QAS INSIGHT | Summer 2017-18 edition

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