Lifelike trauma simulations give AUT paramedics the edge
Lifelike trauma and medical situations will allow AUT University Paramedicine students to apply their skills and gain vital practical experience before entering the workforce.
This has been made possible thanks to a new state-of-the-art simulation suite for undergraduate and post-graduate Paramedicine students at AUT’s South Campus in Manukau.
Paul Davey, Head of Paramedicine at AUT, says advanced clinical simulation suites of this kind create an important link for students between simulation scenarios and the real-life world of actual trauma and medical emergency.
The high fidelity human simulators mimic human body responses during a medical emergency, and react appropriately to the treatment administered.
“This simulation environment enables our students to gain vital in-depth exposure to some of the infrequent medical emergencies they may not encounter during their practical work placements,” says Mr Davey.
“They will be able to better practise their problem solving skills and improve their speed of response and diagnosis, while also gaining vital theoretical learning. AUT’s Paramedicine teaching is all about ensuring our students are immediately ready for action in real-life situations, and are given every opportunity to develop their clinical skills.”
St John National Clinical Planning Manager, Sarah Werner says the AUT graduates they employ in St John are well prepared for employment following graduation.
“Clinical simulation is an excellent way to prepare them for what they may experience in clinical practice.”
She adds that AUT’s degree in Paramedicine is internationally accredited, and graduates are sought after both in New Zealand and internationally.
From 2015, the AUT South Campus will also be the dedicated home of AUT’s Department of Paramedicine.
The shift to new and modern premises has been welcomed by students and staff, who value the AUT South Campus’ proximity to key paramedic employer St John.
“Our students currently enjoy a number of practical work placements with St John and health providers around the Manukau area as an integral part of their degree studies,” says Professor Max Abbott, Dean of AUT’s Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences.
“With the move to South Auckland we have doubled the student intake and plan to expand research and postgraduate study in the area of trauma and emergency care.”
The shift also been given a thumbs up by St John, who have a number of staff studying at AUT to upgrade their qualifications.
“This location is geographically easier for those travelling to Auckland for courses. St John has also had shared resources with AUT for a number of years - we are looking forward to continuing this relationship and congratulate the University on their new facilities,” says Ms Werner.
AUT is the only university in New Zealand to offer the Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) in Paramedicine.
As well as offering the BHSc, the AUT South Campus will also offer a number of short courses to health professionals, including a 3 Lead ECG interpretation online short course and a simulation-based resuscitation skills programme.
Students enrolled in AUT University’s Paramedicine programme benefit from inter-professional learning provided by staff who are also intensive-care paramedics, emergency nurses, defence force medics, midwives and medical specialists.
Video: Click here to see an AUT clinical simulation suite in action.