The Australasian College of Paramedicine

20th Jun 2024

ACPIC24 speakers announced

We are pleased to announce the speakers and workshop presenters for the Australasian College of Paramedicine International Conference (ACPIC24) which will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre, Sydney, on 11 - 13 September this year.

The theme of ACPIC24 is Paramedicine's evolution - Embracing the new era.

ACPIC24 is is designed to inspire, educate and broaden horizons.

Join us for the premier paramedicine conference in Australasia. Book your tickets here.

JD Heffern - Opening keynote speaker

Chief Paramedic at Indigenous Services Canada,

JD is a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, leader, chronic networker, researcher, and student whom happens to be a Paramedic.

Living in Canada he serves as Chief Paramedic for Indigenous Services Canada with the Government of Canada. As a second career Paramedic he has worked as a front-line Paramedic, Paramedic educator, Community Paramedic, and at various levels of Paramedic service leadership.

Prior accepting his current position, JD was Commander with the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service facilitating a myriad of portfolios. He volunteers as council member for the International Roundtable on Community Paramedicine and is a Fellow with McNally Project for Paramedicine Research (Canada). His passion and interests are community paramedicine, paramedic practice focussing on vulnerable populations, international trends and best practices and networking with like-minded individual and organisations as demonstrated by his work in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany. Turkey, and the United States. JD has been married to Melanie for 24 years, with three young adult daughters and his son Stanley the 120-pound Alaskan Malamute pup.

Associate Professor Jason Bendall - Closing keynote speaker

Specialist Anaesthetists and Independent Advocate

Associate Professor Jason Bendall is specialist paramedic, specialist anaesthetist and specialist prehospital & retrieval specialist. Jason was the former Medical Director for NSW Ambulance and a Conjoint Associate Professor in Anaesthesia at the University of Newcastle

Lucy Oatley ASM - Conference Master of Ceremonies

Intensive Care Flight Paramedic

Lucy Oatley is an Intensive Care Flight Paramedic based on the helicopter in Hobart, Tasmania with 10 years’ experience in out-of-hospital care. Since relocating from Queensland to Tasmania in 2017, Lucy has held patient facing clinical roles alongside project management duties within the Clinical Services division of Ambulance Tasmania, before moving onto the helicopter full time in 2022. Lucy has a clinical and research interest in the provision of cardiac care by Paramedics, and was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal in 2023 for her instrumental role in the development and implementation of the Ambulance Tasmania Thrombolysis Project. Also a past Chair of the ACPIC Organising Committee, Lucy is excited to return as the Master of Ceremonies to discuss, debate and collaborate with the delegates and presenters of this year’s ACPIC in Sydney.

Dr Brendan Shannon - Gala Dinner guest speaker

Head of Postgraduate Programs, Department of Paramedicine, Monash University

Brendan is head of Postgraduate Programs in the Department of Paramedicine at Monash University and a member of The Australasian College of Paramedicine Community Paramedicine working group. A registered paramedic with more than a decade of clinical experience, Brendan is passionate about refining healthcare models to ensure underserved communities receive requisite care and support. He is known for innovating new education programs and paramedicine models of care and career pathways including as the education lead for the Victorian Paramedic Practitioner program.

Mel Alexander

Extended Care Paramedic, SA Ambulance/Paramedic Practitioner

Mel has been working for SA Ambulance for 20 years, and was a paediatric intensive care RN. She is an intensive care, extended care paramedic, and has qualified as a Paramedic Practitioner through Deakin University. She has worked in paramedic education and is currently focussing her research on Hip Fracture Care in South Australia and working towards her PhD.

Katherine Allman

ALS Paramedic, Ambulance Victoria

Katherine is currently completing her Honours degree at Monash University and works with Ambulance Victoria. She brings with her a diverse range of experience as a lawyer and from her previous roles in project management and education. Katherine has a passion for policy development, with a particular interest in community paramedicine and health literacy.

Richard Armour

PhD Candidate (Monash University) and MICA Paramedic (Ambulance Victoria)

Richard is a critical care paramedic with experience spanning Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Richard has a passion for improving the integrated care paramedics provide for patients with both high and low acuity care needs. While in Canada, Richard became especially passionate about improving paramedic care for people who use drugs and successfully lobbied for federal legislation changes, now implemented in multiple provinces and territories, to allow paramedics to take a more active role in the longitudinal care of people who use drugs.

Associate Professor Nigel Barr

Discipline Leader – Paramedicine, UniSC

Associate Professor Nigel Barr is an accomplished academic and researcher with expertise in paramedicine, nursing, and education. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), along with multiple advanced qualifications. Currently an Associate Professor at UniSC, Dr. Barr has led various programs and contributed significantly to curriculum development in paramedicine education. He has served on the UniSC Academic Board and the Student Academic Appeals Committee, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence. Dr. Barr also holds leadership roles in professional organisations, including the Australasian Council of Paramedicine Deans, Australian Vascular Access Society, and Australasian College of Paramedicine. His research focuses on paramedicine, interprofessional education, and infection control practices. His dedication to improving healthcare education and practice has made him a recognized leader and innovator in the field of paramedicine.

Dr Will Browne

Consultant Geriatrician, Eastern Health Melbourne

Will completed medical training in 1999 and completed post graduate training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine in 2006. He is currently based in Melbourne managing an inpatient unit at Maroondah Hospital and where he also works with Residential InReach. He is the current Director of Physician Education at Maroondah Hospital. He is heavily involved in post graduate medical education and has interests in clinical diagnostics, movement disorders, and general Geriatric Medicine.

Jackie Buckthought

CCP and Paramedic Educator for the pre-hospital ECPR trial

Jackie started a paramedicine career working in Melbourne for Metropolitan Ambulance Service (now AV) in 2004. Since then, Jackie transitioned to being a product of Ambulance NSW, moving to Sydney for life reasons in 2008. Jackie has been incredibly lucky to be afforded many opportunities whilst working for NSWA; qualifying as an Extended Care Paramedic, an Intensive Care Paramedic, and a Critical Care Paramedic. Most recently, whilst working for NSWA Aeromedical Division as a Road Retrieval CCP, Jackie has been trained in and working as a Pre-hospital ECPR CCP on the PRECARE response car in the last 2 years. Over the course of 20 years, Jackie has seen incredible advances in the industry, particularly with regards to clinical development, professional registration, and now this amazing push towards improvements in out-of-hospital care.

Mick Byrne

Head of Growth / Co-Founder - EmergiSim Virtual Reality

Mick is co-founder and Head of Growth at EmergiSim, a VR Training Platform for Military and First Responders. EmergiSim currently supports Ambulance and EMT services in Australia and the USA as well as Special Operations Teams in both the Australian and British Defence Forces.

Dr Joanne Caldwell Odgers

Senior Lecturer, Monash University

Dr Caldwell is a Senior Lecturer in Cardiovascular and Exercise physiology at Monash University. She is Head of the Exercise Physiology and Environmental Health Laboratory and brings extensive experience in occupational physiology. Her expertise has been crucial in developing new Physical Employment Standards for Intensive Care Flight Paramedics at Ambulance Victoria. Additionally, Dr Caldwell is deeply interested in studying how humans can adapt to rising temperatures associated with climate change.

Dr Sharon Campbell

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania

Dr Sharon Campbell is an academic researcher in climate change and health, and a fellow of the Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL) Network. Her research focusses on the health system and community impacts of extreme events such as heatwaves and bushfires, and working out the best adaptation solutions available in the face of a rapidly changing climate.

Matthew Cannon

Chief Executive, National St John Ambulance Service of Papua New Guinea

Matt is the Chief Executive of the National St John Ambulance Service of Papua New Guinea where he’s led the advancement of PNG’s public emergency ambulance service.Matt is a registered paramedic and registered nurse. He started his career as a paramedic in the NSW Ambulance Service, and continues to practice with NSW Ambulance in a casual role. Matt is as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Council of Ambulance Authorities. Matt’s academic experience includes teaching at a the University of Sydney and Charles Sturt University, and his research focus has been on health systems at mass gatherings and major events. Matt was recognised for his contribution to emergency ambulance services by being made an Officer of the Royal Order of St John in 2018, and a Fellow of the Australasian College of Paramedicine in 2023.

Matthew Cividin

ALS Paramedic with Ambulance Victoria

Travis Coombes

Community Paramedic Lead Sunraysia Community Health Services Mildura

Travis Coombes has grown up and carried out his career to date in regional Victoria. He is a a father, husband and health care worker who has over a decade of experience as a Paramedic with Ambulance Victoria in rural areas. Following 10+ years in Ambulance Victoria, Travis transitioned into the role of a community paramedic at Sunraysia Community Health Services in 2022. The CP@clinic pilot was to assist people living in the community with chronic health conditions. Travis has played an active part in highlighting the important and vital role that a Community Paramedic can have in helping alleviate stress on the local acute health service providers through supporting system navigation, health literacy education and chronic disease management. His experience with AV, teamed with his knowledge of the local area and acute health providers, while working in a community where a least 1/3 of the population live with multiple chronic health conditions, has provided lived knowledge and experience to learn the many barriers that are faced to achieving good health outcomes.

Curt Cooper

Registered paramedic

Curt Cooper is a Paramedic currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy (Health) at the University of Southern Queensland and is also a lecturer at Charles Darwin University. His research focuses on the educational preparedness, attitudes, and confidence levels of Australian paramedics (including students) in attending to paediatric trauma patients. As an Advanced Care Paramedic II, Curt brings extensive clinical experience from diverse settings, including Indigenous communities and the mining sector. He has co-authored a chapter on Mining Emergencies, in Clinical Cases in Paramedicine, and presented at numerous conferences, demonstrating his commitment to research and evidence-based care.

Professor Scott Devenish

Head of Discipline, Paramedicine at ACU and Chair of the Australasian Council of Paramedicine Deans

Dr Scott Devenish is the Chair of the Australasian Council of Paramedicine Deans and a Professor and Paramedicine Discipline Lead for the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine at the Australian Catholic University (ACU). Scott has two and a half decades of experience in the paramedic education field. He is a Registered Paramedic and a Fellow of the Australasian College of Paramedicine. Scott has actively contributed to the Paramedicine profession through high-quality teaching, academic leadership, peer-reviewed publications, the supervision of research higher degree candidates, actively contributing to the Australasian College of Paramedicine Research Engagement Committee and being a program accreditation assessor for Ahpra.

Dr Natalie Dodd

Dr Natalie Dodd is a Senior Lecturer of Paramedicine in the School of Health at UniSC. Natalie is an early career researcher with an interest in health behaviours (cancer screening), health professions communication, interprofessional education, student support, and wellbeing of paramedics. She has over $350,000 in grant funding and has fourteen peer-reviewed publications and commissioned reports. Natalie has worked in medical education for five years, most recently she coordinated a full-year level of the Doctor of Medicine, Griffith University, Sunshine Coast and taught communication skills using simulation. She also led the student support initiative. Natalie is a member of the Sunshine Coast Health Institute (SCHI) Interprofessional Leads Working Group and is currently working on design and development of interprofessional education modules that form part of a body of work shared between the SCHI partners. She is a registered paramedic with sixteen years of on-road experience and is a member of the Australasian College of Paramedicine.

Jake Donovan

MICA Paramedic with Ambulance Victoria, Teaching Associate with Monash University

Jake Donovan has over a decade of experience in Paramedicine. He has worked as an Advanced Life Support and Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic with Ambulance Victoria for 10 years and spent 2 years with the South East Coast Ambulance Service in the UK. Currently, Jake is pursuing a PhD focused on the clinical utility of ultrasound for paramedics. Outside of his professional endeavours, he navigates the chaos of fatherhood with two young children, has a very tolerant wife, and wrangles two extra-large greyhounds.

Dr Michael Eburn

Author Australian Emergency Law

Dr Eburn is a lawyer and the author of the popular website Australian Emergency Law as well as numerous articles and a book explaining the law and how it relates to the emergency services. Formerly an Associate Professor at the ANU College of Law, Dr Eburn is now a freelance author and commentator. He has served with NSW and ACT ambulance services and was on the board of Paramedics Australasia before the merger to from the Australasian College of Paramedicine.

Ben Elliot

Queensland Ambulance Service - Critical Care Paramedic and Previous ProMedical Ambulance Vanuatu - Clinical Manager

Ben is an Australian trained Critical Care Paramedic, father and paramedic educator currently working in metropolitan Brisbane with Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS). Over the last 13 years he has had a wide variety of experiences and roles as a paramedic including education in the University and VET sector, Humanitarian assistance and response, Aeromedical retrieval and International Aeromedical repatriations. He has a passion for bridging health outcomes for rural and remote communities, education and capacity building of ambulance systems and humanitarian response. This led him to dedicate the last several years working as the Clinical Manager of ProMedical Ambulance Vanuatu. Ben has been instrumental in developing the pre-hospital system in Vanuatu and led the response to several tropical cyclones and other humanitarian crisis.

Matt Green

Extended Care Paramedic, NSW Ambulance

Matt Green is an Extended Care Paramedic who began his career working in Australia and UK as a Registered Nurse before joining ASNSW in 2000. He has been employed as a full time Extended Care Paramedic for the past 13 years and is currently based in Newcastle ,Australia. He is a strong advocate of the Extended Care Paramedic Role and concept and he and the Inner Hunter ECP team have forged strong local networks ,partnerships and helped create alternate patient pathway options in their Local health Districts over the years. He is a passionate believer in lifelong learning and empowering patients and their carers to be active and informed participants in decisions about their health care

Dr Jaimi Greenslade

Principal Research Fellow, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and Advanced Care Paramedic, Queensland Ambulance Service

Jaimi Greenslade is an Advanced Care Paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service and a Principal Research Fellow at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. Her research focuses on the acute assessment of chest pain and infection. Jaimi has attracted over 6 million in research funds and published over 200 papers during her career. Jaimi’s research has been widely translated into clinical practice and incorporated into international guidelines.

Amy Gomes

PARA PEM Director, Critical Care Paramedic and Patient Safety Officer

Amy is a Queensland based Critical Care Paramedic with 15 years in the ambulance realm. She has a special interest in Paediatrics and is the Director and co-founder of PARA PEM - the successful course designed by Paramedics, for Paramedics, to provide up to date evidence based education about Paediatric Emergency Medicine. Join Amy for the first hands-on PARA PEM workshops!

Dr Cameron Gosling

Senior Lecturer, Monash University

Cameron has been an academic member of staff with the Monash University, Department of Paramedicine since 2016. Previously he has held roles as a Research Fellow at Monash University with the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine based at the Alfred Hospital and the Department of Physiotherapy. His primary research background is in injury epidemiology and has held roles educating health professionals for over 25 years. He is currently a senior lecturer and HDR coordinator in the Department of Paramedicine.

Max Han

Graduate Paramedic, Singapore Civil Defence Force

Matthew Hill is a registered paramedic with 10 years of clinical experience working with the Queensland Ambulance Service. During this time, Matt undertook several roles including Advanced Care Paramedic II, Critical Care Paramedic, and Critical Care Flight Paramedic. He has also been involved with in-service education, taking on relief positions as a Clinical Support Officer and Senior Clinical Educator. Prior to being appointed as Lecturer, Paramedicine at UniSC in 2021, Matt taught into both the undergraduate and postgraduate Paramedic Science programs at CQUniversity. The main drivers for Matt’s research stem from his clinical experience as a paramedic and his experience as a Peer Support Officer, where he has developed a keen interest in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of paramedics and their families. Matt is currently undertaking his PhD, where he is exploring the impact of traumatic stress on paramedics and their intimate partners.

Matthew Hill

Lecturer in Paramedicine, University of the Sunshine Coast

Laura Hirello

PhD Candidate, Monash University

Laura Hirello is a Canadian paramedic from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She moved to Melbourne in February 2023 to pursue a PhD from Monash University. Laura’s research study, project ASAP, looks at how shift work and the resulting circadian rhythm disruption impact paramedics, their work performance, and their decision making. Prior to moving to Australia, Laura worked as an ambulance paramedic for 9 years before moving into healthcare project management and process improvement.

Lisa Hobbs

Senior Lecturer and QLD Placement Experience Coordinator

Lisa Hobbs is a registered paramedic, academic, researcher and visual artist with over 2 decades experience in paramedicine. Her research experience includes a Master of Philosophy, qualitative research utilising Constructivist Grounded Theory. Lisa is a confirmed candidate in a Doctor of Philosophy, her research topic is Women in Paramedicine: Exploring the experiences of female paramedics in Australia through creative research.

Rebecca Houli

Master of Applied Research

Rebecca Houli, Victoria University alumnus, began her academic journey in 2007. With a background in vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE), she has now combined her clinical operational paramedic with academia. Since 2015, she has organised and lead four highly successful international study tours, diversifying the work integrated learning (WIL) clinical curriculum via the New Colombo Plan. These initiatives not only prepare students as global citizens but also provide an innovative educational experience in varying community health settings. Her passion for paramedicine and education is evident in her commitment to drive quality improvement and patient safety and in WIL. She is leading a national academic expert reference working group whose objective is the standardisation and harmonisation of a national clinical placement assessment tool for paramedicine programs that aligns the Professional Capabilities for Registered Paramedics (PCFRP). The Australian Paramedicine Professional Capabilities Tool (APPCAT) will assist higher education providers in meeting program accreditation standards for the future workforce to be able to deliver safe, quality patient care.

Jack Howard

Intensive Care Paramedic, Ambulance Victoria

Jack is an Intensive Care Paramedic at Ambulance Victoria. He has worked as a Paramedic for the past 14 years, mostly in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. He has a passion for prehospital research, especially on the subject CPR-Induced Consciousness and Leadership.

Ursula Howarth

Infection prevention and control Clinical Nurse Consultant. Ambulance Tasmania

Ursula has worked as an infection prevention and control (IPC) CNC since 2020. She started her career in healthcare over 20 years ago as a veterinary nurse and then worked as a paramedic throughout Queensland for 13 years. Ursula has a Bachelor of Nursing, a Bachelor of Paramedicine, a Graduate Diploma in Health, and a Master of IPC. The master studies coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and Ursula began working as one of two IPC CNC's for Queensland Ambulance Service throughout the pandemic and is the first dedicated IPC professional to work for Ambulance Tasmania.

Adjunct Associate Professor Tony Hucker

Director Clinical Operations, Queensland Ambulance Service

Tony Hucker is a Critical Care Paramedic with over four decades of experience in several Australian ambulance jurisdictions. Many years of clinical experience in both ground and rotary wing operations underpin a passion for clinical education and patient safety. Tony has extensive experience reviewing adverse outcomes from acute behavioral disturbance cases.

Julie Hughes

Critical Care Paramedic Queensland Ambulance Service

Julie is a Critical Care Paramedic with over 20 years’ experience with Queensland Ambulance Service. She has worked in multiple roles across both metropolitan and rural regions in on road and rotary wing positions, as a clinical support officer and officer in charge. Julie currently works in Brisbane’s High Acuity Response Unit (HARU) and as a Flight Critical Care Paramedic for QGAir’s Rescue 500. She joined the QAS in 2002 after a 10 year career as a radiographer at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. Julie has a special interest in trauma, prehospital ultrasoundand mentoring the next generation of paramedics. She holds a Master of Traumatology and is a current Ambassador for the Australian College of Paramedicine. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoor Sunny Coast lifestyle with her husband, border collie and chickens.

George Jack

Advanced Life Support (ALS) EMT, ProMedical Ambulance Vanuatu

George Jack is an Advanced Life Support (ALS) EMT at ProMedical Ambulance Vanuatu, hailing from Tanna Island in the Republic of Vanuatu. With 12 years of experience in pre-hospital healthcare, George has dedicated his life to reducing suffering and improving health outcomes in his community. Originally an automotive mechanic, George discovered his true calling in healthcare while attending the Theological Bible School in Port Vila. His time working in the Church clinic revealed the significant health needs of his community, inspiring him to pursue a career in healthcare. George's strong faith remains his primary motivation in his work.

George has completed a Diploma of Paramedical Science and currently excels as an ALS EMT, specializing in emergency ambulance calls, aeromedical retrieval, aeromedical evacuations, and first aid training.

A passionate football (soccer) enthusiast, George volunteers his medical expertise to his local football club and the Vanuatu national team. He is a dedicated father of two young children, a loving husband, and a respected community and church leader. George is also committed to his long-term goal of completing a Bachelor of Paramedicine.

Kallie Kitas

Clinical Nutritionist, Binge Breaker

Kallie is a dedicated clinical nutritionist who specialises in helping individuals recover from binge eating, establish balanced eating habits and reduce burnout among healthcare workers. With over 10 years of experience, Kallie understands the unique challenges faced by those in high-pressure roles, including long hours, unpredictable breaks, and limited access to proper food storage. Kallie provides practical solutions to fuel the body efficiently amidst non-stop work demands, enabling healthcare heroes to thrive.

Dr Natalie Kruit

Cardiac Anaesthetist, Westmead and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, pre-hospital retrieval specialist, NSW Ambulance, Clinical lead for ECMO, Westmead Hospital, Chief Investigator and clinical lead, PRECARE, pre-hospital ECPR, cardiac arrest

Natalie is a cardiac anaesthetist who did subspecialty training in ECMO at Royal Papworth Hospital (UK), working as one of their ECMO retrieval consultants. She also works as a pre-hospital physician with NSW Ambulance, having done so for the last 11 years. She is the clinical lead and chief investigator for the PRECARE study, having developed the training program and clinical protocol. She is currently undertaking a PhD in advanced cardiac arrest management and optimal service delivery. Natalie is also currently undertaking research in the use of pre-hospital transoesophageal echo for cardiac arrest to optimise forward flow during resuscitation. Her ECPR journey started 10 years ago and she has come to the conclusion that ECPR is just the icing on the cake where cardiac arrest management is concerned. Cardiac arrest is such a heterogenous pathology, making management of each patient interesting as you tailor the ALS to suit the pathology. We must focus on cardiac arrest service delivery and ensure that ALS is meticulously executed in order to get the best outcomes, only then will ECPR work. ECPR can be used to uplift the entire chain of survival and therein lies its true value.

Hannah Latta

Critical Care Flight Paramedic Wellington Free Ambulance, Auckland University of Technology Lecturer and Sonographic Educator in the Emergency Department at Wellington Hospital

Hannah is a Critical Care Flight Paramedic working in Wellington and a postgraduate lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. Hannah also works as an ultrasound educator in the Wellington Emergency Department. Hannah has extensive experience in the ambulance and emergency care sector and is passionate about learning and continuing education to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care. Hannah has completed her doctorate investigating how ultrasound can be integrated into the resuscitation of patients in cardiac arrest. Her research aims to identify very ‘low flow’ states associated with pseudo-pulseless electrical activity. Hannah is also a photographer, mum to Sam and enjoys taking him on many adventures exploring the outdoors in her spare time.

Dr Nirvana Luckraj

Chief Medical Officer, Healthdirect Australia

Dr Nirvana Luckraj brings a wealth of international healthcare experience to her role as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Healthdirect Australia. As a Fellow of the RACGP and with 30 years’ experience across four continents, Nirvana has held leadership positions in digital health, clinical artificial intelligence, medical service provision and general practice, overseeing clinical governance, quality assurance, and service delivery. Nirvana’s career has also encompassed managing medical teams across Australia, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea while managing major government and private healthcare contracts. As CMO at Healthdirect Australia, Nirvana leverages her vast experience to drive innovation in the delivery of accessible, high quality and safe digital and virtual healthcare services for all Australians.

Dr Peter Mangles

Director, Absolute Medical Response and Chairman, LiveBetter, Pace Aged Care, and Physio Inc

Dr Peter Mangles is a registered paramedic and nurse, and the Managing Director of Absolute Medical Response. He is the Chairman of LiveBetter, Pace Aged Care, and Physio Inc., and serves as an adjunct Fellow at the University of Western Sydney, where he also chairs the WSU EAC. With international experience in the UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Singapore, Dr Mangles brings extensive expertise in healthcare leadership and governance. His diverse roles reflect his commitment to advancing healthcare standards and education, showcasing his dedication to ethical practice, innovative strategies, and effective stakeholder engagement across various global settings.

Ryan Matthews

Lecturer. Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Department of Emergency Medical Sciences. Cape Town, South Africa

Ryan Matthews has been a Paramedic for almost 30 years. He has experience in Military and civilian contexts and has worked in the aeromedical and ground ambulance environments. He also has experience in remote and site-based emergency care. For the last 12 years he has been lecturing Paramedic students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, South Africa. He has special interests in pain management and curriculum development. He holds a master’s degree and is working toward a PhD degree.

Associate Professor Ben Meadley

Director, Paramedicine at Ambulance Victoria and Adjunct Associate Professor at Monash University Department of Paramedicine

Ben Meadley is a registered paramedic and Director, Paramedicine at Ambulance Victoria. Ben has worked as a clinician, educator, and researcher in paramedicine for more than 26 years, with the majority of his time as an intensive care flight paramedic. His research interests include respiratory and cardiovascular physiology, point of care ultrasound, human performance optimisation, and selection to specialist paramedicine teams. Ben divides his time between clinical leadership, teaching and research roles. He is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Paramedicine and was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal in 2023.

Alecka Miles

Lecturer Edith Cowan University & PhD Student Western Sydney University

Alecka Miles is a Paramedic who commenced her career in emergency ambulance in Victoria in 2005 before transitioning to higher education as a paramedic lecturer (2015) and clinically into General Practice in metropolitan Perth (2020), Western Australia. She has also spent some time working as a Paramedic rurally and remotely in the Northern Territory and the Kimberley's in Western Australia. Alecka has a Masters degree in Emergency Health and is a PhD candidate at Western Sydney University where her research is looking at ‘Decentring’ the ambulance in Paramedicine: An exploration and consensus of key stakeholder expectations, enablers, and impediments to paramedic role legitimisation in primary health care contexts in Australia and New Zealand.

Dr Alannah Morrison

Adjunct Senior Lecturer UniSc

Alannah has 15 years of experience as a paramedic enjoying working across various communities. Alannah is also an experienced academic and more recently overseeing graduate and entry-to-practice education for a jurisdictional ambulance service, focusing on contemporary education models for complex working environments. Alannah completed her PhD investigating paramedic decision-making and exploring the progression of professionalisation of the profession and ambulance work culture.

Associate Professor Danielle Ní Chróinín

Consultant Geriatrician, Liverpool Hospital

Danielle is a Consultant Geriatrician and Director of aged care research, Liverpool Hospital, and a Conjoint Associate Professor with UNSW Medicine. She holds dual fellowships in Geriatric and General Medicine, with 20 years experience in clinical and academic medicine, here and in Ireland. She is a member of several research and professional bodies, and has led/helped with development of national guidelines e.g. for Orthogeriatric care after hip fracture. Her research focusses on clinically meaningful, collaborative and multidisciplinary research focusing on patient-centred care of older persons. She is an enthusiastic teacher, with roles within the hospital, UNSW and RACP, with several teaching accolades.

Marty Nichols

Paramedic Specialist; Associate Director Paramedicine; Clinical Practice, NSW Ambulance

Marty has been a paramedic with NSWA since 2000. For 20 years Marty developed extensive clinical & operational experience across the roles of paramedic, Intensive Care Paramedic, Special Operations, Rescue & Remote Area paramedic, Critical Care Flight Paramedic, educator and frontline manager. In 2021 Marty was appointed Associate Director Paramedicine & Clinical Practice. Outside of his roles with NSWA Marty has over a decade of experience on the board of paramedicine colleges and has been a member of the Paramedicine Accrediation Committee since 2019.

Sarah Penney

Lecturer, Auckland University of Technology, Registered Paramedic

Ko Tarakeha te maunga, Ko Moetangi te awa, Ko Matihetihe te Marae, Ko Tao Maui te hapū, Ko Te Rarawa te iwi, Ko Penney tōku whānau, Nō Mitimiti ahau, Ko Sarah Penney tōku ingoa.

Sarah Penney was born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and works as a lecturer in the Paramedicine Department at Auckland University of Technology. She is a registered paramedic and a practicing EMT with Hato Hone St John. Since completing her Undergraduate in Paramedicine, Sarah has completed post graduate studies in Public Health and has recently completed a Master of Philosophy, exploring Māori and whānau experiences when accessing acute pre-hospital cardiovascular care from paramedics. Sarah research interests include Māori health, health equity, cardiovascular health and community/extended care paramedicine.. In 2021 Marty was appointed Associate Director Paramedicine & Clinical Practice. Outside of his roles with NSWA Marty has over a decade of experience on the board of paramedicine colleges and has been a member of the Paramedicine Accrediation Committee since 2019.

Charlton Quitoriano

Academic, Monash University and ALS Paramedic, Ambulance Victoria

Charlton is a Naarm/Melbourne-based academic at Monash University and registered ALS paramedic. Prior to this, Charlton started his career working as a graphic designer and has now been collaborating with other academics to utilise his combined skillset including the Australian Paramedicine Professional Capabilities Tool (APPCAT) and an upcoming Autistic Suicide Prevention Resource Hub with the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre. Being queer, neurodivergent, and a person of colour, Charlton's professional interests lie within the wellbeing, mental health, neurodiverse, and LGBTIQ+ spaces in the paramedicine and higher education contexts.

Alessia Restiglian

Registered Paramedic, Teaching associate, Honours Student at Monash University

Alessia is a registered paramedic currently undertaking her honours degree and working as a teaching associate at Monash University. Alessia has a keen interest in continuous education and professional development and is fascinated by the evolution of paramedicine and excited to continue her academic journey researching advanced paramedic practice.

Dr Louise Reynolds

Associate Professor ACU, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health, Australian Catholic University. Chief Paramedic Officer, Executive Sponsor, Inquiry into Women’s Pain for Safer Care Victoria

Dr Louise Reynolds, Safer Care Victoria's Chief Paramedic Officer and ACU Associate Professor in Paramedicine, began her career as a student paramedic with SA Ambulance Service. Her career included operational and educational roles across Australia, the UK, and South-East Asia. As Australia's first female paramedic with a doctoral degree, her research focuses on qualitative explorations of paramedicine evolving professional culture, education, systems and leadership. She's a five-time editor of 'Understanding the Australian Health Care System', contributing to the paramedicine chapter.

Associate Professor Shannon Rutherford

Co-Lead Ethos Project, Public Health team - School of Medicine and Dentistry, Cities Research Institute and Climate Action Beacon

Associate Professor Rutherford is a public health specialist with a long research career focussed on assessing the links between environmental change and human health and building capacity to understand, assess and respond to the consequences at the local, national and global level. Her research has spanned various aspects of climate and health across diverse settings. She leads several transdisciplinary projects focussed on improving the health of communities as our climate warms. These include a large project aimed to reduce the health impacts of increasing heat on older persons and the Queensland Heat-Health Community of Practice.

Jackson Scriven

Duty Manager, Extended Care Paramedic | Virtual Clinical Care Centre – NSW Ambulance

Jackson has been a paramedic with NSW Ambulance since 2016, spending 5 years working on road as qualified paramedic and ECP in Sydney’s Western suburbs. Jackson has been working in the NSW Ambulance Virtual Clinical Care Centre (VCCC) since 2021 as a Paramedic Triage Clinician, Senior Clinician, and now Duty Manager.

Louis Shabella

Extended Care Paramedic; Clinical Training Officer NSW Ambulance; Sessional Academic, Western Sydney University Paramedicine

Louis Shabella is an academic and healthcare professional with a strong background in paramedicine. A graduate of the first cohort of the Western Sydney Paramedicine Program, he currently works as an Extended Care Paramedic with NSW Ambulance. Louis also serves as a Hearing Member with the Paramedicine Council, helping to maintain high standards for paramedics in NSW. He teaches paramedicine at Western Sydney University and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Research, focusing on evidence-based practices in paramedicine. His research centers on clinical leadership in the paramedic setting. Louis is passionate about advancing emergency medical care and sharing his knowledge with others.

Samantha Sheridan

PhD candidate and Academic with Charles Sturt University

Sam started her career as a student paramedic with Yorkshire Ambulance Service associated with Teesside University in the UK. She has experience as an on road paramedic in the busy area of Leeds, Bradford, and Wakefield in the UK and in the culturally diverse city of Abu Dhabi in the UAE. Sam has experience mentoring student paramedics and as a sole responder on a first response unit. Sam moved in to education whilst in the UAE, as a Clinical Educator helping to develop and train new and qualified emergency medical technicians and paramedics, before arriving at CSU as a academic. She completed her MSC in enhancing paramedic practice with a focus on Paramedic physical health and fitness. This interest has continued in her research interest and PhD program of research.

Professor Cathie Sherrington

Professor, University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District

Prof Sherrington is Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney. Prof Sherrington leads the 30-person Physical Activity, Ageing and Disability Research Stream within the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health (a partnership between University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District) and is Deputy Director of the Institute, and co-chairs the Sydney Health Partners (NHMRC-accredited Advanced Health Research & Translation Centre) Musculoskeletal Clinical Academic Group. Prof Sherrington has a background as a physiotherapist in aged care and rehabilitation settings.

Associate Professor Paul Simpson

Editor-in-Chief, Paramedicine

Paul is a paramedic academic at Western Sydney University, and Editor in Chief of Paramedicine. He continues to practice clinically in the private sector though is admittedly pretty rusty these days.

Catherine Smith

Nurse Practitioner, Perioperative Bariatric, WHY Clinic Director, FACORN FACNP

Catherine has been Bariatric NP since endorsement in 2012. Catherine start a private NP weight loss services WHY Clinic, which provides ~800 appointments per month via face to face and Telehealth. Catherine was the 1st Australian NP to complete the Horizone Mentoring Program, coordinator the development of the ACNP Advanced Practice Bariatric Course, is the NP committee member on NACOS and is a clinical leadership with The Obesity Collective. She has represented NPs at many national events during her 5 years as ACNP Director (Treasurer), gaining Fellowship of ACNP in 2023 & ACORN in 2022.

Michael Smith

Executive Director – Medical Rescue Group

Michael has crammed a lot into is paramedic career. His resume includes 20 years as Intensive Care Paramedic with NSW Ambulance, being on the Board of Directors for the ANZCP for 8 years and was one of the founding directors of the Australasian College of Paramedicine. During that period he wasn’t busy enough so he co-founded the Medical Rescue Group which now is one of Australia’s leading providers of paramedics in the private sector throughout Australia. More recently Michael sits as a professional member with the Paramedicine Council of NSW and is a Senior Member with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. In 2023 he was made a Fellow of the College for his contribution to the profession.

Dr Simpiwe Sobuwa

Senior Lecturer and Acting Head: Department of Emergency Medical Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Dr Sobuwa is the Senior Lecturer and Acting Head of the Department of Emergency Medical Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He is the Chair of the Professional Board for Emergency Care at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). He is also the Vice-President of the HPCSA and chairs its Remuneration Committee. He has published several articles and supervised several Masters and Doctoral students to completion.

Kristen Spring

ALS Paramedic, Ambulance Victoria

Kristen is an ALS paramedic with Ambulance Victoria based in the beautiful Gippsland region. She began her health career as a medical researcher investigating genetic links to Type 1 Diabetes while earning a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Master of Public Health from the University of WA. Kristen relocated to Victoria to pursue a patient-facing role in paramedicine, completing her undergraduate degree with honours from Monash University. Working in a rural location has cultivated a personal interest in the health barriers experienced by remote communities, with Kristen now focused on a future PhD in this area.

Alice Svikers

Lecturer, Monash University

Alice is a Registered Midwife who has enjoyed a ten-year career in the public health system. She balances her clinical work with her role as a lecturer and academic placement liaison for the Department of Paramedicine at Monash University. She is passionate about birth and the importance of interprofessional collaboration to optimise outcomes for patients experiencing unplanned out of hospital births.

Jeremy Taylor

Adjunct Industry Fellow, University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)

Jeremy Taylor is a dedicated paramedic lecturer at Central Queensland University with a passion for providing high-quality education and training to future paramedics. With 24 years' experience in Paramedicine, Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of their future careers.

Jeremy also holds an Adjunct role at the University of Southern Queensland and is actively involved in a number of working groups including the APPCAT project. Jeremy's focus for placement management also stands beyond an academic role as best demonstrated as an Executive Manager in Placement Management at the University of Queensland as well as previously managing Clinical Placements for the Queensland Ambulance Service.

One of Jeremy's key areas of focus is clinical placement experiences, where he strives to create meaningful and impactful learning opportunities for students. He believes that hands-on experience is crucial for developing the skills and confidence needed to excel in the field of paramedicine, and works tirelessly to ensure that students have access to the best possible placements.

In addition to his work in education, Jeremy is also a strong advocate for student wellbeing. He believes that students should be supported and empowered to succeed, and works closely with them to address any challenges they may face during their clinical placements. His dedication to student advocacy has earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and students alike.

Overall, Jeremy Taylor is a passionate and dedicated paramedic lecturer who is committed to providing the best possible education and support to his students. His tireless efforts have made a lasting impact on the paramedic program at Central Queensland University, and have helped to shape the future of the profession.

Dr Verity Todd

Senior Lecturer, Paramedicine Department, Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Dr Verity Todd is a Senior Lecturer within the Department of Paramedicine, supporting postgraduate research. Verity worked for 5 years as the Clinical Research Fellow at Hato Hone St John. Verity is supported by the NZ Heart Foundation as a Co-Investigator on the First Responder Shock Trial (FIRST). Her research interests include low-acuity patients, Early Warning Scores, trauma, and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Dr Todd's research background includes a PhD in Genetics and postdoctoral fellowships in Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins University and The University of Auckland.

Laura Triffett

PhD Candidate -Western Sydney University, Lecturer in Paramedicine -University of Tasmania

Laura Triffett is a registered paramedic, a Lecturer in Paramedicine at the University of Tasmania and a PhD candidate at Western Sydney University. Laura has worked in paramedicine for over 25 years, starting her career in the UK before relocating to Australia in 2007. Laura's research interests stem from her experience as both a paramedic and academic, where she developed an interest in work-integrated learning (WIL), authentic assessment, innovative learning and teaching, and health literacy responsiveness. Laura's PhD project is looking at the use of Entrustable Professional Activities for the assessment of entry to practice paramedic students undertaking WIL.

Rachael Vella

Lecturer in Paramedicine at WSU, PhD Candidate and Registered Paramedic

Rachael is a Lecturer in Paramedicine at Western Sydney University, where she is currently pursuing her PhD. Her research focuses on integrating technology-enhanced methods, such as artificial intelligence, into simulation-based healthcare education. As a registered paramedic, Rachael also continues her clinical practice with a state-based ambulance service.

Simon Vella

Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney

Simon is a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health and also works in clinical practice as a chiropractor. Simon's research focuses on the management of back pain in prehospital and emergency health care settings. In the prehospital setting, Simon's research has explored ambulance service guidelines for back pain, ambulance service and paramedic management of back pain including alternate referral pathways, and paramedic perceptions toward the management of people with back pain. Simon has a keen interest in bridging community and emergency health services to manage people with non-serious back pain.

JP Veronese

Lecturer, Paramedicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University

JP Veronese has been a Lecturer in Paramedicine at Griffith University since 2018 and also works casually as an ACP for the Queensland Ambulance Service. Previously, he served in the South African State Ambulance Service for 13 years in critical care, supervisory, and clinical educator roles. He completed a Master’s degree in Emergency Medicine in 2015 and has published research in both local and international peer-reviewed journals. With a passion for educating future paramedics, JP focuses on simulation-based education and assessment to develop clinical competence, which is the focus of his recently commenced PhD.

Shaun Whitmore

HEMS Intensive Care Flight Paramedic, Ambulance Victoria

Shauns substantive role is currently a HEMS Intensive Care Flight Paramedic with Ambulance Victoria, but he has held various roles in acute health care since 1986. These have included Division 1 Nursing Roles in Oncology, Paediatrics and Emergency Nursing. Shaun has been a lecturer at Monash University for 24 years, and has facilitated Education Programs in Borneo, PNG, Bougainville and Malaysia. Outside of his substantive role he has worked in various clinical roles in the private, state and commonwealth sectors. His special interests include Wilderness and Disaster Response, with a particular interest in Human Factors and clinical error.

Kalinda Wills

Senior Aboriginal Health Practitioner/Practice Manager

Kalinda is a proud Jerrinja-Wandi-Wandian-Wodi-Wodi Woman from the Cullunghutti Mountain who was grew up on the Jerrinja Aboriginal Community. Kalinda is currently employed with Waminda’s South Coast Women's Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation as a full-time since 2018 as a Senior Aboriginal Primary Health Care Practitioner and Practice Manager. Kalinda has ignited passion and dedication for all aspects to do with Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing. Kalinda prides on providing culturally safe, strength-based, holistic health care to our peoples physical, emotional, social, spiritual health and wellness within our local Aboriginal communities.

Dr Alex Wolkow

Research Fellow, Monash University

Dr Alex Wolkow is a Research Fellow in the School of Psychological Sciences at Monash University. Dr Wolkow received his PhD from Deakin University. After completing his PhD, Dr Wolkow was awarded an NHMRC CRE NeuroSleep Fellowship to undertake postdoctoral training at Monash University. Since arriving at Monash University, he has been awarded an NHMRC Peter Doherty Early Career Fellowship and an ARC DECRA. At Monash, Dr Wolkow leads research that aims to better understand, and counteract, the impact of poor sleep and other workplace stressors on health, safety, and performance in high-risk occupations.

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