Paediatric Pathways: Innovating Paramedic Education from Ground to Graduation

This thesis explores how to enhance paramedic education in Australia, particularly in managing paediatric patients. Paediatric emergencies are rare but complex, often leaving paramedics feeling unprepared. The thesis proposes a continuous improvement framework that integrates health equity, scaffolded content delivery, and early exposure to paediatric patients throughout the curriculum. It suggests that embedded placements and structured mentorships can boost student confidence and competence. Collaboration between educational institutions, regulatory bodies, government agencies, and ambulance services is vital for implementing these reforms, ensuring graduates are better prepared to provide compassionate, effective care and improve health outcomes for children in emergencies.