Clinical Practice Radio (CPR)

Megan Currie, Nick Overington, Andy Bell
  • 2.0 (1)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Monthly

St John WA has launched its first ever public podcast, Clinical Practice Radio (CPR). Designed by clinicians for clinicians, the show discusses a range of clinical and management topics using the latest evidence-based research and inviting subject matter experts to share their insights. Hosted by St John WA Deputy Director of Paramedicine Andy Bell alongside Clinical Leads Megan Currie and Nick Overington.

  1. Oct 14

    Shocktober: Strengthening the Chain of Survival (S2 Ep11)

    Every second counts during a cardiac arrest, and the actions taken before an ambulance arrives can make a critical difference.  In this Shocktober episode of Clinical Practice Radio (CPR), the team is joined by St John WA Community Response Manager Caitlyn Pavey-Smith and Resuscitation Improvement Specialist Jason Belcher to explore the importance of early intervention and the role our community plays in strengthening the chain of survival.  Together, they discuss St John WA's First Responder app and State Defibrillator Network, and how these initiatives help connect people experiencing cardiac arrest with trained community responders and accessible defibrillators in those crucial first few minutes. Through real-life examples, they highlight the importance of early CPR, defibrillation and the collective effort involved in responding to cardiac arrest.  The conversation also explores how everyone can play a part, from learning CPR and completing first aid training to registering a defibrillator or becoming a community first responder. A great discussion about how the chain of survival helps save lives.

  2. Oct 1

    Shocktober: Making the first shock the best shock (S2 Ep10)

    It's Shocktober! In this episode, the team is joined by St John WA Resuscitation Improvement Specialist Jason Belcher to take a deep dive into the science of defibrillation and the small changes that can help make the first shock the best shock.  The conversation focuses on the three Ps – placement, prep and perfusion – exploring why correct pad placement matters, how preparing the patient can improve pad contact, and why minimising interruptions to chest compressions is so important when delivering a shock.  The team also discusses the differences between public AEDs and the defibrillators used by paramedics, high-performance CPR and some of the emerging approaches to defibrillation, including vector change and double sequential defibrillation. They unpack what current research tells us, where the evidence is still developing and why getting the fundamentals right remains key.  A practical discussion on the science behind defibrillation and how clinicians can optimise everything within their control to give patients the best possible chance during cardiac arrest.    References  ANZCOR BLS Guideline 7 – Automated External Defibrillation in Basic Life Support  ANZCOR ALS Guideline 11.4 – Electrical Therapy for Adult Advanced Life Support   Cheskes et al (2011) Perishock Pause: An Independent Predictor of Survival From Out-of-Hospital Shockable Cardiac Arrest https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.010736  Cheskes et al (2022) Defibrillation Strategies for Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation [DOSE-VF study] https://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJMoa2207304  Other ongoing Double Sequential External Defibrillation (DSED) trials  German Clinical Trials Register  NCT06672159 | Initial Double Sequential External Defibrillation in Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (DUALDEFIB)  NCT06447805 | Early Double Sequential Defibrillation in Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest (DOUBLE-D)  NCT06781892 | Strategies for Defibrillation During Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (STRAT-DEFI)

  3. Sep 16

    First Nations Care: Building Respect and Trust (S2 Ep9)

    In this episode, Megan Currie and Nick Overington are joined by St John WA First Nations Lead and Paramedic Jeremy Maitland-Smith to explore trauma-informed and culturally informed care when working with First Nations patients and communities. The conversation explores the key principles of trauma-informed practice - safety, trust, choice, collaboration and empowerment - and how these can be brought back to two simple concepts: respect and trust. Jeremy shares practical considerations for culturally informed care, highlighting that clinicians don't need to know everything about every culture. Instead, keeping an open mind, asking respectful questions and taking the time to listen can help clinicians better understand the individual, their family and the cultural considerations that may influence their care.  An insightful discussion on starting the conversation, allowing space for silence and working with patients to make decisions about their care – principles that can support better interactions with every patient, every time.

  4. Sep 2

    Bad Bubbles: Recognising and Managing Decompression Illness (S2 Ep8)

    In this episode of Clinical Practice Radio, Megan and Nick are joined by hyperbaric physician Dr Ian Gawthrope and critical care paramedic intern Andrew “Wishy” Wishart to discuss decompression illness, including decompression sickness and arterial gas embolism. The team explores how diving-related bubbles affect the body, common symptoms, the importance of taking a detailed dive history, and conditions that can mimic DCI, such as immersion pulmonary oedema and inner-ear barotrauma. For pre-hospital clinicians, key management priorities include early hyperbaric consultation, keeping patients supine, administering high-flow oxygen, assessing neurological status, giving fluids and analgesia, preventing hypothermia, and arranging timely transport.

  5. Aug 18

    Regional Trauma Case Study – Applying MARCHE when it matters (S2 Ep7)

    Recorded live in front of an audience, this special episode of Clinical Practice Radio puts trauma principles into practice through a regional case study.  The team is joined by St John WA Rural and Remote Clinical Development Lead Ben O'Regan to work through the case using the MARCHE principles, exploring assessment, clinical priorities and decision-making as the scenario unfolds.  The conversation looks at how clinicians can apply a structured approach to trauma while navigating the additional challenges of the rural and remote environment, where distance, resources and access to definitive care can influence patient management.  A practical, case-based discussion that brings trauma principles to life and reinforces the importance of structured assessment, clinical decision-making and keeping patient priorities at the centre of care.    References: Cannon, J. W. (2018). Hemorrhagic shock. The New England Journal of Medicine, 378(4), 370–379. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1705649  Dawkins Mills, J. (2024). Trauma diamond of death: Adding calcium to the lethal triad. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 50(3), 330–335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2023.12.011 Nutbeam, T., Fenwick, R., Haldane, C., Leech, C., Foote, E., Todd, S., & Lockey, D. (2025). Extrication following a motor vehicle collision: A consensus statement on behalf of the Faculty of Pre-hospital Care, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 33(1), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-024-01312-z Owattanapanich, N., Chittawatanarat, K., Benyakorn, T., & Sirikun, J. (2018). Risks and benefits of hypotensive resuscitation in patients with traumatic hemorrhagic shock: A meta-analysis. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 26, Article 107. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-018-0572-4  Tran, A., Yates, J., Lau, A., Lampron, J., & Matar, M. (2018). Permissive hypotension versus conventional resuscitation strategies in adult trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 84(5), 802–808. https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0000000000001816  Wang, C.-H., Hsieh, W.-H., Chou, H.-C., Huang, Y.-S., Shen, J.-H., Yeo, Y. H., Chang, H.-E., Chen, S.-C., & Lee, C.-C. (2014). Liberal versus restricted fluid resuscitation strategies in trauma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Critical Care Medicine, 42(4), 954–961. https://doi.org/10.1097/CCM.0000000000000050

  6. Jul 29

    Pre-Hospital Emergency Anaesthesia – Preparation before intubation (S2 Ep6)

    Pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia is about far more than intubation. In this episode, the team is joined by St John WA Critical Care Paramedic Cornell Greyling to explore the preparation, teamwork and clinical decision-making that underpin one of the most complex interventions in pre-hospital care. Together, they discuss when pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia is indicated, how understanding patient physiology helps clinicians prepare for induction, and why optimising oxygenation, ventilation and haemodynamics before intubation is critical to patient safety. The conversation also unpacks the structured approach used by Critical Care teams, highlighting the importance of communication, human factors and shared situational awareness throughout the procedure. Whether you're interested in airway management, critical care or improving team performance in high-pressure environments, this episode provides practical insights into safely navigating one of paramedicine's most challenging clinical procedures.

  7. Jul 15

    Extended Care Paramedicine: Delivering the right care, in the right place (S2 Ep5)

    Delivering the right care doesn't always mean transporting every patient to hospital.  In this episode, the team is joined by St John WA Extended Care Paramedic Lead Pat O'Dal to explore how Extended Care Paramedics are helping patients receive safe, appropriate care in the community. Together they discuss the growing role of extended care paramedicine, the additional training and clinical skills involved, and how this model is improving outcomes for patients while supporting the wider health system. They also explore which patients benefit most from the extended care model, how paramedics can identify appropriate referrals, and what the future of advanced practice could look like. Whether you're interested in advanced paramedic practice, community-based healthcare or improving patient outcomes through collaborative care, this episode provides valuable insights into an evolving area of pre-hospital care.

  8. Jul 1

    Palliative Care: More than end-of-life care (S2 Ep4)

    In this episode, the team is joined by St John WA Extended Care Paramedic Lead Pat O'Dal to explore the role of palliative care in paramedicine and the broader health system.  They discuss what palliative care really means, challenging the common misconception that it is simply end-of-life care. The conversation focuses on providing patient-centred care, supporting quality of life, and understanding how treatment goals can differ depending on the wishes of patients and their families, whether that involves prolonging life through treatment or focusing on comfort.  A thoughtful discussion on the evolving role of paramedicine in palliative care, and how greater understanding, education and patient-centred decision-making can help deliver the right care, in the right place, at the right time.    Resources for clinicians mentioned in this episode:   Palliative Care Education  End-Of-Life Essentials Education

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About

St John WA has launched its first ever public podcast, Clinical Practice Radio (CPR). Designed by clinicians for clinicians, the show discusses a range of clinical and management topics using the latest evidence-based research and inviting subject matter experts to share their insights. Hosted by St John WA Deputy Director of Paramedicine Andy Bell alongside Clinical Leads Megan Currie and Nick Overington.

Information

  • Creator
    Megan Currie, Nick Overington, Andy Bell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Clinical Practice Radio (CPR)

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