Mr Marty Nichols1
1NSW Ambulance, Helicopter Operations, Bankstown Aerodrome, Australia
Background
The NSW Ambulance HEMS service operates in unique environments everyday. Due to the geographical features of NSW (vast coastline and the great divding range) a need exists for a capability for clinical care to be able to be provided in remote and austere areas. In NSW this is acheived through Critical Care Paramedics (CCPs). CCPs are ICPs, who are also trained to work as part of a medical team, to be a down-the-wire rescue crewman and also as a independant remote area operator.
Purpose
To outline how a specialist skillset is being ulitised to bring a high level of mediacl care to indviduals who are ill or injured in remote and/or austere environments in NSW.
To outline the training that CCPs undertake to be able to operate in remote areas. This environment includes; remote bushland, canyons, cliffs & aquatic environments.
Linkage to theme
When training to operate in remote and austere environments is part of the core training, skills and abilities of one of the members of your HEMS team then being able to respond during periods of floods, bushfires, and other natural disasters is made easier.
Interest
This presentation will be of interest to any attendees who work as part of a HEMS service.
Biography:
Marty is a career paramedic who has worked for NSW Ambulance for 20 years. The last 10 years has seen Marty work full time in HEMS. Currently a Critical Care Paramedic Educator at the Aeromedical Crewing Excellence Training Centre (ACE-TC), Marty instructs in all areas of paramedic HEMS practice, including; clinical and critical care, remote and austere access and patent care, HUET & the down-the-wire rescue crewman role.
Marty is an Adjunct Lecturer at Charles Sturt University, and Adjunct Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney and is on the Board of Directors for the Australasian College of Paramedicine.