In October 2020, ACP was pleased to deliver our first fully online and interactive paramedic conference. The conference attracted over 1100 attendees, 60 speakers and 36 sessions.

Presented by: Sascha Baldry

This end of life case occurred over a 3-day, weekend period. 28 y/o, Danielle was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour resulting in pain and seizures. Active treatment had been ceased and measures were instituted for Danielle to die at home. The health care team was led by the local GP and palliative care nurse specialist, with paramedics providing treatment outside of business hours. Danielle’s mother was committed to her daughter’s wish to remain at home on the farm and was supported by daily home care. NSW Ambulance Authorised documentation was available for medication administration; • Midazolam for seizure control • Morphine for analgesia • Metoclopramide for nausea • Glycopyrrolate for secretion control

Danielle’s last days of life began rapidly, on a Friday afternoon, meaning that paramedics were the only healthcare resource available. As the officer on duty over those days, I attended to Danielle on every call and was present at her death on Sunday evening. Unforeseen issues and lessons learned included; • Accessing clinical help and advice • Finding charted medications outside of business hours • Managing distress • Managing uncertainty and lack of knowledge • The value and importance of multidisciplinary teams

Biography: Sascha Baldry completed a Bachelor of Paramedic Practice and joined NSW Ambulance in 2015. She went on to complete a Grad Cert in Advanced Paramedicine which engaged my interest in paramedic research. In 2018 she commenced in the Higher Degree by Research program at Western Sydney University with a qualitative focus on paramedic experiences. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Nursing with a view to combine the roles in the future. Sascha is from the rural south west of NSW and has practiced as a paramedic predominantly in small towns throughout the region. She is a passionate advocate for rural healthcare and embedding the paramedic role within the healthcare team of rural areas.