CQUniversity has taken delivery of a fully-functioning ambulance to add realism when Paramedic Science students carry out simulated scenarios.

The John Villiers Trust* Teaching Ambulance has been set up in line with ambulance services throughout Australia, so students will get a feel for working in a functional vehicle before going on clinical placements.

CQUni staff who helped procure the new ambulance. L-R Geoff Davis, Anthony Weber and Suzi Blair

Paramedic Science senior lecturer Anthony Weber says "the ambulance is another form of simulation that allows our program to be innovative in simulated learning environments".

"The new vehicle will also be involved with research looking at physiological fatigue levels of paramedics performing a simulated cardiac arrest scenario," Mr Weber says.

"It will be used by first-year students as an orientation to ambulance and ambulance equipment, the second-year students will utilise it for performing procedures and skills in the back of a moving ambulance, and the third-year students will use it for a scenario week at the end of term 2.

"They will be dispatched around campus to a simulated case, whether it be a road traffic crash or medical case.

Eve Humphries, who did the graphics for the ambulance, tries out the driving position

"All scenarios will be recorded and students will reflect and be debriefed on their performance."

* Signage on the ambulance recognises support from the John Villiers Trust. John Villiers was a Queensland pastoralist who supported various charities through his lifetime and bequeathed his estate to enrich the lives and social spirit of Queenslanders.

The view inside the new vehicle 
Senior lecturer Anthony Weber is looking forward to using the ambulance as a teaching tool