A Sunshine Coast policy consultant at the forefront of a major campaign to introduce national registration for paramedics has been appointed as an Adjunct Associate Professor at USC.

Ray Bange, a former principal strategist for Paramedics Australasia, was recognised by USC for his significant contribution to advancing the paramedic profession and the delivery of paramedic services.

His appointment comes as paramedics across Australia prepare for the introduction of national registration from the start of next month (1 December).

Adjunct Associate Professor Bange said patient safety was at the heart of the scheme to have paramedics fall under the same regulatory scheme as doctors, nurses and other health professionals who require professional registration to work in Australia.

“I am pleased to have worked with the profession and members of the University in helping to bring about this change to ensure everyone who calls themselves a paramedic is suitably trained and qualified to practise the profession,” he said.

“There are many other issues impacting on the role of paramedicine at a time of rapid technological change and funding and healthcare access challenges, but the registration aspect is where I have been most active for the past decade.

“It underpins much of the future direction for the profession.”

Head of USC’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine Professor Margaret Barnes said the appointment acknowledged Associate Professor Bange’s advocacy for national registration and his valuable contribution to USC.

“USC is one of the leading centres for paramedic education in Australia and the Bachelor of Paramedic Science is among the most popular course programs in the University,” Professor Barnes said.

“USC’s Paramedic students benefit from his extensive experience as a senior consultant and strategy advisor at state, national and international levels where he has contributed significantly on issues such as health policy, risk management and regulation,” she said.

Associate Professor Bange regularly presents talks on national and international issues in paramedicine and works with faculty members to provide insights into mental health and stress within the workforce, healthcare service delivery models and regulatory frameworks.

He is an Executive Committee Member of the Australian Health Care Reform Alliance, a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders, Fellow of the Institution of Engineers and an Honorary Fellow of Paramedics Australasia.

- Clare McKay