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
Paramedic care during death, dying and bereavement: A holistic model for responding to diverse family needs in out-of-hospital death
Paramedics play a vital role in supporting families during out-of-hospital deaths. However, little is known about the needs of Indigenous and diverse families during death, dying and bereavement. This qualitative study, guided by kaupapa Māori methodology, explores bereaved families’ experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand. Findings show that families have emotional, cultural, and spiritual needs that are often unspoken and unmet. Improving family experiences requires culturally responsive approaches. We present Te Whare Tapa Whā, a Māori model of holistic health, to inform and support holistic culturally responsive family care in the event of a death.
Biography: Eillish Satchell
Eillish (Ngāpuhi) is a professional teaching fellow and registered nurse with a background in emergency nursing. Currently completing her PhD, Eillish’s research seeks to understand how we can better support the needs of families during death and dying in pre-hospital and emergency care settings. In particular, her research focuses on the experiences of Māori and aims to assist systems in providing culturally safe care during death, dying and bereavement.
Moderator: Sherlyn Hii, Conference MC and Paramedic, Ambulance Victoria and Registered Nurse, Grampians Health
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.
