The McNally
Project “Big Ideas” series invites scholars to share bold, innovative
concepts and groundbreaking solutions to pressing issues in
paramedicine. These talks aim to challenge conventional thinking, spark
new discussions, and inspire action by addressing complex problems from
fresh perspectives. Speakers draw on their expertise, research, and
forward-thinking strategies to present ideas that have the potential to
drive significant change and innovation in paramedicine.
SESSION TITLE: Fake it ’til you make it: Simulation-based paramedic research.
DATE and LOCATION: November 21, 2025. 3.00pm-4.30pm Eastern time
REGISTRATION: Registration is free. Register here. The meeting link will be emailed directly. Registration closes: November 20
DESCRIPTION:
Have you moved from paramedic shift work to paramedic research, but keep finding yourself missing night shift? If so, simulation based research might be for you! Learn about what paramedic research can look like outside of surveys and interviews as we explore a multi-day, multidisciplinary simulation-based study protocol. We’ll talk about how simulated environments can be used to explore decision-making, teamwork, performance and physiology in realistic yet controlled environments. Topics covered include how these methods can bring paramedic research closer to real-world practice while keeping the fun (and the chaos) of shift work alive, how paramedic skills are an asset when running large scale research projects, and what full time PhD life looks like. There will also be lots of fun (and horrifying) facts about shift work and sleep loss. For those who would like to read ahead, the full protocol is available here.
After we go through the protocol, I will present some preliminary decision making and risk results from the study, ahead of their presentation at a conference in December.
SPEAKER BIO: Laura Hirello is a Primary Care Paramedic currently completing a PhD full time at Monash University in Victoria, Australia. She completed her Master of Health Administration at Dalhousie University, and also holds a BSc in Chemistry and Neuroscience from Dalhousie University. She was a counselor for the College of Paramedics of Nova Scotia (CPNS) and a member of the CPNS Legislative Review Committee. Laura was also involved in multiple research initiatives at the IWK Health Centre, Nova Scotia Health Authority, and Dalhousie University. Laura’s other interests include paramedic systems design, analytics, health policy, organizational behavior and female leadership in paramedicine.
