#81 Talking through the intersection between critical care & EoLC with paramedic Jim Walmsley

In this episode it is my pleasure to talk to Jim Walmsley, a specialist paramedic in critical care. Jim talks about how Advance Care Planning impacts the work he does, sharing stories and experience. Jim also explains why he is fundraising for the  Intensive Care Society and how you can follow and support his iconic high alpine challenge.

Key messages from guest

• Jim describes how his role has changed in the last two years since we recorded

• Most of the patients Jim sees do not have a “narrative” or Advance Care Plan

• Jim presents stories to illustrate the intersection between critical care and end of life care

• Jim explains that Advance Care Planning can be reviewed, changes and updated

• Advance Care Planning bolsters options of care you can receive

• Jim explains how Organ Donation is something that can be a positive outcome in a very difficult and sad situation.

• I hear about the team Jim is joining to fund raise for the Intensive Care Society following the route of the Swiss Army winter test.

• Jim updates me with what he has done for his own Advance Care Planning and how guesting on the podcast provided a catalyst for him to complete his Advance Decision to Refuse Dying.

Resource

• Hear the earlier podcast recorded with Jim at Planning ahead for end of life care with critical care and former End of Life Care paramedic with Jim Walmsley

• Access Jim’s Just Giving site to support fundraising: Just Giving site

• Access the Instagram page: Instagram info available Zermat to Verbier to follow and support Jim’s expedition

• Insta hashtag to follow: #PdG2024ICS

• Find out about Zermatt to Verbier team via Team descriptor & main sponsor

Bio: 

Switching global offshore engineering for the mountains, he has led expeditions for various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in and around Europe since 1996, his work later officially recognised by HRH Queen Elizabeth II at Holyrood Palace, Scotland.

In 2001 he obtained his carnet as an International Mountain Leader, alongside additional outdoor qualifications in climbing, kayaking, and the offshore rope access industry.

As a qualified Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care (SPCC), he’s spent the last nineteen years specialising in pre-hospital care, after initially training and working in Sheffield. He currently works as a SPCC for both the South East Coast Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust & Hampshire & Isle Of Wight Air Ambulance charity.

Having completed an MSc in clinical research and a PgDip in critical care, he now resides in the mountainous region of the South East of England where if not on shift can be seen seeking a kite surf session, climb, run or cycle.

A fluent Spanish speaker he continues to work on expeditions where and when possible, as well as furthering his interests in mountain medicine and sharing a true passion for teaching on pre-hospital courses as well as for the Resuscitation Council.Switching global offshore engineering for the mountains, he has led expeditions for various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in and around Europe since 1996, his work later officially recognised by HRH Queen Elizabeth II at Holyrood Palace, Scotland.

In 2001 he obtained his carnet as an International Mountain Leader, alongside additional outdoor qualifications in climbing, kayaking, and the offshore rope access industry.

As a qualified Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care (SPCC), he’s spent the last nineteen years specialising in pre-hospital care, after initially training and working in Sheffield. He currently works as a SPCC for both the South East Coast Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust & Hampshire & Isle Of Wight Air Ambulance charity.

Having completed an MSc in clinical research and a PgDip in critical care, he now resides in the mountainous region of the South East of England where if not on shift can be seen seeking a kite surf session, climb, run or cycle.

A fluent Spanish speaker he continues to work on expeditions where and when possible, as well as furthering his interests in mountain medicine and sharing a true passion for teaching on pre-hospital courses as well as for the Resuscitation Council.