Australasian College of Paramedicine International Conference (ACPIC25)
ACPIC 2025 delivered a wide range of clinical and research sessions from experts and leaders in paramedicine. Hosted in Brisbane (September 2025) the program was designed to inspire, educate and broaden horizons.
Conference theme: Foundations to future: Advancing paramedicine
Capacity and competence in the extremes of age - Capacity
The High Court of Australia said ‘all medical treatment is preceded by the patient’s choice to undergo it’ but only where the patient has the legal capacity to exercise that choice. Capacity is not assessed as simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’. A person’s capacity waxes and wanes over time, as the young mature they gain capacity, as we age we might lose it. In this presentation the author will look at what the law says about capacity and the rights of very young, and very old, to make their own decisions about health care and its application to paramedicine.
Biography: Dr Michael Eburn
Dr Eburn is a commentator on the law as it applies to the emergency services and emergency management in Australia. His blog, Australian Emergency Law (https://australianemergencylaw.com/) provides current and detailed analysis of the law. In recognition of his expertise in the area and for his contribution to law and paramedicine Dr Eburn was awarded an honorary fellowship with the College in 2020.
Moderator: Stephanie Nixon, Advanced Care Paramedic, Queensland Ambulance Service
The College is the peak professional body representing and supporting paramedics and student paramedics across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand since 1973.
The College acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the land and sea in which we live and work, we recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and culture and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
We recognise the unique role of Māori as Tangata Whenua and embrace Te Tiriti o Waitangi, recognising Māori as tino rangatiratanga of Aotearoa New Zealand while supporting the guiding principles of Te Tiriti – Tino rangatiratanga, Equality, Active protection, Options, and Partnership.
