SAAS Tribe

SA Government commits to appoint a Chief Paramedic Officer

The Observer welcomes the advice and election commitment to appoint a Chief Paramedic Officer (CPO) by the current Labor Government ahead of the Saturday 21 March 2026 election.

"...We are pleased to announce that a re-elected Malinauskas Labor Government will deliver a Chief Paramedic Officer to sit alongside other Chief Clinical Officers in the Department for Health and Wellbeing."

"The Chief Paramedic Officer will work closely with the South Australian Ambulance Service and other key stakeholders to contribute strategic clinical advice and advocacy on behalf of the paramedic workforce. Their role will - amongst other things- investigate opportunities to expand scope of practice and allow paramedics to further the healthcare needs of South Australians ..."

The election commitment may be seen here: https://tinyurl.com/4tpuv2vd

This commitment underscores the importance of paramedicine as a health profession in shaping and implementing policies for better community healthcare.

The role of a CPO in each Australian jurisdiction and the Commonwealth is something the Observer has advocated for many years. One hopes that other jurisdictions will soon join the NT, Victoria (and potentially SA) in making similar appointments.

As Australia’s most trusted independent support organisation, Fortem provides early intervention and preventative mental health support for first responders, their families and former first responders who have left service within the past 10 years.

Wellbeing activities calendar - Fortem Australia Social connection Fortem’s free, evidence-based social connection program provides low threat, low stigma activities that are free, varied and easy to access. These wellbeing activities are a ‘no strings attached’ opportunity to help first responders and their families, as well as former first...

A chance to have your say

Help support a wellbeing roadmap for First Nation peoples

SA Health in partnership with the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation has commissioned the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) to develop a statewide Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service Provider Survey.

The aim is to understand the range of social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and mental health services provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in South Australia, across the private and public sectors.
Feedback provided before 28/02/25 will support further research, improved policy, and better interconnected health services for First Nation communities. To complete survey click here:

Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service Provider Survey

Need someone to talk to but not sure where to turn and don't want to use EAP?

If you need help or just someone to talk to give these guys a go. They offer 12 sessions with a psych/counsellor too.

National Emergency Worker Support Service - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health Free and confidential mental health support for emergency service workers and volunteers.

An event not to be missed. Hear from Frontline Mental Health on how to stay connected to maintain health and wellness.
Free entry!

This quarters First Magazine out now!

FIRST | The Council of Ambulance Authorities Inc. A magazine created to share the wonderful and ground-breaking news and programs from across the Australasian ambulance sector.

Do you have your Blue Light Card?

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Good news for all frontline workers. Now it's up to the Government to support this through to legislation.

It couldn't be more timely after the devastating news of the loss of one of our own last week.

PTSD_Bill_summing_up_ This is "PTSD_Bill_summing_up_" by Sean Whittington on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

IS THIS YOU??!!
If this is you, we'd LOVE LOVE LOVE you to come along to THIS THURSDAY 24th November Sleep Health Workshop hosted by the Australian Red Cross!
AT: Brukunga Hall, 12 Pyrites Rd (only 5 mins from Nairne).

🥣5.30pm - DINNER (provided FREE)🥣
6-9pm - WORKSHOP WILL INCLUDE: Robyn Kirby, Red Cross sleep health presenter who is a Psychologist and trauma specialist with over 20 years' experience working with a range of Emergency Services. Robyn has worked with many clients who experience difficulties with achieving good quality sleep, and her approach focusses on providing practical tools to assist people to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
PLUS a Wellbeing/Self-Care Session with Jimmy Brideson & Linda McCabe,National Red Cross staff members.

🥣PLEASE RSVP FOR CATERING PURPOSES🥣 [email protected] / 0417 144 926 or by selecting that you're 'going' in the Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/3TIOdUb2i