This week, Aebhric O’Kelly talks with Andy Bell, Deputy Director of Paramedicine for St. John's Ambulance in Western Australia, who shares his extensive experience in paramedicine, discussing the evolution of the profession, the role of critical care paramedics, and the challenges faced in remote healthcare settings. He emphasises the importance of academic advancement in paramedicine and the need for a mindset shift towards prolonged field care in austere environments. Bell also provides insights into the future of paramedicine, highlighting the growing role of community paramedics and the integration of evidence-based practices in patient care.

Takeaways

Andy Bell is originally from New Zealand and has extensive experience in paramedicine.

Paramedics in Australia are now registered medical health professionals under APRA.

The critical care paramedics have the most advanced scope of practice in Australia.

There is a significant push for academic advancement in paramedicine.

Evidence-based practice is essential for the future of paramedicine.

Prolonged field care is a common practice in remote areas of Australia.

Communication and coordination are crucial in managing patients in remote locations.

Community paramedics are becoming increasingly important in the healthcare system.

New practitioners should focus on mastering the basics of patient care.

A mindset shift is necessary for effective, prolonged field care.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andy Bell and His Background

03:30 Understanding Paramedicine in Australia

08:15 The Role of Critical Care Paramedics

12:39 The Evolution of Paramedicine and Academia

18:02 The Future of Academic Paramedicine

22:42 Prolonged Field Care in Remote Areas

29:10 Challenges in Patient Management in Remote Locations

35:46 Advice for New Practitioners in Austere Medicine