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.

This session will present an overview of NZ’s out-of-hospital destination policies for high acuity patients, examples of tools to help ambulance personnel determine the most appropriate destination hospital, and what’s on the horizon.

Biography: Kris Gagliardi

Kris is a practising Intensive Care Paramedic and is currently Assistant Clinical Director for St John, where he is responsible for leading the development of out-of-hospital pathways for high-acuity conditions including STEMI, acute stroke and major trauma, as well as low acuity pathways for ambulance patients in partnership with District Health Boards (DHBs) and Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) such as falls prevention, smoking cessation, mental health and social support. Kris is also responsible for the development of clinical education for ambulance personnel, the Ambulance Sector Clinical Procedures and Guidelines (CPGs), clinical policies, and health sector stakeholder engagement. Prior to taking on national roles in St John, Kris was the pre-hospital lead for the Nelson Marlborough STEMI Pathway, New Zealand’s first comprehensive pre-hospital STEMI pathway involving pre-hospital fibrinolysis and direct transport of eligible patients to a PCI capable hospital. Kris is a trustee of the New Zealand Paramedic Education and Research Charitable Trust.

Session moderator: Stuart Cook