A group of CQUniversity Paramedic Science students have arrived for a unique field trip experience in New York City, where they have the chance to observe and interact with health professionals in one of the busiest cities in the world...

The group is lucky to be led by Professor of Paramedic Science Brian Maguire, who has vast experience in NYC as a paramedic and hospital administrator. Prof Maguire has also worked as an educator, author and consultant for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as for numerous public health departments, and state and local governments in the areas of bioterrorism, pandemic and disaster preparedness.

The CQUni students visit Ground Zero, where the rebuilding program is well underway

"The NYC trip got off to a great start. We went to Ground Zero where retired NYC Police Detective Mike Flannery - one of the first on the scene on September 11 - walked around the site telling the students of the minutes, hours and weeks after the attack," Prof Maguire said.  "We went on to Bellevue Hospital. A former NYC paramedic who is now a Bellevue administrator toured them through Bellevue's new $2 million simulation center and the emergency department. We ended the day at the Bodies Exhibit in Times Square."

Prof Maguire said the students got the chance to see one of the first ambulances to operate in the USA; it worked out of Bellevue Hospital in the 1800s.

"While at Bellevue Hospital they also received a tour of their new multi-million dollar simulation centre," he said.

"The students visited both the Academy and the HQ run by the New York City Fire Department Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. Chief Anthony Napoli gave them an orientation to communications and had the students listen to incoming emergency calls and sit with ambulance dispatchers.

"On our visit to Westchester County, the students learned about that county's emergency service system, saw their $2 million response vehicle, and visited the hyperbaric chamber, the simulation center and the emergency department. This week the students are continuing their ambulance rotations and they will learn about one of the other emergency response groups in NYC."

LINK also to Paramedic Science on display in field hospital

The students gather for a hospital tour 
CQUni students inspect the Westchester County technical rescue vehicle 
Our students visit the EMS Academy in New York City