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
Spotlight on High Acuity Low Occurence (HALO) - Dream one, do one, teach one: Mental rehearsal as a training technique
Presented by: Julia Massingham
In this session, participants will gain an understanding of the concept of mental rehearsal and its benefits for skill application. They will be guided through the process of developing a personalised mental rehearsal script and provided with practical strategies to incorporate this technique into their regular training routines.
Spotlight on High Acuity Low Occurence (HALO) - Preparation and training for complex clinical tasks and HALO skills
Presented by: Hannah Gaulke
High-acuity, low-occurrence (HALO) skills present some of the greatest challenges for paramedics, demanding both technical precision and readiness under pressure. This session will explore practical strategies to maintain competence and confidence in rarely performed but critical interventions. Drawing on clinical leadership and frontline experience, we will examine the role of structured simulation, deliberate practice, cognitive walkthroughs, and team-based preparation in building resilience and operational readiness. Participants will gain insights into how individuals and teams can prepare for major incidents and complex procedures, ensuring they are ready to respond effectively when it matters most.
Spotlight on High Acuity Low Occurence (HALO) - Skill Competency and Decay–What Happens to Skills We Rarely Use And What Can We Do About It
Presented by: Matthew Humar
High acuity, low occurrence (HALO) skills are intended to benefit our most critically unwell patients. However, by their very nature, are risky and, without regular practice or exposure, vulnerable to performance decay–potentially leading to error and patient harm. So, what can we do about it?
Using cricothyroidotomy as an example, this session will explore the science around skill retention and decay, highlight the importance of ongoing skill maintenance, and offer practical, evidence-based strategies to ensure your HALO skills are ready when they’re needed most.
Spotlight on High Acuity Low Occurence (HALO) - Panel Discussion - Julia Massingham, Hannah Gaulke & Matthew Humar
Presenter Biographies
Julia Massingham - Julia is a Critical Care Paramedic, who has worked with the Queensland Ambulance Service for nine years and is currently working in Rockhampton as a Clinical Support Officer. In 2020, Julia completed her Graduate Diploma of Specialist Paramedic Practice, allowing her to complete the Critical Care Paramedic Internship, which she completed in 2022. Julia has since completed her Master of Specialist Paramedic Practice, with a focus on the applicability of mental rehearsal in paramedicine.
Hannah Gaulke - Hannah Gaulke is a Critical Care Paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), currently working on the High Acuity Response Unit and as a Critical Care Flight Paramedic. She brings extensive clinical expertise to both frontline care and education. Hannah has contributed to major incident responses, advanced clinical education, and simulation-based training in her various clinical roles and as Senior Clinical Educator within QAS.
Matthew Humar - Matt has been a paramedic with Ambulance Victoria since 2009 and an intensive care (MICA) paramedic for the past decade. He is a Teaching Associate and PhD candidate with Monah University’s Department of Paramedicine, and a former board member and secretary of the Safe Airway Society. His PhD focuses on prehospital advanced airway management in Victoria, exploring trends, success rate, complications, and patient outcomes over time.
Moderator: Matthew Cook, Paramedic and Chair of ACPIC2025 Organising Committee
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.
