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

What is the relationship between professional registration, identity and professionalisation in Australian Paramedics?

Registration was a key event in the development of paramedicine in Australia. However, registration, like any phenomenon is views by individuals through the prism of their experience and values. While Australian paramedics are largely supportive of regulation it is often misunderstood in its function and outcomes. Additionally, there is a component of the profession which is openly hostile to regulation. This presentation presents research exploring these views and looking at how regulation impacts the professionalisation, identity and culture of paramedics.

Biography: Dr Buck Reed

Buck Reed is Lecturer in Paramedicine at Western Sydney University; Buck is a Registered Paramedic in Australia and practices clinically in both emergency ambulance and industrial settings. Buck was the first rural-based paramedic to receive a prestigious Churchill Fellowship and the first paramedic accepted to the NSW Health Rural Research Capacity Building Program. Buck is completed a PhD at the University of Wollongong’s School of Medicine researching paramedic regulation and identity in 2023 and holds a Master of International Health Management. Buck is heavily involved in the Australian paramedicine community as an academic, researcher and a member of the ACP Future of Paramedicine Working Group.

Moderator: Dr Louise Reynolds, Deputy Chair, Research Committee, Australasian College of Paramedicine and Chief Paramedic Officer, Safer Care Victoria