Paramedicine: Beyond the Ambulance in the South West

In a first for both the facility and Edith Cowan University (ECU), Emma Ness, a second-year paramedicine student, recently completed a clinical placement at Valleyview Nursing Home in Collie. This placement represents a significant step in expanding the scope of paramedicine education into aged care and regional health settings. The opportunity was made possible through the coordination of Wayne Goodrem, Paramedic and Discipline Adviser and Fiona Black Nursing and Discipline Advisor with the University Department of Rural Health South West (UDRH SW). 

Traditionally, paramedicine students from ECU have completed their placements in metropolitan settings. Emma’s placement at Valleyview marked a milestone—not only as the first paramedicine placement at the facility, but also as one of the foundational regional placements for an ECU paramedicine student. Her experience is helping to broaden opportunities for future students to train in rural and community-based care settings. 

Emma reflects on her experience: 

“Coming from an emergency background, I’m used to the unpredictable and high-pressure environment of ambulance work. I had some uncertainty about stepping into a nursing home setting, unsure of what to expect. However, from the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warmth and professionalism by everyone at the facility. 

The team immediately made me feel like a valued member rather than just a student. Their commitment to high-quality resident care was evident, from medication management to palliative support. I observed how compassion, dignity, and teamwork underpin every aspect of care in this environment. 

The positive and inclusive atmosphere allowed me to participate meaningfully. Clinical discussions provided insight into the contrasts between hospital and prehospital care, and sparked ideas about how rural facilities can adapt tools and interventions to respond to health crises quickly and effectively. 

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the support I received. This placement not only enhanced my clinical skills, but also expanded my understanding of the broader role paramedics can play in community and aged care settings. 

I would highly recommend this experience to future paramedicine students and healthcare professionals.” 

Emma’s placement highlights the value of rural and aged care experiences in paramedicine training, and demonstrates how immersive, cross-disciplinary placements can strengthen the adaptability and empathy of the next generation of healthcare workers.