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

Cultural safety in paramedic practice: Māori and Whānau experiences of pre-hospital cardiovascular care

Māori frequently encounter culturally unsafe experiences throughout the health system, however, research exploring experiences of Māori in the pre-hospital context is lacking. Thus, utilising a qualitative descriptive and Kaupapa Māori Research (KMR) approach, this study aimed to explore experiences of cultural (un)safety for Māori and their whānau who received acute pre-hospital cardiovascular care. In-depth semi-structured interviews allowed for the emergence of three key themes that highlighted Māori experiences of culturally unsafe pre-hospital care, whereby, despite fewer reports of interpersonal discrimination reported than in previous research, systemic and structural barriers were still found to be harmful. Thus, improving workforce representation, addressing resource disparities and improving cultural safety education (focussing on communication, partnership and connection) are necessary to improve experiences and outcomes for Māori.

Biography: Sarah Penney

Ko Tarakeha te maunga, Ko Moetangi te awa, Ko Matihetihe te Marae, Ko Tao Maui te hapū, Ko Te Rarawa te iwi, Ko Penney tōku whānau, Nō Mitimiti ahau, Ko Sarah Penney tōku ingoa. Sarah Penney was born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and works as a lecturer in the Paramedicine Department at Auckland University of Technology. She is a registered paramedic and a practicing EMT with Hato Hone St John. Since completing her Undergraduate in Paramedicine, Sarah has completed post graduate studies in Public Health and has recently completed a Master of Philosophy, exploring Māori and whānau experiences when accessing acute pre-hospital cardiovascular care from paramedics. Sarah research interests include Māori health, health equity, cardiovascular health and community/extended care paramedicine.

Moderator: Dr Verity Todd, College Research Advisory Committee member