The Rural Outback and Remote Paramedic Conference 2022

The Rural Outback and Remote Paramedic Conference is a two-day event, designed specifically for paramedics and allied health professionals working in rural, outback and remote locations.

Conference theme: "Breaking down barriers"

Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease … Forgotten but not gone!

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is 100% preventable, yet rates in Indigenous Australians are the highest in the world. This presentation will look at what the common signs and symptoms of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and RHD. The presentation will also consider how ARF and RHD can be prevented at the primordial, primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention. Current prevalence and incidence rates of ARF and RHD will also be shared.

Biography: Melissa van Leeuwen

Melissa is a public health nurse/midwife and works with the NT Rheumatic Heart Disease Control Program in Central Australia, which is a part of the Public Health Unit in Alice Springs. Melissa has been in this role for the past 8 years and has lived in Central Australia for over 15 years. Her work area covers over 1 million sq. kms. Melissa is passionate about seeing Rheumatic Heart Disease eradicated in Australia.

Conference moderator: Alecka Miles, Course Coordinator, Paramedicine & Master of Paramedic Practitioner, Edith Cowan University