Staff Spotlight: Hayden Downs
by Chelsea Ardley
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Hayden, who joined the Corporate Protection Health & Medical team in June.
Since joining the team, Hayden has already made a positive impact on site, recently receiving the SHELL Safety Award in recognition of his contribution.
We caught up with Hayden to learn a little more about his journey, his experience with Corporate Protection so far, and life on site.
What is your professional background?
My professional background is quite a mixed bag. I began my career in nursing, working in both hospital and aged-care environments. From there, I moved into retail and management, but I always seemed to find my way back to healthcare.
Most recently, I spent seven years with the SA Ambulance Service as a paramedic and clinical educator & instructor. I then made the move to Corporate Protection Health and Medical Services.
Where are you working now?
I’m currently working with Terrex Seismic on a seismic exploration project in the Surat Basin. With the project covering 700+ square kilometres, it has certainly been an adventure learning to navigate the project area and the various landowners’ properties.
What other Corporate Protection sites have you worked at?
As I’m relatively new to the Corporate Protection family, the exploration project was my first site. I’ve also worked at the ACJV Merotherie site in New South Wales a couple of times. I’m looking forward to travelling further afield and experiencing the variety of sites and projects on offer.
What are your primary responsibilities?
As a paramedic, my primary responsibilities include providing responsive and safe patient care, covering both emergency and routine medical needs and advice. However, I’ve found the role involves much more than that. I regularly engage with the client, the site team and the local community on a wide range of topics, as well as delivering education and toolbox sessions.
The exploration project offers a good mix of responsibilities. I usually start my day at base camp, prepare for the day and then head out in the response vehicle to visit teams throughout the project. This can involve exploring the beautiful countryside within the prospect area or positioning myself on standby, ready to respond if needed.
What do you find most fulfilling in your role?
The people you meet and the stories they share! Everyone comes from a different place and has their own experiences, perspectives and path through life.
I also find it incredibly fulfilling to see the difference you can make in someone’s day – or even their life. This is particularly meaningful when working with smaller teams or projects, where you often see people around camp or have the opportunity to catch up with them again.
What do you find most challenging in your role?
Being new to FIFO and remote work, it has taken some time to adjust and adapt. However, I’ve picked up some great techniques and received plenty of helpful advice along the way. I like to think of challenges as stepping stones rather than obstacles.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, spending quality time with friends and family, and hanging out with my German shepherd, Oakley. Most of all, I enjoy appreciating all the little moments in life that when we’re busy we often overlook.