Mr Curtis Cooper1,2,3, Ms Samantha Slight4, Ms Eliza Farrell5, Dr Dennis Walker6, Professor Clint Moloney6
1St John Australia Nt, Winnellie , Australia, 2School of Health and Medical Sciences. University of Southern Queensland , Ipswich, Australia, 3Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Australia, 4Queensland Health, , Australia, 5Queensland Ambulance Service, West Moreton District, Australia, 6School of Health and Medical Sciences. Centre for Health Research. University of Southern Queensland. , Ipswich, Australia
Biography:
Biography to come
Abstract:
Introduction
Paediatric trauma represents a high-acuity, low-occurrence (HALO) clinical challenge for paramedics, requiring both technical competence and emotional preparedness. Despite this, limited research has explored how paramedics perceive their readiness in this context, particularly the influence of working partner dynamics. This study aimed to examine paramedics’ self-reported confidence, competence, and comfort (CCC) in paediatric trauma care and the factors influencing these perceptions.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey of 84 practising paramedics was conducted. The survey assessed self-reported confidence, competence, and comfort in paediatric trauma scenarios, alongside demographic variables and perceived partner influence. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with exploratory factor analysis used to identify underlying predictors of CCC.
Results
Paramedics reported moderate levels of confidence (M=3.63) and competence (M=3.64), but lower comfort (M=3.11) in managing paediatric trauma. A majority indicated that their working partner influenced confidence (79.8%) and comfort (86.9%), with a smaller yet notable effect on competence (47.6%). Factor analysis revealed that partner dynamics and individual paramedic characteristics explained 78.77% of the variance in CCC. While experienced partners were associated with increased confidence, this did not consistently correspond with higher perceived competence.
Conclusion
A discrepancy between confidence and competence exists in paramedic paediatric trauma care, with partner dynamics playing a significant role in shaping perceived readiness. This mismatch has important implications for patient safety and clinical performance in high-stakes environments. Targeted educational strategies, including simulation-based and team-focused training, are recommended to better align confidence with competence and enhance preparedness for paediatric emergencies.