The shire's paramedics are now equipped with high-tech manikins, designed to simulate a range of life-threatening conditions.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The manikins allow paramedics to practise complex life-saving procedures which would be rarely performed otherwise.
A training program, including the manikins, is currently being rolled out across the state - an initiative between NSW Ambulance and the Hunter Medical Research Institute.
Paramedic educator Jeffrey Purse said it was the largest purchase of training equipment, and NSW Ambulance is now the largest ambulance service in the world.
He said the program was funded by a grant from an anonymous donor.
Mr Purse said the donor's wishes were to improve the capability of paramedics in NSW, especially in regional areas.
"NSW is deploying more than 200 training simulators/manikins together with an educational package and training program," he said.
"We are about three quarters of the way through the roll out."
Mr Purse said a dozen manikins were recently deployed along the South Coast, one at each station.
Mr Purse said the manikins help paramedics practise rare and complex cases, reenact cases and apply new skills and technology.
"The manikins are driven by a wireless tablet which allows paramedics to practise defibrillation, advanced airway management and advanced medication management," he said.
"This is a win-win situation for local paramedics and for the patients who rely on them."
Mr Purse said paramedics were excited about the new opportunity for professional development.
"These will allow paramedics to practise their skills which were only previously available when they were tending mandatory clinical training each year," he said.
Last week, Narooma's paramedics tested the new technology.
"On Wednesday, 12 paramedics attended training, covering debriefing scenario application, and use of a simulator," he said.
"The tablet gives immediate scored CPR feedback; we ran a competition and the paramedics scored either 99 percent or 100 percent - they were very competitive!"
Mr Purse said one paramedic's feedback was: "This is a great project which delivers both peer and self directed learning and training."