Australasian College of Paramedicine International Conference (ACPIC24)

ACPIC 2024 delivered a wide range of clinical and research sessions from experts and leaders in paramedicine. Hosted in Sydney (September 2024) the program was designed to inspire, educate and broaden horizons.

Conference theme: Paramedicine's evolution – Embracing the new era

3 Minute Thesis: How bad is bad? The impact of shift work on paramedics and their practice

Despite the documented effects of shift work on health and performance, few studies have examined its impact on the paramedic population. My work explores the acute impact of shift work on paramedics and their practice through analysis of decision making, work performance, communication, and individual physiology. In pairs, participants complete a simulated shift rotation, during which they engage in high fidelity paramedic scenarios and decision-making tasks. Biological measures are collected throughout the rotation to assess underlying physiological conditions.

Biography: Laura Hirello

Laura Hirello is a Canadian paramedic from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She moved to Melbourne in February 2023 to pursue a PhD from Monash University. Laura’s research study, project ASAP, looks at how shift work and the resulting circadian rhythm disruption impact paramedics, their work performance, and their decision making. Prior to moving to Australia, Laura worked as an ambulance paramedic for 9 years before moving into healthcare project management and process improvement.

Moderator: Dr Nigel Barr, ACPIC24 Organising Committee Member

3 Minute Thesis: Paediatric trauma in paramedicine. Bridging gaps in confidence, and education for optimal prehospital care

Trauma impacts over 4.4 million people globally each year, with approximately 950,000 being paediatric cases. However, paediatric trauma is rare in paramedic practice, challenging their confidence and preparedness. This study evaluates the attitudes, self-reported confidence, competence, and comfort levels (CCL) of student paramedics (SP) and practitioners regarding paediatric trauma patients. Using literature reviews and surveys, the research identifies significant anxiety among paramedics in paediatric care. So far, it has been identified that there is a recommendation for simulation-based training and improved education to address gaps, ultimately enhancing paramedic skills and patient outcomes in paediatric trauma care.

Biography: Curt Cooper

Curt Cooper is a Paramedic currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy (Health) at the University of Southern Queensland and is also a lecturer at Charles Darwin University. His research focuses on the educational preparedness, attitudes, and confidence levels of Australian paramedics (including students) in attending to paediatric trauma patients. As an Advanced Care Paramedic II, Curt brings extensive clinical experience from diverse settings, including Indigenous communities and the mining sector. He has co-authored a chapter on Mining Emergencies, in Clinical Cases in Paramedicine, and presented at numerous conferences, demonstrating his commitment to research and evidence-based care.

Moderator: Dr Verity Todd, College Research Advisory Committee member