Susan Helmrich
Susan Helmrich RN, DipAppScNsg, BN, CritCareCert, CoronaryCareCert, TraumaNsgCareCert, CertIV(TAE), MN(Ed), GradCert(Ldrshp & Mgt) has extensive experience as Critical Care Nurse Educator, and Education Manager. Susan is a world class resuscitation educator, having published Adult and Paediatric Advanced Life Support Manuals as well as Resuscitation Instructors Manuals.
Susan has also spent a number of years as the Resuscitation Coordinator at The Wesley Hospital and during her time there was a recipient of the CEO award for Innovation and Excellence. Susie has developed several blended education programs in adult and paediatric ALS for the Uniting Care Health group of hospitals, as well as Clinical mandatory competency training for The Wesley Hospital utilising interactive eLearning and simulation based training.
Susan has previously been the National Education Development Manager for ACCCN and as part of this role, developed a National Curriculum for resuscitation education, represented the ACCCN on the National ARC, was Chair of the ACCCN Resuscitation Advisory Panel, and Member of the ACCCN Education Advisory Panel.
Susan has vast experience in face to face and blended or online education and has presented at a range of National and International conferences. She has also had involvement with a range of Universities as clinical facilitator, clinical tutor and lecturer.
Clinical and professional updates to support working in the PACU and Anaesthetic environment
This Critical Byte will focus on all things resuscitation giving you the resources to introduce resuscitation protocols into your clinical practice.
A free clinical update webinar on the assessment and management of patients with respiratory complications including COVID-19.
Want to know more about managing and preventing delirium, agitation and pain? Join our panel of experts as we discuss the complexity of the critical care patient.
How to manage the critically ill patient, from assessment of deterioration, interpreting ventilator waveforms and tweaking ventilator settings, and titrating inotropes.
This is an on demand series of webinars aimed at refreshing and updating clinicians on key critical care nursing content.
A free clinical update on the elements essential to working in a Critical Care Environment including patient assessment, communication, documentation, escalation and resuscitation.
Quickly improve your knowledge and skills with 4 hours of case based learning to help you prepare for deployment to high acuity nursing areas including critical care units.
Stay ahead in anaphylaxis management with insights from a Coroner's case. Discover the latest recommendations on allergies, anaphylaxis & adrenaline in this up-to-date webinar
How well do you perform in a resus? Access this free toolbox webinar for strategies to high performance CPR and optimisation of resus teams.
How good are you at detecting & escalating deterioration? Join us as we follow a coroner’s case & investigate the role of track & trigger tools for managing deterioration
A learning package on the recognition and management of Anaphylaxis, including clinical application through coronial inquest findings.
Clinical update short course on Atrial fibrillation including skills video on synchronised cardioversion
Despite best efforts, deaths related to paediatric sepsis remain a problem. This webinar explores the findings from coronial investigations to provide some valuable lessons.
This on demand Lunch and Learn session will provide top tips to help you easily understand ABG interpretation and apply the results to patient care.
This on demand Lunch and Learn session will provide top tips to help you navigate wound care including staging, dressings & complex treatment options.
This Critical Byte explores the recognition and management of Malignant Hyperthermia.
This on demand Lunch and Learn session provides top tips to help you prevent and manage PONV for surgical patients.
This short course prepares you to recognise and manage the clinically deteriorating patient in a post operative environment
This Critical Byte uses trauma, surgical and obstetric case studies to discuss catastrophic blood loss requiring initiation of massive transfusion protocol.
Creating a culture of safety starts with speaking up and tapping in to the many human factors that help or hinder safe patient care.
Have you experienced a deteriorating patient in the postoperative setting?
Effective patient triage helps those who need immediate attention to get appropriate care, and those with less urgent needs to wait for care without experiencing harm.
This on demand Lunch & Learn session provides top tips to help you care for patient with CVADs, including insertion, accessing & troubleshooting.
This on demand lunch and learn session provides interactive cases on the assessment and management of causes of cardiac arrest including 4Hs &4Ts & special circumstances
This Critical Byte explores the many issues of pain management for patients experiencing acute, chronic or neuropathic pain.
This course is aimed at developing the knowledge and skills of nurses working or wanting to work in a critical care environment.
The incidence of anaphylaxis is increasing in Australia. Refresh your knowledge on how to recognise, manage and respond effectively to patients with anaphylactic reactions.
This lunch and learn focuses on high flow nasal cannula therapy for pre-oxygenation during intubation, hypoxaemic respiratory failure, and post operative use in patients with OSA.
This Lunch and Learn session will give an overview of Surgical Safety including the significance of the WHO checklist in achieving optimal patient care outcomes.
Could it be sepsis? As a time critical medical emergency that arises from the dysregulated response to infection, you need to be able to recognise and stop sepsis in its tracks.
This webinar focuses on evidence-based practices in the management of long-term respiratory conditions.
NIV supports patients with respiratory failure or acute pulmonary oedema, but requires careful titration to balance improvements in oxygenation against reduced cardiac output.
This Lunch and Learn session will provide top tips to demystify capnography and help recognise the vital role it plays in providing effective treatment and enhancing patient safety
Update your skills on the management of undifferentiated chest pain in this webinar focused on a range of patient case studies and application of the latest clinical guidelines
Navigating the difficult airway, advanced strategies for CICO situations in the ED, ICU or operating room.
Could it be sepsis? Learn the latest information on how to recognise and treat sepsis by attending the not to be missed Surviving Sepsis - Minutes Matter Program
This is the first installment of the Perioperative nursing update course and provides an overview of the professional roles, and patient experience through the operating suite
This webinar focuses on the structured approach to physical assessment of the critically ill patient.
Enhance patient outcomes, clinician engagement and be ready for short notice accreditation with a transformative learning experience platform designed by industry leaders.
This webinar supports the CCN course, and focuses on the emergency intubation of an acutely ill ICU patient and the role of tracheostomies for long term ventilation & weaning.
Discover the intricacies of ABG interpretation including cause, compensation, the meaning of other variables like Aa gradient and p50 and how to apply findings to patient care
Be challenged as we work through a range of case studies to demonstrate the management of cardiac arrest in special circumstances.
This is the second instalment of the Perioperative nursing update course and provides an overview of the professional roles, and patient experience through the operating suite
This webinar focuses on ventilation modes & settings and interpretating ventilator waveforms to optimise mechanical ventilation in a range of patient conditions
This critical bytes webinar will provide crucial insights for handling critical situations in maternal care including postpartum haemorrhage and HELLP Syndrome.
Learn to manage acute life threatening emergencies with the contemporary ALERT™ course
Hemodynamic monitoring plays a critical role in the management of critically ill patients including early detection of deterioration, and optimisation of treatment.
This session will develop your knowledge and skills in the application of CRM principles during a crisis to achieve the best possible outcomes.
This course provides case based review of ECG interpretation for nurses, doctors & paramedics.
Optimise your skills with Medcast's comprehensive course: PREPARED - Preventing and Responding to Emergencies - Patient Assessment, Recognition & Escalation of Deterioration
This is the third instalment of the Perioperative Nursing Update course and provides an overview of therapeutic agents including anaesthetics, antiemetics & analgesics
This webinar applies the Eczema Care Plan to a patient case study demonstrating the eczema management including the application of creams, wet dressings & bleach baths.
This course is designed to provide nurses, with essential skills relating to the assessment and management of high acuity patients.
Essential skills for GPs to help you prepare and manage emergency presentations in your GP practice, Urgent Care and Rural ED setting
This is the fourth instalment of the Perioperative Nursing Update course and provides an overview of intraoperative emergencies including CICO, anaphylaxis, MH, LAST, MTP
Effective wound care and ANTT techniques are crucial for infection prevention. Learn best practices and protocols to ensure optimal patient outcomes and healthcare compliance.
Do you have the skills and knowledge to recognise neutropenic sepsis? This Lunch & Learn will discuss the early recognition and management of a patient with neutropenic sepsis
Stay current with advanced cardiac interventions for your critically ill patients requiring temporary pacing.
Maternal sepsis accounts for 11% of maternal deaths in Australia. This webinar provides an update into who is at risk, how to identify and how to treat this preventable disease.
Patient triage isn’t just for the ED & mass casualty situation, learn how to apply the new standards in triage to any clinical setting where prioritising care has competing demands
Learn to identify, treat, and manage Australian venomous bites and tropical stings with evidence-based protocols for health professionals
Learn a methodical approach to rhythm interpretation with case based examples to practice your skills, understanding and management of patients experiencing arrhythmias
Learn key post-op care protocols, recovery monitoring, pain management, and discharge criteria to ensure patient safety, promote healing, and enhance patient outcomes.
The Medcast resuscitation instructor program develops senior clinical educators with a background in resuscitation & education to deliver advanced life support training.
ICU Nursing 101: Gain essential skills for patient management, explore ICU equipment basics, & hear from our experts on how to thrive in a high-stakes environment & avoid burnout
Optimise your skills with Medcast's comprehensive course: PREPARED - Preventing and Responding to Emergencies - Patient Assessment, Recognition & Escalation of Deterioration
Designed for clinicians in pre-hospital, urgent/emergency care and acute care environments, update your knowledge in the management of acute life-threatening emergencies.
This course, suitable for GPs, nurses, and paramedics, provides a structured approach to ECG interpretation, including rhythm interpretation and analysis of abnormalities.
Test your skills in rhythm interpretation reviewing a range of adult and paediatric cases experiencing rhythm disturbances.
Contemporary perioperative nursing course covering the essentials of all nursing roles from pre-admissions, anaesthetics, scrub scout and PACU
This Critical Bytes session reviews current therapies for optimising oxygenation and improving haemodynamic stability in the critically unstable patient with heart failure.
This Lunch & Learn will be working through case studies to demonstrate the key components to escalation and management of clinical deterioration.
This webinar focuses on cardiovascular therapies for the critically ill patient, including the use of cardiac pacing, intra-aortic balloon pump, vasopressors, and inotropes.
This webinar discusses the management of depression and anxiety in residents of aged care facilities, including the role of antidepressants and non-pharmacological strategies.
Sepsis affects 55,000 Australians yearly, causing 8,700 deaths. This CPD-accredited course helps GPs recognise, assess & manage sepsis early to improve patient outcomes.
This webinar covers acute kidney injury and management including, fluid and electrolyte balance, nephrotoxic drugs and continuous renal replacement therapies.
Join our Closing the Gap webinar to learn culturally safe, trauma-informed care for First Nations people in Australia. Build trust & improve health outcomes
Case based discussion on the metabolic and nutrition management of critically ill patients including enteral vs parenteral nutrition, protein & caloric requirements.
Status asthmaticus is a life-threatening asthma attack causing airway obstruction and respiratory failure. This webinar covers key signs, red flags, and critical care management.
Join this lunch and learn to explore best-practice nursing care for anticoagulated patients needing surgery, balancing bleeding risk, thromboembolism, and recovery strategies.
This webinar brings a panel of experts and consumers with lived experience and supports the launch of the Sepsis in Primary Care online course.
This webinar supports the CCN course, and focuses on neurological deficits in the ICU patient including pain, delirium, CVA identification and brain death testing.
Explore the risks, roles, and responsibilities of perioperative nursing in this free case-based conversation on surgical safety and perioperative practice.
Explore key principles, equipment, and safety strategies for ventilated patient transfers in ICU and retrieval settings.
This CCN update will explore how to support families and manage complex ethical situations for critically ill patients, including consideration of cultural and religious beliefs.
Join this lunch and learn to explore practical clinical debriefing tools that you can use following clinical events in high-pressure situations.
Join this lunch and learn to hear about the latest recommendations for neonatal resuscitation.
Seeking guidance on which courses to prioritise before the CPD year concludes? You're not alone! Essential CPD for Australian nurses covering skills, patient care & standards.
Marjory is a 68 year old in-patient who is 2 days post hip replacement. She is on rivaroxaban (xarelto) for VTE prophylaxis. You find her sitting on the floor of the bathroom, alert but in pain.
Reflecting on the legacy of Florence Nightingale, we can draw parallels between her reforms and passion and the continued drive and passion of nurses today. The most powerful changes often start with a single spark of curiosity reigniting our purpose and refining our practice as we rediscover the ‘why’
This article explores the risks and management of dynamic hyperinflation in mechanically ventilated patients with status asthmaticus. It outlines causes such as airway obstruction and bronchospasm, and provides strategies for adjusting ventilation settings to minimise gas trapping, support cardiac function, and reduce complications like pneumothorax and systemic hypotension.
While cardiac arrest is often a rare event, the high stakes nature means we need to be able to respond instinctively, ensuring immediate effective action when it matters most. How do you stay prepared in-between ALS or PALS courses?
Nutrition plays a vital role in the recovery of critically ill patients. Evidence-based recommendations for patients in the ICU focus on the timing, energy requirement and protein targets as well as the role of micronutrients. The route of administration is not always straightforward and best guided by the patient's clinical needs, indications and contraindications.
Admission of an unstable patient into the ICU requires a smooth transition of care with all team members pitching together to balance critical assessments, with immediate interventions to stabilise the patient. Do you understand your role?
James, a university student with a history of seasonal allergic rhinitis, presents with sudden respiratory distress following exposure to grass pollen during a soccer game shortly before a summer thunderstorm. Could this be thunderstorm asthma?
Breastfeeding can be one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences for new mothers. For many, it is an experience filled with both joy and immense challenges, which highlights the importance of support and understanding from healthcare professionals.
Diabetic emergencies typically arise from extreme fluctuations in blood glucose levels. The two most common emergencies are hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia.
The complexity of clinical communication necessitates a shift in resuscitation training. We should challenge terms like "soft skills" and "non-technical skills," and instead refer to them as essential resuscitation skills. A holistic approach that highlights the interconnectedness of these skills is vital for achieving optimal patient outcomes.
Susan Helmrich
Explore essential strategies and insights for managing paediatric eczema effectively in this guide. From daily skincare routines to addressing common triggers and mental health considerations, empower families with the knowledge and tools to improve their child's quality of life.
Successful resuscitation attempts rely on the optimisation of cerebral and coronary perfusion. For this to occur it is important to work like a NASCAR pit crew and deliver high performance CPR.
CRM principles grew from the airline industry's crew/cockpit resource management. A key aspect of these principles is using all available information and knowing your resources. Checklists have been a key feature for the airline industry and anaesthesia, but checklists are only as good as the training of the people using them.
Did you know that the mortality for Ovarian Cancer is the same that the mortality was for all cancers in 1975? Why is this the case?
Carl has been in ICU for 2 weeks, over the last 24 hours his condition has deteriorated. What priority assessment needs to be done to get to the bottom of Carl’s deterioration and optimise his plan of care?
Is short notice hospital accreditation in Australia supporting the next era of commitment and care, or increasing the workload of a tired workforce? How can you stay ahead in the quest for excellence?
Understand the requirements of the updated RACGP recommendations for the Doctor’s Bag to stay compliant and prepared for your next clinical emergency
This blog explores the ALS Algorithm and looks at how Medcast are trialling an adaptation of the 2023 updated ANZCOR Adult Advanced Life Support flowchart. The aim is to test its useability as a cognitive aid in ALS training to reduce cognitive load, enhance team performance and improve emergency decision-making.
Explore a lifesaving treatment option for acute respiratory failure. Learn why this approach is highly effective and minimises invasive procedures, providing comfort and better outcomes for patients like Maxine.
Selecting appropriate analgesia is an important aspect of patient centred care in the day surgery and recovery room environment.
Long COVID presents unique challenges for patients with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma. This article delves into the overlapping symptoms, inflammation, treatment implications, rehabilitation needs, and mental health considerations when managing these dual challenges.
When faced with a bleeding patient, understanding the intricacies of the clotting cascade plays a pivotal role in the activation and management of a Code Crimson.
Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection. Did you know that more than 18 000 Australians suffer from sepsis every year with more than 5000 deaths a year; this is twice the number of deaths due to traffic accidents.
Are we doing the right thing when we reach for paracetomol or ibuprofen in response to a fever, or does that fever have benefits in helping our body to fight the infection?
Gail is a 63 year old post abdominoplasty who is complaining of tingling lips, abdominal cramping and watery eyes...
Sam was found unresponsive at a scene of a single motorcycle accident. No obvious signs of blood loss or fractures...
The ABCDE approach is the most recognised tool for rapid patient assessment, it allows us to recognise life-threatening conditions early and provides a systematic method that focuses on identifying problems and implementing critical interventions in a timely manner.
Oropharyngeal airways (OPAs) have some additional considerations when utilising in paediatric patients, to ensure safe use in children.