Australasian College of Paramedicine International Conference (ACPIC23)

ACPIC 2023 delivered a wide range of clinical and research sessions from experts and leaders in paramedicine. Hosted in Melbourne (September 2023) the program was designed to inspire, educate and broaden horizons.

Conference theme: Lead - Evolve - Impact

Panel on pain

Non-Pharmacological Pain Management and Distraction Therapy

Pharmacological management has been the long-standing practice of managing paediatrics in pain and distress. However, research has shown that a multi-modal approach, including non-pharmacological methods such as distraction, supported better patient outcomes than pharmacological management alone. The session will review a 2023 Systematic Review looking at the pre-hospital application of Paediatric Distraction Tools, and share some simple, actionable steps to incorporate distraction techniques into your practice.

Biography: Katrina Sedgwick

Katrina is an Advanced Life Support Paramedic and Team Manager at Ambulance Victoria and works in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. She received the Best Care award at this year's Ambulance Victoria Excellence Awards, for her pilot project looking at Paediatric Distraction Packs. Outside of work, she enjoys going on adventures with her husband and 2 young children.

Managing Acute Pain: Māori and Indigenous Australian Populations

Highlighting some considerations for paramedics providing care for Māori and Indigenous Australian populations with acute pain. This session looks at three key points, firstly removing labels and biases in our practice, considering cultural expression and experience of pain and the healthcare system. And lastly our duty as health professionals to improve health outcomes for both Māori and Indigenous Australian populations.

Biography:Shell Piercy

Shell is an experienced paramedic and clinical nurse specialist/ nurse practitioner intern who has dedicated her career to providing emergency and primary health care in the challenging and varied landscapes of rural and remote Australasia. With 23 years of combined experience in paramedicine and nursing, Shell has honed her current skillset in a variety of settings across New Zealand and Australia, including metro ambulance and emergency departments, rural general practice, remote area ambulance, military medicine, wilderness paramedicine, and remote area hospitals, to name just a few. Shell is passionate about improving access to healthcare for the most vulnerable populations, improving health outcomes for Māori and Indigenous Australians, and managing healthcare delivery where resources are limited, and access to medical facilities is often hindered by vast distances and rugged terrains.

Chronic pain and paramedicine. Evidence-based management and implications for paramedics.

What is chronic pain? How is chronic pain different from acute or traumatic pain? How can paramedics alter their approach when treating these patients? This presentation will discuss evidence-based practice and assessment/ management strategies for paramedics to consider when treating this patient cohort; including the application of the biopsychosocial model and a holistic approach.

Biography: Lucinda Peacock

Lucinda is a paramedic currently working for NSW Ambulance. She completed her Honours degree at Monash University last year where she researched the patient experience of chronic pain management by paramedics and continues to conduct research in this area. She has a specific interest in paramedic management of non-acute pain - including chronic pain, palliative care pain and breakthrough pain.

Moderator: Tim Andrews, MICA Paramedic, Ambulance Victoria and Teaching Associated, Monash University

Please note: We regret to inform you that this recording experienced unexpected audio disruptions. We hope you can still enjoy this recording and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the audio issues.