“Providing half a service”: Paramedic perspectives on intimate partner violence care
A/Prof. Simon Sawyer1, Dr Rory Marshall2
1Charles Sturt University, 2University of Michigan
Abstract:
“Providing half a service”: Paramedic perspectives on intimate partner violence care
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue, with paramedics often the first healthcare contact for survivors. Despite this, no prior research has examined paramedic-specific perspectives on IPV in detail.
Aims: To examine paramedic perspectives on current practice when encountering patients experiencing IPV, and to identify challenges, solutions, and actionable improvements for paramedicine.
Methods: An interpretive description qualitative approach was used. Practising paramedics from Canada participated in focus groups exploring IPV from a practitioner perspective. De-identified transcripts were analysed using inductive pattern recognition to identify recurring challenges, solutions, and action items.
Results: Seventeen paramedics (41% women, 59% men; mean age 34±10 years) participated across four focus groups. Participants reported that, without clear clinical guidance, care provided to patients experiencing IPV did not meet their needs, describing it as “providing half a service”. Seven key challenges were identified: patient help-seeking barriers, paramedic disposition, confidence, education and training readiness, organisational guidance, service configuration, and interagency networks. These reflected both individual capability and system-level limitations. Participants identified practical solutions across all domains, including improved education and training, development of clear clinical and organisational guidance, service redesign, and strengthened interagency collaboration, supported by policy and infrastructure.
Conclusions: Significant gaps exist in how paramedics are supported to respond to IPV. Addressing these through targeted education, clear guidance, and improved system integration may enhance care for survivors and strengthen paramedic roles in linking patients to appropriate services.
An analysis of trends in notifications made to AHPRA about paramedics between 2018-2025
A/Prof. Simon Sawyer1, Mr Stephen Gough, Mr Paul Fisher
1Charles Sturt University
Abstract:
Background: This presentation examines trends in notifications about paramedics reported to the AHPRA since the introduction of national registration under the Paramedicine Board of Australia in 2018.
Methods: A descriptive analysis was conducted using publicly available regulatory data from AHPRA and Paramedicine Board annual reports. Notification counts, practitioner involvement, complaint sources, and categories of concern were extracted for the period 2018–2025.
Results: The total number of notifications about paramedics has increased steadily since national registration commenced, with 364 total notifications received about 240 unique paramedics in 2024-25. When adjusted for workforce size, the proportion of paramedics subject to a notification has remained relatively stable, with a three-year moving average of 0.78% – 0.84% between 2018-19 and 2024-25. This is approximately half the average rate for all registered practitioners with AHPRA. The most common sources of notifications are patients or members of the public, followed by employers and other practitioners. The leading categories of concern relate to clinical care, professional behaviour, and communication. As with other regulated health professions, the majority of notifications are closed with no regulatory action.
Conclusions: Although the number of notifications involving paramedics has increased over time, the rate of notifications relative to workforce size appears relatively stable. These findings suggest that rising notification numbers may be associated with workforce expansion and increased reporting awareness, rather than worsening professional performance. Regulatory data provide a valuable but underused resource for understanding professional risk patterns in paramedicine and informing workforce education, governance, and quality improvement initiatives.