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
The College is the peak professional body representing and supporting paramedics and student paramedics across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand since 1973.
The College acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the land and sea in which we live and work, we recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and culture and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
The College acknowledges Māori as tangata whenua and Treaty of Waitangi partners in Aotearoa New Zealand.
