Working Safe in Remote Practice
Working in remote health provides you with exciting and challenging opportunities, both professionally and personally. It’ll be an experience you’ll remember all your life. Along with the all the positives, there are some safety risks. Obviously, there are risks no matter where we are or what we do. However, there are some specific to remote and isolated health that you should be aware of.
Remote and isolated areas of Australia have a number of well known risks including poorly maintained dirt roads, desert survival following vehicle breakdown, and wet season flooding. The bush is also home to a number of poisonous (but usually avoidable) species. Remote health staff themselves have at times required medical evacuation for a range of reasons including severe sunburn, vehicle accident injuries, assault, falls, and also for medical reasons including stroke and emotional breakdown. Clearly, it pays to look after yourself!
The Working Safe in Remote Practice module sits as a bridge between legislation, orientation, and workplace safety guidelines. Completing the module will enable you to better appreciate the importance of workplace safety guidelines and how they can be used effectively to promote individual and team safety. Developing understanding and skills in effective use of self risk assessment tools will further improve your ability to prevent or respond effectively to critical events, and promote the provision of safe, effective health services in remote and isolated settings.