Research Symposium 2024 was hosted on the 18th and 19th of July, at Australian Catholic University, Brisbane campus. This symposium’s theme, “Influence and Inspire: Advancing the Paramedicine Research Agenda for Australasia,” reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in paramedic research. The goal of this symposium was to highlight the crucial role of paramedic research in shaping and advancing emergency care.

To watch more recordings from the symposium, click here. Please note that we experienced some audio issues while recording this event. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause while watching the recordings

Panel Discussion - Engaging consumers in paramedicine research

In this panel discussion, experts will examine the crucial role of consumer involvement in research. They will explore how individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences contribute lived experiences to enhance project design, leading to more relevant research and better support for the community. Despite the challenge of engaging transient emergency care patients, panellists will share strategies for involving them in shaping research direction. 

Panel: Associate Professor Louise Reynolds, Robbie King, Associate Professor Belinda Flanagan (PhD) and Professor Suzanne Chambers AO

Biography: Associate Professor Louise Reynolds

Dr Louise Reynolds, Safer Care Victoria's Chief Paramedic Officer and ACU Associate Professor in Paramedicine, began her career as a student paramedic with SA Ambulance Service. Her career included operational and educational roles across Australia, the UK, and South-East Asia. As Australia's first female paramedic with a doctoral degree, her research focuses on qualitative explorations of paramedicine evolving professional culture, education, systems and leadership. She's a five-time editor of 'Understanding the Australian Health Care System', contributing to the paramedicine chapter.

Biography: Robbie King

Robbie is a senior registered paramedic with 15 years’ experience performing in both clinical and educational roles. During the last 6 years Robbie has provided healthcare as a specialist “community paramedic” working on the QAS Local-area Assessment and Referral Unit (LARU). His PhD thesis explored how patients experience emergency ambulance service paramedic-led healthcare that resulted in non-conveyance to a hospital ED.

Biography: Associate Professor Belinda Flanagan (PhD)

Associate Professor Belinda Flanagan brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned clinician in Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine. Additionally, she serves as a committed Lecturer/Researcher with expertise spanning various clinical, educational, and public health domains. With a strong background in managing healthcare education across multiple modes of delivery, she adeptly handles a comprehensive range of managerial duties. Belinda also plays a crucial role in enhancing healthcare provision and education, extending her contributions to training both skilled and unskilled healthcare professionals in low-income regions. Furthermore, she offers expertise in providing point-of-care injury management in remote terrestrial and marine settings.

Biography: Professor Suzanne Chambers AO

Pofessor Suzanne Chambers AO is a health psychologist and registered nurse who has been working as a practitioner-researcher in psycho-oncology for over 30 years. Her work has focussed on developing models to predict help seeking and adjustment after cancer: designing remote access and low intensity psychological interventions for people affected by cancer; integrating peer support into controlled design methodologies; integrating distress screening into interventions to target high distress cancer patient groups. She is the founder and President of Open Eyes Global an incorporated association registered with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission that raises funds to provide customised eye prostheses to disadvantaged children in Nepal with retinoblastoma.

Session moderator: Professor Scott Devenish, Chair, Australasian Council of Paramedicine Deans, Professor of Paramedicine and Head of Discipline, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine Faculty of Health Australian Catholic University