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

A scoping review: Paramedic Paediatric Readiness for Trauma: Self-Efficacy, Attitudes and Confidence (PARTSEAC)

Paramedics often feel uncomfortable and lack confidence in caring for paediatric patients due to limited exposure and experience. This review aims to understand paramedics' comfort and confidence levels in managing critically ill paediatric patients, including final-year students. A systematic search of electronic databases identified 20 relevant studies, revealing that paediatric cases cause significant anxiety and stress among paramedics. The review highlights the need for improved training, especially simulation-based training, to enhance paramedics' comfort, confidence, and overall care quality for critically ill paediatric patients. These findings can guide policy and practice improvements 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