Swansea
Nick Watkins travelled to Swansea in April to discuss ‘all things Paediatric’. This was a well received session by both the Bicheno and Swansea GPs and nurses. During the session Nick discussed the common paediatric presentations including anaphylaxis, croup, the febrile child and gastro. His facilitation skills generated vast group interaction allowing the participants to discuss and reinforce their knowledge of paediatric emergencies.
Another session at the May Shaw in Swansea was undertaken by Kate Field and accompanied by Jacinta Stewart. Kate presented some simulation cases. The first was a status epilepticus who didn’t respond to first line treatment. The idea was to allow the group to consider second line treatments for a patient who continues to have a seizure. It was interesting to note that the term status epilepticus is now considered when a patient has been seizing for more than 5 mins or has had 2 or more seizure, with no recovery back to a normal state, in between. What was evident about this scenario was that some of the rural community health centres do not stock second line treatments and so Kate has volunteered to look into this. The second case was a pelvic trauma (isolated) with low BP, who then got a pelvic sheet. Kate also introduced the group to the T-Pod for pelvic binding and alternative methods of binding when a T-Pod is not available. There was much discussion around the 2 cases and how they would be managed. The session concluded with a general look at some of their resuscitation equipment and a discussion around some of the issues they were having with these.
Another session at the May Shaw in Swansea was undertaken by Kate Field and accompanied by Jacinta Stewart. Kate presented some simulation cases. The first was a status epilepticus who didn’t respond to first line treatment. The idea was to allow the group to consider second line treatments for a patient who continues to have a seizure. It was interesting to note that the term status epilepticus is now considered when a patient has been seizing for more than 5 mins or has had 2 or more seizure, with no recovery back to a normal state, in between. What was evident about this scenario was that some of the rural community health centres do not stock second line treatments and so Kate has volunteered to look into this. The second case was a pelvic trauma (isolated) with low BP, who then got a pelvic sheet. Kate also introduced the group to the T-Pod for pelvic binding and alternative methods of binding when a T-Pod is not available. There was much discussion around the 2 cases and how they would be managed. The session concluded with a general look at some of their resuscitation equipment and a discussion around some of the issues they were having with these.
Geeveston
During March Michelle Bowen and Jacinta visited Geeveston to discuss Eyes and ENT presentations. The session was attended by the 4 resident GPs from Geeveston and Dover. Epistaxis and its management was an interesting discussion with the group looking at first line care and then devices such as the Frazer sucker, nasal bolsters and single and double lumen rapid rhinos. The referral process to the ENT specialist was also outlined. Foreign body removal from eyes was also discussed including the removal of rust rings. It was sad to hear that Rhonda (Dover GP) was leaving the practice for warmer weather. The Esperance Multipurpose centre will miss her expertise. With Rhonda’s departure Patrick O’Sullivan will take her place. We hope to meet him at our session later this month.
Nursing Education
Jacinta has attended several sessions in Oatlands and Dover with the nursing staff. A mix of nurses from Registered, Enrolled and carers were among the attendees. All are enthusiastic and ready to learn and expand their current knowledge base. Each session involves a practical component so staff can become more familiar with their own equipment, policies and procedures. To date the topics covered have included ALS scenarios, rhythm interpretation, BLS, using the AED, emergency care of the trauma patient, asthma and snake bite envenomation. Jacinta has also undertaken a session in Geeveston with the clerical staff. The group was keen to go over how they could help the GPs in an emergency as there are no practice nurses in this health centre. Things that were discussed included helpful hints of sending for help, placing the pads for defibrillation and using the AED. They are very keen for more sessions.
