The Wake Up Call

Paul Spinks’ hard hitting presentation, The Wake Up Call, uses rawness and realness to really dig in and shift the way people think.

With two decades of experience as a Rural and Remote Ambulance Paramedic and a Trauma Counsellor, Paul’s insights into the human struggle are both poignant and profound.

Through his work he has witnessed the stark realities of mental health challenges and the impact of life spiralling out of control. It has motivated him into action and made him uniquely equipped him to deliver a thought-provoking message that resonates deeply as his narratives are rooted in real-life cases, offering an unfiltered view from the treating chair of an ambulance.

Now an international safety seminar facilitator, multinational corporations around the world have called upon him to speak, seeking wisdom and solutions to reverse spirals, optimise human potential and foster self-worth.

@ The Coalface recently attended one of Paul’s presentations at Glencore’s Collinsville Open Cut. Glencore also arranged for an open community event held in Collinsville so the local community could benefit from Paul’s message.

Chloe Groves, Health, Hygiene and Rehabilitation Coordinator at Collinsville Open Cut said that Glencore is committed to the holistic well-being of its employees and Paul’s presentation perfectly aligns with that ethos.

“The presentations delve into topics that are critically relevant, not just for miners, but for all of us in general. Paul’s first-hand experiences as a paramedic lend credibility and urgency to the messages he shares about lifestyle choices and mental health. It’s a wake up call in the truest sense,” she said.

Feedback from staff also concurred, with one employee John, sharing, “Attending Paul Spinks presentation was a game changer for me. His stories are confronting but valuable. It made me reassess not just how I approach my work, but also how I live outside of my job. This wasn’t just another boring workshop; it was a life lesson that will stick with me. I feel like I needed a wake up call to be a better employee, a better person, and a better Dad.”

What a presentation it is. Confronting testimonies, hard-hitting insights, and raw unvarnished narratives.

Paul delves into the heart of what catalyses change. His engaging inquiries challenge individuals to reevaluate their perspectives, asking, “What are you worried about that just doesn’t matter?” The core message emphasises approachability, vulnerability and the profound lessons derived from life’s darkest hours.

“No university in the land can teach you the life lessons that Ambulance does,” shared Paul.

“This has put me on notice on many occasions to get home and hug my kids and my family. Each time I go to a suicide or trauma, the first thing I do is ring my family and check they are all ok.

“I felt a need to impart that same level of awareness and concern to other families, to encourage them to find the timebomb that might be ticking in their own homes and defuse it before it’s too late. Way more work on prevention needs to be done and to catch that cohort of people, which is most of us, from running unknowingly towards a cliff.”

The central question posed by Paul’s presentation echoes with urgency, “When was your last normal?” The recognition that a life crisis can strike anyone regardless of their status, wealth or position. In a society fixated on success, Paul probes the very essence of our existence – the connection to our loved ones and the world around us.

When asked what experiences from his paramedic work have influenced how he views mental health Paul replied, “There have been hundreds of cases, but none more than suicides. It’s so final and yet so preventable if we get in early.

“It’s only after death people stop and think and note some of the warning signs that were coming their way and yet were dismissed. Then for the rest of their lives, those left behind live with the guilt of what they should or could have done differently. 

“If you knew the week before a tragedy was going to occur, what would you do, what would you change… probably everything would be different. Once we can get our head around that answer, is perhaps where we all need to spend more time.”

The crux of the Wake Up Call presentation lies in spreading a beacon of change. It strips away the façade of temporary motivation, encouraging lasting transformations. It prompts individuals to confront the profound irony of a world where war-torn nations fight for survival while we grapple with ending our own lives or medicating to face each day.

The presentation delves into managing mental health in a holistic manner, covering sleep, breathing, nutrition, fitness, and a comprehensive approach to wellbeing. At the heart of Paul’s message are two important things, self-observation and self-care. It confronts the unsettling statistic that one in every two people experience depression, and the harrowing reality that suicide is the leading cause of death for those aged 15-44.

Initially, Paul set out prepared to offer support during vulnerable moments. He was soon stunned by the prevalence of mental health in daily callouts. This awakening instigated his journey to address the mental health epidemic gripping Australia.

“Illness is an evolution both physical and mental. 12 million Australians now have one or more chronic illness brought about by lifestyle choices. 80% of all emergency department admissions now have a stress related component. Every moment of our day we are making decisions on what the future me looks like,” Paul said.

Paul’s commitment led him to share his message on a broader stage. His presentations cut through the noise compelling audiences to rethink their lives. From urban stress to regional epidemics, he sheds light on the pressures corroding modern life. He tackles tough questions, unravels preconceptions and leaves a lasting impact that extends far beyond the event. It’s a wake up call that we should all hear.