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

Traumatic foot compartment syndrome: a case study

This deceptively benign injury occurred in a rural area and involved a farmer’s foot and a small tree. Compartment syndrome is generally the result of trauma and is suspected when the extreme pain witnessed seems out of character with the injury seen. It usually occurs in larger limb muscles and may not necessarily involve a fracture. Substantial amounts of analgesia are required but often have minimal effect. Compartment syndrome in feet is uncommon and rarely seen in the prehospital environment. It is time critical and early recognition and appropriate destination choice can affect long-term patient outcomes and disability.

Biography: Sharon Duthie

Sharon Duthie is a registered Critical Care Paramedic and works for St John Ambulance in Ashburton, New Zealand. As a large town serving the surrounding farming district, the ambulance service in Ashburton responds to both urban and rural areas. In her spare time, Sharon is a mixed sheep, cattle, and crop farmer. This gives her a practical understanding of the rural environment, and the mechanics of farming injuries. Sharon has a strong interest in research, education and sharing interesting cases to promote learning amongst her peers and has previously presented at ACP conferences.

Moderator: Buck Reed, Lecturer (Paramedicine), Western Sydney University