Treating survivors of a fatal bus rollover and patients with leprosy and altitude sickness were among the cases confronting paramedic science students including Steve Hannay, 40, and Jake Kriedemann, 23, of the Sunshine Coast during their placement in Nepal.
Steve said it was eye-opening to conduct clinical examinations and assist staff in a health system in a developing country with a different language.
“We became more culturally aware, especially seeing the generosity of people who had so little compared to what we have in Australia,” said Steve, who has already been offered a graduate paramedic position with the Queensland Ambulance Service, starting January.
For Jake, the trip organised by the University of the Sunshine Coast was life-changing.
“I’m currently planning a trip back to Nepal in 2018 to participate in a mountain medic course,” he said.
“I’ve found a new appreciation for the amazing health care service we have in Australia.”
USC Sunshine Coast lecturer and paramedic Robbie King, who supervised the group in Kathmandu, Pokhara and the remote village of Sikhar Ambote for two weeks, said the placements enabled the students to improve their knowledge, cultural understanding and communication skills.
“The culmination of the trip was a three-day health clinic run by the students in association with local agencies to perform free health assessments, wound care and advice to 220 villagers.”
It was the first year the degree included overseas placements which Associate Professor Bill Lord, who leads the discipline, said gave them insight into health systems and community-based health care in other countries, particularly the need for resourcefulness, flexibility and volunteering.
For more information on studying at USC, visit www.usc.edu.au/learn
