Meet – Sean Balkin

CPA Group Health & Medical National Operations Manager, Lisa Wiki has recommended we meet Sean Balkin, one of our long standing medics, currently deployed in Gladstone.

We spoke to Sean as he took his grandson to football training!

What is your professional background?

I am an Intensive Care Paramedic with 19 years’ experience with QAS and for many years I was the Officer in Charge at the Agnes Water station.

I was an advanced clinically trained underwater medic in the RAN prior to joining the QAS.

I have also studied as a Physicians Assistant at the UQ School of Medicine.

Where are you working now?

I am currently stationed at Gladstone LNG on Curtis Island, working 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off. The 14 days on are 7 day shifts and 7 night shifts.

What other CPA Group sites have you worked?

I have worked mostly in oil & gas – I started in 2014/5 at QCLNG, also on Curtis Island, and have worked at APLNG and Karratha Gas Plant in the past. I live in Gladstone so I am a local hire for the Curtis Island projects.

What are your primary responsibilities?

In addition to the standard site medic role, there is a strong emphasis on training (First Aid and Low Voltage Rescue) which is conducted in association with Baseline Training. I also participate in the site emergency response preparedness.

What do you find most challenging or fulfilling in your role?

I really enjoy the training and ER involvement, participating in drills. I also enjoy working with the client in delivering Wellness and Health Promotion education based on an annual calendar of monthly topics and delivered at tool box meetings and pre-starts. This month we are promoting Men’s Health and Bowel cancer awareness.

I feel well prepared by my experience of working in an isolated situation to respond in an emergency and I do enjoy working with other non-medical personnel such as ERT members in the event it is required.

I also enjoy helping Dr Scott with CPGs and clinical assessments as we move towards the  new  Paramedic registration changes.

And what do you do in your spare time?

I live close to my daughter so I spend a lot of time with my grandchildren. I am keen on golf and surfing, although I am not particularly good at either!!

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We asked Lisa, Sean’s manager, to give us some insight in to how Sean is regarded. According to Lisa, CPA Group clients cannot say anything but positive things about Sean – everyone wants him on their site, and the team loves having the opportunity to work with him due to his knowledge and experience. “He is a hardworking and dedicated valued member of our team who offers flexibility and willingness to fill rotations at short notice.”

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Note: Congratulations Sean, for receiving a US Navy Unit Commendation awarded to the Mine Clearance Diving Team he was with during 1st Gulf War.

http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Jun2018/Events/4691#.WzxBFdIzaUn

A true CPA Group asset!