Ms Jacqueline Hennessy1,2, Mr Duncan McConnell2,3
1St John Ambulance PNG, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 2EMS Global, Gold Coast, Australia, 3Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
Abstract:
In resource-constrained settings like Papua New Guinea and Mongolia, where temperatures soar to +35 degrees and plummet to -35 degrees respectively, providing critical care becomes an arduous challenge. Our presentation aims to address this challenge by exploring the purpose, nature, and scope of teaching aeromedical skills to clinicians in such environments.
The purpose of our presentation is to shed light on the critical need for equipping clinicians in low-middle income countries with aeromedical skills tailored to extreme climates. We delve into the ature and scope of this topic by examining the unique challenges posed by environmental conditions and limited resources, which hinder the delivery of effective critical care.
The issue under consideration revolves around the disparity in access to training and resources, which compromises the quality of care provided in aeromedical emergencies. Lack of appropriate skills and knowledge exacerbates the already precarious situation, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates.
Through our analysis, we aim to highlight the importance of targeted training programs and resource allocation to address this issue. By providing clinicians with specialized aeromedical training suited to extreme climates, we can enhance their capacity to deliver timely and effective critical care, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
In conclusion, our presentation advocates for concerted efforts to bridge the gap in aeromedical training and resources in low-middle income countries facing extreme climatic conditions. By doing so, we can ensure that clinicians are adequately prepared to navigate the highs and lows of critical care in challenging environments, thereby saving lives and improving health outcomes.
Biographies:
Duncan McConnell, with over 25 years of experience in prehospital care and emergency services, has been instrumental in developing and enhancing healthcare delivery in low and middle-income countries. His extensive background spans various roles, including paramedic, educator, and managerial positions. Duncan has collaborated with organizations such as the Ministry of Health in the Republic of the Maldives, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea’s St John Ambulance Service, and the World Health Organization. He has played a key role in establishing national ambulance services, redesigning prehospital care responses, and advancing critical care transport. Duncan’s global approach involves leveraging expertise from Australia, Canada, and the USA to improve healthcare standards worldwide. He holds leadership positions in organizations like the Global Paramedic Higher Education Council™ (GPHEC), the International College of Advanced Practice Paramedics (I-CAPP), and the Australasian Institute of Paramedic Practitioners (AIPP). Active as a paramedic in acute and primary healthcare, Duncan’s work epitomizes the pursuit of innovative and life-changing healthcare delivery methods.
Jacquie Hennessy is an Executive Director for St John Ambulance Papua New Guinea. Credentialed as a Specialist Paramedic (Flight and Tactical), she has been working within emergency medical services in Papua New Guinea and Australia for the last decade. The team she currently leads is responsible for clinical governance, innovation and education for the National Ambulance Service. Jacquie also commands and coordinates the St John Air Medical Retrieval Service and the Ambulance Special Operations and Rescue Team. She has further tertiary education in Emergency Management, Health Service Leadership and Tactical Medicine.