Wound care for paramedics

You attend a fall and the mechanical stress from the impact damages the primary layers of the skin, the epidermis and dermis and disrupts the underlying blood vessels causing bleeding – how does the body take care of the wound? There are many factors involved in the process of wound healing. Developing a more in-depth understanding of the healing response enables paramedics to provide a targeted and comprehensive treatment.

This session will review the integumentary system and look at the process of wound healing from a paramedic perspective. What can paramedics learn from wound care nurses and how can we become a more valuable contributor in the multi-disciplinary team that is wound care.

This session is suitable for all levels of practice including patient transport officers.

Biography: Julie Johnson

Julie is a Registered Paramedic, nurse, and clinical educator. She has worked across many sectors in paramedics and nursing including state ambulance service, primary health care, emergency, non-emergency, and private paramedic practice in VIC and NSW. Julie spent several years working as a dermatology nurse with specialist dermatologists assisting in the excision of skin cancers and surgical procedures along with acute and chronic wound management. Julie has a special interest in education and holds Postgraduate qualifications in tertiary and higher education. Her projects include championing education for the South Pacific through the development and delivery of training in vocational paramedicine. She is currently undertaking a Research Master’s in paramedic education, investigating pathways to higher education and career extension.

Q&A Assistance: Amy Hutchison and Kirsty Mann