Buck Reed

Presentation: Research: Knowing ourselves as a means to improving ourselves

Speaker: Buck Reed 

Role: Lecture in Paramedicine, Western Sydney University

PhD Candidate, University of Wollongong School of Medicine

Abstract:

One of the key emerging areas of paramedic research is exploration of paramedic identity and culture. Paramedics operate in diverse environments and roles around the world, but we still understand little about what it is that makes a health practitioner uniquely a paramedic, or how paramedics uniquely see the world compared to other health practitioners. Understanding the essence of paramedic identity had a wide range of implications. It has strong implications for wellness and resilience. Identity is also linked to professionalism, workplace behaviours and how practitioners see their role within heath care. Likewise, understanding the culture of paramedicine, and the diversity of subcultures with it allows for more effective change management, workforce planning and industrial relations. 

Research and education are key to this. Research into the paramedic workforce and paramedic practice underpins the theoretical basis of paramedicine which helps drive professionalisation and evolution. Research creates our body of knowledge which supports the process of education. Education helps shape new entrants to the profession and build the values, traits and professionalism that makes a more effective, resilient and person-centred practitioner. By understanding the paramedic, we can better utilise and support paramedics as health practitioners and ultimately provide better care to patients. 

Bio:

Buck Reed is Lecturer in Paramedicine at Western Sydney University; Buck is a Registered Paramedic in Australia and practices clinically in both emergency ambulance and industrial settings. Buck was the first rural-based paramedic to receive a prestigious Churchill Fellowship and the first paramedic accepted to the NSW Health Rural Research Capacity Building Program. Buck is completing a PhD at the University of Wollongong’s School of Medicine researching paramedic regulation and identity and holds a Master of International Health Management. Buck is heavily involved in the Australian paramedicine community as an academic, researcher and a member of the ACP Future of Paramedicine Working Group. 

Contact: b.reed@westernsydney.edu.au

Twitter: @buck_reed