Twelve Charles Sturt University (CSU) paramedic students will gain invaluable work experience during a two-week trip to New York City in late August.

 

Professor Brian J Maguire, professor of paramedic practice and leadership at the School of Biomedical Sciences at CSU in Bathurst, said, “New York City has one of the largest and busiest paramedic systems in the world, with a workforce of highly-trained and experienced paramedics. I know because I have 20 years experience as a paramedic there. 

 

“This is the second international work experience placement the paramedic program has arranged for our students. It will be a great learning experience for them, and will assist their careers in Australia or anywhere in the world.”

 

Professor Maguire said the participants are final-year students enrolled in the Bachelor of Clinical Practice and the Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic).

 

“The students will be assigned to a variety of stations in New York City,” Professor Maguire said. “I will accompany a paramedic supervisor in the command vehicle while the students will travel in ambulances with paramedics. The students’ role is not ‘hands-on’. They will be observers only, as they are not yet qualified paramedics, so they will not directly attend to patients during their two-week placement.

 

“Nevertheless, they will gain exceptional insights into dealing with a range of health and medical emergencies in a fast-paced and culturally diverse location. Anything can happen in New York City.”

 

The 2011 Paramedic Study Tour to New York City is part of the CSU Global Experience program and runs from Monday 22 August to Friday 2 September.