Leadership in paramedicine isn’t about rank or authority — it’s about connection, trust, and adaptability. In pre-hospital care, ad hoc teams are the norm, and they work best when every member feels confident to contribute and communicate.
This session will unpack modern leadership principles and how they can be applied on road, exploring ways to move beyond “old school” command-and-control approaches. Together, we’ll look at how to build unity, confidence, and a shared sense of purpose — even when time is short and the stakes are high.
Biography: Catherine Mackay
Having started her paramedicine career with Ambulance Victoria in late 2012 (after a few years studying Traditional Chinese Medicine, massage, and working as a sports trainer), Cat has worked in both rural Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne as an ALS paramedic. She then spent several years as a MICA paramedic in the western suburbs before transitioning to Air Ambulance as a MICA Flight Paramedic in late 2023.
Within Ambulance Victoria, Cat has also held roles such as Clinical Instructor, Paramedic Educator, and MICA Programs Facilitator and Assessor. She has a passion for mentoring and collaboration, with a strong belief in the value of sharing knowledge and experience between colleagues, services, and professions across Australia and internationally.
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.
