Recent Changes to the Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines

Since July 2014 there are some changes that have been made to the following ARC Guidlines:

Guideline 4 - Airway

"In an unconscious victim, care of the airway takes precedence over any injury, including the possibility of spinal injury (Refer to Guideline 9.1.6). All unconscious victims should be handled gently with no twisting or bending of the spinal column and especially the neck. If it is necessary, move the head gently to obtain a clear airway. Where possible, an assistant should support the head when an injured victim is being moved, but no time should be wasted in detailed positioning.

The victim should not be routinely rolled onto the side to assess airway and breathing. Assessing the airway of the victim without turning onto the side (i.e. leaving the victim on the back or in the position in which they have been found) has the advantages of simplified teaching, taking less time to perform and avoids movement."

Guideline 8 - CPR

"If rescuers are unwilling or unable to do rescue breathing they should do chest compressions only. If chest compressions only are given, they should be continuous at a rate of approximately 100/min."

http://resus.org.au/guidelines/
http://resus.org.au/guidelines/flowcharts-3/

Asthma Foundation of Victoria

The Asthma Foundation of Victoria is one of the peak Asthma bodies in Australia. They are a great resource for Clinicians, First Responders, people with Asthma and carers of these people.

The Asthma Foundation of Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation that provides advice, resources, education and training to people with asthma and those who care for them in their community.

In 1963 a small group of mothers, whose children had asthma, founded what is now known as The Asthma Foundation of Victoria. They wanted a better life for their own children, grandchildren and for generations to come. They realise this vision through their commitment.

Asthma.org.au resources

http://www.asthma.org.au/Resources/HealthProfessionals.aspx

http://www.asthma.org.au/Resources/SchoolsandChildrensServices.aspx

http://www.asthma.org.au/Resources/Videos.aspx

http://www.asthma.org.au/Resources/InformationSheets.aspx

http://www.asthma.org.au/Resources/Brochures.aspx

http://www.asthma.org.au/Publications.aspx

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

For those of us that deal with Allergy and Anaphylaxis. Here are some useful links for information in Australia (all information courtesy of ASCIA).

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) was established in 1990 as the peak professional medical organisation for allergy and clinical immunology in Australia and New Zealand, by amalgamating the Australian College of Allergy (ACA) with the Australasian Society of Immunology (ASI) Clinical Immunology Group (CIG). 

There are now more than 530 ASCIA members and these include specialist allergy and immunology physicians, other medical practitioners, scientists and allied health professionals (mainly nurses and dietitians) who work in the areas of allergy and immunology. 

ASCIA is a member society of the World Allergy Organisation (WAO) and the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy, Asthma and Clinical  Immunology (APAAACI).  ASCIA is also affiliated with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) as a specialty society.

ASCIA e-training (free of charge)

http://www.allergy.org.au/patients/anaphylaxis-e-training-schools-and-childcare

http://www.allergy.org.au/patients/anaphylaxis-e-training-first-aid-community

http://www.allergy.org.au/health-professionals/health-professionals-e-training/448-ascia-anaphylaxis-e-training-for-health-professionals

http://www.allergy.org.au/health-professionals/health-professionals-e-training/452-ascia-food-allergy-e-training

http://www.allergy.org.au/health-professionals/health-professionals-e-training/496-ascia-allergic-rhinitis-e-training-for-health-professionals

 ASCIA resources

 

http://www.allergy.org.au/health-professionals/anaphylaxis-resources

http://www.allergy.org.au/health-professionals/anaphylaxis-resources/first-aid-for-anaphylaxis

http://www.allergy.org.au/health-professionals/ascia-plans-action-and-treatment

Australian Ambulances of Years Past - Holden Commodore

1994 Holden VS Commodore - LifeAid

1994 Holden VS Commodore (c) Ambulance Photos

1994 Holden VS Commodore (c) Erik's Emergency Service Photos

Gelantipy DEPI Fire Support 2014

In February and March 2014, LifeAid was heavily involved in the Victoria bush-fires in support of the CFA (Country Fire Authority) and DEPI (Department of Environment and Primary Industries).

Several rotations of staff occurred in the location of Gelantipy in the Victorian high country.

This fire was one of the largest of the fire season and after combining with the Orbost fire-front a huge swathe of East Gippsland was burnt out.

Views of the fire-front over the hills. At this stage it was about 2-3km away.

 The wind then changed direction shrouding the Gelantipy Camp in Smoke

The days were so hot, even the Ambulance was looking for shade

 As well as providing Emergency call out and fire-front support, LifeAid also provided preventative care and out-patients type services (Complete with comfy chairs).

Unusual CFA Land Rover Defender Fire unit from Metung CFA