CDU to train homegrown paramedics

Paramedics will soon be able to train locally in the Northern Territory thanks to a new partnership between Charles Darwin University and St John NT.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed today signifies the start of a partnership to deliver a Bachelor-level degree in paramedic science to be offered by CDU and which will cater to the unique conditions of the NT.

St John NT’s CEO Judith Barker said the NT was one of the country’s most interesting and diverse locations, giving paramedics the opportunity to develop skills and experience with complex medical cases, high speed trauma, and delivery of care in extreme and isolated conditions.

“From the Red Centre to the tropical north, paramedics in the Territory are faced with a complex workload,” Ms Barker said.

“Even in the Territory’s capital city, Darwin, our crews are constantly expanding their clinical experience beyond what is often considered standard care.”

Ms Barker said that the proposed paramedic program would be significant for recruitment and retention.

“St John NT is the Northern Territory’s leading provider in emergency medical response and preparedness,” she said.

“This will increase our capacity to save lives and build community resilience to improve the safety and healthcare for all Territorians.”

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks said he was delighted to sign the partnership to offer this new opportunity through CDU’s College of  Health and Human Sciences.

“This is a first for the NT, providing Territorians with an opportunity to respond to the needs of their community without travelling interstate to study,” Professor Maddocks said.

“CDU is well-placed to offer the program with considerable strengths in health-related research, teaching and consultancy.”

Professor Maddocks said that CDU was uniquely positioned to explore issues of national and regional importance such as tropical medicine, Indigenous health and mental health.

“Our courses span medical laboratory science and clinical sciences, allied health, health science, exercise sport and science, psychology, and social work,” he said.

“We are committed to developing the health workforce of the Northern Territory now and into the future with strong partnerships such as this one with St John NT.”

The course will be available from Semester 1 2021. For more information email hhs@cdu.edu.au.