Australasian College of Paramedicine International Conference (ACPIC 2022)

ACPIC 2022 delivered a wide range of clinical and research sessions from experts and leaders in paramedicine. Hosted in Brisbane (September 2022) the program was designed to inspire, educate and broaden horizons.

Conference theme: Embracing Strengths | Shaping Futures

Comatose Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Clinical Case Report in Pre-hospital Emergency Care of Decompensated Cirrhosis

Decompensated cirrhosis is a significant cause of unplanned hospitalisation which paramedics are likely to encounter. One of the most serious complications of decompensated cirrhosis is hepatic coma, which is an independent predictor of short-term mortality. An ambulance was called for a 54-year-old man reportedly in cardiac arrest; however, on paramedic arrival he was found to be breathing – albeit unresponsive and vitally deranged. This case report describes how paramedics were able to manage the comatose patient, even when the cause for altered conscious state was initially unclear. Additionally, this report will discuss key learning points in relation to the assessment, pathophysiology, and epidemiology of decompensated cirrhosis.

Biography: Sherlyn Hii

Sherlyn Hii is an undergraduate paramedic student based in Melbourne, Victoria. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Paramedicine degree. Sherlyn was a professional filmmaker in a previous life, but she decided to leave the stage lights behind to pursue a more meaningful career in health care. Since commencing her studies in 2019, Sherlyn has worked in a variety of health roles including as a Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing (RUSON) in a large tertiary hospital. Sherlyn also volunteers as an ambulance community officer, providing emergency first response in a rural setting.

Moderator: Lucy Oatley, ACPIC organising committee chair and Intensive Care Paramedic, Ambulance Tasmania