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
“Death is a normal part of the job, not a failure”: Preparing paramedic students for death on scene
Paramedics frequently encounter patient death, yet education around withholding resuscitation, breaking bad news, and supporting bereaved families remains limited. This presentation explores the development and evaluation of a dedicated undergraduate module addressing these challenges through a lecture, case studies, actor-led simulation and structured debriefing. Insights into student experiences highlight the importance of preparing future paramedics for the emotional and ethical complexities of death in the field.
Biography: Dr Natalie Anderson
Dr Natalie Anderson is a Senior Lecturer and practising Registered Nurse with over 25 years of clinical experience in emergency, prehospital, and intensive care settings. Her interdisciplinary background in nursing and health psychology informs research focused on improving patient and whānau (family) experiences of death, dying, and bereavement in acute care. She is also a committed clinical educator, dedicated to enhancing the preparation and support of health professionals.
Moderator: Richard Armour, MICA Paramedic, Ambulance Victoria
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.
