USQ midwifery and paramedic students will be prepared for real life experiences following the opening of two new health simulation facilities at USQ Ipswich today (March 1).

Key industry groups and individuals joined USQ staff and students for a tour of USQ’s newly-built Midwifery Simulation Centre and Paramedic Simulation House.

USQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Janet Verbyla said the facilities were part of the University’s commitment to offer the highest standards in teaching and learning.

“Simulation exercises are one of the best ways to assess and prepare students for the real world as it gives them the opportunity to gain hands-on training in a controlled but realistic environment,” Professor Verbyla said.

“USQ has invested heavily in its infrastructure and study programs at our Ipswich campus in recent years, including the $1.7 million clinical simulation nursing laboratories, to ensure our students have access to the latest equipment and best practical learning environments.”

Equipped with state-of-the-art high fidelity simulation equipment and a water birthing tub, the Midwifery Simulation Centre provides students with the opportunity to engage in realistic birth simulations.

The Paramedic Simulation House includes four rooms to simulate settings paramedics would normally encounter in a home, including a fully functional lounge room, bedroom, bathroom and operating kitchen. It also has a control room where students undertaking tasks can be viewed live through multiple cameras or played back for debriefing.

Industry partners and other allied services will also benefit with the simulation spaces allowed to be used for training and professional development.

Attendees at today’s launch heard from Department of Health Queensland Director of Nursing Lee Poole, Queensland Ambulance Service Assistant Commissioner Stephen Gough and Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale.

To learn more, visit www.usq.edu.au/hes/facilities-and-services.

Midwifery Simulation Centre features:
• High fidelity simulation equipment.
• Water birthing tub.
• Ensuite.

Paramedic Simulation House features:
• Four rooms including a lounge room, bedroom and a fully-functional kitchen and bathroom.
• Lab space where students can develop skills in conducting physical health assessments and history taking.
• Preparation area and emergency ward to simulate arrival at hospital.