Mastering the essentials

Advances in Pre-Hospital Blood Product Administration: Biomarkers, Alternatives, and Optimising Use

Presented by: Dr Ben Meadley

In the world of pre-hospital care, the administration of blood products has become a crucial intervention in the management of critically ill and injured patients. But as we push the boundaries of pre-hospital resuscitation, we must also ask: Are we using these precious resources at the right time, in the right way, for the right patients?

In this presentation, we’ll explore trends in pre-hospital blood product administration, delving into how emerging biomarkers are shaping real-time decision-making and guiding targeted transfusion strategies. We’ll examine alternative blood products—from lyophilized plasma to synthetic oxygen carriers—and discuss their potential role in expanding our capabilities in resource-limited environments.

Join Ben as he unpacks the latest advancements, challenges thinking, and explores how we can optimise resuscitation for our sickest patients.

Critical Perfusion Support: Making the Right Decisions in High-Stakes Situations

Presented by: Assoc Prof/Dr Gayle Christie

Managing blood pressure in critically ill patients isn’t just about hitting a number—it’s about understanding who truly needs intervention and how to achieve the best outcomes with the tools at hand. In this insightful session, A/Prof Dr. Gayle Christie will explore the nuances of blood pressure management in prehospital and retrieval settings, where access to resources can be limited.

From septic shock to post-arrest care, this talk will break down key decision-making strategies, the role of pressors and inotropes, and the impact of ventilation, positioning, and fluid resuscitation. Attendees will leave with practical takeaways to refine their clinical approach and improve patient outcomes.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the field’s leading experts in critical care.

Mastering Cardiogenic Shock: Critical Care Strategies for Better Outcomes

Presented by Andrew Bishop

Cardiogenic shock remains one of the most high-risk, high-mortality conditions in critical care—demanding precision, rapid intervention, and clinical expertise. In this presentation, Andrew Bishop will break down the strategies for recognising, managing, and optimising outcomes for patients in cardiogenic shock.

With his passion for cardiology and critical care, Andrew will explore:
-Pathophysiology & early recognition – key insights into identifying cardiogenic shock.
-Prehospital & retrieval medicine perspectives – managing critically ill patients in dynamic, high-pressure environments.
-Optimising haemodynamics & pharmacological management – balancing inotropes, vasopressors, and fluid therapy.
-Current research and case studies from the field – real-world lessons from frontline critical care.

This session will sharpen your ability to manage one of the most challenging cardiac emergencies.

Join Andrew for an engaging and clinically rich presentation that will enhance your approach to cardiogenic shock

Actionable insights, skills, and strategies that you can apply on your very next shift

Safe emergency airway management

Presented by: Elliot Long

Using a case as a springboard, we will discuss the physiological, situational, and anatomical killers that can make emergency airway management in children dangerous, and how to avoid them.

In this session, Elliot will explore:

• Advanced techniques for securing and managing the paediatric airway

• Strategies for high-risk and difficult airway scenarios

• The latest evidence-based approaches to optimise patient outcomes

Paediatric airway management presents unique challenges, requiring precision, confidence, and expert decision-making under pressure. Whether you’re a new or established paramedic, Elliot’s presentation will elevate your understanding and skills.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from a leading voice in paediatric critical care. Be prepared to walk away with new insights and practical tools to enhance your clinical practice.

Surgical Airway: Failure or success

Presented by: Carly Bearder

Historically, the surgical airway has been viewed as a last resort - a sign of failed intubation. In this session, Carly challenges that perspective, proposing a shift in mindset: viewing the surgical airway not as a failure, but as a deliberate and vital step toward achieving a safe and secure airway in the context of difficult airway management.

This session will delve into the clinical decision-making process surrounding surgical airways:

• When are they indicated?

• When are they needed but not performed?

• What clinical and cognitive barriers may prevent their timely execution?

Carly will also explore the concept of a primary surgical airway, and the challenges critical care paramedics have to face when deciding to perform a surgical airway as the primary airway intervention.

Actionable insights, skills, and strategies that you can apply on your very next shift

High-performance teams operate in environments where failure is not an option. In this powerful and immersive session, former SAS Commander, psychologist and Mission Critical Team expert, Harry Moffitt, will share hard-earned insights into how elite teams thrive under pressure, adapt in real time, and deliver outcomes in the most demanding conditions.

Drawing from decades of experience leading Special Forces missions and now directing the Mission Critical Team Institute, Harry will explore:
- The psychology of elite team performance – what makes a team resilient, adaptable, and effective?
- Decision-making in high-consequence environments – strategies for clarity and execution under extreme stress.
- Trust, cohesion & communication – how the world’s best teams build unshakable bonds.
- Lessons from Special Operations to Healthcare, Emergency Services & Beyond – how principles of elite teams can be applied across industries.

This session is a must for leaders and clinicians working in high-stakes, high-pressure roles. Learn what separates good teams from great ones—and how you can foster mission-critical excellence in your own environment.

Be prepared to rethink teamwork, leadership, and performance at the highest level.

Presented by Sarah Hirons – One of Ambulance Victoria’s First Female MICA Flight Paramedics

Leader. Clinician. Mentor. Sarah Hirons has carved a path few have travelled, from her days as a student paramedic to becoming one of Ambulance Victoria’s first female MICA Flight Paramedics. In this inspiring and personal presentation, Sarah shares the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that shaped her journey.

Join her as she explores:
-The road to becoming a Critical Care Flight Paramedic – the training, the mindset, and the reality of working at the highest level of paramedic practice.
-Breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field – lessons in resilience, leadership, and perseverance.
-Critical care in the sky – the unique demands of aeromedical retrieval and life-saving interventions in the most challenging environments.
-Mentorship and the future of paramedicine – empowering the next generation of paramedics to reach new heights.

This session is more than just a career retrospective—it’s a testament to growth and pushing the limits of what’s possible. Whether you’re an aspiring critical care paramedic, an experienced clinician, or simply someone who values stories of determination and excellence, Sarah’s journey will leave you motivated and ready to take on your own challenges.

ECMO – Ventilation without the lungs

Presented by: Assoc. Prof. David Anderson

Veno-Venous Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is a rescue therapy for refractory respiratory failure. It is used when patients have failed to respond to other treatments such as lung protective ventilation and prone positioning. In the post-COVID era it is an increasingly common therapy. Critical Care Paramedics may be involved in the interhospital transport of patients on VV-ECMO as part of a critical care retrieval team. This session will give an overview of respiratory failure and VV-ECMO and give critical care paramedics some practical tips for managing common problems that may be encountered during the interhospital transport of patients on VV-ECMO.

Mastering Ventilation: From BVM to Mechanical Ventilation

Presented by: Nick Roder

Effective ventilation is one of the most critical—and often underappreciated—skills in paramedicine. From the aspiring critical care paramedic to the seasoned practitioner, this session will provide practical, real-world strategies to enhance airway management and ventilation techniques in any setting.

This comprehensive session will cover:

• The fundamentals of ventilation – understanding the physiology behind effective oxygenation and ventilation.

• Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) mastery – perfecting technique, optimising seal, and minimising complications.

• Mechanical ventilation made easy – breaking down settings, modes, and troubleshooting like a pro.

• Tips, tricks & case-based learning – practical insights to take your skills to the next level.

If you’ve ever struggled with ventilation, felt overwhelmed these concepts, or want to refine your approach to managing critically ill patients, this session is for you.

During the Super Panel, we will be joined by the conference presenters to discuss the future of ABCs in critical care—exploring the key challenges and advancements needed to ensure effective patient management in the years ahead.