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
Causes and consequences of paramedic fatigue and sleep loss: A qualitative analysis of the paramedic perspective in an Australian context
This qualitative study explored the causes and impacts of fatigue and sleep loss among Australian paramedics using a systems-thinking lens. Through interviews with 30 paramedics, we identified contributing factors across individual, organisational, and systemic levels, including shift patterns, work demands, and healthcare system pressures. Fatigue and sleep loss were linked to emotional distress, impaired clinical performance, reduced patient care, and safety risks. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive, system-level interventions to better manage fatigue and support paramedic well-being and service delivery.
Biography: Sian Wanstall
Sian is a registered paramedic in South Australia and PhD candidate at Flinders University. Her expertise lies in sleep, psychology, and qualitative research methodologies. Her PhD thesis explores the lived experience of fatigue and sleep loss among Australian paramedics utilising a qualitative, systems-informed approach.
Moderator: Dr. Tim Makrides, Associate Professor & Head of Course - Paramedic Science, CQUniversity Australia
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.
