Investigating the psychosocial issues impacting older people in the out-of-hospital environment, and building the awareness and capacity of paramedic graduates to recognise and address these issues.

The aging Australian population is prone to declining health and an increased likelihood of chronic disease and psychosocial issues such as depression and loneliness. This is contributing to growing utilisation rates of emergency ambulance resources. Paramedics are responsible for providing out-of-hospital care to this growing cohort of complex patients and must therefore be adequately educated and equipped to meet their needs. A combined effort and undertaking by educators, paramedics and ambulance services, including experiential learning with real older patients and resource related to care alternatives, is required to ensure older people are provided with quality holistic out-of-hospital care.