool mishaps. Hand injuries are    “It’s a great lifestyle, but not for everybody, and that’s
                               of service in paramedic practice and a number                one medic looking after a 120-strong crew or four          probably the main type of presentation.”                  the beautiful thing about it.”
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