20 year milestone for Special Operations Paramedics

Afraid of dark, tight spaces, or dizzying heights?

What about environments so dangerous that only high skilled specialists dare to enter?

For the past two decades, the St John WA (SJWA) Special Operations Paramedics (PSOs) team has been confronting these challenges head-on.

Established in 2004, the now team of 22 has been working hard with partner agencies (such as Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and WA Police Force’s (WAPOL) Tactical Response Group), and more recently as an independent on-road resource managing high-risk situations, to support crews, ensure safety, and work collaboratively to improve patient outcomes.

But let’s take a trip down memory lane to a time when the iPhone wasn’t yet invented and when taxis were the only alternative to owning a car or using public transport. 

Originally, when the PSO team was set up, members were trained to Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Category 1 which only allowed them to operate on the ground’s surface.

In July 2006, the need to enhance their capabilities became evident, as they were receiving requests to accompany DFES USAR teams into subterranean environments but were unable to do so due to a lack of appropriate qualifications. 

This need was subsequently addressed through targeted training and development.

Two paramedics who have seen it all are Stephen Beaton, Special Operations Paramedic, and Allan Newbold, Critical Care Paramedic and Special Operations Paramedic. 

Stephen joined SJWA in 1998 and Allan in 1999 and both were part of the initial intake of Special Operations.

Other founding members of the PSO team include Brett Screen and Craig Telford. 

For Allan, he wanted to be a part of something new.

“It was a totally new and different role within the organisation with a strong physical component that really appealed to me,” he said. 

“The prospect of working with Fire and Rescue and other agencies was really exciting.”

Stephen was intrigued by the role.

“When it first started, Special Operations was known as USAR and we trained with DFES in case of situations like 9/11,” he said. 

“I thought ‘That is something I would like to be a part of.’”

The successful working relationship between PSO and DFES personnel has been highlighted by numerous jobs across the years.

Incidents have included the Cannington apartment complex fire in March 2018, multiple trench collapse rescues and various siege incidents including the Martin siege in January 2019.

Throughout their time with the PSO team, Allan and Stephen have learned a lot.

For Stephen, it shows the importance of being a good paramedic.

“People are often in need of help and it is important to realise that paramedics play a key role in helping someone navigate what could be their worst day,” he said. 

“Being a good paramedic is not just about being a good clinician, but also a decent human.”

Allan has learned some big life lessons.

“You need to live your life with compassion – you never know what is going on in some peoples lives and what they are having to endure,” he said.

“Appreciate what you have in your life as it can change very quickly.”

Both Allan and Stephen have had lots of memories over their time with SJWA.

Allan reflected on a couple of key moments.

“Becoming friends with a young guy and his family after a very traumatic injury and recovery is one of the highlights,” he said. 

“I still have contact with them today 10 years later.

“I (also) will never forget transporting a survivor from Auschwitz concentration camp and seeing the prisoner number tattooed on her arm.”

For Stephen, he reflects on a few experiences.  

“The first baby I ‘delivered’ is something I won’t forget.

“Luckily for me it was the woman’s ninth (child), and she was definitely more in control than I was.

“(Also) being in the right place at the right time, once or twice, to deliver CPR and ‘shock’ someone and keep them alive is an easy answer. 

“It was kind of cool to know that you played a part in keeping someone alive.

Stephen also enjoyed spending some time on Rottnest Island where he looked after people who were quarantined during the early COVID days.

In recent years the team and capabilities have grown significantly with continual upskilling and the inclusion of new technologies, as well as a permanent on-road presence, working in a dedicated and specialised, custom-built vehicle.

Since January 2024, two PSOs operate as crew PSO41 from 8am – 8pm, seven days a week. When they are not rostered to PSO41 they resume general on-road ambulance duties.

Team members juggle their on-road ambulance duties with a large undertaking of competency training, requiring about four weeks dedicated training to maintain proficiency across 38 skills.

For Stephen, working with other agencies like DFES, WAPOL, WA Health and Australian Medical Assistance Teams (AUSMAT) is what he enjoys most.

Allan likes the collaborative nature of the role. 

“(I enjoy) the camaraderie amongst the paramedics and firefighters and the amazing experiences and adventures that you get to encounter when on deployment,” he said. 

Bryan Coetzee, who has been a part of the PSO team since 2020, reinforced that the role is more than just about making a difference.

“Our main focus is team safety,” Bryan said.

“We want to make it safe for the crews.”

The team has expanded its capabilities with the inclusion of accredited vertical rescue training (as well as HAZMAT, Confined Space, use of Breathing Apparatus and 4WD driver training), and an ongoing requirement for regular training refresher days to ensure readiness to use those skills at a moment’s notice.

When asked what advice he would give to someone interested in becoming a Special Ops paramedic, Allan said: “If you enjoy a physical challenge, contributing to an awesome team and thinking on your feet you would love special operations. 

“You have the opportunity to learn a variety of skills and mix with some incredibly knowledgeable people. 

“It is well worth the effort.”

Allan concluded with a reflection on his time as a paramedic.

“Being a paramedic is a job where on the odd occasion you get the privilege of being able to directly impact someone’s life,” he said. 

“You have the opportunity to step into someone’s worst moment and change it for the better or at least reduce the pain associated with it. 

“It is one of the greatest jobs there is but, in reality, understood by few. 

“I have loved being a paramedic for the last 25 years and look forward to many more.”