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
Mortality in non-transported falls patients attended by road-based EMS in Aotearoa New Zealand
In 2023, nearly 18,500 low-acuity falls patients in New Zealand were attended by ambulance but not transported to hospital. Of these, 3.3% died within 30 days—mostly older adults (92.4% were aged 65+). Mortality was linked to abnormal vital signs (e.g., low blood pressure, high heart rate), male gender, and home attendance. These findings highlight the importance of thorough assessment and documentation, especially of vital signs, even when transport isn’t required. Early identification of high-risk patients could improve outcomes and guide safer non-transport decisions.
Biography: Dr Verity Todd
Dr Verity Todd is a Senior Lecturer within the Department of Paramedicine. Her research interests include evaluating early warning systems to detect clinical deterioration in the prehospital setting and innovative community-based interventions, such as the use of trained community responders, to support emergency response.. Verity is partially supported by the NZ Heart Foundation as a Co-Investigator on the First Responder Shock Trial (FIRST). Verity has experience as the Clinical Research Fellow at the Hato Hone St John ambulance service.
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.
