The University of Queensland has started a new Bachelor of Paramedic Science program to impart life saving skills and knowledge required to become an ambulance paramedic. Provided by the University of Queensland’s School of Medicine, the program is scheduled to begin at the university’s Ipswich campus.
Jane Clarke is one of the 65 students enrolled for this three-year course in emergency and trauma medicine. Originally from Singapore but is now an Australian citizen, Jane has always wanted to enrol for emergency and trauma studies due to the variety and challenges of the role.
Every day is different for a working paramedic expert, says Jane. Through their work, they also get to see the best and worst of many patients’ lives. When asked about her decision to embark on such a career, Jane said that paramedics play an important role in intense situations. They are part of a special team that shares toughest life experiences. Being together in life and death situations, they also form lasting bonds with their teammates.
After completing the course, Jane plans to work for the Queensland Ambulance Service. She is also contemplating working in the mines as a paramedic or going further afield to Dubai in the Middle East.
In the first year of the three-year program, students learn about the functions and structure of the human body. In addition, they study public health, pathology, ambulance policy, procedure and evidence based healthcare with communication. Students also get thorough practical training with ambulance equipment.
During the second and third year, students explore general emergency situations and paramedic conditions derived from a systems-based approach. It focuses on theory as well as practice on patients to sharpen skills and knowledge of paramedical science.
The course also includes the study of ethical and legal standards in healthcare, clinical monitoring and professional practice, while training paramedical experts as pre-hospital support and emergency specialists.
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