CCS25: Circulation and perfusion

Critical Care Summit is a biennial Australasian conference, aimed at providing targeted education and engagement for critical care practitioners, including paramedics, nurses, and emergency and retrieval physicians. The Critical Care Summit 2025 (CCS25) was hosted in Melbourne (May).

Conference theme: Mastering the essentials

Advances in pre-hospital blood product administration: Biomarkers, alternatives, and optimising use

Presented by: Dr Ben Meadley, Director, Paramedicine Ambulance Victoria

Please note that due to technical difficulties, this presentation was not recorded. The slides are available below, and we are working with Ben on an alternative solution

In the world of pre-hospital care, the administration of blood products has become a crucial intervention in the management of critically ill and injured patients. But as we push the boundaries of pre-hospital resuscitation, we must also ask: Are we using these precious resources at the right time, in the right way, for the right patients?

In this presentation, we’ll explore trends in pre-hospital blood product administration, delving into how emerging biomarkers are shaping real-time decision-making and guiding targeted transfusion strategies. We’ll examine alternative blood products—from lyophilized plasma to synthetic oxygen carriers—and discuss their potential role in expanding our capabilities in resource-limited environments.

Join Ben as he unpacks the latest advancements, challenges thinking, and explores how we can optimise resuscitation for our sickest patients.

Critical Perfusion Support: Making the right decisions in high-stakes situations

Presented by: Assoc Prof/Dr Gayle Christie, Medical Director St John Ambulance WA; Emergency Physician Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth

Managing blood pressure in critically ill patients isn’t just about hitting a number—it’s about understanding who truly needs intervention and how to achieve the best outcomes with the tools at hand. In this insightful session, A/Prof Dr. Gayle Christie will explore the nuances of blood pressure management in prehospital and retrieval settings, where access to resources can be limited.

From septic shock to post-arrest care, this talk will break down key decision-making strategies, the role of pressors and inotropes, and the impact of ventilation, positioning, and fluid resuscitation. Attendees will leave with practical takeaways to refine their clinical approach and improve patient outcomes.

Mastering cardiogenic shock: Critical care strategies for better outcomes

Presented by: Andrew Bishop, Critical Care Flight Paramedic & PhD Student, Monash University

Cardiogenic shock remains one of the most high-risk, high-mortality conditions in critical care—demanding precision, rapid intervention, and clinical expertise. In this presentation, Andrew Bishop will break down the strategies for recognising, managing, and optimising outcomes for patients in cardiogenic shock.

With his passion for cardiology and critical care, Andrew will explore: -Pathophysiology & early recognition – key insights into identifying cardiogenic shock. -Prehospital & retrieval medicine perspectives – managing critically ill patients in dynamic, high-pressure environments. -Optimising haemodynamics & pharmacological management – balancing inotropes, vasopressors, and fluid therapy. -Current research and case studies from the field – real-world lessons from frontline critical

Moderated by: Tim Andrews, Senior Lecturer, Department of Paramedicine, Monash

Presenter Biographies:

• Dr Ben Meadley: Dr. Ben Meadley is a paramedic and researcher with more than 27 years of experience. He serves as the Director of Paramedicine at Ambulance Victoria and holds an adjunct associate professorship at Monash University's Department of Paramedicine and the Emergency Research Unit in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Dr. Meadley's research focuses on clinical care, paramedic health, and human performance science. Dr Meadley has spent the majority of his career working in critical care paramedicine, with 15 years as a critical care flight paramedic. In 2023, he was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal for his contributions to paramedicine, and he is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Paramedicine.
• Assoc Prof/Dr Gayle Christie: UK trained FACEM with dual accreditation in Emergency and Pre-hospital Medicine, with over 20-years experience in both fields. Keen interest in trauma and many years experience working within motorsport medicine, road-based primary rapid response, HEMS and aeromedical retrieval. Self-confessed nerd and passionate advocate for paramedicine. Dedicated to developing and driving advanced career pathways for paramedics and improving the delivery of pre-hospital care to our communities through excellence in training, education and clinical standards.
• Andrew Bishop: Andrew is a MICA Flight Paramedic with over 20 years of experience in prehospital care. He has a strong interest in cardiac emergencies, ECG interpretation, and the emerging role of AI in detecting acute coronary occlusion on the ECG. He’s recently commenced his PhD, focusing on how paramedics manage STEMI in Victoria and how we can improve systems of care.