Up to 20 Paramedic Science students had the chance to participate in a mock coronial inquest at Rockhampton's old sandstone courthouse recently.

Thanks to cooperation between the Schools of Medical & Applied Sciences and Commerce & Law, there were great learning opportunities within a short period of time.

The mock coronial inquest

"The one hour we spent doing the simulated trial and discussing the learning outcomes afterwards achieves greater results then the three weeks of lectures and tutorials that we run for the students," says Paramedic Science program leader Anthony Weber.

Working from a script by Law lecturer and University solicitor Wayne Jones, who also cross-examined witnesses, several Law academics and students took part to make the event seem real for Paramedic students.

Dr Kristy Richardson acted in the role of coroner and did a great job alerting the students to the seriousness of the personal consequences for each of them if they don't follow procedure and record all of their actions accurately.

Law students who helped included Samantha Shepherd (counsel assisting the coroner) and Vivian Hoy (judge's clerk).

Paramedic Science senior lecturer Anthony Weber takes the stand

Under the mock scenario, Queensland Ambulance Service officer 'Slack' attended the scene of a car accident and then proceeded to make multiple mistakes in the handling of the patient and the recording of her examination and recommendations for care.

When the patient subsequently died in custody less than an hour later, the death became reportable to the Queensland coroner, which led the hapless officer to court.

Paramedic Science students assemble to witness their lecturer Anthony Weber take the stand

Students were given a copy of the standard QAS electronic ambulance report form which had been intentionally completed with numerous errors and mistakes which came to light under the cross examination of Wayne Jones,  instructed by Paramedic Science lecturer, Daryl Holley.

In the role as coroner, Dr Richardson provided plenty of commentary to students once the mock proceedings had adjourned,  hopefully giving them a better understanding of the need for good practice and accurate record keeping once they start their professional  careers.