This is a recording from the Live Interactive Symposium 2024 which hosted many presentations on a large array of topics. This session was hosted by Mel Gardiner and Rebecca Hayes of the St John WA State Obstetrics and Referral Call (STORC) team. It discusess trauma cases in pregnant patients.
Biography: Mel Gardiner
Mel has been a Paramedic with St John Ambulance WA for 22 years, starting in 2002. While working on road Mel also completed her General Registration in Nursing in 2009 and Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery in 2011. A busy mother of three, she continues to work in both roles and has been heavily involved in obstetric education. She has contributed to Clinical Practice Guidelines development and the improvement of skills and education for all on road staff. Her passion for teaching has been shared in Broome, Port Hedland, Karratha, Bremmer Bay, Toodyay and Belmont with Volunteers, Ambulance Officers, Paramedics, Clinical Support Paramedics and Critical Care Paramedics! Mel has held unit coordinator and lecturing positions the Edith Cowan University in Paramedicine and the School of Nursing and Midwifery, shaping students for a future in emergency care. Mel is the creator of STORC (State Obstetric Referral Call) and is the Lead of this team of six midwives, she is also currently completing a Master of Research in Medical and Health Science. In 2024, Mel received the Ambulance Service Medal for her dedication to maternity care in the prehospital environment.
Biography: Rebecca Hayes
Rebecca completed her Registered Nursing degree in 2002 and went on to refine her skillset in the Orthopaedics Department at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital until 2007, while completing a Postgraduate Diploma of Midwifery in 2008. With a passion for midwifery care, Rebecca's final analysis paper focused on the crucial importance of postpartum skin-to-skin contact for both the neonate and mother. Rebecca obtained thirteen years’ experience as a rotational midwife working on the Postnatal Ward, Labour and Birth Suite, Assessment Unit for Emergencies (over 20 weeks), Adult Special Care Unit, and Midwifery Service Emergency Centre (for gynaecology emergencies and patients under 20 weeks). Currently Rebecca is a Clinical Midwife in the Emergency Centre and the Clinical Nurse Midwife Specialist (after hours) at King Edward Memorial Hospital. She is currently completing her studies at Curtin University to become an Endorsed Midwife.