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.

Despite the essential role of paramedics in public health emergency response, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, existing pandemic research largely focused on the views of physicians, nurses, and hospital administrators, rather than paramedic practitioners. In this presentation we share the findings from our study where we explored the lived experiences of Canadian paramedics during the initial months of the COVID-19 outbreak and the meaning these experiences held for practitioners. We share insights gained and analyse the challenges faced and the areas considered priority by paramedics.

Biography: Lindsey Boechler

Lindsey Boechler, EdD (Student), MA, ACP, is a Researcher with the Centre of Health Research, Improvement and Scholarship, Saskatchewan Polytechnic. She is an Advanced Care Paramedic and a qualitative researcher. Lindsey’s most current research includes studies pertaining to the experiences of frontline personnel during COVID-19, healthcare accessibility for marginalized populations, and virtual health supports.

Session moderator: Dr Louise Reynolds