University of Southern Queensland paramedicine students were on the scene of a major ferry crash off the coast of Brisbane.
Fortunately, it was just a simulation exercise to hone their skills alongside multiple other agencies at a water rescue simulation.
The activity took place at St Helena Island, a former penal settlement in Moreton Bay.
Ten University of Southern Queensland students were put through their paces in the scenario where they were confronted with multiple casualties.
From the boat ride to the island to the search and rescue mission, police recruits acting as injured passengers and a triage area, plenty of detail went into making the exercise as realistic as possible.
Second-year student Bonnii Heber said the activity provided valuable experience.
“It was good to work with different people from other agencies, see their equipment and how they operate, and how we must adapt our approach in real-time,” she said.
“One of the positives was we got to test our ability to stay focused and help while dealing with the outdoor environment and all the elements like the heat, sand and being drenched with water from the boat ride.
“During the search and rescue, we found ‘patients’ under trees, in the bushes and in the mangroves.
“It was good to get a realistic experience of what it might be like if we are ever called out to a major incident once we graduate.”
Organised by the Brisbane City SES Unit, the exercise was attended by Queensland Police Service (QPS) Water Police, QPS Search and Rescue Mission Area Coordinators, Marine Rescue, Queensland Health, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland National Parks, all Brisbane Region SES Units and paramedic students.
Miss Heber said the event provided a great chance to test her skills in assessing, treating and triaging patients with various injuries and conditions, including hypothermia, head strikes, broken arms and legs.
Find out more about the University of Southern Queensland’s Bachelor of Paramedicine.
