RACV provides boost to trauma training

Paramedic training in Victoria will receive a boost with the recent launch of the RACV Trauma Simulation Complex at Monash University’s Centre for Ambulance and Paramedic Studies.

The complex, based at Monash’s Peninsula campus, contains a dedicated trauma simulation site with vehicles and high-tech mannequins, which can mimic the physical signs of distress during a road accident.

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 every 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 issues.”

The complex will focus on simulated motor vehicle accidents but with the potential to involve other things that might be associated with other trauma such as pedestrians, bicycles, tractors, ladders or scaffolding. 

“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 practice a range of techniques including patient handling, immobilization, 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 can 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 with the remainder of the cost supported by the centre.

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, provides a powerful contribution to the health of the 6700 road trauma victims in Victoria each year," he said.

Current Ambulance and Paramedic students together with members from the SES demonstrated the abilities of the new mannequin at the launch.