This is a recording from the Live Interactive Symposium 2024 which hosted many presentations on a large array of topics. This session was hosted by Dr Bill Lord.

Pain is a commonly reported symptom among individuals cared for by paramedics. The alleviation of pain is an important component of practice. Although evidence-based guidelines inform the provision of care, and the paramedic’s scope of practice typically includes a range of effective analgesic options, there is evidence that the management of pain can be suboptimal. Several studies have found that in patients reporting pain, disparities in the provision of analgesia exist, and that these are associated with the patient’s age, gender, and race. This session will highlight evidence for disparities in pain management, explore potential causes, and offer strategies that may assist paramedics in providing equitable care.

Biography: Bill Lord

Dr Bill Lord is a registered paramedic who has worked as a paramedic in Sydney, Melbourne, and Queensland until 2018. He has worked in higher education for 25 years including as a Senior Lecturer at Charles Sturt University, Head of Undergraduate Paramedic Programs at Monash University, and more recently as Associate Professor and Discipline Leader for Paramedic Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Bill currently has an adjunct Associate Professor position at Monash University, is deputy co-chair of the Paramedicine Accreditation Committee, and holds a position on the Board of Directors of the Australasian College of Paramedicine.