Beyond The Call Experiences of High Trauma Occupations

Beyond The Call with Nurse Crystal Culp

In this episode of Beyond the Call, host Peter interviews Crystal Culp, a retired nurse from Alberta, Canada, about her extensive 38-year career in the nursing field. Crystal shares her background, having grown up in Southern Ontario and her nursing journey which began in Northern Ontario. She discusses the challenges she faced, including homesickness during college, her extensive experience in varied nursing areas, and the intense situations of cardiac and labor units. Crystal also delves into her experience with organizational trauma and leadership challenges, and how these experiences led to her current advocacy for nurses. She emphasizes the importance of supportive workplaces, retention, and appreciation for nursing staff. This episode provides a deep dive into the personal and professional life of a dedicated nurse and the systemic issues within the healthcare system.

Beyond The Call with Willow

In this episode of the 'Beyond The Call' podcast, Willow, a long-time friend mine, shares her harrowing journey through childhood neglect, sexual abuse, and eventually being coerced into sex work by an abusive partner named Brad. The conversation details Willow's early life, characterized by a lack of nurture and support from her parents, and follows her into a toxic relationship where she was manipulated into full-service sex work under threats and coercion. Willow discusses her struggles with PTSD, her relationships, and the ongoing impact of her trauma, including a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder. Highlighting the importance of therapy and self-care, Willow opens up about her path to reclaim her narrative and find hope and healing, emphasizing the value of seeking help and building supportive communities.   This is an incredibly brave episode and contains triggering subjects.  Please use your discretion when deciding to listen.

Beyond The Call with Code 9 founder Mark Thomas

In this episode of Beyond the Call podcast, I talk with Mark Thomas, the president of Code Nine Foundation and a current serving police officer. We discuss Mark's journey through his mental health struggles triggered by a traumatic on-duty experience and the subsequent development of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Mark shares his path to recovery, which included hospitalization, therapy, and a strong support network, particularly highlighting the role his boss Mick Bennett played. They also touch on the initiatives and support services provided by the Code Nine Foundation, which helps first responders and their families through various programs like meal deliveries, respite weekends, assistance dogs, and more. The conversation underscores the importance of mental health support, social connection, and personal growth through adversity. Code 9 information and book ordering can be found at the following: https://www.code9ptsd.org.au/ [https://www.code9ptsd.org.au/] facebook: https://www.facebook.com/code9ptsd [https://www.facebook.com/code9ptsd]

Beyond The Call with Paramedic Alan Playford

In this episode of Beyond The Call, Peter interviews Alan Playford, a long-term paramedic from New South Wales and one of Australia's most decorated civilians. Alan shares his journey from joining the paramedic service in 1975 through the highly challenging early years of paramedicine, including the first paramedicine course at St. Vincent’s Hospital led by Dr. Bob Wright. Alan discusses the evolution of paramedicine, the introduction of new technologies like defibrillators, and the incredible challenges they faced, such as hostility from within the ambulance service. He recounts the Newcastle earthquake and the application of advanced life support techniques in dangerous and high-stakes scenarios, including crush syndrome cases. Alan also discusses his harrowing experiences in Rwanda, where he and a team of paramedics provided care amidst the atrocities of genocide. Alan reflects on the psychological impact of his career and emphasizes the importance of documenting positive achievements to combat the negative memories. The episode underscores the importance of resilience, teamwork, and innovation in paramedicine and highlights Alan's new book, 'Through the Rubble,' which details his experiences. "Through The Rubble" can be found in all good book shops and online and was authored by Alan Playford and Penny Keogh

Beyond The Call with Jeff Tougher (Steven's Law)

This episode of Beyond The Call Podcast features Jeff Tougher, father of paramedic Steven Tougher, who was tragically murdered in April 2023. Jeff discusses his son's compassionate life dedicated to serving others and recounts the devastating details of Steven's murder and the subsequent trial. The episode delves into the broader issue of violence against first responders and Jeff's campaign for 'Steven's Law'—a proposed legislation aimed at providing greater protection for paramedics and enforcing stricter penalties for assaults. Jeff emphasises the importance of raising public awareness and legislative action to prevent future tragedies and improve the safety and working conditions of paramedics. Listeners are encouraged to support the cause by advocating for the law and promoting the campaign.  You can contact Jeff and order Steven's Law stickers at stevenslaw12@gmail.com [stevenslaw12@gmail.com] and follow the Stevens Law facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571253719672 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571253719672]   If you have feedback on this or any other episode, please email me on contact@beyondthecall.au [contact@beyondthecall.au] Subscribing to my socials really helps boost my visibility, and subscribing to my podcast on your favourite platform helps me more than you can know. Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563392471037 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondtheCall-l9h TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rominus77