Sights, sounds and simulation: a new era for paramedic training
State-of-the-art simulation spaces will better prepare Victoria University (VU) paramedic students for real-world emergency situations in the Australian-first Centre of Excellence in Paramedicine at VU’s Sunshine Campus.
The $20 million facility jointly funded by the Victorian Government and VU, the Centre’s size, digital capabilities, dual-sector training and research features, combined with strong industry connections make it globally unique.
The new spaces include multi-sensory digital simulation rooms that provide highly immersive scenario-based training, featuring sound, smell, a rumble floor, interactive touchscreens and augmented reality.
A purpose-built outdoor pavilion will give students road accident and mass casualty response experience. It also features replica hospital parking bays and an ambulance station, complete with decommissioned ambulances.
These elements will help build resilience and decision-making capabilities, preparing graduates to face the unique and diverse challenges of their chosen career.
Co-designed with students, staff and industry, the Centre will train around 1500 paramedic students across TAFE and higher education – providing a stronger, more cohesive paramedicine learning pathway.
"Paramedicine is changing rapidly, and Australia is leading the way. This Centre puts Victoria University at the forefront of a new world of paramedicine, bringing together education, research and our deep connections with industry in a way that is breaking new ground,” VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said.
I’m particularly proud that students have been at the heart of its design. This is about connecting people with careers and preparing them for a profession that is evolving beyond traditional emergency response to play an increasingly important role in healthcare in the home and community.”
The Centre will boost existing VU partnerships with Ambulance Victoria and Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria through joint training, simulations and research opportunities.
The project was delivered by Architectus, Alchemy Construct and Simovation Interactive Technologies.