Host: Andy Bell and Matt Pepper
Guest: Oliver Hamlet

About this episode:
In this episode, hosts Andy and Matt have a conversation with Human Factors researcher and Applied Psychologist Oliver Hamlet.  The discussion is an extension of Andy and Matt’s previous conversation regarding operational cognitive readiness and develops the concept in more detail.  Oliver brings a new perspective to the conversation as he has worked extensively with Helicopter Rescue Pilots and Paramedics in Scotland and has developed a quality human factors assessment and training system known as HeliNOTS.  The discussion covers areas such as, Non-Technical Skills, limitations and barriers to previous research and the impact of lifestyle factors on operator readiness. 

HeliNOTs Human Factors Framework by Oliver Hamlet

About Andy:
Andy is currently a lecturer in Paramedicine at the University of Southern Queensland where he has been for the past three years. Prior to USQ he was lecturing at ACU (Brisbane) for four years. He has 14 years’ experience with QAS.  Prior to QAS he taught search and rescue in New Zealand. He is a confirmed PhD Candidate with a particular interest in the evolution of the professional paramedic education paradigm and improving performance of operators in high threat environments.

About Matt:
Matt is an ICP and tactical medical specialist with NSWA.  He is the chairperson of the Australian Tactical Medical Association and the training development manager for TacMed Australia.  He has a wealth of information on tactical medicine and improving triage in high threat environments.  He is currently working with a group of researchers looking at a concept called operational cognitive readiness (OCR), which aims to improve quality of decision making and stress inoculation of operators in high stress environments such as paramedicine.
 
About Oliver:
Dr Oliver Hamlet is a researcher in the Applied Psychology and Human Factors Group from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.  He recently completed his PhD developing a Human Factors assessment and training tool for Helicopter Rescue Teams and is the founder of the Axiom Human Factors consultancy.