The ACP International Conference provides an unmatched opportunity for our members to learn from experts and leaders in paramedicine. ACPIC 2021 was delivered as a hybrid conference (online and face to face in the Sunshine Coast, QLD and Hobart, TAS) in November 2021.

We will discuss the job that Libby Hanrahan and Luke Frost attended on 17th May 2020. An hour before last light they were tasked by Helicopter to a climber fallen at Carnes Wall in Medlow Bath. The climber had fallen 20 metres and was now on a 1 metre wide ledge. The patient was 70 metres down from the top of the cliff, with a further 150 metres of rugged rock face below, to the valley floor. The patient was seriously injured with multiple complex fractures. Carnes Wall is an unclimbed route in a remote area of the Blue Mountains in NSW that had recently been ravaged by fires. The next 20 hours with the assistance of Police Rescue they worked in extremely difficult conditions to access and treat the injured climber. They spent the night on the side of the cliff before being able to winch extract him and transport him to hospital the next day

Biographies

Libby Hanrahan

Libby’s love for caring for patients started with a short stint as a Registered Nurse. Libby then wanted to continue caring for patients but wanted to be outside. So, 20 years ago she joined NSW Ambulance. On road, she worked in the roles of Intensive Care and Extended care paramedic, Station Officer, Duty Operations Manager and as an Executive Staff Officer at state headquarters. She has also worked within the Sydney Control Centre as Call Taker, Control Centre Officer (dispatcher) and Duty Control Centre Officer. 7 years ago Libby began her training for the position of Critical Care Helicopter Paramedic. She now works full time in this role at the Sydney Helicopter base, with secondments to the Aeromedical Education and Training unit as a Paramedic Educator. Her wish to care for patients outdoors is certainly now a reality.

Luke Frost

Luke has a Masters in Osteopathy and worked for a short time as an Osteopath before joining the New South Wales Ambulance Service in 2008. Luke has an Advanced Diploma and Bachelor Degree in Prehospital Care. Luke worked as a Paramedic and then Intensive Care Paramedic in Western and South Western Sydney for 10 years. Luke qualified as a Critical Care Helicopter Paramedic in 2020 and currently works in North Western NSW at the Tamworth Helicopter Base. Luke lives in the Blue Mountains with his very patient wife and 3 young children 8, 4 and 3 months.

Moderator: Sascha Baldry