What’s Happening?
Townsville’s general practitioners (GPs) and registrars recently participated in the CRANAplus Advanced Life Support course, a hands-on training program designed to enhance emergency response capabilities. The course, which was funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), brought together over 130 GPs and registrars from across North Queensland, including Townsville, Mackay, and Cairns.
Facilitated by CRANAplus Remote Clinical Educator Leanne Laurie, the course covered vital life-saving techniques, including CPR, airway management, drug administration, and emergency response simulations.
Why It Matters?
For GPs working in Townsville and surrounding areas, maintaining up-to-date Advanced Life Support skills is essential for responding effectively to life-threatening medical emergencies. Ms Laurie underscored the significance of the training, stating:
“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the training I provide could be the difference in someone’s survival.”
She highlighted that many participants shared real-life experiences where their advanced life support skills proved critical in saving lives.
Local Impact
The course also encouraged collaboration among Townsville’s GPs, fostering discussion on key ethics and emergency decision-making topics such as advanced health directives and ceasing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
A Townsville participant praised the training, saying:
“Great event facilitators. Knew their craft and presented in a positive light and inspiring platform.”
Ms Laurie also noted that having NQPHN staff present to support the sessions added value to the learning experience.
By the Numbers
- 130+ GPs and registrars from North Queensland participated in the Advanced Life Support training.
- GPs must complete six hours of training every three years to remain accredited.
- Fellowship candidates for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) must complete Advanced Life Support certification every four years.
Zoom In
The training provided a hands-on approach to real-life emergency situations, ensuring Townsville’s GPs are equipped not just with technical expertise but also with the soft skills needed to manage high-pressure scenarios.
Ms Laurie highlighted: “What makes the training so invaluable, particularly for remote healthcare professionals, is the hands-on approach to real-life situations.”
The sessions included simulation exercises covering common causes of cardiac arrest, giving participants practical exposure to emergency response techniques.
Zoom Out
Advanced Life Support training aligns with Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines and is a mandatory requirement for GPs looking to maintain professional accreditation. In regional and rural settings, such as Townsville, these skills are particularly crucial as medical professionals often operate in environments with limited resources.
What to Look For Next?
NQPHN will continue supporting Advanced Life Support training opportunities for Townsville’s healthcare professionals. Future sessions will expand on emergency response scenarios and ethical considerations, ensuring that GPs are consistently equipped to handle life-threatening situations.
