The Australasian College of Paramedicine

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

In this conversation, Jordan Gray, a paramedic stroke clinical training officer from New South Wales, shares his journey from Canada to Australia, discussing the differences in paramedic practices between the two countries. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and professional growth in the field of paramedicine, highlighting his commitment to lifelong education through his master's program. Jordan also shares insights into the challenges and rewards of his career, as well as his personal experiences. 

Dr Robbie King PhD – The patient experience in paramedic care

Welcome to the third episode of our Talking Research series, Chapters of a Research Journey, where we explore the diverse pathways paramedics take as they embark on their research careers.

In this episode, host Derek speaks with Dr Robbie King (PhD) about his transition into both paramedicine and academia. Robbie shares insights into his research journey, focusing on the importance of understanding patient experiences in paramedic care, particularly in non-conveyance situations. 

The discussion highlights the significance of compassion in healthcare, the challenges of navigating a PhD, and the balance between personal wellbeing and academic commitments. Robbie emphasizes the iterative nature of research and the value of mentorship, while also providing advice for future PhD candidates.

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

Submit your questions for Robbie here.

Presented by:

Dr Robbie King PhD

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

Hosted by:

Derek Collings-Hughes, Discipline Lead, Paramedicine, Curtin University

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

In this conversation, Alessia Restiglian shares her journey as a recent graduate in paramedicine, discussing her experiences transitioning from education to her role at Ambulance Victoria. She reflects on the challenges of the hiring process, the importance of staying engaged during the job search, and her aspirations for future research in the field. The conversation highlights the significance of interpersonal skills in paramedicine and the value of practical experience in shaping a successful career. 

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

In this conversation, Paul Reeves, Principal Advisor for Pre-Hospital Care in the Northern Territory, shares his journey from frontline paramedic to a strategic role in healthcare policy. He discusses the importance of saying yes to opportunities, adapting to new challenges, and the critical role of healthcare policy in shaping paramedicine. Paul emphasizes the need for paramedics to be recognized as clinicians and advocates for their profession, highlighting the future of paramedicine beyond traditional ambulance services.  

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

This conversation explores the themes of equitable care in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of confidence, the acceptance of mistakes, and the transformational journey that healthcare professionals undergo. It highlights that anyone can provide equitable care and that the process is ongoing, allowing for growth and learning along the way. 

Georgia Alikaris: Master's Student - Examining the attitudes and perceptions of Australian paramedics towards their role in paramedic-initiated health education

Welcome to the second episode of our Talking Research series, Chapters of a Research Journey, where we explore the diverse pathways paramedics take as they embark on their research careers.

In this episode, host Derek Collings-Hughes sits down with Georgia Alikaris, a Master’s student at Western Sydney University, to talk about her research examining the attitudes and perceptions of Australian paramedics towards their role in paramedic-initiated health education.

Georgia reflects on her own journey into research, what inspired her to take this path, the challenges she has faced, and why engaging paramedics in research is so important for the future of practice.

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

 Submit your questions for Georgia here.

Presented by:

Georgia Alikaris

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

Hosted by:

Derek Collings-Hughes, Discipline Lead, Paramedicine, Curtin University

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

In this conversation, Jessica Wissa, a critical care paramedic from Metro Brisbane, shares her experiences working in both urban and rural settings. She discusses the unique challenges faced in rural emergency services, including limited resources and the need for community engagement. Jessica highlights the importance of developing skills such as leadership and communication, which are essential for effective patient management in isolated areas. The conversation also touches on the lighter side of paramedic life, including guilty pleasures during night shifts. 

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

In this conversation, James Oswald, a paramedic and clinical guidelines specialist at Ambulance Victoria, discusses the role of clinical practice guidelines in healthcare. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these guidelines as tools for informed decision-making. The conversation explores the evolution of clinical guidelines, the significance of escalation of care, and the development of multi-variable risk assessment tools. James also shares insights on how aspiring paramedics can get involved in guideline development. 

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

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Roder, a MICA Flight Paramedic, educator, and leader with more than 34 years of experience in the profession. Nick shares his reflections on the future of paramedicine and why, despite the challenges, he believes the next generation is stepping into a bright and promising profession.

From the importance of trust, connection, and giving more of yourself in patient care, to the value of mentorship in shaping a career, Nick offers wisdom and encouragement for clinicians at every stage of their journey. He speaks candidly about how a mentor shaped his professional growth, and how that relationship evolved over time, reminding us that so much of our job is really about relationships.

Of course, no conversation with Nick would be complete without diving into his passion for all things airway and mechanical ventilation. He shares insights into his favourite airway intervention, why it stands out, and what it has taught him about clinical practice.

Whether you’re a student, a seasoned clinician, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with perspective, advice, and reminders of why staying connected to patients, colleagues, and each other.

Farren McGregor-Smyth (Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Te Āti Haunui a Pāpārangi, Te Rarawa): Honours Student - Experiences of Māori paramedic students 

Welcome to the first episode of our next Talking Research series, Chapters of a Research Journey, where we explore the diverse pathways paramedics take as they embark on their research careers. 

In this episode, host Derek Collings-Hughes sits down with Farren McGregor-Smyth to discuss her honours project examining the experiences of Māori paramedic students in Aotearoa New Zealand. Farren shares how she found her way into research, what inspired her to choose this important topic, and the highs and lows of the journey. Her story reflects a strong commitment to using research as a driver for systemic change and improved outcomes for Māori communities.

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

Submit your questions for Farren 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

Hosted by:

Derek Collings-Hughes, Discipline Lead, Paramedicine, Curtin University