The Australasian College of Paramedicine and the UK College of Paramedics proudly unite in publishing this piece which exemplifies the global portability of our profession.
At the 2025 EMS Leadership Summit, UK‑educated paramedics Lindsay Mackay and Leon Baranowski reflected on their journeys from Sheffield Hallam University to careers spanning the UK, Canada, and Australia. Their conversation highlighted how paramedicine has evolved over the past two decades, and how international mobility continues to shape the profession.
Read the full article, including detailed insights on navigating international registration, overcoming early career challenges, and their vision for paramedicine's future.
Two decades after meeting as students, UK-trained paramedics reflect on building international careers.
When Lindsay Mackay and Leon Baranowski met at Sheffield Hallam University nearly 20 years ago, they were part of just the second paramedicine cohort at the institution. Today, their careers span three continents, offering valuable insights into the future of global paramedicine.
From Sheffield to the World
Their journey began in a classroom of 30 students, learning from educators who would go on to shape the profession. At the time, UK paramedicine was transitioning from a vocational model to a professional, university-based pathway, and students like Lindsay and Leon were helping define what that meant.
Fast-forward two decades, and their paths have taken them to Australia and Canada respectively, with Leon recently relocating to Melbourne. Their experiences highlight both the opportunities and challenges of international paramedicine careers.
Breaking Down Borders
One of the biggest hurdles? The lack of standardised pathways for international paramedic mobility. When Leon moved to British Columbia in 2016, he was told he'd need to completely retrain because he hadn't been educated "the BC way." This frustration led him to co-create International Paramedics, a resource that has helped over 30 paramedics navigate international registration.
Lindsay found Australia's state-by-state system fragmented compared to the UK's national regulation, though the introduction of AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) has since streamlined the process considerably.
The Evolution of Paramedicine
Both practitioners have witnessed dramatic shifts in the profession. In Australia, women now comprise nearly 51% of paramedics, a stark change from the male-dominated field they entered. The role itself has expanded beyond emergency response to encompass community health, chronic disease management, and integrated care pathways.
Advice for Aspiring Global Paramedics
Their guidance for the next generation is clear: be curious, build your network early, and don't be afraid to ask "what if?" Lindsay particularly encourages female paramedics to recognize that their voices are essential in shaping the profession's global future.
As Leon reflects: "That one 'imagine if...' question changed everything. It's how systems evolve. It's how careers start. And it's how professions move forward."
Get unlimited access to hundreds of ACP's top courses for your professional development.
Join Now
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.