Professional lifeguard Martin Dahlstrom lives and breathes an active lifestyle.

That's why the 21 year-old Brinsmead local jumped at the chance to study with the first cohort of CQUniversity students studying Paramedic Science via distance education in Cairns.

"I wanted to become a paramedic because the job is different on a daily basis and brings about different challenges with each shift," he said.

Martin Dahlstrom is going from professional lifeguard to paramedic. "I like the idea of having to think outside of the box to overcome challenges. It requires high levels of initiative and clinical judgment and you are not stuck behind a desk. The job can take you to any place."

Having spent the last five years with Surf Lifesaving Queensland, patrolling the northern beaches of Cairns, Port Douglas and Green Island, Martin has been able to hone his first aid and emergency skills.

Now in his second year of the Paramedic Science course, Martin said he can't wait to get the kick of adrenaline that will come with being a paramedic. 

"Being welcomed through a random door in an emergency situation and using the skills that you have trained with to help care for the community is a big highlight for me," he said.

The Paramedic Science distance education program, established in Cairns in 2011, was a big factor that drew Martin to CQUniversity.

"Distance education is perfect for my lifestyle as it is very flexible with my job," he said.

"It is challenging at times, you need to have a high level of motivation and be willing to give a lot of your spare time to study."

With CQUniversity's Cairns Study Centre due to open shortly, Martin says he is looking forward to connecting with fellow distance education students.

"It will also bring greater resources for Paramedic students to practice and enhance their skills."

CQUniversity offers Martin the opportunity to study paramedic science while also working as a lifeguard. "I believe the centre will be a huge success, bringing more student interaction in the Cairns and surrounding areas."

Martin is also looking forward to his first clinical placement with the Queensland Ambulance Service in August.