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The Regional Paramedic Symposium is a dynamic two-day interactive event dedicated to advancing the clinical skills and knowledge of paramedics across Australasia. This professional development opportunity brings together paramedics from diverse backgrounds to engage in hands-on workshops, thought-provoking discussions, and evidence-based learning sessions. Designed to address the evolving demands of paramedicine, the symposium focuses on equipping participants with the latest clinical techniques, decision-making frameworks, and innovations in prehospital care. Led by subject matter experts and leaders in paramedic practice, the event fosters a collaborative learning environment, enabling participants to share experiences, challenge perspectives, and strengthen their practice.
Whether exploring emerging trends, refining core competencies, or connecting with peers, the Regional Paramedic Symposium is a cornerstone event for paramedics committed to professional excellence and delivering high-quality care.
Join us for this opportunity to grow, network, and make a lasting impact on paramedic practice.
Day 1 - Thursday 20 November
Enjoy an arrival lunch before choosing one of four interactive hands-on workshops (14:00–17:00), in person only, followed by networking drinks at Little Shack (1 Munster St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444)
Day 2 - Friday 21 November
Experience a full day of engaging conference sessions, with the option to attend in person or join via live stream.
Haley Findlay is a Lecturer at Charles Sturt University and a clinically active Intensive Care and Extended Care Paramedic. With a background spanning paramedicine, nursing, and midwifery, she draws on her paramedic expertise and midwifery practice in both hospital and homebirth settings. She has a strong focus on developing paramedics’ understanding and practical application of the maternity skills required for clinical practice. A current PhD candidate, her research explores paramedic communication during childbirth and its impact on women’s birth experiences.
Jen has worked with NSW Ambulance since 1996. In that time, she has fulfilled numerous roles including Paramedic Educator, Extended Care Paramedic, Intensive Care Paramedic, Acute Stroke Advisor and Virtual Clinical Care Centre Senior Clinician. She is currently the Clinical Lead for the Extended Care Paramedic Program. She is a casual academic with Charles Sturt University and holds post graduate qualifications including a Master of Paramedicine - Extended Care. She has a keen interest in the role of paramedics in primary health care.
Chris Smith is an Extended Care Paramedic and Paramedic Educator with extensive experience in specialist paramedic practice and education. He is passionate about supporting paramedics to deliver safe, confident, and evidence-based care through innovative and practical training programs. Chris has played a key role in curriculum development and the implementation of major training reforms, while also supporting state-wide clinical deployments. His work is driven by a commitment to professionalism, evidence-based practice, and the ongoing development of the paramedic profession.
Sean joined Ambulance Service of NSW in 2012. After a few years he ventured towards medical training. In 2019 Sean started at Coffs Harbour Hospital across various specialties, before transitioning to Gold Coast University Hospital this year. Sean was fortunate enough to a year off to travel Australia with his family in 2023. He still enjoys working as a paramedic and moonlight throughout northern NSW.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 14:00:00 |
Birthing emergencies in the out of hospital environment
Haley Findlay (Lecturer, Charles Sturt University) and Jess Rickwood |
| 14:00:00 |
Wound Care
Jen Pedler (Clinical Lead, Extended Care Paramedic Program) and Chris Smith (Paramedic Educator,Extended Care Paramedic Program) |
| 14:00:00 |
Airway Workshop
Ben Phipps |
| 14:00:00 |
Paediatrics
Amy and Sergio Gomes |
This interactive workshop will strengthen paramedics’ knowledge, confidence, and clinical decision-making in supporting women and managing maternity emergencies. The session will begin with normal physiological birth, emphasising the importance of understanding and supporting normal, integrating this knowledge to recognise when complications arise. Building on this foundation, participants will then explore complex presentations and high-risk maternity emergencies. Emphasis will be placed on early recognition, effective communication, and woman-centred care. This workshop will integrate theory with practice. Participants will leave with the clinical insight and practical skills needed to provide safe, timely, and responsive care to women and newborns in the paramedic setting.
This practical, hands-on session will enhance participants’ skills in wound assessment and management in the out-of-hospital setting. It will cover wound identification, cleaning, dressing selection, and infection prevention, supported by real-world, scenario-based learning. The focus will be on safe, effective, and patient-centred care in both trauma and non-trauma contexts; equipping paramedics with practical strategies they can immediately apply in their practice.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 08:30:00 |
Conference Open
Conference MC: Damion Koivu |
| 08:45:00 |
Sepsis management for the paramedic
Dr Sean O'Brien |
| 09:45:00 |
Analgesia in the out of hospital environment
Dr Tom Fursdon |
| 10:45:00 | MORNING TEA |
| 11:05:00 | Women's health - a case study |
| 13:25:00 | The difficult airway |
| 12:35:00 | LUNCH |
| 11:50:00 | What's your problem? |
| 14:10:00 |
Case based presentation
Ben Phipps |
| 14:55:00 | AFTERNOON TEA |
| 15:25:00 | Panel Discussion |
| 16:05:00 | Closing Keynote |
| 17:05:00 | Conference Close |
TICKET INCLUSIONS
Two Day in person Tickets:
Workshop Only Ticket
Conference Only Ticket
Online Ticket
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| MEMBER - TWO DAY Ticket - Early Bird (In Person) | $275.00 |
| NON-MEMBER - TWO DAY Ticket - Early Bird (In Person) | $375.00 |
| STUDENT MEMBER - TWO DAY Ticket - Early Bird (In Person) | $235.00 |
| STUDENT NON-MEMBER - TWO DAY Ticket - Early Bird (In Person) | $275.00 |
| MEMBER - ONE DAY - WORKSHOP Ticket - Early Bird (In Person - 20 Nov) | $145.00 |
| NON-MEMBER - ONE DAY - WORKSHOP Ticket - Early Bird (In Person - 20 Nov) | $185.00 |
| MEMBER - ONE DAY - Conference Ticket - Early Bird (In Person - 21 Nov) | $135.00 |
| NON-MEMBER - ONE DAY - Conference Ticket - Early Bird (In Person - 21 Nov) | $185.00 |
| ONLINE TICKET - Member (21 November) - Early Bird | $105.00 |
| ONLINE TICKET - Non-Member (21 November) - Early Bird | $155.00 |
The College is the peak professional body representing and supporting paramedics and student paramedics across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand since 1973.
The College acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the land and sea in which we live and work, we recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and culture and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
We recognise the unique role of Māori as Tangata Whenua and embrace Te Tiriti o Waitangi, recognising Māori as tino rangatiratanga of Aotearoa New Zealand while supporting the guiding principles of Te Tiriti – Tino rangatiratanga, Equality, Active protection, Options, and Partnership.
