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.

With the development of Special Interest Groups (SIG) within the Australasian College of Paramedicine, an important first step was to engage with members to ensure future programs and offerings best supported their needs. The Health and Wellbeing SIG completed a survey of members in 2020, establishing the current mental health and wellbeing needs of paramedics and paramedic students. Respondents indicated that self-care and resilience are the greatest mental health and wellbeing priorities at this time, and they would like to be provided support via online resources that they can use at any time.

Biography: Kelly-Ann Bowles

Kelly is an educator and researcher within the Department of Paramedicine at Monash University. In her role she coordinates the Honours Research program, research units within the Masters program as well as managing the Department's PhD program. Kelly has a background in exercise science so has a real interest in the health and wellbeing of paramedics but is also really keen to see the skills of paramedics used in different roles in the healthcare sector. Ultimately, Kelly's aims is to engage as many paramedics and paramedic students as possible in research opportunities.

Session moderator: Laura Wirth