Ten high school students from across Central Queensland got a taste of their desired profession when they took part in a Paramedic Science Work Experience event run by CQUniversity...

The students were able to use real medical equipment and facilities at Rockhampton Campus, including the University's new John Villiers Trust Teaching Ambulance.

Students take part in an emergency simulation under the gaze of their peers

During one simulated emergency, they even came face to face with one of the Paramedic Science academics in disguise as a passerby, drawing on the University's MASK-ED^TM simulation package.

Kate Morris, who has just completed Year 12 at Holy Spirit College in Mackay, said the event was a great experience which really helped to drive home her desire to become a paramedic.

Kate Morris reflects on the three-day experience

  "Paramedics are not in the office. They are out and about and saving lives," she said.

  "This experience has really given us an edge in feeling prepared with the chance to try CPR and a cardiac arrest scenario with defibrillation and the insertion of a cannula.

"We got to visit the local helicopter rescue, the ambulance station and the fire station to see what they do as well."