Trauma on the Border 2022

As we continue to lead the way forward in the evolution of the paramedicine profession, Trauma on the Borders 2022 theme of "Driving professional change" showcases the latest developments in paramedic practice, current research, and a host of speakers and presentations catering to the priorities and needs of paramedics of all levels, from students to on-road paramedics, intensive and extended care paramedics, flight and mobile paramedics, paramedic educators and academics, and senior managers.

Surviving and thriving in female leadership

Paula will share her career experiences as a female paramedic, her progression to become an intensive care paramedic, as the third female to successful pass the SCAT (Special Casualty Access Team) course in NSW and work on the rescue helicopter as a critical care paramedic, along with various roles in management & leadership, all whilst juggling being a mum, studying, maintaining the physical training requirements of the roles, and working in an alpha male dominated environment. Paula will share the changes she has seen over 28 years in clinical trauma care. She will also share her own difficulties in her treatment and recovery of PTSD, and how she now focuses on supporting the staff who now provide the clinical care to patients that she no longer can do at the frontline.

Biography: Paula Sinclair

Paula Sinclair is the first female Director of the Fixed Wing & Aeromedical Control Centre. She has an extensive career with NSW Ambulance spanning over 28 years. During this time, she has worked in a variety of different roles. This includes working as an on-road intensive care paramedic, operations manager, and critical care paramedic in helicopter operations. Paula has also significantly contributed to developing NSW Ambulance’s staff wellbeing and support programs. Paula also developed an extremely successful forum for paramedics to discuss challenging patient presentations. This initiative, called ‘Coffee and Cases’, provides a safe platform for paramedics to discuss cases, share knowledge and acquire clinically relevant feedback required for ongoing professional development.

Conference moderator: Tash Adams, Critical Care Paramedic - HARU Queensland Ambulance Service