Dr Louise Park1
1NRHL, Auckland, NZ
Abstract:
On a daily basis, our teams are faced with huge mental and physical demands as a result of challenging work conditions in remote locations, complex medical and operational missions, limited resource and the need to process overwhelming amounts of information in a time-critical manner.
Our resilience, both at individual and team levels, and our ability to provide optimal patient care, are dependent on the ability of our crews to thrive under pressure. In other words, resilience is intricately linked to performance.
Almost anyone can learn the technical skills of how to intubate a neonate; To ultrasound an abdomen to identify a belly full of blood; To obtain central venous access so that you can give a life-saving blood transfusion. But how do we do this when external stimuli and distractions (light, noise, rain) are overwhelming our bandwidth, our heart rate and blood pressure are high, palms are sweaty, tunnel vision is setting in?
The zero point survey is a relatively recent concept used in the critical care setting to describe steps taken prior to performing the primary survey in order to optimise outcome in a resuscitation. It incorporates the elements of Self, Team and Environment. By directing wellness initiatives towards enhancing individual and team resilience and preparedness, we can give ourselves and our teams the best chance at performing at a high level and feeding back into the positive cycle of wellness.
Biographies:
Louise is an emergency specialist, and has also been working with the Northern Rescue Helicopter as a pre-hospital and retrieval doctor for the last 7 years. She has recently relocated to Christchurch to be closer to family and the mountains. Louise is passionate about wellness, human factors, and health equity.