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"Kind care towards me"

About: Armadale Hospital St John Ambulance WA

(as the patient),

I was on a holiday camp in 2024 January and while attending I came into contact with a plant that caused me anaphylaxis (I did not know I was allergic to it at that time). The leaders of the camp (who were exceptional) administered an EpiPen and called an ambulance. I commend the ambulance service for the speed in which they arrived given we were in a camp quite far out of suburban areas (Bickley). 

Firstly: The ambulance drivers were absolutely exceptional they came and assessed what help I needed while at the camp and administered oxygen before ultimately deciding I needed a hospital. They were gentle and kind the whole time realising I was in quite a state. The drivers whom I still remember are called Declan and Brian, had amazing bedside manner joking with me as they took me to the ambulance and Declan continued this lovely manner the whole drive cracking jokes with me and asking me questions about my favourite singer to keep me distracted. He was especially kind to me as I told him I have Anxiety/Panic disorder so he explained what he was going to do (eg: Blood pressure) before doing it and explaining what would happen at the hospital.

Secondly: The care at the hospital (Armadale) was top notch. I was found a bed quickly and had nurses and doctors ready to help me. I was very scared as I have never had anything like this happen before let alone without my mum present (I was 14). But the nurses were lovely! Especially the one (I'm not good with names) that came to do my ECG she was very caring and took time to answer my silly questions about what it did or what it will do to me. She also maintained a very high level of professionalism when I asked her to stay while I changed into a hospital gown (to be more accessible for the sticky tabs) as I was nervous to be alone. She stood facing the blinds giving me absolute privacy while still being there to calm me. She was also extremely polite while putting the ECG things on clearly understanding that someone touching and putting things on my bare chest was not a normality. The doctor that came to see me was also very kind taking time after telling me what the diagnosis was to talk about the cricket with me and address my concerns about another patient that was concerning me with there elevated volume of profanity. All together the service was absolutely wonderful and I couldn't have asked for anything better! I am ever thankful to all the medical professionals who helped me that night.
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Responses

Response from Alisha Thompson, A/ Executive Director, Armadale Kalamunda Group, East Metropolitan Health Service last month
Alisha Thompson
A/ Executive Director, Armadale Kalamunda Group,
East Metropolitan Health Service
Submitted on 12/03/2025 at 12:04 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 2:15 PM


picture of Alisha Thompson

Dear Veryclumsy

Thank you so much for sharing this account of your experience with St Johns WA and our team here at Armadale Hospital. I can only imagine how overwhelming that situation must have been, especially being away from home.

It’s wonderful to hear that the ambulance team were there for you with such care, kindness, and humour. They really sound like true professionals who went above and beyond to make you feel as comfortable and calm as possible in a scary situation. The way Declan reassured you during the drive, knowing about your anxiety and taking the time to explain what was happening, is exactly the kind of compassion that makes a world of difference.

I am so glad to hear that the team at Armadale Hospital provided you with the support you needed. They are an extremely skilled team, and I am pleased to hear that you found them thoughtful and compassionate, from the nurse who took the time to ensure you felt safe and comfortable with the ECG, to the doctor who patiently addressed your concerns. It’s clear to me that they truly cared about your well-being and made sure you felt heard and supported.

Your experience shows just how much kindness and professionalism can help in moments of fear, and I’m so grateful that you felt cared for every step of the way. I’ll be sure to pass along your gratitude to everyone involved—thank you again for sharing such a personal and meaningful story. I am so glad you are feeling better, and I wish you continued health moving forward.

Thank you again for sharing your story.

Sincerely

Alisha Thompson

A/Executive Director

Armadale Kalamunda Group

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