SAAScene July 2016 Edition

SAASceneJULY 2016

THANKS TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS

CALENDAR

2117

JUNE / JULY VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGNS (JUNE) • UPPER MURRAY MALLEE • UPPER MID NORTH

10-25 JUNE ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL

2 JULY PORT AUGUSTA CUP DAY

CONTENTS

Editor Alexi Tuckey

Graphic Design Jamshop

Writers Leda KalleskeLisa Morrison Simon Nankivell Birgitt Olsen Kelly Taarnby Carissa Tucker Alyssia Tezner Alexi Tuckey

SAAScene is the official internal magazine of SA Ambulance Service. The publication is produced bi-monthly by the Corporate Communications team.

Find the latest edition of SAAScene, as well as all back issues, on SAASnet.

Contributions, including articles and photographs, are welcome from all SAAS staff. Please ensure you have received approval from your line manager before submitting.

Front cover: Social media AMBassadors Wayne Stoddard and Amanda Cameron are excited about SAAS joining Facebook and Twitter.

GPO Box 3, Adelaide SA 5001

Telephone 8274 0413 Facsimile 8272 9232 [email protected]

© SA Ambulance Service 2016

Material from this publication may be reproduced with the approval of the Editor providing appropriate acknowledgment for all photographs and articles.

SAAScene and Pulse are printed on 100% carbon neutral paper.

JULYSun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

31 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

JUNESun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

3Features2 National Volunteer Week is here!

10 Meet the NSQHS team

Commendations7 Commendations to our staff

Clinical Journey12 Generalised Convulsive

Status Epilepticus

Gang Green20 A volunteer special

SAAWN29 Women in leadership:

Sarah heads to Melbourne

mailto:healthsaasnews%40sa.gov.au?subject=

I’m writing this latest column having recently attended the SAAS Leadership Team Briefing, where team leaders and managers from across the state met to discuss the latest developments from across the organisation. There were presentations about our Community CPR program, anti-seizure medication, management of blood, Transforming Health and a Policy Framework project. I’m sure your manager will pass on all the relevant information from the session to you.

PwC, who are conducting the independent review of Ambulance Cover, delivered their first draft report to SAAS on 15 June so I’ll keep you in the loop of what’s happening with that. Ambulance Cover currently operates with an annual deficit so I’m interested to see what options are in the report but it seems like a change to its structure and pricing is inevitable.

Field trials for a new powered stretcher are currently underway. This is a very exciting project for SAAS’s future and, while it might seem a bit over the top, please remember the colleagues involved with the testing cannot discuss in detail anything about the stretchers, good or bad as we must maintain the integrity of the procurement process.

I’m currently in the thick of meeting with key stakeholders about our new strategic plan after our recent road shows. We’ll be back out to share with you the planning work so far based on what you said to us at the roadshows and let you know what our stakeholders have said at the end of July. Look out for dates for the next round of engagement road shows to be published soon.

Work continues to happen behind the scenes on National Paramedic Registration so I think it’s a good time to reinforce the need for all colleagues to be professional at all times as the likely code of professional conduct will focus on this and other aspects.

Wearing our uniform with pride is an important part of this. When colleagues have their shirts untucked, aren’t wearing their epaulettes or are acting unprofessionally, they are not just making themselves look silly, they’re making the whole organisation look bad. We are talking about putting the ‘patient first’ as a cornerstone of our new strategic plan; reassuring our patients and their families with our professionalism is an important part of that.

Finally, I’d like to acknowledge our dedicated volunteers around the state. I spent National Volunteer Week travelling to several stations for events hearing about the great work delivered across the state day in day out by and our volunteers. We should rightly be proud of the fantastic work each and every one of us does 24/7/365 as part of the SAAS team to deliver great care to our patients.

Cheers, Jason

Jason Killens Chief Executive

FROM THE CEO

On 19 June we officially opened the Oakden station. It was a great event with guests attending from SAPOL, SAMFS, local government and residents.

1. (L-R) Paul Lemmer, Jason Killens, Linda Fellows, Greg Crossman 2. Chris Cotton, Andy Long, Anthony Pryzibilla, Mardy Hunt, Matthew Lever 3. Jack Snelling MP, Dana Wortley MP and local residents

1 2

3

SAAScene JULY 2016 | 1

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 2016

From informal feedback received to date, the week was a success!

• 1500 torches were presented and warmly received by recipients.

• A large number of service and recognitions awards were handed out.

• There were 64 station events, with at least one management (country or metro) representative at each event.

• 31 metro managers went out to meet and greet our volunteer teams.

• The 25 Year Dinner was attended by 125 guests, MCd by Jane Reilly.

A special mention should go to the Volunteer Support Unit Project Team, regional team leaders and operations managers, who, leading up to this week places additional workload on you with the planning and delivery of each event. Thank you for your efforts.

David Place, Director Operations (Country)

2

3

1

National Volunteer Week 2016 has been and gone for another year! It’s the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia, and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our communities. During the week we celebrated and said thanks to all 1500 volunteers here at SAAS. Our volunteers are essential to us, and without them we would not be able to provide emergency care to those in rural and remote towns of SA.

2 | SAAScene JULY 2016

20 YEARSAlexander Crawford, Bordertown

Trudy Hammond, Crystal Brook

Kerri Muster, Mount Pleasant

25 YEARSChristian Manie, My Pleasant

Lynnette Summerton, Pinnaroo

Alex Popovich, LCVRRT

Anne Baillie, Goolwa

Janet Neumann, Karoonda

Christine Hartmann, Coonalpyn

Tammi Schubert, Lameroo

Bruce Buck, Western KI

Alison Buck, Western KI

Ann Olsen, Wudinna

30 YEARSWilliam Woodridge, Karoonda

35 YEARSDiane Johnson, Kingscote

Noel Johncock, Tailem Bend

Helen Luke, Tailem Bend

4

7

8

9

6

10

Congratulations to everyone who received service awards during NVW!

1. SA Regional Response Team

2 Ann Sharpe

3. Sonia Sharpe

4. Angela Martin and Tracey Gierke

5. Snowtown team

6. Riverton Team

7. Clare team

8. Hamley Bridge team

9. Swan Reach team with Angela Martin

10. Burra team

5


Premier’s Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding ServiceANN SHARPE, BORDERTOWNOver the last six years, Ann has committed countless hours to the roster and helped bring the Bordertown team together. Due to a number of retirements, the team was considered a ‘high priority station’ but with the help of staff and the community, Ann was able to lead the station out of the red, and back to ‘low risk’. Bordertown now has 26 staff members, with most being qualified Ambulance Officers.

SUE THOMAS, MAITLANDSue has accomplished an astonishing 35 years of service as a volunteer. She is reliable and always willing to put her hand up for any job. Sue encourages new recruits, and shares her knowledge without making them feel inadequate. She has a calm and capable manner, which extends to her patient care, and is greatly admired by the Maitland team.

KERRY MCCARTHY, KAPUNDAKerry began volunteering for the Kapunda ambulance service 36 years ago. She has always been an active member of the team, and is particularly passionate about training and being able to provide an ambulance service to her community. This is evident in the many hours she commits to the roster each week. The Kapunda team sing her praises and respect her words of wisdom and encouragement.

TRISH LEEUWENBURG, KINGSCOTETrish is an extremely dedicated volunteer and contributes a huge amount of hours to the roster. She recently stepped up into a training role, helping to deliver the Certificate IV workshops and study groups. Along with her husband Tim, Trish has approached community groups to deliver CPR and AED training.

CHRISTINE BROWN, KAROONDAChristine has been a volunteer with SAAS for almost 48 years. She has been the VTL since 2003, but has also been Branch Secretary and Volunteer Training Coordinator. In 2015 Christine committed 2000 hours on the roster. Christine is a dedicated member of the Karoonda team and her community.

JOHN SIMPSON, WUDINNAJohn began volunteering for the Wudinna ambulance team in 1993 and became VTL in 2001. Over the years, he has clocked up many thousands of hours on the roster. He is an excellent leader, and always finds the time to help promote the team to the local community, despite life as a busy farmer.

14

131211

15


11. Ann Sharpe, Ross Elliott, Sue Merrett and Simone O’Dea

12. Kirsty Coles and Chris Howie

13. Trudy Hammond

14. Limestone Coast Volunteer Regional Response Team

15. Eudunda team

16. 25 year recipients and guests

17. NVW cake

18. Steve Simmons and Robert Cook

19. Bordertown team

20. Goolwa team

21. Peterborough dinner setting

22. Leigh Creek team

23. Isabel Gray and David Place

18

23

17

20

22

21

19

16


SA Ambulance Service and the community say thank you to every one of its volunteers


METROPlease pass on sincere thanks for professionalism and for efficient, kind and caring service received. Yasmin Openshaw, Matthew Read (South B)

Grateful thanks for your professionalism, care and treatment of injured mother. Your support and reassurance was needed and greatly appreciated. Bree Dixon, Justine Buchanan (SE 8hr)

Pass on grateful thanks for outstanding care and diligence in keeping him safe in transit to the hospital. Matthew Lever (North C), Michael Tuckfield (West B), Neisha Kelvin, James Bennett (East C)

Understandably, I was distraught at causing an injury to another person so appreciated their care and concern given that I was not the object of their care. Thank you for the kind gesture, it was deeply appreciated. Carly Ogle (South A), Bryan Ward (South B)

Parents of young patient with meningococcal asked we pass on sincere thanks for the treatment and support provided. Richard Doyle, Scott Souter (North C)

Please pass on sincere thanks for patience and transport provided. She apologises for keeping you waiting and wants you to know how much she appreciates your care. Jane Grice (Casual PTS), Darren Vestris (Edwardstown PTS)

Patient’s family have asked that we pass on their grateful thanks for your professionalism, kindness and patience shown towards her elderly mother. Graham Gurney, Craig Stephens (SPRINT)

Grateful thanks for the professional care, kindness and reassurance. The prompt and efficient service was greatly appreciated. Sarah Moore (West B), Dylan Milde (North B)

Patient asked we pass on sincere thanks for the professional, polite and respectful treatment. Your understanding and reassurance was greatly appreciated during a frightening experience. Richard Doyle (North C), Douglas Whiting (ESS C)

Sincere thanks for your helpful, caring and efficient service during a stressful and frightening time. Anita Trott, Lauren Vestris (South B)

Please pass on grateful thanks for kindness, professionalism, patience and care. Matthew Astrauskas (South B), Ebony Hewett (NW 8hr)

Patient’s family asked that we pass on sincere thanks for professionalism, approach and manner while attending their loved one. Alicia Howie, Ilgizar Gabitov (NW 8hr)

Grateful thanks for your professional and prompt treatment following a fall from his bike. He appreciated your concern and the pain relief. Peter Thorpe (South D), Toni Lindner, Simonne Joyce (SE 8hr)

Sincere thanks for your professionalism and prompt service. Patient is truly humbled by your superb abilities and would like to express his heartfelt thanks for saving his life. Richard Doyle, Andrew Martin, Vashti Henderson (North C), Vicki Leane (8hr), Paul Pegoli, Danny Harnas (SPRINT)

Sincere thanks for your professionalism and kind service. Your assistance and support was just wonderful. Bradley Pope, Monique Gray (ESS)

Please pass on sincere thanks for professionalism and care during this stressful time. Scott Baulderstone, Benjamin Loiterton (Stirling), Kirra Thomas (West C), Sally O’Hara (West B)

Sincere thanks for your professionalism and great skills. Patient advised they are recovering and feel this is due to your care and assistance. The entire family have high praise for you and feel extremely lucky to have had such wonderful paramedics attend. Grant Copley (SOT), Mark Burdett, Scott Souter (North B)

Family of patient pass on their grateful thanks for professionalism and thoroughness in assessing the situation and following through so diligently. Darran Kelly (West C), Shannon Osborne (East B)

Please pass on sincere thanks for professionalism and thoroughness at scene. While not the injured person, was overwhelmed by your kindness and care by ensuring they were ok. Carly Ogle (South B), Bryan Ward (South A)

Young patient’s mother has forwarded sincere thanks for your professionalism and wonderful care during extremely difficult circumstances. Tony Norris (MedSTAR), Scott Souter (North B), Richard Doyle (North C)

Family has passed on sincere thanks for your professionalism and care. They would like you to know that the patient is recovering well and thanks you for your kindness. Amy Bastock (Fulham PIDT), Charlotte Davis (West B)

Patient has asked that we pass on grateful thanks for your professionalism, excellent care and kindness. Rosemarie Farran, Chantelle Cruise (E Shift)

Sincere thanks for your professionalism, respectful conduct and care. Patient was extremely grateful for your reassurance and the kindness shown to spouse during this very frightening time. Andrew Schulz, Andrew Bastian (SPRINT), Darren McInerney, Gregory Chamberlain (West A)

COMMENDATIONS



Colleague asked we pass on sincere thanks for your professionalism, pleasant manner and the positive attitude. It’s a hard job and your efficiency and support has not gone unnoticed. Vicky Bonnici (Country Rostering Project Officer)

Patient’s spouse passed on grateful thanks for your professionalism and care. Patient now has a diagnosis and a treatment plan. They attribute this to your thoroughness at the scene and hospital. Daniel O’Neil (South C)

Please pass on sincere thanks for professionalism, kindness and care. Please know you do a great job for the community. Mark Richmond, Alice Solomon-Bridge (South C)

Grateful thanks for the prompt and wonderful care provided. The fall was traumatic for an 81 year old, your reassurance for both patient and his wife was appreciated throughout this stressful incident. Kym Hobbs, (East D), Rebecca Knight (East A)

Grateful thanks for the wonderful care you provided. Your professionalism, kindness and support were exceptional. Catherine Brown, Tessa Judd (West A)

Please pass on sincere thanks for the professional manner in which treatment was provided. As a patient who also suffers with claustrophobia, your support enabled her to become calm and feel comfortable. Sarah Beale, Kathryn Reeks (E Shift)

Sincere thanks for your professionalism and understanding. You assisted her with the utmost respect and kindness during a frightening experience. Carolyn Kinnane, Andrew Shiel (South C)

Grateful thanks for your professionalism, kindness and support. It was greatly appreciated. Beau Summer (South B), Jeanette Holmes (South C)

Sincere thanks for your professionalism, kindness and diligent service. Krysia Vucic (North B), Rebecca Smith (NW 8hr)

Please pass on sincere thanks for professionalism, reassurance and kindness. It was greatly appreciated. Graem Harding, David Norris (South C)

Grateful thanks for your professionalism, reassurance and advice to the patient. They are doing well and now living with the family. Jonathon Chien (West C), Tania Asquith (East C), Jay Mancuso, Stephen Kidney, Sally Njoroge (East B), Clare Collihole (East D)

Sincere thanks for the exceptional response and impressive manner in which you assisted a three year old boy in cardiac arrest. Your colleagues have asked that I ensure your significant effort and professionalism be acknowledged. The mother presented the child to you at Noarlunga Hospital while you were preparing for your next tasking. Your leadership in the resus of the child demonstrates a very high degree of professionalism, skill and personal strength, and is to be highly commended. Marcus Syvertsen (South B)

Grateful thanks for your professionalism, friendly manner and reassurance. Your kindness and support was greatly appreciated. Charlotte Davis (West B), Amy Bastock (Fulham PIDT)

Sincere thanks to you for your professionalism, understanding and compassion. My mother was a reluctant patient, yet you managed to assist her with the utmost respect. Both paramedics were very kind toward me and my elderly father who was distraught during this stressful time. Madeline Peters, Krysia Vucic (North B)

Big thank you to paramedics that attended, they were helpful and compassionate. Your kindness and support was greatly appreciated. Steven Bacchus, Esther Preece (Redwood Park PIDT)

Thank you to the crew who assisted me when I took a bad fall on a boat. I couldn't have asked for better care and treatment from such a professional team. Keep up the great work, it is appreciated. Chris Howie (SPRINT), Amy Bastock (Fulham PIDT)

COUNTRYSincere thanks for your professionalism and support. Patient understands she was difficult and sincerely apologises. Helene Parker (Kadina), Karen Davies (Wallaroo)

Thank you so much for the care you gave to our father, much appreciated. Simon Ross, Kimberly Dohnt (Whyalla)

Colleague has passed on sincere thanks for your professionalism and care. You did an outstanding job managing the patient under difficult circumstances. Rebecca Morgan (Strathalbyn), Jon Jaensch, Peter Hawker (Yankalilla)

Patient’s husband has asked we pass on sincere thanks for professionalism and helpful service. David Jaensch, Megan Travers (Whyalla)

Grateful thanks for professionalism and excellent service. They are recovering well and attribute this to your wonderful care. Louise Deer, Tracy Callanan, Maxine Byles, Tracey Allington (Barossa)

Please pass on sincere thanks for quick thinking, professionalism and care during this stressful time. David Coombe, Paul Williams (Murray Bridge), Michael Bohrenson (Mount Barker)

Grateful thanks for your professionalism and the fantastic treatment received. He is recovering well following the fall that broke numerous ribs and dislocated his shoulder. Shana Leonard (Woodside), Rebecca Smith (NW 8hr)


ECPSincere thanks for the professional and wonderful care you provided to her mother. The family remain impressed and grateful for your reassurance, concern and support. Tomasz Tomasiewicz

Patient’s family asked we pass on sincere thanks for professionalism, approach and manner while attending their loved one. David Atchia

Sincere thanks for your professionalism and prompt service. Patient is truly humbled by your superb abilities and would like to express his heartfelt thanks for saving his life. Maryanne Elsby, Brad Mathew

Please pass on sincere thanks for professionalism, reassurance and kindness. It was greatly appreciated. James Parsons

MEDSTARGrateful thanks for your professionalism and skills that enabled you to save his life. Ryan Kennedy (SOT), Dr Richard Wood

The patient’s parents are very appreciative of the care received, their professionalism and expertise and care was amazing. Dr Ben Davidson, Dr Stuart Keynes, Simon Cradock, Dave Casey (SOT)

Grateful thanks for professionalism and excellent service. Patient would like to advise they are recovering well and attribute this to your wonderful care. Adam Mossenson, Blair Hicks, Kylie Stanton

EOCPlease pass on sincere thanks for quick thinking, professionalism and care during this stressful time. Dieter Scheurich, Emma Cook

Thank you for the care provided during this stressful time. Matthew Minne, Caitlin Shooter

Please pass on praise to the call taker for assisting, being professional and staying on the line to help keep everyone calm while waiting for the crew. Sarah Kirkman

The EOC staff managed the incident in a very impressive and professional manner. The sitreps, taskings, and messages were clear, concise and calm, considering what must have been a horrific scene. We have never heard anything so professional in the time that we have been with SAAS (approximately 5 years). It was a perfect example that should be used in teaching both road crews and EOC staff. There are times when we are proud to call ourselves volunteers and this terrible incident is an excellent example of the professionalism that we have in the organisation. Emma Cook, Lauren Wilkes, Robert Rowlands, Liam Lee, Dieter Scheurich, Leith Barrie, Brendon Hansen, Joe Thompson

Do you have a commendation? Simply email it to [email protected]

Governance Committee

S1: Governance for Safety and Quality in Health Service OrganisationDescribes the quality framework required for health services organisations to implement safe systems.

S2: Partnering with ConsumersDescribes the systems and strategies to create a consumer-centred health system by including consumers in the development and design of quality health care.

Committee Members: Steve Cameron, Chief Operating OfficerRobert Cox, Finance DirectorCaroline Gafney, Patient Safety Reporting OfficerPaula Hales, Consumer AdvisorGreg Joseph, SAASVHAC ChairNicholas Mark, ParamedicRaechelle Marshall, Records and Information Management Team LeaderBrad Mitchell, ParamedicLeonie Muller, Event PlannerAndrew Noble, Extended Care Paramedic

Andrew O’Connor, ParamedicNatalie Pascoe, Region Emergency Medical DispatcherAndrew Pearce, Clinical Director Training & Education SAAS MedSTARSarah Roberts, Health Network CoordinatorDarryl Sparrow, SPRINT Intensive Care ParamedicErin Standish, Senior Administration Support OfficerMel Thorrowgood, Clinical Audit and Research ManagerRob Tolson, Operations Manager Far North and West CoastTim Wakeling, ParamedicCathy Wright, Operations Manager Integrated Care

Infection Prevention and Control CommitteeS3: Preventing and Controlling Healthcare Associated InfectionsDescribes the systems to prevent infection of patients within the healthcare system and to manage infections effectively when they occur to minimise the consequences.

Committee Members: Jim Bartlett, Clinical Support OfficerKate Clarke, Metro Clinical Team LeaderNiel Clune, Operations Manager Clinical DevelopmentJarred Gilbert, Regional Team MemberJohn Hall, Rescue, Retrieval and Aviation RepPeter Hayball, Senior Pharmacist Duncan Johnstone, Country Clinical Team Leader

Lachlan Ophof, Metro Clinical Team LeaderEmma Perry, Intensive Care ParamedicPam Pinkerton, Ambulance OfficerBelinda Purvis, Clinical Practice Consultant – Staff HealthGraeme Rayson, Operations Manager Clinical ResourcesIrene Wilkinson (Standard 3 expert) and Manager Infection Control Service SA HealthSeth Wilkinson, Paramedic

Pressure Injuries and Falls Management CommitteeS8: Preventing and Managing Pressure InjuriesDescribes the systems and strategies to prevent patients developing pressure injuries and best practice management when pressure injuries occur.

S10: Preventing Falls and Harm from FallsDescribes the systems and strategies to reduce the incidence of patient falls in health service organisations and best practice management when falls do occur.

Committee Members:Cathy Wright, Operations Manager Integrated CareNeil Clune, Operations Manager Clinical DevelopmentMel Alexander, Intensive Care ParamedicRoss Baker, Emergency Medical Dispatcher EOCGill Bartley (Standard 10 expert) & Senior Physiotherapist NALHN Rehabilitation ServiceMichael Borrowdale, Senior Project CoordinatorTori Butler, Operations Manager Mid North/Yorke PeninsulaRob Elliott, Metro Operations ManagerWade Emmerton, Rescue Retrieval and Aviation Rep

Deb Heames, Work Health and Safety ManagerSam Keogh, Manual Handling RepPhil Knight, Extended Care ParamedicDamien Norsworthy, Clinical Support OfficerSarah Parsons, Ambulance OfficerMelissa Pierson, Ambulance OfficerJuliana Portolesi, SAAS WorkFit Services ConsultantPaul Saward, ESS/PTS Management RepSteve Simmons, Clinical Support OfficerMichele Sutherland (Standard 8 expert) and Program Manager Safety & Quality Unit SA Health

NATIONAL SAFETY AND QUALITY HEALTH SERVICE STANDARDSTHE LATEST NEWS

Introducing to you our members of the NSQHS Standards committees…..

Chair/ LeadKeith

Driscoll

Chair/ Lead

Judith Barker

Chair/ LeadDave Place


In 2015 SAAS undertook a Gap Analysis Review of the Ten Standards which included a review of 256 action items within those Standards. We identified that SAAS is doing some great work with systems and processes but we also identified gaps in evidence that need to be addressed to help us provide better patient outcomes. To fix these gaps in evidence, five committees were recently established, with each committee being assigned specific standards to manage.

Operations Manager Patient Safety & Quality Unit Richard Larsen

NSQHSS Project Manager Patient Safety & Quality Unit Julie Cathro

NSQHSS Project Clinical Lead Patient Safety & Quality Unit Bronwyn Cadd

Support Team to the Standards Committees

Drugs and Therapeutics CommitteeS4: Medication SafetyDescribes the systems and strategies to ensure clinicians safety prescribe, dispense and administer medicines to informed patients.

S7: Blood and Blood ProductsDescribes the systems and strategies for the safe, effective and appropriate management of blood and blood products so the patients receiving the blood are safe.

Committee Members:Mick Berden, Regional Team LeaderNeil Clune, Operations Manager Clinical DevelopmentFran Corcoran, Medical OfficerIan DeBono, Extended Care ParamedicCarolyn Field (Standard 4 expert) and Advanced Medication Safety Consultant SA Pharmacy/WCHNJakab Foster, ParamedicPeter Hayball, Senior PharmacistDan Martin, Advanced Clinical Services Coordinator and Operations Lead Nurse

Paul Norrey, Clinical Support OfficerCathrin Parsch, Chief Medical OfficerGary Pentland, Country Clinical Team LeaderPat Richards, Rescue, Retrieval and Aviation RepMargaret Schiller, Ambulance OfficerBrett Smith, Metro Clinical Team LeaderPat Stevenson, Operations Manager Rescue Retrieval and AviationLouise Wadsworth (Standard 7 expert) and Acting Nurse Management FacilitatorAlex Wells, Paramedic

Clinical Care Committee

S5: Patient Identification and Procedure MatchingDescribes the systems and strategies to identify patients and correctly match their identity with the correct treatment

S6: Clinical HandoverDescribes the systems and strategies for effective clinical communication whenever accountability and responsibility for a patient’s care is transferred.

S9: Recognising and Responding to the Clinical Deterioration in Acute Health CareDescribes the systems and processes to be implemented by health service organisations to respond effectively to patients when their clinical condition deteriorates.

Committee Members: Nichole Bastian, Emergency Operations Centre ManagerMeredith Beauchamp, Ambulance OfficerAndrea Borrett, Health Network Coordinator EOCMaxine Byles, ParamedicNeil Clune, Operations Manager Clinical DevelopmentDave Dewar, Clinical Team Leader

Michelle Parker, Country Team LeaderAnthony Pryzibilla, Operations Manager MetropolitanWayne Stoddard, Metro Team LeaderAndy Thomas, Operations Manager Limestone CoastDave Tingey, Rescue Retrieval and Aviation RepTomasz Tomasiewicz, Extended Care Paramedic

Chair/ Lead

Karen Braunack

Chair/ LeadAndy Long


GENERALISED CONVULSIVE STATUS EPILEPTICUS

CLINICAL JOURNEY

CASE STUDY

72 year old lives at home with his wife. In the early hours of the morning his wife wakes up from his movement and unusual breathing sounds. He is unresponsive and all limbs are shaking. She calls triple zero (000).

Past medical history: Metastatic Colon Cancer

On arrival of our crew the patient is in second floor bedroom, SpO2 in air 95%, trismus, BGL 5.8, convulsive activity all limbs. He receives midazolam, and the seizure stops. Extrication takes about 25 minutes. As he is being loaded into the ambulance, the seizure recommences, after a repeat dose of midazolam the convulsive activity stops. Transport time to hospital 20 minutes P2. During transport he suffers another generalized convulsive seizure.

INTRODUCTIONThe CALHN /NALHN Guidelines define Generalised Convulsive Status Epilepticus (GCSE) as:

• Repeated or continuous generalised seizures of > 5-10 minutes duration

• This can lead to irreversible brain damage and should be treated as an emergency

GCSE is a dramatic and dangerous condition with the potential for serious complications and even death. There is impaired consciousness and bilateral tonic stiffening, followed by rhythmic jerking of the limbs (clonus) that is usually symmetric. ‘Generalised’ means that the whole brain is affected; ‘convulsive’ refers to the motor activity of a seizure.

The goal of treatment of convulsive status is to control the seizure before neuronal injury occurs.

DR CATHRIN PARSCH – CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER


NORMAL BRAINWAVES AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF GCSE The nerve cells in the brain produce signals that move from one cell to another. There are two types of neurotransmitters, one will help the action potential to move to the next cell (excitatory), the other will stop it moving to another nerve cell (inhibitory). A normally functioning brain maintains equilibrium between these neurotransmitters. The electronic signals can be recorded as Electro-encephalogram – the ‘ECG of the brain’.

On a neurochemical level, seizures are sustained by excess excitation and reduced inhibition.

NORMAL EEG IN A CHILDRecording Brainwaves: Normal Electro-encephalogram (EEG) of an awake child shows organised chaos, small waves that are not synchronized.

EEG during Generalised convulsive status: Abnormal EEG with hyposychronised large spikes and waves caused by an ischaemic stroke.


NEUROLOGICAL AND SYSTEMIC EFFECTS OF GCSE

NEUROLOGICAL RESPIRATORY CARDIOVASCULAR METABOLIC OTHER

Excitotoxic neuronal injury

Hypoxia Hypertension, later hypotension

Lactic acidosis Rhabdomyolysis

Secondary injury from systemic complications (hypotension, hypoxia, hyperthermia)

Respiratory acidosis

Tachycardia Hyperpyrexia Blood leukocytosis

Excessive intracellular calcium influx can cause cell damage/death

Neurogenic pulmonary oedema

Arrhythmias Hyperglycaemia then Hypoglycaemia

Beware of Neuroglycopenia

Raised Intracranial Pressure

Aspiration pneumonitis

CAUSES OF STATUS EPILEPTICUSThis varies significantly with age. In children the most common cause appears to be fever and/or infection (36%); in contrast, this accounted for only 5% in adults. In adults, the most common precipitant was cerebrovascular disease (25%).

• Acute or longstanding structural brain injury (ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, head trauma, subarachnoid haemorrhage, hypoxic brain injury, cerebral infections or brain tumours)

• Non-compliance/discontinuation of anticonvulsant therapy

• Withdrawal syndromes (e.g. alcohol, benzodiazepines)

• Metabolic abnormalities (e.g. hypoglycaemia, hyponatraemia)

• Use or overdose of drugs that lower the seizure threshold (e.g. theophylline, antidepressants, lithium, local anaesthetic agents)

Significant physiologic changes accompany generalised convulsive Status Epilepticus. Many of these systemic responses

(e.g. tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias and hyperglycaemia) are thought to result from a catecholamine:

CLINICAL JOURNEY


PROGNOSIS The prognosis depends on the underlying condition precipitating the seizures. When the cause is change in medication/non-compliance or alcohol withdrawal, the prognosis is generally favourable. Central nervous system (CNS) infections and hypoxic brain injury on the contrary are the leading causes of mortality associated with GCSE.

GENERAL TREATMENT PRINCIPLES OF GCSE• Protect the patient from injury.

• Support ABC, ‘DEFG’: Don’t Ever Forget Glucose. Treat the seizure.

• First-line agent: Midazolam

• Second line agent: Currently only available in hospital. However, Levetiracetam will be available to SAAS Intensive Care Paramedics in the near future.

• If inadequate response and/or there is evidence/concern of raised intracranial pressure, the management of status may include induction of general anaesthesia with agents such as propofol/barbiturate, ICU admission (including EEG monitoring while anaesthetized).

• Diagnosis and management of the underlying condition is paramount e.g. antibiotic/antiviral agents in meningitis/encephalitis.

• Unless a specific treatment plan is available, patients who have suffered a seizure should be transported to hospital.

• If it is safe to do so, in the metropolitan area transport to a hospital with neurology inpatient services.

• Seizures in the setting of head injury: consider clinical support including SAAS MedSTAR and transport to a trauma centre.

BACK TO OUR PATIENT…On arrival he is postictal. He receives a loading dose of a second line anticonvulsant agent. The CT brain shows new cerebral metastases. He is given dexamethasone and admitted under Oncology.


WELCOME TO:Matt Neagle who started as Manager for Communications and Strategic

Engagement in Corporate Communications on 2 May

Siobhan Strickland and Dipesh Thakkar who both joined SAAS on 9 May as Revenue Clerks in Billing and Collections

Clare Portis who started on 26 April as an Administration Assistant in the Barossa office

Jessie Allnut who joined SAAS on 11 April as Administration Assistant for the Limestone Coast

WE ALSO WELCOME THE LATEST GROUP OF CASUAL PATIENT TRANSPORT OFFICERS:

Nichole Carlaw Sharon DuncanMartine FairleyJessica Hann

Emily LeadbeaterKirsty LyonsDaniel NorrisGlenn Peddey

Amy DefluiterSandra Sarantou

STAFF MOVES

CUSTOMER SERVICES STATS MARCH – APRIL 2016

MEET THE CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE STARS This amazing team manages a wide variety of incoming calls, in addition to managing Call Direct, the front reception area, and emails sent to the general enquiries inbox. On average the Customer Service Centre receives approximately 16 000 calls and 1000 emails each month, all dealt with professionally and with a smile.

Customer Service CentreInbound call volume 32 256

Revenue & BillingCase Cards received 50 711Case Cards processed 36 803

Call Direct

Sales 117Members 3901

Ambulance Cover

Members 283 173


INFOREDFIXING FIJIOn 20 February 2016 Tropical Cyclone (TC) Winston made landfall over Fiji and its surrounding islands. As a category 5 storm, TC Winston was rated as the second strongest TC (by wind speed) in history, with Super Typhoon (ST) Haiyan which hit the Philippines in 2013 being the first. With wind speeds approaching 300km/hr, TC Winston damaged or destroyed 55,000 homes with 350,000 people affected and 44 people killed.

On 23 February 2016 an Australian Medical Assistance Team (AusMAT) ‘Team Alpha’ from the National Critical Care Trauma and Response Centre (NCCTRC) at the Royal Darwin Hospital was deployed to Fiji. Their initial role was one of an aeromedical evacuation capacity. They were soon re-tasked as a primary health care outreach team.

Following Team Alpha, ‘Team Bravo’ was deployed on 27 February. As part of this group, I was made Clinical Team Leader of a four-person team that was deployed to Ovalau Island, the sixth largest island in Fiji. Significantly impacted by TC Winston, Ovalau lies to the east, forms part of the Lomaiviti Archipelago, and has a population of approximately 9000 people. We were transported to Ovalau on an Australian Army MRH-90 ‘Taipan’ helicopter and as the deployment continued, we utilised Royal New Zealand Air Force Taipans as well as locally sourced fishing boats to visit the islands close to Ovalau.

As a whole, this deployment turned out to be a new model for humanitarian assistance provided by the NCCTRC and AusMAT, not utilising the ‘traditional’ field hospital footprint as was established in the Philippines. The nature of this deployment required a flexible, hub-and-spoke model of mobile teams, in multiple locations, providing outreach health care to those people worst affected as well as administrative and logistical input to the Fijian health system.

The local doctor on Ovalau had arrived the day before the TC and despite his new posting, had already formulated a comprehensive plan to provide care to all of the villages located on Ovalau and surrounding islands.

The AusMAT mission was to assist him in successfully completing the plan to provide outreach health care to those people affected by the cyclone on Ovalau and surrounding islands.

Over our deployment, we visited 11 villages and treated 478 patients with the whole mission treating over 1700 people. The case-mix was variable, with skin infections, gastroenteritis, minor injuries and ‘welfare checks’ making up the majority of presentations. We treated two cases of potential typhoid, but as we were remote to diagnostic capabilities, we treated on clinical symptoms alone. While they both responded very well to the treatment regime instituted, both were differential diagnoses only.

Interestingly, we also treated numerous cases of extreme hypertension and hyperglycaemia. People with these chronic conditions (as well as a few newly diagnosed) had lost their medication and prescription during the TC and did not have time to present to the local doctor, as they were too busy recovering and rebuilding their homes.

Dan Martin SAAS MedSTAR Advanced Clinical Services Coordinator and Operations Lead Nurse

Above: Dan (far right) with members of the AusMAT team, the Minister for Health (in white) and local medical officers

Over our deployment, we visited 11 villages and treated 478 patients with the whole mission treating over 1700 people.


We want to hear from you! SAAScene is your magazine, but we need your input. All you need to do is contact the team at [email protected].

For more information and submission deadlines go to: SAASnet > People and Support > Our Community > SAAScene

HAVE YOU GOT A STORY FOR SAASCENE?

1. Pinnaroo celebrates 50 years! Anthony Schroeder, Melissa Smyth, Lyn Schultz, Rob Berlin (Volunteer Team Leader), Vanessa Maeder-Burnell, Graham Stangewitz, Lynne Summerton, Shona Hyde, Jeff Heinicke, Sue Pulleine (Regional Team Leader) and Terry Whales (Operations Manager, Murray Mallee). Photo courtesy of the Border Times.

2. Lou Clothier was invited to a special function with Jay Weatherill to recognise the great work she has done in developing an educational mock crash to assist secondary students in understanding risks associated with inappropriate driving.

3. Smokey from CFS gets a once over from Todd Kimber at the Lucindale Field Day.

1

2 3

THE SAAS FAMILY ALBUM


7

8

5

6

4

THE SAAS FAMILY ALBUM

4. Each year the Eudunda station uses its Reserve Account money to pay for a wreath to lay at the ANZAC Day dawn service. Here is David Booth and Julie Matthews from the team who also participated in the march to the RSL rooms.

5. Back in May Sebastian Lesnicki and Lisa Hurcombe attended Wilderness Girls School for a combined careers night with Blackfriars and St Dominic's. Here’s Sebastian talking the job up!

6. Barb Keller and Bruno Lablack ham it up at the 25 year dinner photo booth during National Volunteer Week.

7. 25 years is no small feat! Here’s Keith Driscoll presenting Richard Larsen with his certificate.

8. Simone O’Dea, Nicole Bradtke and Abigail Saxon from the VSU join in on the festivities.


GANG GREENDo you know someone who you think should be featured in Gang Green?If so, drop us a line at [email protected]

BITTEN BY THE AMBULANCE BUG

At age five, Ann Olsen was “bitten by the bug” for horse-riding, a passion she has maintained through involvement with her local pony club. However, she’s been bitten just as hard by the ambulance bug.

And after 25 years of volunteer ambulance work, her long service was recognised by SAAS at its 25-year dinner last month.

A Wudinna local, Ann wanted to be an ambo since her school days. So when the opportunity came to carry out a St John first-aid course, she jumped at the chance.

She really enjoyed her time during the course and, at the suggestion of the instructor, joined the local volunteer ambulance team in 1991 and has never left.

She enjoys being able to “help people when they are at their lowest” and “on some occasions, help save a life”.

Over the years Ann has passed on her skills and knowledge to the next generation, mentoring new ambos at Wudinna. She is also involved with the regional education team and has sat on the interview panel for new recruits.

Ann speaks highly of the Wudinna team, just another reason she has enjoyed many years there. She is proud to be able to provide such a vital service to her community.

Ann is excited to receive this award. Congratulations, Ann. We thank you!

SIGNIFICANT START DATE

Anne Baillie remembers the day she joined as a volunteer ambulance officer back in 1990, as it’s also her grandmother’s birthday.

Twenty-five years later, SAAS has honoured her long service at Goolwa with an award at the 25-year dinner held during National Volunteer Week in May.

Anne’s interest in volunteering on the ambulance was actually sparked by her children’s involvement in the St John’s cadets division.

She has enjoyed her role, being able to “help the community” and “provide emergency first aid” to the public, and is currently an ambulance support officer: assisting to educate volunteers and carrying out their ongoing accreditation process.

A particularly rewarding recent case was a cardiac arrest, where the 50-year-old patient was able to walk out of hospital later fit and well.

In her spare time, Anne enjoys machine embroidery, scrapbooking and making homemade birthday cards. She really liked making some beautiful Mother’s Day cards with her twin eight-year-old granddaughters this year.

Anne looks forward to travelling with her husband in a 56-year-old caravan, which he is restoring, when she retires from her volunteer role.

SAAS congratulates her for achieving such a milestone.

Ann OlsenAnne Baillie


HOORAY FOR OUR LONG-SERVING VOLUNTEERS!A number of SAAS’s volunteers have been here for the long haul, and we think that’s pretty special. Here we profile four who have been serving their communities for 25 years or more.

FISHING FOR MAGGIE BEER

Shearer. Footy trainer. Fisher. Volunteer ambo of 30 years. These are just some of the roles of William John ‘Wolley’ Wooldridge.

John started as a volunteer ambulance officer in 1986 at Karoonda and has been there ever since.

Receiving the 25-year watch five years ago was a highlight of his ambulance career, but so has “seeing people in a bad way and come back to being fit as a fiddle”.

A job that stands out was assisting a child at a car crash and telling him that not everyone dies at car accidents. Years later, a young man approached him, shook his hand and said, ‘Thank you for talking to me’. The “little bloke who was not doing so good” remembered and appreciated his words all those years later.

John spent most of his working life as a shearer, has two children and likes being kept busy: “not sitting still, doing nothing”.

He’s been a footy trainer for the Karoonda football team for 29 years, is involved with the local Lion’s Club and was previously a councillor.

John is very proud of his daughter, who works closely with Maggie Beer; and he even caught a fish that was photographed for Maggie and placed on the cover of one of her recipe books.

The biggest change he’s seen in the ambulance service was the introduction of Heartstart defibrillators and some of the injections volunteers administer.

Thank you, John, for your contributions.

STILL LOVES HELPING THE COMMUNITY

Chris Hartmann’s main motivation for becoming an ambulance volunteer was “to be involved in the community” and “help others in their time of need”, and 25 years on she still enjoys doing so.

She joined in 1991 after a good friend, David Long (who is the regional team leader for the Coorong) mentioned it to her on a camping holiday, and she thought she’d “see where it may lead”.

Now the acting volunteer team leader at Coonalpyn, Chris has enjoyed “working together in a team environment”, meeting some “wonderful people” and learning many skills.

A lot has changed in 25 years, and she marvels that her team now has 24-hour access to paramedics, doctors and SAAS MedSTAR.

Opportunities to attend regional conferences and being “fortunate to be chosen” to attend the volunteer exchange program in New Zealand have been special for Chris.

Support from family has made all the difference. They “have been a big part of the journey”.

Her family members all “love the outdoors”, with interests in camping and travelling Australia, mainly up north and outback to Alice Springs and Ayers Rock. They also enjoy the beach and the Murray River for water-skiing and wakeboarding.

Well done to Chris on receiving her 25-year award. Well deserved!

John Chris Hartmann


GENERAL NEWS

Pulse


Rain, what rain? New wet weather jackets about to hit SAAS

We are pleased to announce the design for a new wet weather jacket is complete and in production!

In consultation with SAAS’s Uniform Consultative Committee (with AEA representation), the new and improved jacket meets Australian Standards for high visibility, and is specifically designed to be functional in the SAAS operational environment. Delivery is expected in October 2016. While it was always our intent to have these available prior to the winter season, procurement and manufacturing schedule delays meant this was the earliest it could be delivered.

The jackets will be manufactured by the Rainbird brand, which is from the same parent company as Gondwana (the original wet weather jackets SAAS previously supplied). These jackets will be made to the same exacting standards.

Improvements to the design include:

• a detachable hood with clear plastic panels to assist with side view

• a flap over the front zip• front side pockets• pen pockets on the arm• reinforced radio loop on the upper front• side openings with zippers (for easy access to radios)

• rib cuffs on arm sleeves, velcro strips for name badge• velcro strips on the rear of the jacket for command role panels• velcro epaulette tab on the front zip flap for clinical

identification• zip-off sleeves underneath the cover panel so jacket can be

worn as a vest

The jacket has a woven fabric feel (not a plastic feel), is breathable (as it does not have inherent sweating properties) and is waterproof up to four times higher than a standard polyester rain fabric.

The jacket (or vest) can be worn during cold and wet conditions when high visibility is required, and on a road or road related area as a warm and dry alternative to the safety tabard in accordance with SAAS Procedure: Safety Tabard (PRO-058).

Once they arrive, the jackets will be issued to career and volunteer members whose jackets require replacement. This will be coordinated by the SAAS Uniform Office. For information please contact Chris Howie, Operations Manager, Executive Operations Support at [email protected].

FRONT BACK


EDITHBURGH IS A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE IN OR VISIT!

Look out for update on Stretcher Replacement Project in the next edition…

We all know that chest compressions and defibrillation are the two primary actions needed to improve the chance of survival from cardiac arrest. We also know these actions can be

performed by members of the public with very little education and training. However, an AED is not often available. Steve Simmons, Intensive Care Paramedic and Clinical Support Officer,

has been working with Edithburgh residents to encourage them to purchase AEDs for their community and train locals on how save a life.


In 2014 Steve attended the New Zealand Resuscitation Conference "Science and Sensibility" as a clinical representative for SAAS. Steve learnt about the vast difference civilian responders can make to save a life. Immediate CPR is more likely to happen with bystanders but, combined with defibrillation within five minutes, is the ultimate goal. This kind of response to cardiac arrest is crucial and can literally be the difference between life and death.

Since then Steve started up a free pilot program to help teach members of the Edithburgh community what to do in a cardiac arrest. Over the last 18 months Steve has delivered the program to over 50 people.

Steve was also able to secure government funding for three AEDs to be strategically placed around the town. They have been placed at the local caravan park office, RSL Bowling Club and museum. If anyone has a cardiac arrest within the town’s limits, an AED can be available to them within five minutes.

“SAAS have given me valuable support and I am confident the pilot program at Edithburgh will result in lives being saved.”

Steve recently gave a talk to the Point Turton Progress Association; they now have two AEDs in their town. Thanks to Steve’s program, the number of civilian responders is growing, which contributes to safer and healthier communities.

"I would like to thank SAFECOM and the Natural Disaster Resilience Program who provided the funding for these lifesaving AEDs. Also, many thanks to SAAS for ongoing support of this program." Steve

STREET SMART: SAFER SMARTER DRIVERS

Street Smart is an annual event for high school students run by RAA and supported by SAAS, SAPOL, SAMFS and MAC. Its aim is to highlight the importance of attentive driving to young people. The event was run over two days, with almost 7000 school kids in attendance. As part of the day, they witnessed a live crash scenario, complete with all the emergency services working together to cut a patient out of a car, deal with the irresponsible driver, and determine the cause of death of a passenger. It is a fantastic event for all involved and the message was certainly well received by our up and coming road users.

Thank you to the amazing SAAS people who helped to put on such an authentic and eye-opening performance.

Above: (From left) Chantelle Cruise, Craig Murdy, Alicia Marcus, Peter McEntee, Tony Meli and Daniel Hirst

Left: Sarah Evreniadis and Craig Murdy at the SAAS stand in the Entertainment Centre foyer

Main image: The crash scene


Each day brings with it the potential for something new to see and do clinically as an ICP”David‘

Still, after 33 years, a great and exciting job with great people”Andrew‘

[I] believe that I still have something to offer to patients, staff and myself”Hilding‘

– INT

ENSIVE CARE PARAMEDIC REUNION –

2016 marks the 21st anniversary of the first completed Intensive Care Paramedic (ICP) course for SAAS. The first ICP course commenced in June 1994 and was completed in July 1995 by a group of five; Hilding Hanna, David Bayliss, Phillip Knight, Paul Clark and Andrew Albury. After 21 years, all of them still work here at SAAS.

The ICP course aims to teach paramedics extended skills to be used within the pre-hospital environment. Paramedics are taught to provide clinical leadership, assessment and management of treatment strategies, recognition of clinical and physiological significance of conditions, to expand the ability of professional reflection, and many other services that vary depending on location.

The group was sent to Sydney, as Adelaide had no such program at the time, for a 5-week intensive course. As they were the first team from Adelaide to complete the training, there was an enormous amount of pressure placed on them to succeed and assist with structuring Adelaide's own ICP program. The group were educated by the NSW Ambulance Service, NSW ICPs and doctors and specialists from Sydney’s hospitals. Every weekend, instead of enjoying a break, the group would have specialist training from Adelaide doctors that would fly over and review how they were tracking. Once they returned to Adelaide, the next 5-6 weeks were inundated with education and skill ‘fine-tuning’.

The group was then responsible for mentoring the next ICPs in training and have helped shape Adelaide’s ICP program to what it is presently. Nowadays, SAAS have single response units and vehicles that are specifically dedicated to ICPs and help them prepare for regular dispatches.

Hilding, who works as the Clinical Team Leader at North West 8hr Area, said that after beginning the course, he felt like he was starting all over again, even though he had nine years of paramedic experience already.

Andrew, who works as the State Duty Manager, has said that the most important aspect he took away from the course was new skills, knowledge and, most importantly, the attitude to manage and treat patients at a greater clinical level.

David, who works as an ICP at South C Spare, advised: “don’t eat the meals at the Rozelle training school; starving would have been a better option”.

David commented he hopes that in the future, Adelaide can advance the ICP program and not only keep up with other states but get to international standards.

The ICP course is now offered as a post graduate component at Flinders University.


Above: (L-R Front) NSW ambos Jim Smyth and Graham McCarthy, Paul Clark, Phil Knight, Mark Tippet, Hilding Hanna, (Back) David Bayliss, Peter Riddle, Andrew Albury, Hugh Grantham

ICP 21 YEARS ON – GROWN UP BUT NOT APART


David is very quiet about his considerable achievements and talents, saying only “If somebody needs a hand, we’ll just go and do it – that’s all”.

But we agree with Helen, David’s wife of 43 years, who told us: “David is a quiet achiever in all aspects of his life.”

Thanks to you both, Sue and David! Ball of energy or quiet achiever, you went over and above the call of duty.

During National Volunteer Week, Sue Thomas and David Thomas (not related!) of the Maitland volunteer team were awarded for their outstanding contributions to the ambulance service and their community.

Sue received the Premier’s Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Volunteer Service and David received a South Australian Volunteer Certificate of Appreciation issued by the SA Minister for Volunteers.

Both Sue and David were also presented with plaques commemorating 35 years’ service to ambulance volunteering.

We asked Sue what she had gained from 35 years of volunteering:

“In addition to a sense of purpose, I have benefitted from learning the skills that you need as an ambulance officer. And of course I’ve loved the camaraderie of our team—they’ve always been a great group of people,” she said.

“Mentoring new recruits in our team has also been something I’ve enjoyed very much; it’s been as rewarding as anything else could be. It’s wonderful seeing people develop.

“Also, I love my country town and it’s been a thrill to be able to serve it in this way.”

David agrees with Sue that the team camaraderie has been good.

“I always enjoyed that—the positive communication over the years.

“I also liked being able to sit down with a team member and have a good talk when it was needed. This was before peer support had been organised at SAAS.”

Above: Ambulance volunteer stalwarts David Thomas and Sue Thomas with their awards. (Photo courtesy of Yorke Peninsula Country Times)

“Sue’s a ball of energy!” says Michael Downing, Volunteer Team Leader at Maitland.

“Just recently she organised not just one but five CPR 30 program presentations. Sue is an inspiration to other team members, and a great mentor.”

MAITLAND VOLUNTEERS SUE THOMAS AND DAVID THOMAS HAVE CLOCKED UP

70 YEARS BETWEEN THE TWO OF THEM

“David sets himself a goal and then he achieves it – and nobody notices and suddenly it’s there and we’re all saying: well done! David has been proactive in the many roles he’s held within the team,” said Operations Manager Tori Butler.

Almost all of us would have had gastroenteritis at some stage and almost all of us would have felt awful with it for a day or two and then fully recovered. This can lead us to feel better informed about the nature of gastro and its consequences than we really are. ECPs treat gastro at home or in residential care facilities (RCFs) and as part of this need to weigh up the significant but rare risk of complications.

Most gastro in Australian adults is viral, normally Norovirus. This is characterised by nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea with a mild fever, all of which resolves within a couple of days. Norovirus is highly infectious which is why it is particularly useful to treat this in the patient’s home or RCF to avoid transmission in hospital. ECPs have managed outbreaks in RCFs with over 30 patients which obviously relieves metro EDs of an enormous load.

Treatment is largely symptomatic, involving anti-emetics and fluid replacement, both oral and IV. This sounds simple until you consider some of the hidden dangers such as: the triple whammy. Did you know that the use of an ACE inhibitor plus an NSAID in the presence of dehydration (normally from a diuretic, but potentially just from gastro) can put you into acute renal failure? That’s where point of care blood testing allows ECPs to make informed decisions about the safety of their treatment.

But not all gastro is as benign as the viral variety. The other main cause, which is much more common in developing countries, is bacterial gastroenteritis. This often presents with a very high fever and can last longer. It may also cause blood in the diarrhoea from intestinal irritation. One of the most serious consequences of bacterial gastro is Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS). It only occurs in about 5% of Bacterial gastro cases (typically E. coli and Shigella) but results in the destruction of red blood cells (anaemia) and kidney failure, a potentially lethal combination for 5-15% of sufferers. The very young and very old are most at risk of this complication. Approximately 30% of those who survive will have reduced kidney function for years after, many needing dialysis.

So, if you work in the metro area and come across a gastro case please consider referral to an ECP to see if your patient is suitable to treat in the home or facility and avoid an ED. Both the patient and the broader healthcare system could benefit from this, and it may reduce further community infections. Every referral is carefully assessed for patient safety and some patients may need hospital, but please consider an ECP for any case you think may benefit.

Andrew Noble Relieving ECP Clinical Team Leader

GASTRO… OR IS IT?

The 4th of June marks the one year anniversary since the passing of Bob ‘Waldo’ Wharton. As a way to remember his larger than life presence, the EOC

has dedicated a reflection room to him. In this room staff will find a quiet and private place to get away

from the intensity of the EOC when they need it.

Maryanne Elsby and Dieter Scheurich were recently on hand to officially open the room, complete with

a framed photo of Waldo. RIP, mate.

BOBRemembering� �


ENHANCING THE LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT POTENTIAL FOR WOMEN IN

DEFENCE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES

I was lucky enough to be selected to represent SAAS at a women’s leadership conference in Melbourne, on behalf of SAAWN. The room was filled with the conversational noise of 50 or so women, all introducing themselves to each other and comparing their managerial roles and experiences. It became apparent to me that I had no idea how I managed to book a place amongst all these successful women, but I only hoped that I would learn from them. Luckily another woman who had come by herself wandered in my direction, and I managed to smile. Before long, I was in a group of five, loudly chatting away and contributing to that noise, which only minutes before had felt almost overwhelming.

After an introduction from the company chair, we jumped to it, lectures from women in leadership positions in organisations from all around the country. Each guest speaker had their own unique messages of what leadership meant to them and within the organisation they represented, how they succeeded and some key lessons learnt along the way. They also provided encouraging tips for us to attempt similar career moves in the future, asking questions to make us think what kind of leader we want to be, to realise that the worst that can happen is someone will say no, and that as a leader our ability to communicate with others and invite people to be a part of the solution, is the key to being able to achieve positive results.

The drivers for these women were: having a purpose, being authentic and communicating with transparency. Learning from their own, and their companies’ past mistakes, demonstrated a mix of values, knowledge and skills that was inspiring the entire room. The networking amongst the women during our downtime was a great pleasure to be a part of; I managed to meet a lovely group of women from around the country with varying levels of knowledge and experience.

The conference was run smoothly and professionally by facilitator Jo Wise, a leadership training expert. Before we knew it, both days had come to a close, and it was time for us to head back home, albeit hopefully now with some rumblings of inspiration, admiration and innovation inside us all. I now recognise some of the other previously unknown challenges and benefits being a good leader entails, and will endeavour to exemplify these qualities myself and promote them to others in our service. I am thankful to have been given this opportunity, and would encourage everyone else to step out of their comfort zones, because as these women demonstrated, “If you’re standing still, you’re getting left behind!”

Sarah Evreniadis Paramedic, East A/D

THE 4TH WOMEN IN EMERGENCY SERVICES, ENFORCEMENT AND DEFENCE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2016


Operation FRONTYARD

You will recall that Barossa Paramedic Tim Lloyde was recently diagnosed with terminal Pancreatic Cancer. When I announced this to the team, they were greatly distressed and wanted to support Tim and his family who had just moved into a new home at Tanunda. The team had a vision to help Tim out, and as a result Operation Frontyard was born.

Landscaping does not come cheap, so we needed a funding stream. Various options were explored and with only two weeks planning, the team organised a dinner and silent auction. The venue was at the Tanunda Club. A special mention must go to Club Manager Jack Ferret and his enthusiastic staff who attended to the needs of 120 invited guests.

The theme of the night was ‘Family’ which was very evident, as Tim’s extended family came from as far as Sydney and Bordertown to join in this very special occasion.

Friends and colleagues from SAAS filled the room, and were kept entertained by games, music and socialising.

Special mention must go to Jenny Whittenbury who coordinated the event, Lloyd Tonkin who was the Master of Ceremonies, and David Steinert for the audio and music. The Barossa team did themselves proud, coordinating the night, seeking and collecting donations.

It was a very special night that raised over $15,000 with many donations from the Barossa community.

All the funds raised will be used for Operation Frontyard which will commence very soon, with the landscaper preparing soil levels in the next few weeks.

Chris Robson CTL Barossa Team

1. Tim (middle bottom row) with his Barossa team

2. Tim greeting the crowd at the fundraiser dinner

If you would like to contribute to Operation Frontyard, please send to…Account name: BAR AMBULANCE SOC CLUBBSB: 805050Account Number: 102099299

1

2


Luke Patton has just received the 2016 South Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, for his business L & B Prestige Detailing’s waxing product line. Not only does Luke run his own mobile luxury car detailing service, he works at SAAS too. Luke began his role with SAAS as an Emergency Dispatch Support Officer seven years ago. He is currently a trainer of EMDSOs and helps to maintain SAAS’s high level of customer service. In his time with SAAS, Luke has acted as a Peer Support Officer and undergone the Peer Support Training Program, which aligned with his interest of psychological sciences. Three and a half years in to his work, he started his own business detailing luxury cars. This was his passion in life.

Winning him the 2016 Young Entrepreneur of the Year award was his newest business venture, his own remarkable car waxing products. The ‘carnauba wax’ based products have extra lustre and shine than any other product on the market. They are also petrochemical free and are extremely safe for car owners and users of the product to work with. Luke’s products are even laced with exotic and natural fragrances, such as: chocolate, coffee and lemon meringue. This is what

inspired Luke’s newest business idea in the first place; he wanted to be able to provide a product that was safe, easy to use and fragrance friendly.

His business, L & B Prestige Detailing, is run with his wife and four other employees, and together they have successfully added a line of car products called L & B Prestige Car Care. He has a team of approved detailers nationwide that use his range of products and he manufactures the waxing products here in Adelaide, in connection with an organic chemist consultant interstate.

In the future, he looks to diversify his business further by looking at expanding his product into China, where there is an untapped market for this type of product. Luke is currently looking at expanding his line of products into shampoos, and glass and leather cleaners. These are all in development under his brand. Apart from detailing exotic cars, private jets, boats and bikes, he thoroughly enjoys his role with SAAS and really enjoys the contrast SAAS work is to his company. It offers ‘something different’ by being able to help people in a ‘community orientated’ environment.

Congratulations on your outstanding business and award, Luke!

Luke’s company can be found at www.lbprestigedetailing.com and his line of products can be viewed at www.lbprestigecarcare.com.

‘BEYOND THE HORIZON’

LUKE PATTON2016 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR


PLANNING THE MOVE…

As we watch the new Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) grow day by day, the incredible amount of work that happens behind the scenes between SAAS and SA Health is also expanding. Currently, SAAS has numerous people working on the project as representatives on internal committees, with no less than 15 groups working on this project here at SAAS, and representing SAAS on many more external groups both at CALHN and SA Health.

While the dates of the actual move have not been set, planning continues at full pace! As part of this process, SAAS was recently involved in a mock move from the old hospital to the new, with an intensive care patient and a patient from the cardio-thoracic ward also ‘moved’.

Feedback from the move was very positive, with hospital staff, SAAS and SAAS MedSTAR working extremely well together. One of the many reasons for the mock move was to ensure we have clinically appropriate staff involved to meet the specific clinical requirements of the patient. The move demonstrated we have the capability required to manage the sickest of patients safely.

Along with the familiarisation of equipment, the move allowed for relationship building and myth busting. Everyone walked away from the experience with renewed confidence

that patients will be given the absolute best care during the move. It also highlighted to hospital staff the expertise of SAAS and SAAS MedSTAR, which may have been previously unknown to some CALHN staff!

It only took 8-9 minutes to drive the patient down North Terrace (in normal driving conditions), and a similar return trip time. Data collected on the day will form part of the operations planning for the real move.

We are now planning mock moves for the spinal, burns and neurology units in July. In the meantime, SAAS representatives continue to meet with clinicians from various directorates within the RAH to plan for the logistical and clinical challenges some of their patients may provide us with, and activity which to this point has proved to be extremely valuable.

DID YOU KNOW?A patient audit process, initiated by SAAS, has already begun at the RAH. By understanding the clinical acuity of these patients, we can plan for the actual move and ensure we have the right clinician and equipment for each patient.

The real move will be managed as an incident by SAAS, minimising impact on our business as usual workload.

Around 30 SAAS clinicians will be on hand to execute the move each day.

The RAH aims to have 250 patients to move.

SAAS will use ambulances, the Ambus, the bariatric truck and the twin-stretcher vehicles.

SAAS mock movers:

Chris Howie

John Bradley

Michael Comis

Dan Martin

Andrew Pearce


Introducing White Knights – a motorcycle group comprised of all medical professions tasked with providing emergency medical services. This includes current and retired professions

such as paramedics, doctors, nurses and first responders.

White Knights is a not-for-profit organisation that supports the wellbeing of health professionals through the relationship of like-minded people with a passion for motorcycles.

Many staff members become isolated due to shift work and face difficult situations which can impact their mental health.

In addition to metal health support, White Knights aim to encourage road safety, and promote a positive image of motorcyclists within the emergency and health services.

White Knights is part of a larger Knights family made up by Red Knights (fire services), Blue Knights (law enforcement) and Orange Knights (State Emergency Service).

www.emswhiteknightsaustralia.weebly.com

EMS WHITE KNIGHTS AUSTRALIA

Get Healthy!Learning about nutritional and kilojoule content of food has

been a great help in making healthier choices for Adelaide sisters, Jen and Joy.

Jen and Joy knew they weren’t eating well and were minimally active. Joy heard about the free Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service, told her sister, and they both decided to give it a go.

Their personal Get Healthy coach helped them make simple changes to their diet and encouraged them to become more active. Now, Joy aims for 10 000 steps each day and Jen does a couple of strength and balance exercise classes weekly.

Jen and Joy are confident they can maintain their new healthy lifestyles, all thanks to Get Healthy.

The Get Healthy telephone coaching service is provided free by SA Health. To find out more call 1300 806 28 or visit www.gethealthy.sa.gov.au


Documents

SAAScene July 2016 Edition