CQUniversity Paramedic Science students recently gained experience at transferring trauma patients to doctors and nurses waiting at a hospital emergency department...

Photo courtesy Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service 
Photos courtesy Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service. LINK for larger images The joint training exercise was a collaboration between University of Queensland Rural Clinical School, Rockhampton Hospital and CQUniversity, pooling all medical simulation resources in the city for the first time.

CQUniversity Paramedic students and nurses from Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service rural locations learnt from experts during a scenario using simulation resources, including an ambulance vehicle and simulation manikins, in the University of Queensland Rural Clinical School on the grounds of Rockhampton Hospital.

The scenario used manikins to represent an 18-year-old male and a 6-year-old female who had fallen from the back of a moving ute.  The participants stabilised the 'patients' ready for transfer to a higher-level hospital for specialist medical attention.

Matthew Johnson, Nursing Director Education and Research, Rockhampton Hospital said the exercise was invaluable to all involved.

"Communication is a major factor when it comes to health care, especially in a trauma situation in the Emergency Department. The paramedics hand over to doctors and nurses, and the information gathered and provided at that point is vital.

"These scenarios are a fantastic way, particularly for students and junior staff, to practise in a safe environment.

"Simulation resources mean the participants are placed in a life-like situation, but they have the chance to review their performance and pick up where they may need to make improvements.

"We are very grateful to the University of Queensland Rural Clinical School and CQUniversity for their participation in this joint training exercise, which is hopefully the first of many."