Flinders University MD Rural Stream students were joined by nursing students on placement at Victor Harbor and SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) clinicians for a hands-on trauma simulation at the Flinders Victor Harbor campus.
The exercise recreated the emergency response to a serious road crash involving a cyclist and a driver, giving students the opportunity to experience the challenges of managing a trauma patient in a realistic clinical environment.
Students worked through the stages of emergency care, from the initial call to emergency services and assessment at the scene through to treatment, ambulance handover and emergency department management. They also explored the challenges of responding to a patient whose condition deteriorates.
Working alongside paramedics and nursing colleagues, students practised clinical decision-making, communication and teamwork – essential skills for future doctors working in rural and regional communities.
The simulation highlights the value of practical, scenario-based learning in preparing students for the realities of clinical practice. It also demonstrates the importance of collaboration between universities, ambulance services and hospitals in developing a skilled and confident future health workforce.
The exercise also welcomed first-time standardised patients Michael, who played the cyclist, and Lisa, who played the driver. Standardised patients help bring clinical scenarios to life by giving students the opportunity to practise their skills with people playing realistic patient roles.
Both participants thoroughly enjoyed the experience and encouraged other community members to consider getting involved.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved. It is an opportunity to give medical students a realistic training scenario and for us as community members, be a part of ensuring our future health workforce have broad comprehensive training experiences,” Lisa said.
Community participation helps create meaningful learning opportunities for students while supporting the development of the next generation of health professionals.
Through practical training and strong partnerships with local health services and the community, Flinders Rural and Remote Health continues to support the preparation of students for clinical practice in rural and regional Australia.