New ambulance further boosts CQuni Paramedic Science Program

I have just returned from the official launch of CQUniversity’s fully functioning ambulance vehicle, which is to be used here at the Rockhampton campus as part of our Paramedic Science degree.

I am sure everybody would agree that paramedics do one of the most challenging and difficult, yet necessary jobs in our community, which is why paramedic science is such an important program to deliver.  Training these future professionals is a good thing for everyone as unfortunately you can never be certain as to when you might be in a situation that requires their services.

Resources like this ambulance are part of the reason why I am so proud to lead CQUniversity. Initiatives like this provide a real world insight for our students and greatly improve their overall study experience, preparing them for all the likely scenarios they will eventually face.

The ambulance is exactly the same type of vehicle used by the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and is to be used to familiarise students with the vehicle set up and equipment, as well as performing procedures in the back of a moving vehicle.  CQUniversity’s investment in such quality technology will mean our students will be among some of the most prepared and skilled, upon graduating from their degree.

Along with the ambulance our paramedic science students are also exposed to high-fidelity, state-of-the-art manikin systems and specialised trauma make-up techniques to that emulate severe trauma injuries.

CQUniversity is also the only university in Australia offering the program by distance education, meaning  students can study this all important discipline from anywhere in the country. In fact more than 75% of the students currently studying the program are distance students, based right across the nation from Torres Strait to Tasmania. What’s more, after only being established as a foundation program in 2011, 23 of our third year students have already been offered casual positions with the QAS - before they even graduate.

This program will continue to go from strength to strength as we continue to invest in quality learning resources that cater for both on and off campus students.