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

The Vortex Approach to airway management and application to pre-hospital environment

An introduction to the Vortex Approach of airway management model. A review of the Vortex approach and application of the airway vortex in the pre-hospital context.

Biography: Dr Owen Jones

Involved in prehospital care since starting with SAAS as a Volunteer Ambulance Officer in 2005. He has been involved in many roles within SAAS in both rural and metropolitan locations. He completed his undergraduate Bachelor of Clinical Practice with Charles Sturt University. Has completed Graduate Certificate Intensive Care Paramedic through Charles Sturt University. Completed his Masters of Public Health, Aeromedical through James Cook University. Completed his primary medical degree through Flinders University, Doctor of Medicine. Completed his Rural Generalist Anaesthetic training through the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network and currently practicing with dual registration as an Intensive Care Paramedic, Rural Generalist Anaesthetist and ACRRM Registrar in the Riverland, South Australia. He has an ongoing interest in clinical education and works as a Senior Lecturer within Flinders University and assists with clinical education within SAAS.

Ventilation Strategies

This presentation will delve into the critical importance of targeted ventilation strategies, highlighting the significant benefits of using mechanical ventilators in prehospital settings.

Biography: Hannah Latta

Hannah is a Critical Care Flight Paramedic working in Wellington and a postgraduate lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. Hannah also works as an ultrasound educator in the Wellington Emergency Department. Hannah has extensive experience in the ambulance and emergency care sector and is passionate about learning and continuing education to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care. Hannah has completed her doctorate investigating how ultrasound can be integrated into the resuscitation of patients in cardiac arrest. Her research aims to identify very ‘low flow’ states associated with pseudo-pulseless electrical activity. Hannah is also a photographer, mum to Sam and enjoys taking him on many adventures exploring the outdoors in her spare time.

Pressors vs Blood

A shallow dive into current blood products, adjunctive therapies and pressors used to treat haemorrhage in the prehospital setting with the aim to assist decision making in determining the appropriate circulatory support strategies.

Biography: Julie Hughes

Julie is a Critical Care Paramedic with over 20 years’ experience with Queensland Ambulance Service. She has worked in multiple roles across both metropolitan and rural regions in on road and rotary wing positions, as a clinical support officer and officer in charge. Julie currently works in Brisbane’s High Acuity Response Unit (HARU) and as a Flight Critical Care Paramedic for QGAir’s Rescue 500. She joined the QAS in 2002 after a 10 year career as a radiographer at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.

Julie has a special interest in trauma, prehospital ultrasoundand mentoring the next generation of paramedics. She holds a Master of Traumatology and is a current Ambassador for the Australian College of Paramedicine. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoor Sunny Coast lifestyle with her husband, border collie and chickens.

Prehospital trauma care – more than marginal gains

Throughout the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, prehospital trauma care and advanced trauma systems evolved rapidly in Australia. This was paralleled by very effective public safety campaigns reducing the incidence of drink-driving and speeding, increased vehicle safety and the use of seatbelts and airbags. Today, trauma mortality is comparably low, but we still have more work to do. In this presentation, Ben will discuss where we can achieve maximal gains in trauma care, and this starts with paramedicine.

Biography: A/Prof Ben Meadley

Ben Meadley is a registered paramedic and Director, Paramedicine at Ambulance Victoria. Ben has worked as a clinician, educator, and researcher in paramedicine for more than 26 years, with the majority of his time as an intensive care flight paramedic. His research interests include respiratory and cardiovascular physiology, point of care ultrasound, human performance optimisation, and selection to specialist paramedicine teams. Ben divides his time between clinical leadership, teaching and research roles. He is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Paramedicine and was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal in 2023.

Moderator: Matt Cook, Chair, ACPIC24 Organising Committee Members