Paramedics in training at La Trobe University Bendigo now have an ambulance with which to practice.
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Course co-ordinator Ray Gleeson said the simulation van would better prepare Bachelor of Paramedic Practice and Bachelor of Public Health Promotion students for the workforce.
Before the van arrived, Mr Gleeson said he used to put a chair next to a stretcher during simulations and ask students to imagine they were in an ambulance.
Now they can practice pushing patients to the back of the van, become accustomed to working in a confined space in a moving vehicle, and hone their driving skills.
The van got its first work-out on May 12, during a training scenario with two groups of third-year students.
With the help of State Emergency Service volunteers, Mr Gleeson staged the aftermath of a fatal two-car crash.
A mannequin played the deceased person. Three actors and three fourth-year students portrayed a further six passengers, all injured and trapped in vehicles.
“Most of them had multiple injuries, so the students had to deal with six patients that were time critical and triage appropriately and manage accordingly,” Mr Gleeson said.
Every effort was made to make the training scenario as realistic as possible, including make-up.
“It really prepares the students and, you just ask them, they love it,” Mr Gleeson said.
The course is capped at 40 students.
Mr Gleeson said it was the only course for aspiring paramedics in regional Victoria, and that it was renowned for its quality.
Having been a paramedic for 15 years, and a nurse before then, Mr Gleeson was aware of the importance of making the training highly realistic.
“We teach them coping mechanisms within the course, but it’s also about exposing them to it in a safe environment,” he said.
“Post-traumatic stress happens a lot with paramedics and we really want to prepare our students.”
He said the skill level of paramedics had increased exponentially, and the four-year course reflected that.
“Our skill set isn’t just taking people to hospital, it’s managing their care in a pre-hospital environment,” Mr Gleeson said.