Article from The Coalface.
With two decades of experience as a Rural and Remote Ambulance Paramedic and a Trauma Counsellor, Paul's insights into the human struggle are both poignant and profound. Through his work he has witnessed the stark realities of mental health challenges and the impact of life spiraling out of control. It has motivated him into action and made him uniquely equipped him to deliver a thought-provoking message that resonates deeply as his narratives are rooted in real-life cases, offering an unfiltered view from the treating chair of an ambulance.
Now an international safety seminar facilitator, multinational corporations around the world have called upon him to speak, seeking wisdom and solutions to reverse spirals, optimise human potential and foster self-worth.
Mining client comment - "The presentations delve into topics that are critically relevant, not just for miners, but for all of us in general. Paul's first-hand experiences as a paramedic lend credibility and urgency to the messages he shares about lifestyle choices and mental health. It's a wake up call in the truest sense."
The central question posed by Paul's presentation echoes with urgency, "When was your last normal?" The recognition that a life crisis can strike anyone regardless of their status, wealth or position. In a society fixated on success, Paul probes the very essence of our existence the connection to our loved ones and the world around us. When asked what experiences from his paramedic work have influenced how he views mental health Paul replied, "There have been hundreds of cases, but none more than suicides. It's so final and yet so preventable if we get in early. It's only after death people stop and think and note some of the warning signs that were coming their way and yet were dismissed. Then for the rest of their lives, those left behind live with the guilt of what they should or could have done differently.”
"If you knew the week before a tragedy was going to occur, what would you do, what would you change... Probably everything would be different. Once we can get our head around that answer, is perhaps where we all need to spend more time."
The crux of the Wake Up Call presentation lies in spreading a beacon of change. It strips away the façade of temporary motivation, encouraging lasting transformations. It prompts individuals to confront the profound irony of a world where war- torn nations fight for survival while we grapple with ending our own lives or medicating to face each day.
The presentation delves into managing mental health in a holistic manner, covering sleep, breathing, nutrition, fitness, and a comprehensive approach to wellbeing. At the heart of Paul's message are two important things, self-observation and self-care. It confronts the unsettling statistic that one in every two people experience depression, and the harrowing reality that suicide is the leading cause of death for those aged 15-44.
Attending Paul Spinks presentation was a game changer for me. His stories are confronting but valuable. It made me reassess not just how I approach my work, but also how I live outside of my job. This wasn't just another boring workshop; it was a life lesson that will stick with me. I feel like I needed a wake up call to be a better employee, a better person, and a better Dad.
GlencoreThe first time (ever) I have been to a workplace seminar where every attendee was riveted and listened to every word spoken!
BHP Billiton
The presentations delve into topics that are critically relevant, not just for miners, but for all of us in general. Paul's first-hand experiences as a paramedic lend credibility and urgency to the messages he shares about lifestyle choices and mental health. It's a wake up call in the truest sense.
Glencore