QAS INSIGHT | Summer 2017-18 edition

Summer 2017–18

NEW BRT turns heads at official launch

i

Inside this edition

Seattle ride along

Gladstone Station profile

Nepal achievement

Droperidol study

Summer 2017–18

Inside

BRIEFS 2

SCHOOLIES 2017 4

ON YA BIKE! 6

Paramedic registration: Countdown to implementation in late 2018

Recruitmentandappointments ■ Firstappointments to inauguralNationalBoardadvertised (April2017) ■ HealthMinistersmadeappointments (October2017)

Timeline todate September 2015 AustralianHealthMinisters endorseNationalRegistration April 2016 Ministers supportamendment to theNationalLaw April 2017 Call forapplications for inauguralParamedicine Board ofAustralia May 2017 Applications closed June2017 Considerationby the QueenslandParliament of the HealthPractitioner RegulationNational Law

Approvalanddecisions ■ NationalBoardwillsubmit recommended registrationstandards toMinisters forapproval ■ Accreditationarrangementswillbedecidedby theBoard ■ Listofapprovedprogramswillbedecidedby theBoard BOARD APPOINTED 13 Beengaged ■ TheBoardwilldevelopandconsulton registrationstandards,codes andguidelines ■ Whenconsultationsareopen for input, theywillbeshownon theBoardwebsite

SEATTLE REPORT 8

HERVEY BAY FAREWELL 18

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Registration o pen ►► Log in toyourAHPRAaccountand apply for registration andprovideall requesteddocuments (mid-2018)

andOther Legislation AmendmentBill2017 July2017

QASCommissioner advised QueenslandParliamentary Committeeon registration September2017 Bill passed byQueensland Parliament; legislation received

Assessanddecide ■ AHPRAwillassessyourapplication ■ TheBoardwilldecide ifyoumeet the requirements for registration ■ Paramedicswillbeadvisedof registrationoutcome

RoyalAssent October2017 Members appointed toParamedicineBoard ofAustralia

Paramedics regulated under NRAS

Go-live in late 2018

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GLADSTONE PROFILE 20

Summer2017–18 NEWEST RECRUITS 25 ParamedicineBoardofAustralia membersappointed

SATURATED BABINDA 28

BillpassedbyQueenslandParliament

Legislation receivedRoyalAssent

42 FOR 42 CHALLENGE 32

QUIET ACHIEVER 34

KJM 2017 AWARDS 36

QAS INSIGHT is published quarterly by the QAS Media Unit. GPO Box 1425, Brisbane QLD 4001.

Summer 2017-18 edition contributors: Jo Hales (editor), Matt Tesch (designer), Michael Augustus and Andrew Kos. Editorial and photograhic contributions are welcome and can be submitted to: Joanne.Hales@ambulance.qld.gov.au

Front cover: Formation riding by the first BRT team on the Gold Coast. Back cover: The Real Santa made a surprise visit to QAS staff in Brisbane.

Summer 2017–18

Commissioner’s message

Commissioner

The QAS is one step closer to national registration with the passing of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill in September. I would also like to congratulate Mr Stephen Gough, Assistant Commissioner, Capability and Development who was appointed as the practitioner member from Queensland and National Board Chair on the inaugural Paramedicine Board of Australia in October. Meanwhile, it was with great delight that the QAS was announced a White Ribbon accredited workplace on November 23. We take a zero tolerance approach to acts of violence and the accreditation will help up spread awareness of the impacts of family and domestic violence and bring an end to these acts.

Christmas is a time to be with family and friends, however many of our staff will be working over the festive season to ensure we continue to deliver the best possible care for patients who require our services. I would just like to say a special thank you to staff who will be away from their loved ones during the festive season. The sacrifices you make to keep the community safe do not go unnoticed and I commend you on your dedication. I would also like to extend a warm-hearted thank you to your family members for their support and understanding that we need staff to serve the community during this time. Looking back on 2017, it has been an extremely busy year for the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) with many milestone achievements and celebrations, including the 125th anniversary of ambulance services in Queensland. The 125th anniversary was placed in the spotlight at station open days across the state and also at a large visual display at the Ekka which was visited by thousands of people. The effort that went into highlighting our proud history of ambulance services in Queensland at these events is testament to the enthusiasm and loyalty of the staff we have here at QAS. I would also like to point out the achievements of our dedicated volunteers who contributed greatly to the success of the ambulance station open days and the Ekka display. This year approximately 400 staff attended four face-to-face employee summits. The summits were held to address issues affecting employees, with the aim of shaping and designing the future of our workforce. We have taken all of your comments on board and will continue to work through the issues raised at the summits in the coming months. There are more staff consultations scheduled for 2018 and I would encourage anyone interested in taking part to register an expression of interest when timings are announced. The Commissioner’s Achievement Awards and Remembrance Service in September was another highlight this year and gave me the opportunity to personally congratulate officers who received awards for their outstanding work.

Left ■ On November 23, the QAS received its report from White Ribbon Australia advising our successful completion of the program. As such, the QAS is now proudly a White Ribbon accredited workplace. The Commissioner received the QAS White Ribbon Accreditation Certificate from Mr Michael Kaufman, one of the co-founders of the White Ribbon Campaign.

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Along with the milestone achievements in 2017, there were also many challenges facing us this year, including the record demand for our services in August with 76,000 Triple Zero (000) calls received as a result of the winter flu season. Despite the unprecedented demand, I am happy to say that we were able to respond to our most critical patients within our patient timeframes. Lastly, I would like to thank all of you for your exceptional hard work and ongoing commitment to patient care over the year. The professionalism and first class treatment you have displayed is outstanding and I commend you on your continued commitment as we advance through the exciting and challenging evolution of our profession. Please stay safe and enjoy the festive season.

In addition, the recent ballot for the QAS Enterprise Bargaining Agreement saw

unpreceded participation from employees and an overwhelming ‘Yes’ vote. We have also made huge advances in regards to national registration for paramedics this year.

Russell Bowles QAS Commissioner

Summer 2017–18

Briefs

QAS Certified Agreement 2017

In 2017, through the Remuneration Inquiry and the enterprise bargaining negotiations, there has been a lot of reflection and discussion about where the Service has been to where it is now. It has been over 12 years since the last opportunity for officers to vote on an Agreement and the recent ballot saw an unprecedented participation rate of over 84% of eligible voters with an overwhelming ‘Yes’ vote of 98.4%. An aspect of the Agreement which will have a significant impact for

The wage rates will bring QAS officers back into alignment with their peers from around the country and the classification structure recognises experience, recognises differences in responsibility and complexity and provides greater flexibility to meet the challenges of service delivery and demand into the future. Executive Director, Corporate Services Michael Metcalfe asm recognised the positive outcome and what it delivers for the Service and officers. “This is a fantastic result for our employees and for the QAS. We now have a contemporary classification structure that will support our move to professional registration in 2018,’’ he said.

"It will also allow the QAS to develop service delivery solutions that help us meet demand pressures into the coming decade. “I applaud the approach of our employee representatives during the negotiation and information stages of the enterprise bargaining process, and the interest and engagement of the broader employee group throughout the past 18 months.”

officers and the Service is the new classification structure and associated wages.

White Ribbon Accreditation

Over the past 12 months the QAS has been undertaking the White Ribbon Accreditation Program which accredits workplaces that are taking active steps to prevent and respond to domestic and family violence, with a particular emphasis on violence against women. On November 23, the QAS received its report from White Ribbon Australia advising our successful completion of the program. As such, the QAS is now proudly a White Ribbon accredited workplace. The results of our White Ribbon follow-up survey highlighted that staff within the QAS are now better able to recognise and identify different forms of domestic and family violence and feel better equipped to respond to staff members who may be affected.

We also saw considerable increases in people’s confidence in calling out inappropriate behaviour such as sexist language and jokes in the QAS. Our work in addressing domestic and family violence does not stop now that we are an accredited organisation. We have outlined our three-year plan to White Ribbon Australia for continuing our efforts in addressing domestic and family violence. Our White Ribbon Operational Plan has been designed to ensure that we continue to build on the positive work we have undertaken and commits us to these actions over the next three years. This will ensure that we continue to take these positive steps towards the creation of a future free from Domestic and Family Violence.

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Summer 2017–18

Briefs

Award-winnng QAS Research

A paper presented by CCP Lachlan Parker and co-authored by Dr Colin Page, Dr Steve Rashford, Dr Emma Bosley, Dr Kath Isorardi, Dr Fran Williamson and Dr Geoff Isbister has been awarded the Paramedics Australasia International Conference Best Paper Prize in Melbourne. The paper titled ‘A prospective before and after study of droperidol for pre-hospital Acute Behavioural Disturbance’ was a prospective observational study conducted in south-east Queensland as part of a quality assurance monitoring process to compare the safety and effectiveness of midazolam and droperidol for the management of acute behavioural disturbance (ABD). The study demonstrated that patients 16 years of age or older presenting with ABD and having a Sedation Assessment Tool score ≥+2, who were treated with droperidol (compared to midazolam) had a statistically significant:

 Reduction in adverse event rate  Reduction in time to sedation  Reduction in prehospital and hospital additional sedation requirements  Increased rate of successful sedation

“The paper presents compelling evidence that validates the introduction of droperidol for the management of ABD by QAS paramedics,’’ said Lachlan Parker. The full results will be released in the next edition of QAS INSIGHT.

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QAS tops charity soccer match

An emergency services charity soccer match that kicked off on the Sunshine Coast in November raised more than $4,000 to help a QAS paramedic’s son who is battling leukaemia. QAS and QPS took to the field at Sunshine Coast Stadium to raise funds for six-year-old Albie Batty, who requires ongoing treatment. Albie is the son of Amie Kirkwood, a paramedic with more than 20 years’ service to the Sunshine Coast community. The funds will be used to help continue Albie’s life-saving treatment at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital.

The charity match was part of an Emergency Services Open Day hosted by QAS and QPS and supported by Sunshine Coast Council, QFES, SES and Surf Life Saving Queensland. The event included a sausage sizzle, meet and greet with the local Sunshine Coast Emergency Services, an emergency service vehicle display, CPR awareness and other interactive displays. And while the real goal of the day was to raise funds for Albie, it was also rewarding that the final score of the match was 6-5 in favour of QAS thanks to a charity-driven penalty shoot-out.

Summer 2017–18

Schoolies Week 2017

On November 18, 22,000 school leavers from around Queensland descended on Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for Schoolies Week celebrations, with overall incident numbers showing an improvement on last year’s event.

The majority of presentations to the Ambulance Treatment Centre (ATC) were to monitor the school-leavers for alcohol intoxication, as well as for minor trauma and soft tissue injuries. The Queensland Health Mental Health tent was again a valuable asset to have within the ATC this year, as it is important that schoolies have ready access to this type of support.

Senior Operations Supervisor and Ambulance Commander for Schoolies 2017 Justin Payne said the schoolies were generally polite and accommodating to all requests from emergency services personnel. “Although alcohol intoxication was a frequent presentation during the week, it was also pleasing to see the Schoolies looking out for each other,” he said. “Unfortunately, it seemed that illicit drug use was more prevalent than in previous years.” Assistant Commissioner John Hammond agreed that Schoolies were generally well behaved this year. He said the majority of drug and alcohol intoxication incidents involving school leavers occurred in the Schoolies ‘hub’ – on the Esplanade and surrounds. “The numbers were down slightly from last year but seemed to follow similar patterns in terms of busy and quiet nights,’’ the AC said. “The Bicycle Response Team (BRT) operated throughout the event this year for the first time and was received extremely well by both the schoolies and other agencies.”

Patient Assessent Count

2017

2015 2016

58

Day 1 Saturday

48 41

84

Day 2 Sunday

68 93

78

Day 3 Monday

83 98

38

Day 4 Tuesday

83 55

4

90

Day 5 Wednesday

96 81

Above ■ Great response to the CPR tutorial on Day 1 of Schoolies. Below ■ The QAS Schoolies team pauses for a group photo before revelries begin in earnest: congratulations everyone, for a great week!

108

Day 6 Thursday

70 78

80

Day 7 Friday

66 104

Daily average

73 79 77

TOTALS

514 550 536

Summer 2017–18

Schoolies Week 2017

A look at Schoolies through the eyes of a ‘first-timer’ – by ACP2 Jack Fleming from Runaway Bay Station. "When you think of Schoolies, you think of wild teenagers, underage drinking, loud music, fights, drama and a whole bunch of vomiting. The reality was a very well-managed affair, with only a few people getting a touch too rowdy and winding up in our care or in the custody of QPS. "The tent this year was smoothly run by QAS and Queensland Health hospital staff, with the Red Frogs walking plenty of sick schoolies back to their accommodation. QPS had a massive presence on the streets and SES members were part of our own roving CRASH crews. The coverage provided was exceptional, with many schoolies being looked after in the streets. "My biggest surprise was the comparable lack of work for our transport crews on the first night. However, we did have work walk to us when a girl, while texting on her phone, faceplanted the ground in front of the ambulance. After rolling over – abrasions and all – she continued to message her boyfriend. (Thankfully, she was fine.) "For the most part, Schoolies was a happy-go-lucky celebration, quite a bit different to our usual busy weekends, but an experience I would repeat if given the opportunity!"

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Background ■ Jack Fleming in action at Schoolies Week 2017.

Summer 2017–18

On ya’ bike: new BRT rolls out on Gold Coast

As QAS ramps up preparations for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games – GC2018 – there is a new team already weaving its way through the glitter strip’s high-rises and big crowds to assess and treat patients.

“It just seemed like a job that was made for me – to be able to combine riding whilst at work and be involved in a program in its infancy, that’s really nice,” Jane said. “I love riding my bike – when I get to do it at work it’s even better.” The team tested its big-event capabilities during Schoolies where members honed their local knowledge. “Our hotel knowledge since Schoolies has lifted and continually improves everyday – we’re all getting really good at knowing where we’re going. “We now know the arcades – we know where we need to get to and we can utilise those arcades, smaller side streets and the malls as well.”

Launched in November, the team works seven days a week between 10am and 8pm. They cover an area from Southport down to Mermaid Beach and are riding Merida Big7 hardtail mountain bikes with safety livery, lighting and a primary response kit that includes an automatic external defibrillator (AED), advanced airway kit and major/minor trauma kit. First, though, they were put through a practical two-day training course with the Queensland Police Bike Squad, learning bike handling skills and maintenance. For former elite cyclist and Coral Gardens ACP2 Jane McDonald the BRT was an opportunity too good to pass up.

The smooth sound of nobbled tyres rolling along the Gold Coast’s pathways belies the urgency of the situation CCP Ricky Arnold and ACP2 Warren Herlt are about to face. It is 11:01am on a Monday and the pair has just been dispatched from the tourist strip’s iconic Cavil Mall. Utilising the bikeway along the Esplanade and Northcliffe Terrace, within three minutes the pair has reached Northcliffe Surf Club where a man has been pulled from the surf. Fortunately, the male patient is conscious but has swallowed water so is assessed and eventually transported to Gold Coast University Hospital in a road unit. What is different about this incident is that it is the first for the new Bicycle Response Team (BRT). The BRT was formed to bolster the QAS response to GC2018 – allowing paramedics to reach patients without having to negotiate traffic snarls, closed roads or pedestrian-only areas. In particular, Festival Zones in place during GC2018 are expected to draw large crowds and the BRT adds to the suite of response options available.

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Top ■ Training was rigorous and expertly conducted by experienced QPS officers.

Right ■ Media conference at the official launch, with BRT members and support vehicles behind.

Summer 2017–18

New BRT rolls out

“We get stopped for photos a lot, it’s really common for us to get flagged down,” Jane said. “People come up to us and want to talk about the bikes and want to have a chat to us.” With GC2018 only months away, anticipation is building, so much so this former Australian representative might even consider coming out of retirement. “I have too much respect for the athletes, I don’t think this old duck will be any match for them at all … in saying that I did come third in an enduro race on the weekend, so I’ll give it a crack,” Jane laughed.

Averaging around six to seven cases a day varying from near drownings, chest pains, collapsed patients and cut feet, the team are riding anywhere from 20 to 60 kilometres in a shift. “We’re riding hard, we’re really putting in, it adds a bit of excitement too,” Jane said. “It’s a really motivated, enthusiastic crew that we’ve got – everyone is really keen to make it work.” The team operates from a customised unit based on the Surfers Paradise beachfront and can be deployed to other areas if needed. Their visible presence has been well received by the general public.

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Top ■ The inaugural ride along the esplanade at Surfers Paradise turned heads. Above ■ BRT member Tara Hardy showing Assistant Commissioner Commonwealth Games Gerard Lawler some of their kit.

Left ■ The BRT including Ian Procter, Warren Herlt, Jane McDonald, Tara Hardy, Shane McEvoy and Ricky Arnold with Assistant Commissioner Commonwealth Games Gerard Lawler at Broadbeach Bowls Club.

Summer 2017–18

News from the Pacific Northwest Tony Hucker (aka ‘Aqua Man’) reports on his attendance at the Seattle Resuscitation Academy Program (October 9–12), his eye-opening ride along with one of the world’s premier paramedic teams (Medic One) and a surprising discovery about US coffee (not every brew needs 20 sugars for palatability).

Introduction The Resuscitation Academy (RA) has been running for a decade, hosted by Seattle and King County Medic One. Anne Doll is the Executive Director and pretty much the sole coordinator of the program. There is also strong leadership from Seattle and King County Medic One EMS Captains and Medical Directors. Purpose of program To improve global cardiac arrest survival. Two-day Resuscitation Academy Delivered on the grounds of the University of Washington, this two-day program brought together senior members of international ambulance services to improve survival from cardiac arrest. Australia has had a strong representation at both 2017 resuscitation academy programs. Australian attendance has been facilitated by the Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA). All Australian ambulance jurisdictions have now attended the Resuscitation Academy.

It was a real thrill to meet Professor Mickey Eisenberg. If you are a keen reader of resuscitation science you will know his work. Seattle has always had a strong international profile with its high cardiac arrest survival data. When you consider our data for return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and shockable rhythms, we compare quite favourably when you take into consideration our geography. It was so encouraging to listen to the Seattle police AED first responder program. All patrol units have AEDs and actively respond if in close proximity to a cardiac arrest call. One of the key mantras of the program is “it takes a system to save a victim.”

Above ■ Map of the greater Seattle region showing the various paramedic units receiving training by the Medic One Foundation.

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Summer 2017–18

Seattle

Left ■ Paramedic class at the

University of Washington’s Harborview Medical Center adjacent to downtown Seattle. Photo: Tony Hucker

Laerdal’s Q-CPR was utilised to monitor and improve the quality of our CPR. This is an excellent way of receiving CPR performance feedback, especially if you are practising alone. A great idea for single officer stations. Not to be outdone, our CPR master class is an excellent model too with some more emphasis on team work and improvement through our novel way of doing repetition drills. I also had a ride along with Seattle Fire Medic Paramedics. I have to say this was the highlight of the trip. All up, I spent 20 hours in the field and had a ball. Their system is quite different in that Fire is the primary EMS agency and 80% of their work is EMS. All firefighters are basic (BLS) EMTs. Pretty much advanced first aid and defibrillation, nothing invasive. They provide first response to all 911 calls. Paramedics (CCP equivalent) are career firefighters, who after five years’ service can apply for paramedic training. More about paramedic training later.

The Resuscitation Academy recommends the following 10 programs are required to provide the best overall system improvement to improve cardiac arrest survival: 1. Cardiac arrest registry 2. Telephone CPR 3. High performance CPR 4. Rapid dispatch 5. Measurement of professional Resuscitation (measuring CPR metrics etc) 6. First responder AED (police, fire etc) 7. CPR/AED training in schools 8. Smart technology (goodsam or pulse point etc) 9. Annual report 10. Culture of excellence The two-day Resuscitation Academy program was followed by a one day CPR Masterclass. The first half of the day was completing the high-performance CPR training program. The remainder of the day focused on delivering the program as an instructor.

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Background ■ A magnificent, pre-dawn panorama of the Seattle CBD and its famous Space Needle, looking south-east towards the equally distinctive shape of Mount Rainier in the distance.

Photo: Adobe Stock / Dschwen

Summer 2017–18

Right ■ Ladder Company response at a primary care centre, with the paramedic vehicle behind. Photo: Tony Hucker

Seattle ride along The first patient we attended demonstrated how their system works. First response was the local engine company with four firefighter/ EMTs. The two paramedic crew I was riding with arrived soon after. Three FF/EMTs were inside looking after the elderly male patient who was unwell with rapid atrial fibrillation. One of the team was waiting outside to direct us to the patient and assist bringing in the gear and stretcher (Stryker electric). When we walked in all the vital signs had been completed minus BGL. I am used to working in a two-tiered system, but what struck me with their system was some of the best teamwork I have seen in action. I am sure it has something to do with having six people on scene. This is a standard approach. We went to a family care centre (GP clinic) in one of Seattle’s leafy suburbs where there was a report of a young child having a seizure. The child was fine and was referred to a private ambulance company that is contracted to Seattle Fire to provide transport for low acuity cases. American Medical Response (AMR) is one of the biggest private ambulance companies in the USA and has the Seattle contract. They provide a basic EMT service and a very fast response. Every time we referred, they were arriving as we were walking out. The FF/EMTs stay with low acuity patients and provide the handover to AMR allowing the paramedics to clear early. Interestingly, the first responding FF/EMTs to this case were a Ladder Company. Their response vehicle was a semi-trailer ladder fire truck with one FF/EMT sitting in a rear cabin steering the back wheels of the truck. This is a very popular role, referred to as “the tiller” – it is massive!

We assessed a lady downtown who had overdosed. She collapsed on the street and got a spectacular response: two Engine Companies, a Ladder Company, paramedics and AMR. The Ladder Company did not stay, freeing up the street. To be fair, everyone cleared quickly and left the patient in the care of AMR. You can tell there is a very strong commitment to improving cardiac arrest outcomes. Their mantra is BLS owns CPR . The BLS response time target is six minutes and the ALS target is nine minutes. They get out of the station very fast and FF/EMTs drill to a very high level of performance. Paramedics back up and provide all the standard invasive care we are familiar with. The only differences I noted was the adult adrenaline dose is 0.5 mg and all cardiac arrests get intubated early. LMAs are only used after failed intubation at this point. I suspect this will change. One paramedic poked a bit of fun my way: “it’s because of you Aussies we have to now use a bougie to intubate.” I did get to see a cardiac arrest managed. The person power on scene was amazing – two engine companies, a supervisor (just passing by), paramedic crew, two paramedic students and me! This is not normal. There are usually fewer on scene. The lieutenant from the first responding engine company supervised the quality of CPR. This role is not hands-on and stands back with a laptop monitoring and making notes. They time the two-minute change over to the second. Their attention to CPR performance was first class. The resuscitation was stopped early as family called with a ‘do not resuscitate’ order. I have spoken about how their tiered system is quite different, being BLS and ALS, compared to the Australian model of ALS and ICP.

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Summer 2017–18

Seattle

Left ■ Representative Seattle paramedic ambulance. Photo: Tony Hucker

Training and beyond Firefighter EMT training is provided by external agencies. It is a requirement that EMT training is completed by the time the recruit firefighter graduates. After five years' service firefighter/ EMTs can apply for paramedic training. Paramedic training is an intensive 12-month program. Training is conducted at Harborview Medical Center, Seattle’s level one trauma centre. Harborview is also the Medic One (Paramedic Program) headquarters and station for Medic One and 10 paramedic units. I loved this level of integration: Paramedic Station and training on the grounds of a tertiary level hospital – a one-stop shop! Obviously, it is a very on-the-job program which gives it its strength. Being a medical control model where paramedics have to call in and get medical authority to provide most interventions, I thought their training may have a 'technician feel' to it. Having sat in their classroom and talked to students (wearing waist-length white coats like medical students) and listened to the interaction between supervising paramedics, I was pleasantly surprised. They adopt a very evidence-based approach to their care and clearly develop a sound depth of knowledge. I was very impressed.

Overall, I had a great time. The Medic One team took me to the biggest Starbucks I have ever seen. It was amazing and, believe it or not, made excellent coffee – cappuccino, flat white etc. This was after days of drinking their brewed stuff – 20 sugars makes it okay, by the way. I was showing off the new QAS uniform during my ride alongs and I got a lot of attention. On one case I was referred to as ‘aqua-man'! As it turns out, the reflective markings on the lower legs of the trousers look like fish scales. It is okay, I’ve been called worse! A final word on their vehicles – no surprises, they are big! – and based on a Ford 450 or 550 chassis with a single centre-mounted stretcher. They were pretty standard but there is so much space. There is easy 360 degree access to the patient. Their new design is even bigger. They have had to move away from side-facing bench seats for obvious reasons, but disappointed they can now sit only four attendants in the back. They take two students at a time. They still do crazy 24hr shifts: 24-on, 48-off then 24-on, 96-off. They love it! I would encourage ride alongs wherever you can get them. Not only are they fascinating but also very motivating.

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More information and links

Above ■ The ‘aqua-man’ himself, back on the job after his informative trip to the Pacific Northwest. Photo: QAS Media

Medic One Foundation  http://www.mediconefoundation.org/ King County Medic One  http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/emergency-medical-services/medic-one.aspx

 https://www.facebook.com/KCMedic1/ Seattle Fire Department Medic One  https://www.seattle.gov/fire/medics/medicOne.htm Seattle & King County Emergency Medical Services System  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_%26_King_County_Emergency_Medical_Services_System Harborview Medical Centre  http://www.uwmedicine.org/harborview Dr Mickey Eisenberg  https://em.uw.edu/faculty/mickey-eisenberg-md-mph-phd  https://publichealthinsider.com/2015/05/22/why-king-countys-ems-is-the-best-in-the-world-qa-with-mickey-eisenberg/  https://www.totalpolitics.com/articles/interview/heart-problem-interview-prof-mickey-eisenberg

Summer 2017–18

Paramedic registration: Countdown to implementation in late 2018

Recruitment and appointments ■ First appointments to inaugural National Board advertised (April 2017) ■ Health Ministers made appointments (October 2017)

Timeline to date September 2015 Australian Health Ministers endorse National Registration April 2016 Ministers support amendment to the National Law April 2017 Call for applications for inaugural Paramedicine Board of Australia May 2017 Applications closed June 2017 Consideration by the Queensland Parliament of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law

Be engaged ■ The Board will develop and consult on registration standards, codes and guidelines ■ When consultations are open for input, they will be shown on the Board website

Approval and decisions ■ National Board will submit recommended registration standards to Ministers for approval ■ Accreditation arrangements will be decided by the Board ■ List of approved programs will be decided by the Board

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Registration o pen ►► Log in to your AHPRA account and apply for registration and provide all requested documents (mid-2018)

and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 July 2017

QAS Commissioner advised Queensland Parliamentary Committee on registration September 2017 Bill passed by Queensland Parliament; legislation received

Assess and decide ■ AHPRA will assess your application ■ The Board will decide if you meet the requirements for registration ■ Paramedics will be advised of registration outcome

Royal Assent October 2017 Members appointed to Paramedicine Board of Australia

Paramedics regulated under NRAS Go-live in late 2018

2017

2018

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Bill passed by Queensland Parliament

Paramedicine Board of Australia members appointed

Legislation received Royal Assent

Summer 2017–18

Paramedic registrations update

Paramedicine Board of Australia

The national regulation of paramedicine moves a step closer with the appointment of the first Paramedicine Board of Australia. Health Ministers made the announcement of the nine-person board at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Health Council meeting held on October 19, 2017.

Paramedicine will be the 15th registered health profession in Australia and is the first profession to be regulated under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme since 2012. Associate Professor Stephen Gough asm has been appointed as practitioner member from Queensland and National Board Chair; here is an insight into his views of the future. What is the most exciting thing about the national registration of paramedics under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme? The decision to include paramedics under the National Registration Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) recognises the level of education, skills, competence and importance paramedic practice has within Australian communities. Moving to a registered practitioner professional practice model assures the community that the paramedic healthcare provider meets national standards and is accountable for the services they deliver to the community. Paramedics are ideally placed to take on complementary and evolving roles within the Australian healthcare system. Registration contributes to ensuring quality, transparency and accountability in healthcare practise by healthcare professionals. 

What skills and experience do you bring to the Board? I have a passion for the development of the paramedic profession and health service delivery models, innovation and change, particularly in the enhancement of the provision of health services to rural Australians. In my role as a health leader, my experience has included: policy, planning, resourcing; clinical practice redesign, clinical workforce education and training, organisational redesign, leadership and health service governance, management capability and development, organisational change and the development of professional practice standards. I have had the privilege of representing ambulance services and the paramedic profession nationally in various roles including as the Secretary of the Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA), Executive Board Member of the Australian National Rural Health Alliance, Committee, Director of the CAA Paramedic Education Programs Accreditation Scheme (PEPAS) and several ministerial committee appointments. What is the Board working on right now? The Paramedicine Board of Australia is releasing a set of mandatory standards for paramedics from mid- December 2017 for pu lic consultation. This is a chance to have your say. Contact the Board at paramedicin @ahpra.gov.au by February 9, 2018. Chair of CAA National Ambulanc Educ tion

What do you hope to achieve during your time with the Board? The big challenge is to have everything in place to allow for the registration of paramedics by late 2018. Amongst other things, mandatory standards for the profession need to be approved by the COAG Health Council, paramedics need to get all the requisite information to AHPRA to provide for the processing of their registration applications, as well as publishing information for paramedics regarding their continuing professional development (CPD) requir ments. It will be a busy but exciting year, but I am confident that the inaugural members of the Board are up to the challenge. Where do you think the paramedicine profession will be in three y ars and what do you think this means for protection of the public? The paramedic profession has seen monumental change in practise over recent decades and now a comprehensive set of skills and technologies to provide world cla s service to Australian communities. The next three years will present equally exciting changes alongside regulation of the profession and the registration of paramedics. Paramedics will work closely with their health practitioner colleagues in evolving roles to meet the increasing demand for health services, s eking innovation and n w pathways in providing best quality healthcare.

Associate Professor Stephen Gough asm Stephen is currently the QAS Assistant Commissioner, Capability and Development and is a career paramedic and senior executive who has worked in the ambulance and health sectors for almost four decades. He has worked in four ambulance services across the states and territories. He holds a range of tertiary credentials as well as adjunct appointments at four Australian universities and has been clinically qualified at both advanced life-support and intensive-care levels.

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For enquiries about registration, email: Registration.update@ambulance.qld.gov.au

Summer 2017–18

Employee engagement in practice

In 2017, QAS embarked on a campaign to engage with a broad range of our employees via face-to-face employee forums. These were designed to engage staff at all levels of the QAS to shape and design the future of the workforce and hear issues affecting all employees.

The employee forums produced some very meaningful conversations and insights into the issues facing our workforce. Participants at the forums were challenged to raise issues and suggest innovative and practical workforce solutions. As a result of the forums, the QAS has commenced implementing some key changes required in response to the issues raised. To coordinate these actions, the QAS has established an Implementation Group which will be responsible for refining the suggestions from each of the four forums and develop them into meaningful actions and initiatives. This group includes staff from across the QAS and will be sponsored by Michael Metcalfe, Executive Director, Corporate Services. Action has already commenced to resolve some of the issues raised at the forum, as outlined in the table on the opposite page. These activities are the first steps QAS has taken to begin to address some of the many issues raised at the workforce forums. Due to the complex nature of some of the other issues raised at the forums the Implementation Group, in conjunction with the QAS Executive, will be working to further develop the actions to address them.

The employee engagement forums came from a desire by the QAS Executive to further understand the general themes that have arisen from consecutive Working for Queensland Staff Survey results and have explored issues such as workplace flexibility, workplace bullying, red tape, organisational fairness, workload and health and reward and recognition. In total, there were four employee forums held throughout 2017, with one specifically dedicated to issues faced by our graduate paramedics as a direct result of feedback received from the first two forums. The timing of the first employee forum, close to International Women’s Day, also provided the QAS with a unique opportunity to bring approximately 100 women together from across the Service. Overall, approximately 400 employees from across the state participated in our employee forums this year. The 2017 employee forums have enabled all members of the QAS Executive to engage personally with a broad range of operational and corporate employees from all LASNs and classification levels and hear first-hand issues that are affecting them. Toachieve thiswewill: Patientsfirst Healthand safety

Know your comm to WHS October marks National Safe Work Month and will refle sharing safety knowledge and experience benefits wit There is no better time to familiarise yourself with QAS of Commitment to Workplace Health and Safety.

DepartmentofHealth QueenslandAmbulanceService

Statement of Commitment WorkplaceHealthandSafety

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A corevalueof theQueenslandAmbulanceService (QAS) is thehealth,safety andwell-beingofourselves,ourpatientsandothers. Theability to care for ourpatients reliesdirectlyonourownsafetyand thisshallbeakeyunderpinning factorsupporting theprovisionofqualityambulanceandpatientcareservices.

» Complywithall relevant legislative requirements includingstandardsand codes ofpractice. » Takeall reasonable care for thehealthandsafetyofourselves,our colleagues atworkandourpatients. » Makemanagersandsupervisors responsible for implementing thispolicyas an integralpartof theiraccountabilities. » Promotesystemsthatwillminimiseharmthroughtheidentificationofhazards, effectiveand timely investigationof incidentsand theappropriate control of risks. » Ensureeverypersonisfitfordutyandisabletodeliverourservicesina professional,safeand competentmanner. » Provideearly intervention followingaworkplace injuryor illness tooptimise recoveryandpromoteanearlyandsafe return towork. » Seekcontinuous improvement inoursafetysystems through consultation, technology,workpracticesandhealthandsafetyperformance. » Monitorand reviewQASstandards toenablebestpractice inall thatwedo.

Ideas intoaction

O ctober 2017 marked National Safe Work Month and reflected the theme ‘sharing safety knowledge and experience benefits everyone.’ It is important for everyone to familiarise yourself with the QAS’s new Statement of Commitment to Workplace Health and Safety . Executive appointments confirmed The permanent appointment of Dee Taylor-Dutton as Deputy Commissioner, Service Planning and P rformance, and Michael Metcalfe as Ex cutive Director, Corporate Services, were announced by Commissioner Russell Bowles in early October. “These two highly respected officers have more than four decades of combined experience in the delivery of ambulance services and I’m very pleased to confirm their permanent appointments to these key executive roles,” the Commissioner said. R ad t on th QAS P rtal at: http://bit.ly/2xwUe16 There is no better time to familiarise yourself with QAS’s new Statement of Com itment to Workplace Health and Safety. Know your com it ent to WH This isourcommitment toyou. Know your commitment to WHS October marks National Safe Work Month and will reflect the theme – sharing safety knowledge and experience benefits with everyone. RussellBowles ASM Commissioner QueenslandAmbulanceService Dateeffective: 01September2017 Reviewdate: 01September2020 Read it on the QAS Portal at: http://bit.ly/2xwUe16

Unleash potential

DepartmentofHealth QueenslandAmbulanceService

Becourageous

Statement of Commitment WorkplaceHealthandSafety

Empowerpeople

A corevalueof theQueenslandAmbulanceService (QAS) is thehealth,safety andwell-beingofourselves,ourpatientsandothers. Theability to care for ourpatients reliesdirectlyonourownsafetyand thisshallbeakeyunderpinning factorsupporting theprovisionofqualityambulanceandpatientcareservices.

694QAS

Patientsfirst

Toachieve thiswewill:

» Complywithall relevant legislative requirements includingstandardsand codes ofpractice. » Takeall reasonable care for thehealthandsafetyofourselves,our colleagues atworkandourpatients. » Makemanagersandsupervisors responsible for implementing thispolicyas an integralpartof theiraccountabilities. » Promotesystemsthatwillminimiseharmthroughtheidentificationofhazards, effectiveand timely investigationof incidentsand theappropriate control of risks. » Ensureeverypersonisfitfordutyandisabletodeliverourservicesina professional,safeand competentmanner. » Provideearly intervention followingaworkplace injuryor illness tooptimise recoveryandpromoteanearlyandsafe return towork. » Seekcontinuous improvement inoursafetysystems through consultation, technology,workpracticesandhealthandsafetyperformance. » Monitorand reviewQASstandards toenablebestpractice inall thatwedo.

Healthand safety

Ideas intoaction

Unleash potential

This isourcommitment toyou.

Becourageous

RussellBowles ASM Commissioner QueenslandAmbulanceService

Dateeffective: 01September2017 Reviewdate: 01September2020

Empowerpeople

694QAS

Summer 2017–18 Executive appoint ents confirmed The permanent appointment of Dee Taylor-Dutton as Deputy Commissioner, Service Planning and Performance, and Michael Metcalfe as Executive Director, Corporate Services, were announced by Commissioner Russell Bowles in

Employee forums update

Issue raised

Description

Action taken

Addressing the gap in information and communication, particularly human resources procedures, guides, information and other resources that are available across a range of topics.

HR News articles are now being sent to all employees in QAS to ensure that everyone receives important updates and information first hand and at the time of release. A more appropriate process driven by the QAS to better recognise service and achievements is being implemented. As an initial step, the QAS has revised its QAS HR Procedure – Flexible Work Arrangements. Further work will occur in this area and will be a key issue of review for the Implementation Group. As an immediate measure, the Commissioner issued a directive advising all LASNs that access to single day AT leave is available, subject to operational requirements being met. Updated and new resources, including links and information about the ‘get healthy’ program, are now available on the QAS portal via the QHEPS website. Further work has begun in this area and will be progressed through a joint union and management Fitness for Duty Working Group .

Communication of policy and procedures

Employee recognition process

Employees having to apply for their own recognition of service medals.

Employees reported concerns with shift overruns, and achieving work-life balance via flexible shift arrangements.

Workforce flexibility

Employees reported inconsistencies across LASNs in relation to the accessing of single day Accrued Time (AT) leave.

Single-day Accrued Time (AT) access

Employees wanted more information, support and resources to help better manage health and wellbeing and to manage the impacts of shift work.

Health and wellbeing

Employees commented on the complexities of the complaints management process, particularly that many employees do not understand the process and how it is managed; additionally, there were concerns about complaints not being managed appropriately. Employees were concerned about the lack of recognition of staff acting in higher positions, in particular the inability of the employee acting to wear the epaulettes for the higher position during the period of higher duties.

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The Commissioner issued a specific communiqué to all employees regarding the Complaints Management procedure and how to access procedures to lodge a complaint.

Complaints management

In June 2017, the Commissioner issued a communiqué advising operational staff that they can wear the rank of an acting position while acting in a higher position, effective immediately. A review of the process was undertaken and compassionate transfer requests have now been centralised for Paramedic, Patient Transport Officer (PTO) and Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) roles. Information can be found on the Human Resources page on the QAS portal.

Recognition of employees acting in higher roles

Employees raised concerns regarding the consistency and transparency in decision making related to compassionate transfers.

Compassionate transfers

Employee engagement forums will continue in 2018 on the back of their success this year and there will be further opportunities for participation from employees in these forums. In the meantime, employees are welcome to submit their views, ideas or suggestions to: QAS.Commissioner@ambulance.qld.gov.au

Summer 2017–18