Clinical Practice Radio (CPR)
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.
Listen on:
Meet the hosts
Andy Bell:
Andy Bell is the first Deputy Director of Paramedicine for St John WA. Andy is a registered Paramedic, has held senior lecturer positions in several Australian universities and has formed and lead high performance clinical teams for TacMed Australia and The Royal Flying Doctors Service of WA.
He has published numerous articles on the development of the Paramedic education paradigm, is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Paramedicine, Editor on the Journal of High Threat and Austere Medicine, and an Adjunct Research Fellow with Curtin University.
Andy provides consultancy and sits on the teaching cadres for speciality medical training providers, Blacksmiths and Ragged Edge Solutions and in his spare time he loves lifting heavy barbells, walking his two dogs and drinking good coffee.
Meet the hosts continued
Megan Currie:
Megan Currie has more than nine years’ experience as a Paramedic at St John WA and currently works as a District Clinical Lead in the North West.
Passionate about clinical leadership, staff development, and mentoring, Megan has been actively involved in these areas throughout their career mentoring student paramedics and teaching in the College of Pre-Hospital Care, consistently supporting others in building clinical confidence and capability.
Megan has also worked across the South West and Great Southern regions of Western Australia, developing strong relationships within volunteer communities and contributing to ongoing education and training efforts.
Nick Overington:
Nick began his journey with St John WA as a cadet, progressing through volunteer roles in ambulance and Event Health Services before achieving his goal of becoming a Paramedic.
Over the past nine years, he has worked across metropolitan and rural settings in a variety of roles. Now serving as a Clinical Lead, Nick is passionate about all aspects of pre-hospital care. He has a strong interest in clinical leadership, mentoring, and supporting his colleagues to provide the best care possible.
Nick is committed to developing others and fostering a culture of clinical excellence which shapes his approach to leadership in the field.
Episodes
Episodes
Sep 2, 2026
Sep 2, 2026
46 min
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.
Aug 18, 2026
Aug 18, 2026
36 min
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