This project will support implementation of an Extended Care Paramedic model at a number of sites across Australia. The model enables provision of care to patients in their usual place of residence; thereby reducing emergency department presentations.

Paramedics Australasia (PA) Vice President Richard Larsen accompanied by Board Director Nicole Nott and Policy Advisor Ray Bange met with representatives from Health Workforce Australia (HWA) on the 7th March 2012. These meetings were a continuation of previous liaison work with HWA and built on submissions made by PA on Health Workforce Innovation and Reform. Two major matters were discussed.

Health Workforce Australia is looking at extending the role of paramedics in the community. Read more here.

Project Overview

Standing On the Shoulders of Giants:

Developing Paramedic Student Resilience: An Introduction to Paramedic Psychological Health and Coping

Presented by David Dawson, Lecturer, Mental Health & Wellbeing for Paramedics, Victoria University

This session will cover:

1. A summary of what is known about the psychological health of ambulance paramedics.
2. A model of resilience based on that used by other professions (e.g. the defence force, police) to improve ‘psychological strength.’
3. Using the resilience model to describe an experience of your own and perhaps to explore ways to modify your response if and as appropriate.
4. Optional: resources for assessing your current psychological health and identifying the kinds of stress that are present in your workplace.

Date: Tuesday, 3rd April, 2012.

Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm.

Venue: Victoria University, St Albans Campus, Building 3, Room 3C42 (Auditorium).

A light supper will be provided.

Bookings are essential and can be made on an individual basis by following this link: http://www.paramedics.org.au/elearning/cpeevent-booking-form/

Download an A4 poster version of this announcement here: PA Resilience Workshop April 2012