This article is from page 12 of the 2012-05-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
CLARE’S fire service and the University of Limerick are leading the way when it comes to educating emergency response professionals.
The Advance Trauma in the Community initiative was developed by Accident and Emergency Consultant Cathal O’Donnell, and Mark Dixon through the University of Limerick.
Dr O’Donnell is clear, however, that the progressive training for professionals when faced with major traumas and emergencies could not take place without the enthusiasm of the Clare County Fire Services, under the direction of Fire Chief Adrian Kelly.
In its fifth year, the course aims to bring the HSE national ambulance service, the fire services, Irish De- fence Forces, GPs, Gardaí, civil defence, Order of Malta, coast guard and the Irish Red Cross for an all-inclusive training course.
The course takes place over one day, usually in Ennis.
“Prior to this, all the organisations trained in isolation but responded together. The concept of training together gives the patient the best possible care and outcome,” explained Dr O’Donnell.
In many cases, terminology differs between the professions, and many services are unaware what the other professional can and cannot do, explained the A and E expert.
“For example, a GP would not be familiar with how the fire brigade cut the top off a car, and that there is a slow way and quick way to do it. Being aware of this, the GP at the scene can tell the fire service how quickly the patient needs to come out and the decision on how to cut him or her out can be made,” he said.
Understanding each other’s use of language, terminology and expression, and the role each party can undertake at the site of an accident, can save valuable time.
To date, at least 200 professionals from all over the country have taken part in the highly respected course.
“It was largely started with the support of the Clare Fire Service. We couldn’t do this without the Clare service and the University of Limerick,” explained Dr O’Donnell.
“There is a big issue of safety at the site of an accident and not just for those involved but also for the emergency staff. We take the lead from the fire service who have a strong safety ethos and a strong appreciation of hazards,” he added.