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

Rheumatic Heart Disease

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is 100% preventable, yet rates of RHD seen in Indigenous Australians are the highest in the world. This presentation will look at what the common signs and symptoms of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and RHD are. The presentation will also consider how ARF and RHD can be prevented at the primordial, primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention with a focus on how we can prevent ARF and RHD. Current prevalence and incidence rates of ARF and RHD in Australia will also be shared.

Biography: Melissa van Leeuwen

Melissa is a public health nurse/midwife. She works with the Northern Territory Rheumatic Heart Disease Control Program in Central Australia, which is a part of the Public Health Unit in Alice Springs. Melissa has worked in this role for over 8 years, and has lived in Central Australia for the past 16 years. Her work area covers over 1 million square kms. Melissa is passionate about seeing Rheumatic Heart Disease eradicated in Australia

Moderator: Renee Guesnon, Registered Paramedic and Registered Nurse Alice Springs, Northern Territory