This presentation is part of Trauma on the Border 2019

Synopsis: There has been a lot of focus on the negative effects of trauma on First Responders over the past couple of years. Whilst this focus has provided greater opportunities to develop support services, provide support for staff with psychological injuries and increase research, much of the focus has led to a pathology based dominant paradigm which could potentially be more harmful.

This presentation will take a look at trauma, in an ambulance context, and provide an opportunity to explore the potential negative and the potential positive impacts that can occur as a result of the work that ambulance personnel undertake.

It will do this through current research and the lived experience of the presenter, a Paramedic and Psychotherapist.

Biography: Todd is the Director of the Queensland Ambulance Staff Support Services, known as “Priority One”. He has spent 25 years working within first responder agencies, with the last 20 years as a Paramedic. His lived experience as a Paramedic, combined with an undergraduate degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in counselling, has culminated in a passion for staff support within first responder organisations.

Todd is also a sessional lecturer at the Queensland University of Technology where he has presented on a range of topics including trauma and resilience, stress, suicide, and disaster management. He is also a regular speaker at conferences and has spoken nationally and internationally. In 2016 he received the National Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) for his work in supporting ambulance personnel and their families.

Presentation slides are available below under "Lesson 2", once you have enrolled in this course.

Director of the Queensland Ambulance Staff Support Services, known as “Priority One”. He has spent 25 years working within first responder agencies, with the last 20 years as a Paramedic.