LifeGrid Magazine October 2017 | Page 33

Chief Medical – Skeeta Newman After 18 years in the Royal Australian Navy and 5 years in the WA resource industry emergency services field, Chief Petty Officer Duane “Skeeta” Newman has decided now is the right time to share his knowledge and experience with the wider community. It can be appreciated that a life in the Defence Force and then as a remote Fly In / Fly Out Paramedic and Emergency Services Officer can be difficult at times, with lengthy periods away from loved ones. Married to Cassy, with 5 children and 2 grandchildren, Skeeta knew the time had come to be at home more often, whilst still being able to pursue his passion of training in the medical field. So, in August 2017, Chief Medical became a reality, based in Western Australia, 90 minutes south of the Perth CBD. Skeeta first flagged the business idea back in 2010, and now Chief Medical offers public and corporate training locally and remote to Western Australians, in all aspects of first aid and pre-hospital care. Sadly, less than 5% of the general population in Australia has undertaken first aid training and Skeeta has seen firsthand how a lack of action can have devastating consequences for a family, a social circle, or workgroup. With an extensive background in mass-casualty management and remote locality health care under his belt, Skeeta now strives to provide clients with professional, friendly and dynamic training that will see his clients coming back for more. Courses range from CPR and Basic Emergency Life Support, Provide First Aid (Senior First Aid), Advanced and Occupa- tional First Aid to First Aid for Educators and Carers. Chief Medical is also delivering a “CPR @ Home” program, which engages Mums, Dads and Friends in their homes. The “host” or homeowner receives their CPR qualification free of charge, with a minimum audience of x5 friends paying for theirs. This enables groups to me more comfortable in a room of familiar people, opens up discussion about hazards at home, swimming pools etc. and takes the classroom stress of practical assessment away. Skeeta has been involved in training for 15 years during his time in defence and remote positions, and at one point was the Operations Training Manager for St. John WA First Aid and Services. His passion is to help people better understand that some attempt at first aid is better than no attempt at all. Having children reinforces that passion. “I have always been passionate about community engagement, public speaking and doing what I can for others. I am currently the President of my local RSL and now occasionally back in uniform for the Navy as the Flotilla Support Officer for Western Australia’s Navy Cadet units. Client satisfaction is paramount. Touch base with me today to learn more about how Chief Medical can assist you.” Written by Skeeta Newman Director, Chief Medical https://www.facebook.com/chiefmedicalWA/ https://www.chiefmedical.com.au/