With Cairns set to promote itself as a tropical paradise study destination, CQUs Paramedic Science program is in pole position to take advantage.

A recent partnership between the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and CQUniversity has seen a 24 hour study hub open at the Cairns Ambulance Station. 

Packed with high fidelity simulation equipment the hub offers students a place to practice all the essential skills of being a paramedic, along with the chance to mingle with those already ‘in the job'.

(L-R) Cairns-based paramedic students Yanick, Matt, Emma and Lindsay pictured with Communications Centre Supervisor Angela Timmins

Nine of CQUniversity's Cairns based first and second year students attended an orientation at the facility with the recently appointed Paramedic Academic Paul Oliveri. 

Paul, an experienced Intensive Care Paramedic who is contracted to CQUniversity for Term 2, introduced students to key management, supervisory and education staff within QAS.

Students were also treated to a tour of REEFCOM, QAS's secure communications facility which is responsible for taking all ambulance calls and dispatching air, water and land assets from just south of Papua New Guinea to the Cardwell range.

As Cairns promotes itself as a study destination CQU is set to grow the next generation of Paramedic both within Australia and internationally.