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 impact of shift and emergency work on sleep and mental health in paramedics: challenges and solutions

Drawing on our recent research in recruit paramedics, this presentation will describe how sleep changes with the start of shift and emergency work, and the impact poor sleep has on the later development of mental health symptoms in paramedics. The presentation will then outline evidence-based strategies that paramedics can use to promote healthy sleep when working shift work.

Biography: Dr Alex Wolkow

Dr Alex Wolkow is a Research Fellow in the School of Psychological Sciences at Monash University. Dr Wolkow received his PhD from Deakin University. After completing his PhD, Dr Wolkow was awarded an NHMRC CRE NeuroSleep Fellowship to undertake postdoctoral training at Monash University. Since arriving at Monash University, he has been awarded an NHMRC Peter Doherty Early Career Fellowship and an ARC DECRA. At Monash, Dr Wolkow leads research that aims to better understand, and counteract, the impact of poor sleep and other workplace stressors on health, safety, and performance in high-risk occupations.

Moderator: Stephanie Nixon and Ekaterina (Kat) Puzanova, ACPIC24 Organising Committee Members