The ACP International Conference provides an unmatched opportunity for our members to learn from experts and leaders in paramedicine. ACPIC 2021 was delivered as a hybrid conference (online and face to face in the Sunshine Coast, QLD and Hobart, TAS) in November 2021.

As cardiac care continues to improve, increasing numbers of patients are being managed with Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) as a bridge to heart transplant and are highly likely to require paramedic assistance at some point in their care trajectory. VAD patients have specific requirements for transport and treatment that differ significantly from regular ambulance presentations. Even when their reason for ambulance attendance is not related to the VAD, the consideration of the logistical requirements of patients fitted with a VAD remains crucial to safe treatment and transport. This session aims to provide an overview of the physiological differences, key management points, resuscitation decisions and transport considerations for these complex patients.

Biography: Lucy Oatley

Lucy has been a paramedic for seven years, for both the Queensland Ambulance Service and Ambulance Tasmania. Since moving to Tasmania in 2017 and completing her postgraduate study, Lucy has split her time between patient facing duties as an Intensive Care Paramedic and project work in the Clinical Services division. Lucy has an interest in the provision of cardiac care to the Tasmanian community and has recently implemented the first stage of the Thrombolysis project across Tasmania. Lucy has also been a member of the ACPIC (formally PAIC) scientific and organising committee since 2019.