The Australasian College of Paramedicine

Rebecca Chaplin: Sick care to health care

This episode of Talking Research turns to equity as the missing piece in how paramedicine measures quality. Host Derek is joined by Rebecca Chaplin, a paramedic, educator, and international patient safety consultant based in Wellington, New Zealand. 

Rebecca explains why healthcare so often functions as 'sick care' rather than genuine prevention, and why paramedics, through their access to patients' homes and everyday circumstances, are uniquely placed to catch the social vulnerabilities that formal systems often miss.

The heart of the episode is Rebecca's own research: a project that exposed stark inequities in New Zealand's chronic venous disease wait lists, where Māori, Pacific, and rural patients faced the longest delays and the poorest outcomes. She walks through how that work resulted in a national risk and vulnerability scoring tool, and how similar thinking could inform a future social vulnerability scoring tool for paramedics. She wraps up with a reminder that meaningful change doesn't require a title - just curiosity, and the willingness to follow it.

Presented by:

Rebecca Chaplin

• Lecturer in Paramedicine - Auckland University of Technology

Derek Collings-Hughes

• Senior Lecturer in Paramedicine - The University of Notre Dame Australia
• Paramedic
• PhD Student
• College Research Advisory Committee member

Urgent care clinics are reshaping how Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand deliver timely, non-emergency healthcare - and paramedics are increasingly at the heart of that shift. 

In this episode, host Ryan Lovett, Chair of the Australasian College of Paramedicine, is joined by three leaders driving this change: Adjunct Associate Professor Michelle Murphy (Head of Quality and Patient Experience at ForHealth, and the College's Advocacy and Government Relations Lead), Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor Shell Piercy (Chief Paramedic for the Northern Territory), and Dr Jordan Gibbs (Medical Director of Marlborough Urgent Care and Marlborough PHO, New Zealand).

Together they unpack how paramedics are being integrated into multidisciplinary urgent care teams, the confidence and clinical skill they bring to high-acuity presentations, and the very real barriers still standing in the way - from outdated drugs and poisons legislation to the ongoing challenge of building professional identity beyond the ambulance. They also share what's next: prescribing rights, national scope-of-practice frameworks, and a vision for advanced paramedic practitioner roles across the region.

A candid, wide-ranging conversation about where paramedicine has come from, and where it's headed next.

Credits:
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/nick-petrov/diving-in-the-sky    
License code: 3U3MZPP0RFJHPAQW

Dr Robin Pap PhD - Defining quality before we measure it

This episode kicks off a new Talking Research series on quality and safety research in paramedicine. Derek sits down with Dr Robin Pap, a paramedicine researcher with experience across South Africa, Qatar, and Australia, to unpack what quality and safety actually mean in pre-hospital care.

Robin explains why safety and quality are related but distinct, and why measuring quality without first defining it can do more harm than good. Drawing on his PhD research, he describes how he narrowed hundreds of candidate quality indicators down to a validated, accepted set, and why some long-assumed measures didn't hold up under expert scrutiny.

Robin also touches on staff buy-in, the blurred line between quality improvement and formal research, and the growing use of rapid reviews to keep pace with industry needs. He closes with advice for anyone starting out in research: find a problem you're genuinely passionate about and find a mentor to learn from.

Presented by:

Dr Robin Pap PhD

• Senior Lecturer in Paramedicine – Western Sydney University
• Paramedic
• Board Director – Safe Airway Society
• Founder and Co-Lead – Prehospital Qualitology Network

Derek Collings-Hughes

• Senior Lecturer in Paramedicine - The University of Notre Dame Australia
• Paramedic
• PhD Student
• College Research Advisory Committee member

Dr Celeita Williams DHSc - Love what matters

In this episode, Derek sits down with Dr Celeita Williams, paramedic, researcher, and primary care clinician based in Aotearoa New Zealand, to explore her remarkable journey from frontline ambulance work to research.

Celeita shares how a passion for improving outcomes for older adults led her to investigate the often-overlooked link between continence concerns and falls. She walks us through her use of participatory action research to co-design a 14-question continence assessment tool for ambulance clinicians - a practical, accessible resource aimed at normalising conversations that have long been considered taboo.

Celeita also reflects on the realities of balancing clinical work with academia, the value of primary care as a paramedic practice space, and why prescribing may be the missing link in advancing the profession. She closes with some heartfelt advice for anyone considering the research journey: find something that lights a fire in your belly and always love what matters.

Presented by:

Dr Celeita Williams DHSc

• Extended Care Paramedic - Otaki Medical Centre
• Intensive Care Paramedic - St John New Zealand
• Senior Lecturer - Auckland University of Technology

Derek Collings-Hughes

• Senior Lecturer - The University of Notre Dame Australia
• Paramedic
• PhD Student
• College Research Advisory Committee member

A/Prof Brendan Shannon PhD - Shaping the Future of Primary Care Paramedicine

In this episode of Talking Research, Derek speaks with A/Prof Brendan Shannon about his research journey and the growing role of paramedics in primary and urgent care.

Brendan reflects on how his clinical experiences sparked an interest in alternative care pathways, underserved populations, and health system design, and discusses the challenges and opportunities of researching care that spans ambulance, hospital, and community settings. The episode also explores advanced practice paramedicine, the future of primary care roles, and Brendan’s advice for clinicians considering a path into research.

This is a thoughtful discussion about research, system change, and the opportunities for paramedics to help shape a more responsive and equitable healthcare system.

The series will conclude with a special panel discussion featuring all guest researchers and answering questions from Talking Research listeners.

Submit your question for Brendan here.

Don’t forget to register for the College Primary Care Conference in May 2026 in Canberra.

Presented by:

A/Prof Brendan Shannon PhD

• Paramedic
• Implementation Lead Paramedic Practitioner Program – Monash University
• Deputy Head of Department, Department of Paramedicine - Monash University

Hosted by:

Derek Collings-Hughes

• Senior Lecturer - The University of Notre Dame Australia
• Paramedic
• PhD Student
• College Research Advisory Committee member

In this episode, John Bruning, CEO, is joined by Marty Nichols , College Director, and Associate Director of Paramedicine at NSW Ambulance, to unpack the Australasian Clinical Practice Framework for Paramedicine. 

Over the past few years, the College has led this landmark project to shape the future of paramedicine. As the peak professional body, the College’s role is clear: strengthen professional identity, support high‑quality care, and ensure our systems reflect what modern paramedics actually do. 

Tune in to hear Marty’s insights on why this Framework matters, how it was developed, and what it means for the future of paramedicine across Australasia.

Credits:
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/nick-petrov/diving-in-the-sky    
License code: 3U3MZPP0RFJHPAQW

Dr Angela Martin PhD – Community paramedicine: From idea to impact

Welcome to the first episode of our Talking Research series, Research in Paramedic Primary Care. In this episode, host Derek speaks with Dr Angela Martin about her journey from rural paramedic to international researcher and leader in community paramedicine.

What began as frustration with routinely transporting patients away from their communities grew into world-first research on community paramedicine in Australia. Angela discusses the need to move beyond short-term pilots, build a strong evidence base for permanent primary care roles, and translate research into real policy change, while offering advice for paramedics considering a research pathway.

This episode is a powerful reminder that the future of paramedicine in primary care will not be built on good intentions alone, but on evidence, integration, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

The series will conclude with a special panel discussion featuring all guest researchers, answering questions from Talking Research listeners.

Submit your questions for Angela here.

Don’t forget to register for the College Primary Care Conference, May 2026 in Canberra!

Presented by:

Dr Angela Martin PhD

• Paramedic
• Adjunct Senior Lecturer - ECU, Joondalup, WA
• Adjunct Lecturer - Flinders University, SA

Hosted by:

Derek Collings-Hughes

• Senior Lecturer - The University of Notre Dame Australia
• Paramedic
• PhD Student
• College Research Advisory Committee member

Welcome to Kerbside Conversations – the College’s podcast capturing authentic voices and stories from across the world of paramedicine.  

In this conversation, Wayne Loudon shares his extensive experience in paramedic practice and the importance of community engagement in modern healthcare. He discusses the evolution of paramedic roles, the significance of building relationships within communities, and the need for a broader understanding of health that includes cultural perspectives. Wayne emphasizes the role of community members in emergency situations and the necessity of training local responders to enhance healthcare delivery in remote areas. 

In the final instalment of the Talking Research series, Chapters of a Research Journey, host Derek Collings-Hughes brings together returning guests Farren McGregor, Georgia Alikaris and Robbie King for a reflective and insightful group discussion.

This episode explores the arc of a paramedic researcher’s journey - from early academic curiosity through to completing a PhD. Together, the panel delves into finding research opportunities, developing proposals, staying motivated, navigating imposter syndrome, and fostering a positive research culture within the profession.

Drawing on their personal experiences, the speakers highlight the value of community, mentorship, and shared learning, and reflect on how research not only shapes careers but strengthens the future of paramedicine.

To learn more about paramedicine research, head to the College’s Research webpage here.

And as discussed in the podcast, don’t forget to check out Research Connect here!

Presented by:

Farren McGregor (Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Te Āti Haunui a Pāpārangi, Te Rarawa)

• Honours Graduate, Auckland University of Technology
• Medical Student at the University of Auckland
• Chairperson and Co-Founder for Aotearoa New Zealand Student Paramedics Association
• Chairperson for the Australasian College of Paramedicine Aotearoa New Zealand Committee

Georgia Alikaris

• Paramedic with NSW Ambulance
• Volunteer Hub Leader with St John Ambulance
• Master of Research Student (Western Sydney University)

Dr Robbie King PhD

• Paramedic with Queensland Ambulance Service
• Academic at the Australian Catholic University

Hosted by:

Derek Collings-Hughes

• Paramedic
• PhD Student

Welcome to Kerbside Conversations – the College’s podcast capturing authentic voices and stories from across the world of paramedicine.  

In this episode, Laura interviews Prue Snedden, a critical care flight paramedic from Queensland. Prue shares her journey in paramedicine, highlighting the challenges and failures she’s faced along the way. She discusses the importance of failure and resilience and learning from setbacks. Prue emphasizes the value of diversifying skills and experiences, which has enriched her career and personal growth. The conversation also touches on the significance of time management and the balance between work and personal life.