At the recent Oceanic Palliative Care Conference, PEPA|IPEPA Victoria proudly presented an impactful collaboration with Ambulance Victoria, highlighting how targeted education is equipping paramedics to deliver compassionate, informed care to people on a palliative journey.
Recognising a gap in palliative care knowledge across its operational and communications workforce, Ambulance Victoria turned to its established relationship with PEPA|IPEPA Victoria (funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care) to develop a meaningful solution.
Together, we co-designed a comprehensive education program that adapted PEPA|IPEPA’s interactive online learning modules to suit the unique needs of paramedics working in the Victorian context. The modules featured real-world case reviews, tailored resources, clinical video content, and insights from palliative care experts—ensuring relevance to frontline practice.
The reach and impact have been significant:
- Over 5,000 Ambulance Victoria staff have completed the online education
- 16 Paramedic Community Support Coordinators undertook PEPA clinical placements
- Participants reported increased confidence, knowledge, and compassion in providing end-of-life care
One experienced MICA paramedic reflected:
“I think it was excellent… End-of-life care is an important part of our work as paramedics, and I don’t think we have had enough training about it in the past. As a paramedic for over 30 years, I have found caring for people approaching death, and caring for families after losing a loved one, some of the most moving and rewarding experiences of my career.”
This initiative has extended well beyond metro areas. In rural and remote regions—where access to specialist palliative care services remains limited—paramedics are now better prepared to provide high-quality palliative support, helping people remain in their homes and communities, in line with their wishes.
This presentation not only showcased a successful educational intervention but also demonstrated how scalable, cross-sector partnerships can create sustainable palliative care solutions across Victoria. There is now strong potential to adapt this model to other health care workforces, further strengthening the system-wide capacity to support people living with life-limiting illness.
As we continue to listen, connect, and transform care, this project stands as a testament to what’s possible when education, innovation, and collaboration come together with a shared purpose.