Changing Lives Podcast

From the ambulance station, the event arena, to the extreme remote areas of outback Australia, careers in emergency health care would have to be one of the most diverse of any industry.   In this episode of the podcast, we interview Terry Urquhart - a business owner, entrepreneur and remote area paramedic, who alongside his wife Janet, operate Rescue-1, their family-owned training and medical services business based in Townsville, North Queensland.   For 20 years, Rescue-1 have offered first aid and WHS training and pioneered a highly specialized remote health and medical emergency service for remote workforces, including many of Australia’s largest mining exploration and infrastructure projects.   In this episode, Terry opens up the world of remote paramedicine, the growing demand for providers and jobs, and how the sector has evolved over the last few decades to serve as the highest safety authority for remote workforces.   TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:  • The multifaceted role of a Remote Area Paramedic  • Providing health prevention vs emergency response services  • The story of the “Pipeline Paramedics”  • Resilience and why it’s critical to know how to change a tyre  • The importance of “family” in the service, and the short phone call that changed the course of Terry’s career  • The interstate three-tiered cake!  • How Terry invented the widely successful “Rescue Bandage”  • And more!   Paramedics of Terry’s experience and caliber are a very small count, which is why anyone who wants to learn more about the different career paths that emergency health care can provide, will not want to miss this fascinating discussion.   We trust you enjoy this episode as much as we did, and if so, please like it, rate it, write a comment or review and share it with a friend.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   This Podcast is brought to you by the Australian Paramedical College – a leading provider of Emergency Health Care Training in Australia.    Find out more here: www.apcollege.edu.au/?utm_source=podcast   Not sure you have what it takes to become a Remote Area Paramedic? Get your personalised career development plan here: https://apcollege.edu.au/paramedic-quiz-1.php/?ref=podcast  RTO 32513

In this rapidly changing world, mental health and mental illness is becoming more common to deal with as health care providers. On the other hand, due to the nature of our work, we are also at risk of experiencing mental health conditions ourselves. In the world of mental health first aid, there are very few more experienced and passionate than our guest in this episode, Angela Driscoll. For over two decades, Angela has coordinated the Chill Out Zone - a world-first late-night support service in the heart of Gold Coast’s nightlife precincts - Surfer’s Paradise and Broadbeach. With a background in special education for young people with behavioral disorders and family support work with young offenders, Angela leads a team from sunset until sunrise that provides a safe respite from the nightlife including attending to exhaustion, conflict, mental health episodes, first aid emergencies, and drug intoxication and overdose. In this episode, Angela reveals why mental health is EVERYONE’s concern, and that just like your physical health, you need to be proactive now more than ever about keeping in good mental shape, especially if you’re a health care worker. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: · What fuels Angela’s 20+ year passion for front line mental health support work · What mental health is (and isn’t) · What’s contributing to the growing prevalence of mental illness · Mental health risk factors for health care workers · The warning signs for both patient AND professional · Best techniques to respond to mental health episodes · The surprising best practices to maintain good mental health · And more! We’re sure you’ll agree, it’s courageous conversations like this one that contribute to the eroding of the long-standing stigma of mental health and illness, so that we can better support each other and our communities to acknowledge and combat mental illness. We trust you enjoy this episode as much as we did, and if so, please like it, rate it, write a comment or review and share it with a friend.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Podcast! In episode 1 of this new season, we were extremely fortunate to sit down with Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) and paramedic student mentor, Ricky Smyth. As well as getting an insight into the role of a CCP, you’ll hear Ricky’s unique and invaluable perspective on the paramedic service and common challenges for those starting out in their emergency health care career. In his 30+ years in the field and on the road, Ricky has seen and done it all... and we mean ALL! Some of his past and present roles include: Single Responder Paramedic Various Station Office in charge roles Peer Support Officer (of 20 years) Medic in the Royal Australia Navy Mentor to Critical Care Paramedic interns, paramedic students and graduates University lecturer and sessional tutor Despite his extensive resume (which also includes being awarded “Qld Paramedic of the Year” in 2001), he is refreshingly humble, which makes listening to Ricky all the more enjoyable. In Ricky's words, “I'm just a monk, you know, I'm just doing my thing. Just being a humble, sort of, old servant doing my bit. That's how I see myself now is just, I really enjoy, you know, tutoring, mentoring, sharing my knowledge. Working with a partner, having a good laugh during the day, helping people, um, and going whichever way they want me to go.” TOPICS WE COVER INCLUDE: Ricky’s career journey from Navy Medic at 15 years of age Joining the state ambulance service in the 90s (with a tackle box!) A day in the life of a CCP Successful off-duty delivery of a neighbour’s twin breech birth Mental health for paramedics The paramedic’s kryptonite Ricky’s mantra of “No one dies in pain; No one dies afraid; No one dies alone” Death and being there for a stranger in their final moments The role of Peer Support Officer What makes a great paramedic Ricky’s best advice for those starting out in their paramedic career (with a surprising answer) We trust you enjoy this episode as much as we did, and if so, please like it, rate it, write a comment or review and share it with a friend. DID YOU KNOW WE'RE ON YOUTUBE? Watch all our episodes and episode highlights in full HD video at >>> https://bit.ly/3bpLbCN The Changing Lives Podcast is brought to you by Australian Paramedical College.  Get your free personalised Health Care Career Development Plan now at >>> https://apcollege.edu.au 

Our guest on the show is Caleb Love, a practicing on-road paramedic, father of three and owner and operator of "Mr Paramedic" - which provides first aid and emergency training, medical supplies and event medical services across Australia.  After Without any formal business training, Caleb has built his multi-service business by filling the need he saw as a working paramedic, in educating and equipping the community to respond more effectively to medical emergencies. Youngest of eight kids, Caleb dreamed of being a paramedic as a teenager but was told he was too young to pursue it. So he became a registered nurse but never took his mind off his ultimate goal. Caleb completing a bridging course and soon landed a job in the state ambulance service. He shares some stories of significant moments from his career journey, from his first cardiac arrest call out and to losing a patient, that inspired him to want to be an community educator and mentor for paramedic students. Caleb is a great example of the diversity of career opportunities in field of emergency health care and how he has designed a career around his skills, passion, family and financial goals.  We really hope you enjoy this episode and PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW this episode, and share it with a friend who might be interested. To find out more about Caleb's business "Mr Paramedic" and it's many services and initiatives including the Student Save Lives Incursion and EVERy Minute Matters, go to: https://www.mrparamedic.com.au/

If you thought there was only one type of paramedic, or that all emergency was high pressure flashing lights and sirens, think again.  This episode of Changing Lives is the first of a two part interview with Advanced Care Paramedic, Jamie Hibbert.  Jamie currently operates with an extended scope as a Local Area Response Unit (LARU) Officer for the Queensland Ambulance Service.  He works solo, responding to low acuity cases and loves how the role provides him more time with patients and more options for both assessment and referral.  In this episode you'll learn about the range different roles with the ambulance service and an in depth insight into the role of a LARU officer, and why it could be a great match for your skill set, particularly if you're a people-oriented person, with attention to detail and who loves a bit of detective work.  Jamie also has an inspiring career story and mature perspective to glean from for anyone interested in becoming a paramedic or being a better one!

This is a special episode of the Changing Lives Podcast as we catch up with the "boss man", CEO of Australian Paramedical College — Peter Evans.   Our conversation captures covers Pete's personal career story from working hot food stands, lifeguarding, becoming a world champion kayaker and how a chance opportunity to work FIFO in the mines and his innate desire to help others who wanted to do the same, led to him developing career information websites and eventually founding the largest private paramedical college in Australia.  A large part of the college's success is Pete's innovative approach to both career guidance and online education. We discussion how he built a team of course advisors, support staff and trainers with a single-minded focus on student success, and being adaptable to changes in student needs, the industry and society, like the COVID-19 pandemic.   We also touch on the future of learning from his perspective, and some of the things the college is currently testing and researching to level up the training experience and career outcomes for students.  If you are interested in getting an insight into the Australian Paramedical College and the man at the wheel, then don't miss this one!

In this episode, we catch up with Erin Eames, a State Emergency Services Deputy Rescue Officer and student of paramedical science. We discuss the many varied aspects of her role as a Deputy Rescue Officer, and hear first hand, her frontline experience battling the notorious bushfires that ravaged across Australia last summer. Erin explains what the SES is and what is like being on team, including the weekly training and comradery that builds from being engaged in the rescue effort. Erin also discusses her experiences at clinical workshops as part of her Diploma of Paramedical Science at the Australian Paramedical College, and how her volunteer work has given her a passion and preparation for a career in emergency health.

This episode of the Changing Lives podcast is Part one of our two part interview with married couple and emergency services power duo, Luke & Sybilla Ingwersen. For 24 years now, Luke has served as a professional lifeguard for the city of Gold Coast, and Sybilla a Fire Fighter of 6 years. Luke found his home on the sunny beaches of Gold Coast after lifeguarding in the USA, UK & Japan. The satisfaction he gained from doing a job he loved inspired Sybilla to pursue a career as a Firey with the Queensland Fire Emergency Service.  "She was working in the bank, and she saw, every day, how I loved getting out and going to work and doing my job. And she loved aspects of the bank, but then dealing with money and customers, sometimes, would be a strain and, What can you do that you're going to love as much as I do?" Luke says. They both share a love for their respective jobs, as well as a self-confessed obsession with all things fitness, swimming, the ocean and water sports in general. In fact, they are both record breakers in the pool, and Sybilla was part of the 2000 Australian Olympic swim team. Being at their physical and mental peak is not just about winning records, but more importantly about being their best to fulfil their role when lives are on the line.  "You just don't want to let anyone down. It's really important to us to not let anyone down. We've signed up for this role to serve the community, and we want to make sure that we're in our best way to be able to do our job. So it's sleeping, it's exercising, it's good health," says Sybilla. In this really fun and inspiring interview we go into the physical, mental and the often-underrated soft skills required to serve as a professional emergency responder. Their journey as individuals and their experience as a couple provides a unique perspective on the passion and dedication it takes to work in emergency care.

In our first episode, we outline our plans and purpose for the Changing Lives Podcast and why we're very excited to tell the stories of passionate people making a difference in the field emergency health care. We also go into the backstories of our hosts, Tim Buxton and Ben Cleaver and their experience in emergency health and humanitarian work, from New York to Iraq, from the front lines of war to the pursuit of making the teaching of lifesaving skills relevant and fun.