Next week, Jason Killens KAM, Chair of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), will represent the UK ambulance sector at the Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA) Congress at the National Convention Centre, Canberra, Australia, joining ambulance and healthcare leaders from across Australasia to discuss the future of ambulance services and patient care.
Says Jason:
I’m really looking forward to returning to Australia for this year’s CAA Congress. Having previously served as Chief Executive of the South Australia Ambulance Service, it’s always a pleasure to catch up with former colleagues and friends from across the Australasian ambulance sector.
The Congress provides an excellent opportunity to share ideas, learn from different approaches to some of the common challenges facing ambulance services, and explore how we can continue to improve patient care. I’m particularly looking forward to discussions around leadership, innovation, demand management and new models of care, as well as identifying opportunities to share best practice and learning between Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Jason has a full programme of engagements throughout the Congress, including:
- Presenting as part of the main conference agenda
- Participating in the Expanded Scope of Ambulance Service Delivery panel discussion
- Joining the New Leaders, Real Impact leadership panel
- Speaking at the CAA Awards Dinner, sharing reflections from his perspective as a member of the international judging panel
- Taking part in the Ambulance Insights live podcast discussion, Right Care, Right Place: Managing Demand on the Modern Ambulance Service
A highlight of the programme will be the New Leaders, Real Impact panel on Friday 14 August, which brings together recently appointed ambulance leaders to explore the opportunities and challenges of executive leadership. The session will focus on leadership transitions, organisational culture, innovation and shaping the future of ambulance services, providing candid reflections on leading change in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
The panel will be facilitated by Clare Beech, Interim Commissioner and CEO of NSW Ambulance, and will feature David Dutton (Chief Officer, ACT Ambulance Service), Jordan Emery (Chief Executive Officer, Ambulance Victoria), Jason Killens (Chair AACE & Chief Executive Officer, London Ambulance Service) and Abigail Trewin (Chief Executive Officer, St John Ambulance Northern Territory – NT).
Jason will also contribute to the live recording of the Ambulance Insights podcast, Right Care, Right Place: Managing Demand on the Modern Ambulance Service. The discussion will examine how ambulance services are responding to increasing demand through secondary triage, community paramedicine and stronger referral pathways, ensuring patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Panellists will explore what is working, where further improvements are needed, and how technology, clinical decision-making and cross-system collaboration can help improve patient outcomes while reducing pressure on ambulance crews, emergency departments and the wider health system.
We wish Jason a successful Congress and look forward to sharing insights from the event with AACE members following his return.
