4 November 2005
Paramedic training in Victoria will receive a boost with the launch of the RACV Trauma Simulation Complex at Monash University's Centre for Ambulance and Paramedic Studies (MUCAPS) today.
The complex, at Monash's Peninsula campus, contains a dedicated trauma simulation site with vehicles and high-tech mannequins that can mimic the physical signs of distress people may exhibit during a road accident.
The head of academic services at MUCAPS, Mr Mark Chilton, said the complex would allow the centre to provide in-depth training to students on site, using the sophisticated mannequins in simulated road trauma scenarios. Monash University trains about 200 student paramedics in emergency healthcare each year.
"It is vitally important that paramedic students receive training in situations that are as close to real life as possible," Mr Chilton said. "This complex will allow students to experience how a road trauma might progress, providing skills in dealing with multiple medical issues."
The complex will focus on simulated motor vehicle accidents but can include features that might be associated with other accidents such as those involving pedestrians, bicycles, tractors or ladders.
"The mannequin is as close to real life as you can get," Mr Chilton said. "It is designed to facilitate the real life health complications of road trauma. "Students can practise a range of techniques including patient handling, immobilisation, ventilation and administering an IV without causing harm."
The mannequin's features include carotid, radial and brachial pulses, replaceable skin and veins, the ability to set systolic and diastolic blood pressures and the ability to respond to electrical and oxygen therapy.
"The key to the complex is that the simulations allow for error and hence provide a valuable teaching and learning tool," Mr Chilton said.
The $50,000 simulation complex has been part funded by a $20,000 RACV Sir Edmund Herring Memorial Scholarship. The centre has provided the rest.
RACV director Dr Michael Heffernan said the immediate feedback on training performance provided by the mannequin and complex would help improve the outcome for accident victims.
"The training of first-line emergency personnel in this way, in this setting, is a powerful contribution to the health of the 6,700 road trauma victims in Victoria each year," he said.
The complex will be launched today, Friday 4 November, at 10.30 am in H building, Monash University Peninsula campus, McMahons Road , Frankston. A simulation will be held at this time. For more information contact Ms Diane Squires on +613 9905 9315 or 0417 603 400.
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