Each year, University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) Paramedicine students complete clinical placements with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) to develop the skills and attributes required for registration as paramedics.
From 2025, the Paramedicine program at UniSC introduced community placements. Students reported that these placements significantly enhanced their understanding of the broader health system, including the roles of other healthcare professionals and the experiences of patients living with chronic and mental health conditions. They also noted improvements in person-centred care skills, particularly in communication, rapport-building, and working respectfully with diverse groups.
Dr Kirsty Shearer, Senior Lecturer in Paramedicine at UniSC, echoed the value of these placements, highlighting the importance of exposing students to varied settings such as palliative care and primary care. Dr Shearer also affirmed the strong clinical capability and professionalism demonstrated by participating students.
As part of UniSC's commitment to enhancing the student experience and broadening the role of paramedics within primary healthcare, UniSC paramedicine students recently completed their first placements with Sunshine Coast Health. It was also the first time Sunshine Coast Health had hosted paramedicine students for clinical placements.
Iesha-Lee and Carter, third-year UniSC paramedicine students, spent time with the Residential Aged Care Facility Acute Support Service (RaSS) and the Geriatric Evaluation and Management and Rehabilitation Hospital in the Home (GEMR-HITH) teams, gaining valuable insights into community-based healthcare.
Carter said, “Through my GEMR-HITH placement, I have had the privilege of working within a cohesive multidisciplinary team consisting of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, registered nurses, doctors and clinical assistants. This experience has broadened my understanding of how mobility, cognition, the home environment and available supports affect an older person’s safety and independence, and the importance of establishing their usual level of function.
These learning opportunities will help me provide more thorough assessments as a paramedic, recognise when further assessment or support may be needed, and better advocate for my patients. Most importantly, this experience has reinforced that high-quality care involves considering what happens after the immediate episode of illness or injury, including the patient’s ongoing safety, dignity and ability to manage at home.”
Liz Michalak, a Sunshine Coast Health GEMR-HITH Physiotherapist, echoed Carters thoughts, "We have been delighted to welcome one of Sunshine Coast Health's undergraduate paramedicine students to GEMR-HITH. The placement has allowed the student to experience collaborative, patient-centred care in the community and gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges and opportunities older people face when managing health conditions at home. Opportunities such as this are invaluable in preparing future paramedics, fostering a greater understanding of integrated healthcare and ultimately supporting better outcomes for patients and families."