Simman visits Normanton, Mornington Island and Doomadgee - September 2008
Simman team leaving Mount Isa on the expedition.
The Simman partnership (Xstrata, Queensland Health, Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health MICRRH and RFDS) continued its goal of providing exposure
to emergency situations in the teams own environment and using their own equipment with a 3 day trip to Normanton, Mornington Island and Doomadgee.
Unfortunatly Barry Grant (simman) and Zoe ZInc (simbaby) can't travel alone so Dr Peachey (MICRRH) , Dr Robson (RFDS) and Sr Chandler (Q Health) went along to help.
Our first stop for the three day excursion was Normanton. The nurses and a Med Student were able to successfully save Barry from a case of Diabetic crisis, a Mine accident involving a Ute vs. Mine Truck, and a Heart Attack. After lunch the team then proceeded with some airway training on Andy the airway trainer. Zoe Zinc was then successfully saved from breathing difficulties and a continuous fit. All of the equipment was then packed up again loaded into the van and delivered back out to the plane for the following day's journey.
Our first stop for the three day excursion was Normanton. The nurses and a Med Student were able to successfully save Barry from a case of Diabetic crisis, a Mine accident involving a Ute vs. Mine Truck, and a Heart Attack. After lunch the team then proceeded with some airway training on Andy the airway trainer. Zoe Zinc was then successfully saved from breathing difficulties and a continuous fit. All of the equipment was then packed up again loaded into the van and delivered back out to the plane for the following day's journey.
Staff in action at Doomadgee.
The second stop, Mornington, on Thursday had a bumpy beginning as there was quite a bit of turbulence. During our time there we did manage to demonstrate
fast 1 (intraosseous device) and the fastrack (intubating device) to the permanent medical staff. The facilities for teaching were excellent and the
possibility to run future events would be easily achieved. All the equipment was then packed back up again for the flight back to Normanton.
Zoe Zinc getting medical attention in Normanton.
Our final day, Friday, saw us leave Normanton to Doomadgee. We had a good turn out for the day's events, considering the circumstances of
a death in the hospital. The community health workers were all present and up to 5 nurses and the local doctor made a showing throughout the day.
Sr Chandler managed to get away with the fact that it was her birthday till morning tea, she tried to make an escape from the birthday song but was
unsuccessful, and sufficiently embarrassed by the entire training group. All the scenarios were covered with the Health workers attending the scene first
handing over to the nurses and then when needed the Doctor was called.
The highlight of the entire trip was the adaptability of the team to each different situation that was encountered. Dr Robson, the logistics person
thought the logistics went well, considering the fact that turbulence can't be controlled. However, the main highlight was being able to educate staff and
demonstrate emergency equipment and procedures in the attendees own environment.
Overall it was an interesting experience which showed the portability and adaptability of the program to rural and remote Australia. Not surprisingly there were some highs and some lows for the trip (not just in the plane) and a number of learning points which will help Simman Mount Isa to improve its educational abilities. This expedition was only made possible through the funding provided by Xstrata, which allowed Simman Mount Isa to charter a Cessna 404 for the three days.
10/10/2008.
Overall it was an interesting experience which showed the portability and adaptability of the program to rural and remote Australia. Not surprisingly there were some highs and some lows for the trip (not just in the plane) and a number of learning points which will help Simman Mount Isa to improve its educational abilities. This expedition was only made possible through the funding provided by Xstrata, which allowed Simman Mount Isa to charter a Cessna 404 for the three days.
10/10/2008.
