This week, Aebhric OKelly talks with Michael Templeton, a flight paramedic for International SOS, and shares insights into his role, training, and experiences working in Guyana. He discusses the daily routines of a flight paramedic, the importance of training and qualifications, and the challenges faced in a tropical environment. Michael emphasises the need for confidence and leadership skills in emergency medical services and highlights the significance of postgraduate education in making informed decisions in critical situations. He also addresses safety concerns in Guyana and the measures taken to mitigate risks. In this conversation, Michael Templeton shares his extensive experiences in austere medicine, focusing on safety protocols, real-life rescue operations, and his response to the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone. He emphasises the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and continuous learning for medical professionals working in challenging environments.

Takeaways

Michael Templeton has over six years of experience as a flight paramedic.

He works in Guyana, primarily in oil and gas operations.

A typical day includes meetings, briefings, and equipment checks.

There is only one paramedic on duty at a time.

Working in a busy EMS is essential for gaining confidence.

Postgraduate education aids in decision-making for complex cases.

Safety measures are crucial when working in high-risk environments.

Paramedics must be prepared to make quick decisions.

Training in various medical and rescue techniques is essential.

Mitigating risks is key to ensuring safety in Guyana.

Safety protocols are crucial in austere environments.

Real-life rescue operations can be unpredictable and challenging.

Injured individuals may require improvised care in remote locations.

Understanding the risks and limitations of rescue missions is essential.

Ebola response requires strict hygiene and safety measures.

Teamwork and communication are vital in emergency situations.

New medics should learn from experienced colleagues in the field.

Adaptability is key when working in austere conditions.

Continuous learning and skill development are important for medical professionals.

Building relationships with local staff can enhance operational effectiveness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Flight Paramedicine

02:55 A Day in the Life of a Flight Paramedic

06:10 Training and Qualifications for Flight Paramedics

08:53 Preparing for a Career in Flight Paramedicine

11:54 The Importance of Postgraduate Education

14:57 Safety and Risks in Guyana

25:55 Safety Protocols in Austere Environments

26:42 Real-Life Rescue Operations

38:59 Ebola Response in Sierra Leone

47:45 Advice for New Medics in Austere Medicine

This week, Aebhric OKelly talks with Daniele Manno, a graduate of the CoROM Remote Paramedic programme. He shares his unique journey from being a pilot to a paramedic, emphasising the importance of wilderness medicine and survival training. He discusses his experiences in clinical practice, particularly in trauma care, and reflects on the challenges and rewards of teaching remote life support courses. Daniele also highlights the need for a broader understanding of medical practices in austere environments and offers advice for new medics entering the field.

Takeaways

Daniele transitioned from a 30-year career as a pilot to medicine at age 50.

He emphasises that survival skills alone are insufficient without medical knowledge.

Wilderness medicine training is crucial for those leading outdoor activities.

Daniele's remote life support courses cover a wide range of medical situations.

He believes curiosity is essential for deeper learning in medicine.

His clinical experience in Africa provided hands-on learning opportunities.

Daniele advocates for the recognition of paramedics in Italy's healthcare system.

He stresses the importance of being broad-minded in austere medicine.

Daniele's teaching aims to inspire students to pursue further medical education.

He encourages new medics to be prepared for diverse medical challenges.

Chapters

00:00 From Pilot to Paramedic: A Unique Journey

09:13 The Importance of Wilderness Medicine

15:35 Transitioning to Remote Paramedic Training

27:38 Experiences in Clinical Practice

31:48 Preparing for the Future of Medicine

This week, Aebhric O’Kelly talks with Nick Hill about his extensive experience in military nursing, detailing his journey from the New Zealand Defence Force to the Danish military. He discusses the roles he has held, the challenges faced in various environments, and the importance of improvisation in medical practice. Nick emphasises the need for continuous learning and adaptation in austere medicine, drawing insights from his Austere Emergency Care course participation. He also highlights the cultural differences between military practices in different countries and the importance of collaboration in improving medical care.

Takeaways

Soldering is a universal concept across different militaries.

Improvisation is crucial in austere medical settings.

Continuous learning is essential for medical professionals.

Cultural differences impact military medical practices.

The importance of teamwork in emergency care.

Adaptation and improvisation can enhance clinical practice.

Engaging civilians in medical training is vital.

Nordic countries show a strong commitment to medical readiness.

Understanding logistics is key in prolonged field care.

Seek knowledge from diverse sources for better practice.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nick Hill's Military Journey

03:12 Roles and Responsibilities in New Zealand's Military

05:57 Transitioning to Denmark and Cultural Differences

09:00 Experiences in Australia and Unique Challenges

11:56 Austere Emergency Care Course Insights

15:06 Improvisation in Medical Practice

18:08 Learning from Diverse Medical Environments

20:53 Advice for New Medics in Austere Medicine

This week, Aebhric O’Kelly talks with Dr Jørgen Melau. They discuss the intricacies of providing prolonged field care (PFC) in Arctic environments. They emphasise the importance of knowledge over gear, the challenges of managing cold casualties, and the necessity of shelter and improvisation. The discussion also covers protocols for PFC, the difficulties of vapour barriers, transportation strategies, and future developments in Arctic medical care. Dr Melau provides valuable advice for new medics interested in working in cold environments, highlighting the need for comfort and experience in such conditions.

Takeaways

Knowledge is more vital than the actual gear.

Training should focus on the person, not just products.

Shelter is vital for casualty care in the Arctic.

Improvisation can save lives in cold environments.

Condensation is a considerable problem in cold weather operations.

Breathable fabrics could improve vapour barriers.

Keeping hands warm is vital for medics in cold environments.

You must be comfortable in the cold before being a medic.

Training in cold environments is essential for medics.

Human performance is key in prolonged care situations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Arctic Prolonged Field Care

01:10 The Importance of Knowledge Over Gear

07:04 Managing Cold Casualties in the Arctic

11:37 Shelter and Improvisation Techniques

17:00 Protocols for Prolonged Field Care

23:02 Challenges of Vapor Barriers and Heating

30:03 Transportation and Evacuation Strategies

34:48 Future Developments in Arctic PFC

44:58 Advice for New Medics in Cold Environments

This week, Aebhric O’Kelly talks with Phill Clark about his journey from a career in product management to becoming involved in medical education at the Masters of Austere Critical Care. He discusses the importance of practical skills in medicine, his role in improving student experiences, and the unique challenges adult learners face. Phil also highlights advancements in digital microscopy and AI, emphasising the collaborative potential of technology in healthcare. He concludes with advice for new medics, stressing the value of hands-on experience and the offerings of CoROM.

Takeaways

Phil transitioned from product management to medical education during COVID.

He emphasizes the importance of practical skills in medicine.

Phil's role involves improving student experiences in the Masters programme.

He advocates for a centralised communication system for student inquiries.

Phil believes in the value of individualised responses to student needs.

CoROM’s student body is generally older and more experienced.

Lifelong learning is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Advancements in AI and digital microscopy can enhance healthcare delivery.

Phil stresses the importance of hands-on experience for new medics.

He encourages exploring Co-ROM's courses for aspiring medical professionals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Phil Clark

05:10 Phil's Journey to Medical Education

13:28 Improving Student Experience

18:52 The Importance of Individualized

25:27 Lifelong Learning and Experience

38:11 Advice for New Medics

This week, Aebhric O’Kelly talks with Dr David Newman, an aerospace medicine expert who shares his extensive experience in military aviation, the evolution of fighter aircraft, and the future of human pilots in an increasingly automated world. He discusses his recent presentation at the Taipei International Military Medicine Forum, the importance of aerospace medicine education, and the challenges posed by AI in academic publishing.

Takeaways

• Dr Newman has a rich background in military aviation and aerospace medicine.

• The F-18 is considered one of the best aircraft to fly.

• The future of piloting may shift towards AI and drones.

• Ejection from aircraft can lead to hidden injuries like vertebral fractures.

• Aerospace medicine education is crucial for both civil and military doctors.

• AI poses challenges in maintaining the integrity of academic publishing.

• Crazy Socks for Docs raises awareness for

• Mental health issues in healthcare are often overlooked.

• Interest in a subject is key to completing a PhD.

• The evolution of fighter jets reflects advancements in technology.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr David Newman

02:59 Aviation Medicine and Military Experience

06:01 The Evolution of Fighter Aircraft

08:52 The Future of Human Pilots in Aviation          

11:59 Insights from the Taipei International Military Medicine Forum

15:04 Aerospace Medicine Education and Training

17:51 The Role of AI in Academic Publishing

20:58 Crazy Socks for Docs: A Movement for Mental Health

23:53 Advice for New Medics in Aerospace Medicine

This week, Aebhric O’Kelly talks with Tanguy Bader, a second-year BSc Paramedic student, who shares his journey in paramedicine, discussing his experiences in New Orleans EMS, the importance of continuous learning, and his aspirations for the future. He emphasises the significance of basic skills in emergency medicine, the value of patient interactions, and his desire to contribute to international healthcare efforts. Tanguy reflects on his educational experiences and the impact they have on his clinical practice, highlighting the importance of being a compassionate and competent clinician.

Takeaways

•   Continuous learning is essential in paramedicine.

•   Basic skills are crucial for effective patient care.

•   Patient interactions provide valuable insights into care.

•   Paramedic education enhances clinical practice significantly.

•   Experience in the field complements academic learning.

•   Building relationships with partners is vital in EMS.

•   A focus on patient dignity and respect is paramount.

•   International work offers unique challenges and rewards.

•   Communication and teamwork are key in emergency situations.

•   Embracing technology can aid in overcoming learning challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tanguy Bader and His

03:10 Learning and Growth in Paramedic

09:32 Pathway to Becoming a Paramedic

17:11 Future Aspirations in Paramedicine

20:49 The Importance of Patient Interaction

27:00 Experiences in New Orleans EMS

30:37 Advice for New Paramedics

33:45 Conclusion and Reflections

This week, Aebhric O’Kelly talks with Katie Beck, director of the Diploma of Tropical Nursing at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who shares her extensive experiences in global health and expedition medicine. She discusses the challenges nurses face in low-resource settings, the importance of cultural competence, and the evolving role of nurses in global health. Katie emphasises the significance of the Diploma of Tropical Nursing in preparing healthcare professionals for work in diverse environments and highlights the need for advocacy and innovation in nursing education.

Takeaways

• Katie Beck has a diverse background in nursing and global health.

• Expedition medicine offers unique challenges and experiences.

• Cultural competence is crucial in healthcare delivery.

• Nurses are vital in global health, delivering 80% of care.

• The Diploma of Tropical Nursing prepares nurses for low-resource settings.

• The PDTN fosters a global network of healthcare professionals.

• Innovative approaches in nursing education are essential for future challenges.

• Partnerships in healthcare education enhance mutual benefits.

• Critical thinking is essential, but doubt should not impede action.

• The future of nursing includes advocacy and leadership in global health.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Katie Beck and Her Work

02:50 Experiences in Expedition Medicine

06:00 Challenges in Austere Nursing

11:02 Cultural Competence in Healthcare

15:05 The Role of Nurses in Global Health

19:15 The Diploma of Tropical Nursing (DTN)

23:00 Future of the DTN and Global Health

33:53 Advice for New Medics and Nurses

This week, Aebhric O’Kelly talks with Mike Morrow, the CoROM BSc Remote Paramedic programme coordinator, on his journey from being a paramedic to evaluating organs for transplantation. He discusses the unique challenges faced in emergency medical services, particularly in Africa, and highlights the dedication of students in the BSc Remote Paramedic Programme. Morrow emphasises the importance of experience in austere environments and compares the training and practices of U.S. paramedics with those of BSc graduates. He provides valuable insights and advice for new medics and nurses starting their careers.

Takeaways

• Mike Morrow evaluates hearts and lungs for organ transplantation.

• He has a rich background in paramedic training and critical care.

• The BSc Remote Paramedic Program offers unique opportunities for students.

• Students are dedicated to helping in austere settings.

• There needs to be more EMS in many African countries.

• Experience in austere environments is crucial for paramedics.

• Morrow emphasises the importance of adaptability in emergency care.

• The programme prepares students for real-world challenges in healthcare.

• Morrow encourages new medics to gain as much experience as possible.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mike Morrow

05:53 Transitioning to Academia and Teaching

14:22 Challenges in African Emergency Medical Services

19:28 Comparing U.S. and BSc Paramedic Practices

24:38 Prolonged Care in Austere Environments

29:46 Advice for New Medics and Nurses