This episode I sat down with Pat, a paramedic named Irwin and Geraldine (Pat's wife) to discuss the traumatic events of Valentines Day 2016. The three of them retold their experiences, emotions and challenges when Pat was hit by a car whilst riding his pushbike on the south coast of NSW Australia. 

Irwin (paramedic and friend) talks about being emotionally invested in a job and what we can learn as emergency clinicians. 

Geraldine (Positive pants) retold her story from the moment she received the phone call about the accident to what it is like to see a loved one suffer. Her motivation, determination and willingness to remain positive are evident  throughout this episode. 

Finally, Pat talked about his recollection of events from the ride to waking up in an intensive care unit with multiple injuries and a breathing tube down his throat. Pat opens up about the dark days and the long road to take one small step. His story is truely a captivating glimpse into the eyes of a man who never gives up. 

Resources 

Pat and Geraldine present at the ITIM trauma night. Here you can watch Pat and Geraldine retell their story; it is truely inspirational. 

click this link to watch

Human factors from an ambulance practitioner perspective may be seen as those factors which affect the ability to undertake their routine practice and which are a direct result of working within the specialist field of prehospital emergency care

full text click here

Tour de cure 

Pat regularly rides and raises money for the tour de cure a cycling event that  raises awareness for cancer. Follow the link to check it out and donate 

https://www.tourdecure.com.au

Beyond blue 

For those that would like to talk to someone or have been through significant  trauma, beyond blue is a useful and helpful resource. 

https://www.beyondblue.org.au