To learn more about healthcare in rural areas, a group of second year Monash medical students made the trip down to Bairnsdale to visit the local SES unit last Wednesday.
In an inter-agency session run by Ambulance Victoria (AV) and the Bairnsdale SES unit, the students were given a hands-on experience of how emergency services operate in the country with the aim of showcasing some of the complexities/practicalities of patient management in the rural pre-hospital setting.
The students were given an introductory talk from both SES and AV, who explained the 000 call system, AV staffing in rural areas, utilisation of ACOs/CFA/SES volunteers, as well as the roles of ARV/PIPER/HEMS and other specialist positions.
They then participated in a practical session showcasing ambulance equipment and wilderness gear followed by some scenarios in patient handling/hypothermia/stretcher wheel involving all the students, plus the roles and responsibilities of Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA).
To finish off the demonstrations, the students undertook a practical session showcasing SES equipment/capabilities in steep angle rescue, flood response, road rescue, storm damage and disaster relief, where the students were required to remove a spinal patient from an isolated area.
The visit was part of a week-long introduction to life in the country through the Monash Rural Health program. Typically, students visit the Bairnsdale hospital, local GP clinics, primary schools, a working dairy and other Outreach programs.
It exposes them to life outside the city and hopefully piques their interest to return on a longer placement in the future and showcases career opportunities in a regional setting.
It also highlights the significant role that volunteers (SES CFA Ambulance Community Officers) play in providing emergency assistance in the rural setting.
