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

Jumping Ship to the private sector… Do I need a life jacket?

The field of private paramedics presents vast opportunities, driven by an increasing demand for personalized healthcare services and rapid response capabilities. Private paramedics can work in diverse settings, including energy, mining and infrastructure, event medical services, corporate healthcare, private transport, and community health programs. This sector allows for a broader scope of practice beyond traditional emergency response, including preventative care, health education, and chronic disease management. Additionally, private paramedics can engage in telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and mobile health units, enhancing access to care in underserved areas. This flexibility fosters professional growth and innovation in delivering high-quality, patient-centered healthcare services.

Biography: Michael Smith

Michael has crammed a lot into is paramedic career. His resume includes 20 years as Intensive Care Paramedic with NSW Ambulance, being on the Board of Directors for the ANZCP for 8 years and was one of the founding directors of the Australasian College of Paramedicine. During that period he wasn’t busy enough so he co-founded the Medical Rescue Group which now is one of Australia’s leading providers of paramedics in the private sector throughout Australia. More recently Michael sits as a professional member with the Paramedicine Council of NSW and is a Senior Member with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. In 2023 he was made a Fellow of the College for his contribution to the profession.

Stepping outside the square…

The field of private paramedics presents vast opportunities, driven by an increasing demand for personalized healthcare services and rapid response capabilities. Private paramedics can work in diverse settings, including energy, mining and infrastructure, event medical services, corporate healthcare, private transport, and community health programs. This sector allows for a broader scope of practice beyond traditional emergency response, including preventative care, health education, and chronic disease management. Additionally, private paramedics can engage in telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and mobile health units, enhancing access to care in underserved areas. This flexibility fosters professional growth and innovation in delivering high-quality, patient-centred healthcare services.

Biography: Dr Peter Mangles

Dr Peter Mangles is a registered paramedic and nurse, and the Managing Director of Absolute Medical Response. He is the Chairman of LiveBetter, Pace Aged Care, and Physio Inc., and serves as an adjunct Fellow at the University of Western Sydney, where he also chairs the WSU EAC. With international experience in the UK, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Singapore, Dr Mangles brings extensive expertise in healthcare leadership and governance. His diverse roles reflect his commitment to advancing healthcare standards and education, showcasing his dedication to ethical practice, innovative strategies, and effective stakeholder engagement across various global settings.

Branching Out. Making the most of your skillset and personal attributes

This presentation aims to outline how to optimise opportunities in Paramedicine outside of jurisdictional Ambulance Services. Practical tips and real life examples of how this can be achieved will be discussed, along with realistic timelines and pathways to ensure maximum job satisfaction.

Biography: Shaun Whitmore

Shauns substantive role is currently a HEMS Intensive Care Flight Paramedic with Ambulance Victoria, but he has held various roles in acute health care since 1986. These have included Division 1 Nursing Roles in Oncology, Paediatrics and Emergency Nursing. Shaun has been a lecturer at Monash University for 24 years, and has facilitated Education Programs in Borneo, PNG, Bougainville and Malaysia. Outside of his substantive role he has worked in various clinical roles in the private, state and commonwealth sectors. His special interests include Wilderness and Disaster Response, with a particular interest in Human Factors and clinical error.

Choosing your path

This session is the last in a series of presentations on Thriving in Private Paramedicine and aims to provide guidance on how to choose your employer. It should include things to look for, considerations and alternatives to direct employment.

Biography: Shell Piercy

Interim National Manager - ProMedical

Moderator: Dr Sandy MacQuarrie, ACPIC24 Organising Committee Members