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
Click it or risk it: How education and policy drive paramedic seatbelt use
Paramedic safety during transport is compromised by inconsistent seatbelt use. This study examined how education level and policy awareness influence forward-facing seatbelt compliance under no-, stable-, and critical-patient conditions. A cross-sectional survey of registered paramedics (n = 384) found that vocationally trained paramedics were least compliant when no patient was present (35 % never belted; χ² = 19.27, p = 0.0051). Under critical conditions, postgraduates had the highest “always” use (8.7 %) and vocational staff the highest “never” use (80 %; χ² = 21.20, p = 0.0037). Policy awareness improved compliance (χ² = 18.75, p = 0.0065). Education and policy clarity may enhance the safety culture of paramedics.
Biography: Lyle Brewster
Lyle Brewster is a paramedic academic with over 35 years of experience across Australia and New Zealand. He began his career with the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade in 1989, later working in Brisbane and then with St John Ambulance in New Zealand, where he qualified as an Intensive Care Paramedic and served on the Taupō rescue helicopter. Lyle also held an educator role with St John’s Clinical Education team. He holds a Master of Health Science, a Postgraduate Certificate in Emergency Management, and a Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic). He is currently undertaking a PhD focused on paramedic safety.
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.
