WELCOME TO TEAM EMS
This combined Onboarding & Induction app contains everything you need to commence work with EMS Event Medical®. Work through every section, complete the knowledge check at the end, and your result will be emailed to medicalsupport@emseventmedical.com.au.
EMS Event Medical® is a Sydney-based specialist provider of pre-hospital and event medical care, with more than 30 years of operational history across NSW. We deliver clinical and operational coverage at events ranging from Class 1 community events through to Class 4 mass gatherings, and into remote and austere settings across the Pacific Islands.
Whether you are a Doctor, Paramedic, Registered Nurse, Event Medic, EMT, Controller or Medical Support team member, every person in this organisation contributes to the safety and wellbeing of the public we serve. We are proud of our standards and we expect everyone who wears our uniform to uphold them.
Our Values
- Patient first — every clinical decision is made in the best interests of the patient.
- Professionalism — uniform, conduct, communication and documentation are non-negotiable.
- Teamwork — we escalate, we communicate, we look after each other.
- Continuous improvement — debriefs are no-blame; learning is the goal.
- Compliance — NSW Health, AHPRA, SafeWork NSW and EMS clinical governance frameworks are the floor, not the ceiling.
Organisational Overview
| Role | Function |
|---|---|
| Medical Director | Overall clinical authority and governance |
| Operations Manager | Day-to-day operational management |
| Field Manager | On-site operational support to Ops Manager and Medical Support |
| Logistics Manager | Real-time coordination of medical resources at events — equipment, consumables, drug kits, vehicle and asset deployment |
| Clinical Governance Committee | Policy, quality and incident review |
| Event Medical Director | On-site clinical lead for specific events |
| Controllers | On-site radio dispatchers at festivals — real-time radio comms, patient tracking, inter-agency liaison, MCI coordination. No personnel or roster authority. |
| Clinical Staff | FACEMs, Doctors, Paramedics, Nurses, Event Medics, EMTs |
| Medical Support Staff | Logistics, communications, administration — no direct patient care |
YOUR DETAILS
These details are recorded with your onboarding result. They must match what you upload to your VTEvents profile and your AHPRA registration (where applicable).
Personal Information
Role & Qualifications
Emergency Contacts
You must provide at least one emergency contact. Two are strongly preferred. These are held confidentially under the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW).
Health Information (Confidential)
DOCUMENTS, ABN & INSURANCES
Every item below must be uploaded to your VTEvents profile before your first shift. Incomplete profiles will not be approved for rostering.
Mandatory Documents
| Document | Who | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ABN (Australian Business Number) | All contractors | Screenshot from ABN Lookup or ATO letter. Register at abr.gov.au if you do not have one. |
| Public Liability Insurance | All staff | Minimum $10 million cover. Certificate of currency in your name or business name. |
| Professional Indemnity Insurance | Clinical staff | Minimum $5 million cover. Certificate of currency. |
| Personal Accident / Income Protection | Strongly recommended | EMS does not cover personal injury for contractors. |
| AHPRA Registration Certificate | Doctors, Paramedics, Nurses | Current and unrestricted. |
| AREMT Certification | Paramedics, Event Medics, EMTs | Preferred. Must be in your name. |
| Qualifications & Certifications | All clinical staff | Certified copies — Cert IV, Diploma, Degree, advanced certs. |
| HLTAID011 — Provide First Aid | All staff (all teams, all roles) | Must be current. Renewed every 3 years. |
| HLTAID009 — Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) | All staff (all teams, all roles) | Must be current. Renewed annually. |
| Working With Children Check (NSW) | All staff | WWCC number required — register at service.nsw.gov.au. |
| National Police / Criminal History Check | All staff | Within 36 months. |
| Passport-style photo | All staff | Plain background — used for VTEvents ID card. |
| COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate | Where required | From Medicare / myGov. Venue dependent. |
| Immunisation Records | Clinical staff | Hepatitis B, influenza (current season). |
| EMS Medications Authority | CCP, ICP, Paramedics | NSW-specific authority where applicable. |
| Bank account details | All staff | For invoice payment by direct deposit. |
| Tax File Number (TFN) Declaration | All staff | Submitted to payroll. |
ABN Requirement — All Contractors
EMS Event Medical® engages clinical and operational staff as independent contractors. You must hold a valid ABN before commencing work. If you do not have one:
- Visit abr.gov.au and apply for an ABN — there is no cost.
- Once issued, screenshot your ABN entry from abr.business.gov.au.
- Upload to your VTEvents profile under Documents → ABN.
- Use your ABN on every invoice you submit through VTEvents.
Renewal & Annual Requirements
- AHPRA registration — must remain current at all times. Notify Medical Support immediately of any conditions, notations or changes.
- HLTAID009 (CPR) — renewed annually; evidence to Medical Support before expiry.
- HLTAID011 (First Aid) — renewed every 3 years; evidence to Medical Support before expiry.
- Police / CHC — every 3 years.
- WWCC — must remain current; check expiry in Service NSW.
- Insurance — current certificates of currency at all times.
- Annual EMS Induction Refresher — required for all staff (notified via VTEvents).
NDA & CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT
Read carefully. You cannot commence work without a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and Contractor Agreement on file with EMS Event Medical®.
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
All EMS staff must sign an NDA before commencing work. The NDA covers:
- Confidentiality of patient information and clinical data — governed by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW).
- Confidentiality of EMS operational information, event client details, venue arrangements, and commercial matters.
- Non-disclosure of proprietary systems — including E.V.E.N.T (the EMS Venue Event Notification Tool), VTEvents, internal protocols, processes, source code, mockups and screen content.
- Social media conduct relating to EMS operations — no posts, photos, footage or commentary about EMS events, patients or operations.
- Survives termination — confidentiality obligations continue indefinitely after you stop working with EMS.
Contractor Agreement
EMS engages clinical and operational staff as independent contractors under written agreement. Key terms include:
- Status — independent contractor, not employee. You are responsible for your own tax (BAS/IAS), superannuation contributions where applicable, and insurance arrangements.
- Invoicing — submitted weekly through VTEvents by Monday 1700 AEST for the previous week.
- Scope of practice — only the interventions defined by your credentialing record. Working outside scope is grounds for immediate termination.
- Fitness for duty — zero alcohol/substance tolerance. Self-assess before every shift.
- IP ownership — any work product you create for EMS (documentation, training material, code, designs) remains the intellectual property of EMS Event Medical®.
- Termination — either party may terminate with notice; serious breaches (e.g. NDA breach, scope-of-practice breach, falsifying records) are immediate.
What "Confidential" Means in Practice
| Do not… | Why |
|---|---|
| Take ANY photographs or video at Hordern Pavilion — patients, the venue, equipment, the medical room, the show, the audience, or yourself in uniform on site | Hordern Pavilion venue policy + EMS contractual obligation to the venue — breach jeopardises the contract |
| Photograph or film patients, even for "training" | Privacy Act + AHPRA breach + dismissal |
| Post about EMS events on social media | Reveals client/venue/clinical info |
| Discuss patient details with non-EMS clinicians | Disclosure outside the treating team |
| Screenshot E.V.E.N.T or VTEvents screens | Proprietary system + patient data |
| Share login credentials with anyone | Breaches audit trail and security |
| Speak to media without Director approval | All media via Medical Director / Ops Manager |
| Email patient information to personal accounts | Data retention + security breach |
CODE OF CONDUCT
All EMS personnel are expected to uphold these standards at all times — on duty, off duty, on shift, and online.
Professional Behaviour
- Treat every patient, colleague and member of the public with dignity, respect and compassion.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times — never discuss patient details in public or on social media.
- Arrive on time for all assigned shifts. Contact Medical Support if you are running late — message 02 8088 0734 (24/7) or TEXT 0402 762 233 out of hours. Do not contact the on-site Controller for roster or personnel matters.
- Wear your EMS uniform correctly and present professionally. No unauthorised badges; clean and tidy at all times.
- Do not use your mobile phone for personal use while on duty except during designated breaks.
Zero Tolerance
- Bullying, harassment, discrimination — zero tolerance. Reports will be investigated.
- Falsifying records — fabricating clinical or administrative documentation is a serious breach and may result in criminal liability and AHPRA referral.
- Theft — of equipment, consumables or Schedule drugs is a criminal matter.
Social Media Policy
- NEVER photograph, film or record patients without their written consent.
- NEVER post patient-related content on any social media platform.
- Do not publicly comment on EMS operations, events, or clinical situations without management approval.
- Breaches of patient privacy on social media may result in referral to AHPRA and the HCCC.
- Hordern Pavilion: NO photographs, NO video — at any time, of anything. Venue policy + EMS contract requirement.
Fitness for Duty
- Self-assess before every shift — if you are unwell, do not attend.
- Notify Medical Support via VTEvents as early as possible if unable to work.
- If you take prescription medication that may affect alertness or performance, advise the Medical Director confidentially.
- Mental health matters — speak to the Operations Manager or access the Team Assistance Program (TAP).
Chain of Command
| Your Role | Escalate To |
|---|---|
| Event Medic / EMT | Operations Mgr / Field Mgr / Medical Support Mgr / Event Medical Director |
| Nurse / Paramedic (BLS/ILS) | Operations Mgr / Medical Support Mgr / Event Medical Director |
| Senior Paramedic / Clinical Lead | Operations Mgr / Medical Support Mgr / Event Medical Director |
| Controllers | EMS Liaison / Operations Mgr / Medical Support Mgr / Event Medical Director |
| Medical Support | Medical Support Manager / Event Medical Director |
| Event Medical Director / Med Sup Mgr / Medical Director | EMS Director |
ROLE & SCOPE OF PRACTICE
Your role at EMS depends on your qualifications and the event you are deployed to. Knowing what you are — and are not — authorised to do is critical for patient safety and your own registration.
Role Summary
| Role | Core Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Doctor / FACEM | Highest clinical authority on site. May authorise administration beyond standard paramedic formularies. |
| Paramedic (CCP / ICP) | Advanced assessment and treatment; S4 and S8 medication administration; advanced airway; team leadership at incidents. |
| Paramedic (P / P1) | Patient assessment, BLS/ILS care, IV access, limited medication administration; supports ALS as required. |
| Registered Nurse | Patient assessment, medication administration within RN scope, IV access, clinical support in Medical Tent. |
| Event Medic | Initial patient contact, triage, first aid and BLS, monitoring, escalation. Limited OTC medications only. |
| EMT | BLS, patient packaging and transport, AED, wound care, oxygen therapy. Works under paramedic supervision. |
| Controller | On-site radio dispatcher at festivals — real-time radio comms, resource coordination during the event, patient tracking, inter-agency liaison, MCI coordination. No personnel, roster or management authority — direct all roster/personnel/late/sick matters to Medical Support. |
| Medical Support | Equipment, logistics, setup/packdown of Medical Tent. No direct patient care. |
Scope Rules
- Only perform interventions listed in your credentialing certificate (held in VTEvents).
- If you gain a new qualification, submit evidence to Medical Support to have your scope updated before using it.
- If ever uncertain — ask the senior clinician on site.
- Document your scope decisions in E.V.E.N.T — including why you escalated.
Formulary Notes
EVENT DAY — WHAT TO EXPECT
From the night before through to sign-out — the operational rhythm of an EMS event.
Before You Arrive
- Check VTEvents the day before for updates, location changes or briefing notes.
- Ensure your uniform is clean and in good condition.
- Your EMS ID is available in the VTEvents app — be sure you know how to access it.
- Bring any personal equipment your role requires (e.g. stethoscope, observations kit).
- Allow extra travel time — venue parking and access can be complex.
- Review the venue map in VTEvents. If unfamiliar with the venue, contact Medical Support.
Signing In
- Arrive at the designated EMS staging/meeting point — check the event Notes in VTEvents for the exact location.
- Sign in via the VTEvents app — your attendance is recorded automatically.
- Collect your radio, record your callsign, and any event-specific materials from the relevant manager.
- Complete your equipment check (see Clinical Basics).
- Attend the pre-event briefing — mandatory for all staff.
- Confirm post location and communication channel before the event opens.
The Pre-Event Briefing
Mandatory. Do not be late. The briefing covers:
- Event overview — type, expected attendance, venue layout.
- Your post assignment and any specific hazards at your location.
- Communication protocols — radio channel, your callsign, Controller's callsign.
- Anticipated patient presentations based on event type and weather.
- Transport plan — name and address of the primary receiving hospital.
- MCI trigger criteria and activation procedure.
- Staff welfare — break times, fluids/food access, toilet locations.
During the Event
- Maintain your assigned post unless directed to move by the relevant manager.
- Perform regular status checks (typically every 30 minutes).
- Report all patient contacts to Medical Support — even with no treatment.
- Complete an E.V.E.N.T record for every patient contact — using the appropriate form (Full PCR / Quick PCR / Pain Relief / Non-Clinical).
- Stay hydrated and take scheduled breaks. Always advise Medical Support before returning to the MGMCC.
- Report safety hazards to the Controller immediately.
Requesting Assistance — Radio
- Identify yourself and your location first.
- State urgency — "CAT 1 patient — I need ALS support at Post 3 immediately".
- For life-threatening emergencies — transmit "PRIORITY — PRIORITY" before your message.
- For cardiac arrest — transmit "Code 2 — Code 2" followed by location.
- At one-out events — call 000 for all cardiac arrests and patients requiring hospital transport. Do not wait.
Signing Out
- Confirm with the relevant manager that all patients are accounted for and PCRs submitted in E.V.E.N.T.
- Return your radio and any borrowed equipment.
- Sign out via the VTEvents app — recorded for invoice verification.
- Attend any post-event debrief.
- Report any equipment deficiencies, injuries or incidents before departure.
E.V.E.N.T — PATIENT CARE RECORD SYSTEM
E.V.E.N.T = EMS Venue Event Notification Tool. The official electronic Patient Care Record for every EMS patient contact.
Why E.V.E.N.T Matters
- Legal protection — your PCR is a contemporaneous medical record. It is the primary source of truth in any complaint, legal or incident review.
- Patient safety — accurate records support safe handover to NSW Ambulance and hospitals.
- Quality improvement — aggregated data drives improvements in planning and staffing.
- Regulatory compliance — NSW Health and EMS clinical governance require documentation for every patient encounter.
Accessing E.V.E.N.T
- Use the EMS-issued tablet/device at your post, or your own smartphone/tablet with the E.V.E.N.T app.
- Login credentials are issued by Medical Support during induction.
- Change your password on first login. Never share your credentials.
- Select the current event from the event list — the app will only allow records for the correct event type.
Choosing the Right Form
Every patient contact must be recorded in E.V.E.N.T — but not every contact needs a full clinical PCR. E.V.E.N.T provides four form types so you can match the documentation to the contact. Pick the right one when you tap New Patient Record:
| Form Type | Use For | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Full PCR | Clinical presentations requiring assessment, observation or treatment | Chest pain, head injury, syncope, asthma, lacerations, intoxication, anaphylaxis, anything with vitals or interventions |
| QUICK PCR | Minor contacts that don't require full clinical assessment | Band-aid, blister care, sunscreen, ice pack, basic first aid, brief reassurance |
| PAIN RELIEF form | Patients receiving simple OTC analgesia only — no other intervention or assessment | Paracetamol or ibuprofen for headache / minor musculoskeletal pain in an otherwise well patron |
| NON-CLINICAL form | Non-clinical interactions where no patient care is provided | Directions, lost property, water request, finding a friend, welfare check with no clinical concern |
Mandatory PCR Fields
| Field | Notes |
|---|---|
| Date/time of contact | Auto-populated — verify accuracy |
| Event name | Auto-populated — verify accuracy |
| Patient first name | "Unknown" acceptable if unable to obtain |
| Patient DOB | "Unknown" or approximate age acceptable |
| Chief complaint | Select from dropdown; free text in narrative |
| At least one set of vitals | Min: BP (sys + dia), HR, RR, SpO2, GCS |
| Triage Category | Must be assigned and documented |
| Treatment provided | Nil treatment = "Nil treatment required — patient reviewed" |
| Disposition | Must select one outcome |
| Clinician name + role + email | Verify correct |
| Digital signature | Required before submission. Senior clinician signature required for Event Medic / EMT submissions. |
Refusal of Treatment
- Assess and document the patient's decision-making capacity (oriented, understands risks, voluntary).
- Document that you explained the risks of refusing in plain language.
- Use the dedicated Refusal of Treatment form in E.V.E.N.T.
- Have the patient sign on-screen if possible; document if they refuse to sign.
- For patients with impaired capacity (intoxicated, GCS < 14) — contact the Event Medical Director before allowing refusal.
Schedule 8 Medications
Offline Mode & Connectivity
- E.V.E.N.T is designed to work in poor-coverage venues. Specific sync behaviour is documented in the in-app help and will be covered during your face-to-face induction with Medical Support.
- Do not shut down the app or your device until you have confirmed all records are submitted. If unsure, check with Medical Support before leaving site.
- Notify Medical Support if you have been offline for an extended period during a shift so unsynced records can be tracked.
- Never leave an event with patient records still pending submission on your device. If anything is unclear, ask Medical Support before you sign out.
Privacy & Retention
- All E.V.E.N.T data is stored on secure encrypted servers compliant with NSW Health data standards.
- Do not access patient records that are not your own without a clinical reason.
- Do not screenshot or photograph PCRs.
- Records retained 7 years (adult) / until age 25 (paediatric) per NSW Health.
VTEVENTS — ROSTERING & INVOICING
VTEvents is EMS Event Medical®'s official rostering platform — the single source of truth for shifts, availability, sign-in/out, and time records. Checking VTEvents is a core responsibility, not a courtesy.
Account Setup
- You will receive an email invitation from VTEvents (sent by Medical Support) to your registered email address.
- Click the activation link and set a password.
- Download the VTEvents app from the Apple App Store or Google Play (search "VTEvents").
- Log in with your email and password.
- Complete your profile fully: photo, contact, emergency contact, role, location preferences.
- Enable ALL push notifications — this is critical. Shift offers can have short response windows.
The Dashboard
| Section | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| My Schedule | All confirmed shifts — event, date, time, location, role |
| Available Shifts | Shifts offered to you or open for expressions of interest |
| Pending | Accepted shifts awaiting Rosterer confirmation |
| Notifications | New shifts, changes, cancellations, messages |
| Timesheets / Invoices | Completed shifts — review and submit for payment |
| Availability | Calendar — keep updated 4+ weeks in advance |
| Messages | Direct messages from Operations / Rostering Team |
| My Profile | Personal details, qualifications, preferences, ID card |
How Often to Check
| Situation | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Normal week (no events) | At least once daily |
| Week before a major event | Twice daily — morning and evening |
| During busy event seasons | Every 8 hours |
| After a Rosterer contacts you | Immediate response in VTEvents (not just verbal) |
| Changes to existing roster | As soon as you receive notification |
Responding to Shift Offers
- Accepting — open the offer, review details, tap Accept. Shift moves to Pending then My Schedule once confirmed.
- Declining — tap Decline; provide a reason. Frequent declines — review your availability settings.
- Expressions of Interest — for large events, tap Express Interest. The team will review and confirm selected staff.
Cancelling a Shift
| Time Before Shift | Required Action |
|---|---|
| > 7 days | Cancel via VTEvents with reason. Try to arrange replacement; call Medical Support if you can't. |
| 2–7 days | Cancel via VTEvents AND phone Medical Support / Rostering Team. Both required. |
| < 48 hours | URGENT — phone Medical Support or Operations immediately, then cancel in VTEvents. |
| On the day (emergency) | Phone Medical Support, the event Supervisor AND Operations Manager. Then cancel in VTEvents. Medical certificate may be required. |
Sign-In / Sign-Out
- Sign in via the VTEvents app on arrival at the staging point.
- Sign out via the VTEvents app at the end of your shift.
- Your sign-out time is the basis of your invoice — ensure it is completed before you leave site.
- Any overtime — text 0402 762 233 with approver name and new finish time.
Invoicing
- VTEvents auto-generates a time record from your sign-in/out times.
- Review your times after every shift — date, event, start, finish.
- If correct, create your invoice in VTEvents.
- Submit invoices weekly by Monday 1700 AEST for the previous week.
- Late invoices = delayed payment.
- If sign-in/out is incorrect, contact Medical Support immediately — do not wait until next week.
Shift Swaps
- Both staff must hold the credentialing for the same role (or higher) at the relevant level. Pay rate follows the rostered role.
- Use the VTEvents Shift Swap function — never arrange swaps verbally.
- Swaps must be approved by the Medical Support Manager — not confirmed until you receive the VTEvents confirmation.
- If a swap is not approved, the original rostered person remains responsible.
CLINICAL & OPERATIONAL BASICS
Radio, uniform, equipment, infection control, lone worker safety — the operational essentials every EMS staff member must know.
Radio Procedure
- Push and hold PTT — wait 1 second after pressing before speaking.
- Speak clearly at a moderate pace.
- Keep transmissions short. Release PTT when finished. Wait for silence before transmitting.
- Format: "[Recipient callsign], this is [Your callsign] — [Message] — Over."
Emergency Transmissions
- PRIORITY — "PRIORITY — PRIORITY — PRIORITY — [callsign] — [brief message]". Urgent but not life-threatening.
- ARREST — "ARREST — ARREST — ARREST — [location]". All non-essential transmissions cease.
- EMERGENCY — reserved for personal danger to staff.
Uniform
| Item | Standard |
|---|---|
| Shirt | EMS-issued polo / shirt — clean, no visible stains or damage, no unauthorised badges |
| Pants | Black cargo / uniform pants — clean and pressed, no reflective stripes |
| Footwear | Closed-toe boots or shoes — steel-cap recommended. Clean and tidy. No thongs or sandals. |
| Hi-vis vest | Worn at all outdoor events with vehicle movement |
| ID | Access via VTEvents app if no physical badge issued |
| Gloves | Nitrile for all patient contact — carry a supply |
| Personal hygiene | Hair tied back, no strong fragrances, nails short and clean |
| Jewellery | Minimal — no long necklaces or dangling earrings during patient care |
Pre-Event Equipment Check
- AED — powered on, pads attached, no alerts.
- Oxygen cylinder — pressure > 2000 kPa, regulator attached, NRB masks available.
- BVM — adult and paediatric sizes present and functional.
- Airway adjuncts — OPA set (all sizes), NPA set with lubricant.
- Suction unit — functional, tubing attached, container empty.
- Monitoring — SpO2 probe, BP cuffs (adult + paed), BGL meter + strips.
- Trauma kit — tourniquets ×2, wound packing gauze, dressings, bandages.
- PPE stock — gloves (S/M/L), surgical masks, goggles, sharps container.
- Medications (ALS only) — drug kit sealed, expiries checked, S8 count reconciled.
- Radio — powered on, correct channel, volume appropriate, battery charged.
- E.V.E.N.T app — logged in, correct event selected, connectivity confirmed.
- Personal — EMS ID, water bottle, phone charged.
Infection Control
- Hand hygiene (wash or ABHR) before and after every patient contact.
- Gloves mandatory for any contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes or non-intact skin.
- Surgical mask for any respiratory presentation, suspected infection, coughing/sneezing patient.
- P2/N95 for aerosol-generating procedures: CPR, intubation, nebulisation, suction.
- Goggles / face shield for splash risk.
- Dispose of sharps immediately into sharps container — never reuse or recap needles.
- Report needle-stick / sharps injuries immediately to the Controller and complete an incident report.
Lone Worker Safety
- Radio check-in with the site team / security / Controller every 15 minutes.
- Never approach an aggressive or violent patient alone — radio for security or Police.
- Know your exact location at all times — venue map, GPS, or What3Words on your device.
- The Controller must be able to locate you within 2 minutes if you do not respond to a radio call.
WORK HEALTH & SAFETY (NSW)
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), you have rights and responsibilities. EMS Event Medical® takes these seriously and so must you.
Your Rights
- The right to a safe workplace.
- The right to refuse unsafe work — notify the Controller or Operations Manager of any unsafe situation.
- The right to request safety information, training and protective equipment.
- The right to consultation on matters affecting your health, safety or welfare.
Your Responsibilities
- Take reasonable care of your own health and safety.
- Take reasonable care that your acts or omissions do not adversely affect others.
- Comply with reasonable instructions from EMS that are given to comply with WHS legislation.
- Cooperate with EMS WHS policies and procedures.
- Use PPE correctly. Care for equipment provided.
- Report all hazards, near-misses and incidents — do not ignore something because it seems minor.
Reporting
| Type | Report To | How / When |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate safety hazard | EMS Supervisor + event security | Radio — immediately |
| Near-miss | EMS Supervisor | During or after shift; E.V.E.N.T incident form |
| Staff injury | EMS Supervisor + Operations Mgr | During shift; WHS incident form within 24 hrs |
| Patient adverse event | EMS Supervisor + Medical Director | E.V.E.N.T PCR + EMS incident form within 24 hrs |
| Equipment failure | Logistics Mgr | During shift, note on equipment check form |
| Notifiable WHS incident | Operations Manager | Immediately — SafeWork NSW may need to be notified |
Manual Handling
- Assess patient and environment before lifting — weight, access, obstacles.
- Minimum two people for patient lifting. Communicate before lifting: "Ready? 1–2–3–lift".
- Use mechanical aids whenever available — stretcher, scoop, carry chair, slide sheet.
- Never twist your spine while lifting — pivot your whole body.
- Report any musculoskeletal strain or injury immediately. Do not "walk it off".
Heat & Fatigue
- Drink water continuously — at least 500 mL/hour in warm weather. Multiple water stations are available at events and in the MGMCC.
- Take all scheduled breaks — advise Medical Support or Control when returning to the MGMCC.
- Report early heat illness signs (headache, dizziness, nausea) to your Controller immediately.
- If fatigued or unwell, inform the Controller — better to be relieved early than risk a patient safety incident.
Aggressive Patients
- Your safety always comes first — disengage from any situation where you feel physically threatened.
- Use de-escalation: calm tone, open body language, non-threatening positioning.
- Do not enter the personal space of an aggressive patient without security present.
- If a patient becomes violent — withdraw and request security via radio immediately.
- Physical restraint is NOT a role of EMS staff. Contact Police.
- Document all aggressive behaviour in E.V.E.N.T and report to the Controller.
Wellbeing & Mental Health
- After any traumatic event, a hot debrief will be offered to all involved staff.
- Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) support is available — ask the Operations Manager or Medical Support.
- Team Assistance Program (TAP): free, confidential counselling — contact details from Medical Support.
- Peer support: reach out to colleagues and leadership — we look out for each other.
- Seeking support after a difficult event is professionalism, not weakness.
KEY POLICIES — SUMMARY
Full policy documents are available in the EMS Staff Portal. These summaries are the floor of what you must know.
Confidentiality & Privacy
- All patient information is confidential — governed by the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW).
- You may not share patient details with event organisers, media, security or the public.
- Sharing patient information on social media is a serious breach and may result in dismissal and AHPRA referral.
- Patient records are retained per NSW Health retention standards (7 years adult; until age 25 paediatric).
Child Protection
All EMS staff are mandatory reporters under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW). If you have reasonable grounds to suspect a child is at risk of significant harm, you MUST report this to Police or the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).
- DCJ Child Protection Helpline: 132 111
- Report immediately — do not investigate yourself.
- Document the referral in E.V.E.N.T and notify the Event Medical Director.
Consent
- Conscious adults — informed consent. Explain what you are doing and why; confirm the patient agrees.
- Unconscious patients — implied consent applies; treat in their best interests.
- Patients under 16 — obtain parental/guardian consent where possible. In an emergency without a guardian, treat in the child's best interests and document.
- Gillick competency — applies for adolescents 14–17. Assess and document if treating without parental consent.
- Refusal — respect informed refusal from patients with capacity. Document thoroughly.
Medication Management
- Only administer medications within your authorised scope.
- S8 (Controlled) drugs require witnessed administration and a dual-signed register entry.
- Medication errors must be reported immediately to the Event Medical Director and documented in E.V.E.N.T.
- Never borrow, share, or accept medications from outside the EMS-issued drug kit.
Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR)
- If a patient presents with a valid NSW Advance Care Directive or DNAR order, respect the patient's wishes.
- Contact the Event Medical Director for all DNAR situations.
- NSW Ambulance should be called for all cardiac arrest cases regardless of DNAR status — they will confirm and manage.
- Document the existence of an advance care directive in E.V.E.N.T.
Mandatory Reporting to AHPRA
Registered practitioners (Paramedics, Nurses, Doctors) have an obligation under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW) 2009 to report:
- Another registered practitioner engaging in notifiable conduct (practising while impaired, sexual misconduct, significant departure from accepted standards).
- Your own impairment that could place the public at risk.
If unsure whether something meets the threshold, seek confidential advice from the AHPRA notifications line: 1300 419 495.
Alcohol & Substance Use
KEY CONTACTS
Save these contacts to your phone before your first shift. Direct numbers for senior staff are issued at credentialing.
EMS Internal
| Role / Team | Contact | For |
|---|---|---|
| Event Medical Director | Direct number — issued to senior clinical staff | Clinical governance queries |
| Operations Manager | Direct number — issued to all clinical staff | Operational issues |
| Field Manager | Direct number — issued to all clinical staff | On-site support |
| Medical Support / Rostering | Message 02 8088 0734 (24/7, message only) or VTEvents Messages or TEXT only to 0402 762 233 (out of hours) | All roster, availability, shift offers, overtime approvals, late notifications, and personnel matters. This is the only contact for personnel issues — Controllers are radio dispatch only. |
| EMS Staff Portal | E.V.E.N.T app — left-hand menu | Policies, forms, credentialing docs, training |
| Onboarding result mailbox | medicalsupport@emseventmedical.com.au | This onboarding result is sent here |
External
| Organisation | Number |
|---|---|
| Emergency Services (Police / Fire / Ambulance) | 000 |
| NSW Ambulance (Non-Emergency) | 132 022 |
| NSW Poisons Information Centre | 13 11 26 |
| SafeWork NSW | 13 10 50 |
| AHPRA | 1300 419 495 |
| Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) | (02) 9219 7444 |
| DCJ — Child Protection Helpline | 132 111 |
| NSW Ministry of Health | (02) 9391 9000 |
EMS Event Medical® Office
6/59 Smeaton Grange Rd, Smeaton Grange NSW 2567
Phone (24/7): 02 8088 0734
Email: events@emseventmedical.com.au
Web: emseventmedical.com.au
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
20 auto-marked questions covering the content of this onboarding. Pass mark 80% (16/20). You may review and change answers before submitting. Your score is included in the result emailed to Medical Support.
DECLARATION
Final acknowledgement before submission. Read each statement carefully — your name and the date are recorded with the result.
Digital Signature
RESULT & SUBMIT
Below is your onboarding result. Tap Email to Medical Support to send it to medicalsupport@emseventmedical.com.au. Read the reminder below carefully — you must attach both the result .txt file AND the signed NDA PDF before sending.