Ken Karrasch
Simulation Manager
How long have you been with WBHHS?
21 years
How do you describe what you do?
The simulation team use manikins (and dress as simulated patients) as part of a training model to improve patient outcomes by having upskilled, trained clinical teams. Our focus is multi-disciplinary training, and the sim team are the facilitators for ALS and BLS at the WBHHS.
What’s best about your job?
The variety of the sim team’s role is what makes our job interesting. The sim team teach advanced and basic life support, support our adult, paediatric and neonatal deteriorating patient workshops. We teach alongside clinical experts using simulation as a learning modality. We also travel out to every rural health facility to train the staff which I absolutely enjoy.
What was your path into health care?
I am a hospital trained registered nurse who completed a Graduate Diploma of education and a Grad Cert of healthcare simulation. My background includes a short stint in ICU and a long stint in Emergency. I was the Emergency Department educator prior to managing the sim team.
What does being part of a team mean to you?
I have a best team in WBHHS. I have a team with a ‘can do’ attitude.
When you’re not at work, you are…
Chasing cattle around a paddock or caravaning
What do you enjoy about living in Wide Bay?
The moderate weather, the crabbing is exceptional, beautiful beaches, we have Kgari, and the friendly people.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I volunteer cook for 400 people for 4 days annually.
What song are you listening to most right now?
Whatever the administration officer is playing