Paramedicine Course and Industry Requirements

An essential component of the Bachelor of Paramedic Practice/Bachelor of Public Health Promotion course is the requirement for all students to undertake clinical placements with Ambulance Victoria.  Arrangements will be made for paramedic students to visit Ambulance Victoria branch stations within the first two years of the course.   In years 2, 3 and 4 of the course, students will be provided with opportunities to observe and work with Qualified Ambulance Paramedics, thereby extending their understanding, knowledge and skills in the pre-hospital environment. 

The location of clinical placements is subject to availability and may occur throughout rural Victoria or metropolitan Melbourne. La Trobe University is responsible for rostering students on clinical placement.

Due to Industry Regulation and Occupational Health and Safety standards, there are a number of mandatory requirements that must be met by any student in order for them to successfully complete the course as listed below.

Police Checks

Students who fail to provide a satisfactory Victorian Police Check prior to the commencement of the course will be denied access to all clinical placement units necessary for graduation. Failure to gain police clearance may impact on employment prospects in the ambulance industry.

General enquiries relating to the police check process - including fees payable - should be directed to the Victoria Police Public Enquiry Service on (03) 9247 5907. The Victoria Police Check application form can be downloaded from the Victoria Police web site.

Working with Children Check

The Working with Children application form can be obtained from any Australia Post outlet. The check is free of charge for students (volunteer capacity) and is required by the commencement of Year 3 of the course to enable successful completion of Clinical Placements.

Medical and Physical Capacity Check

Medical and Physical Capacity checks are a compulsory industry requirement for students undertaking Clinical Placements with Ambulance Victoria. Students must meet medical standards including those listed in the medical guidelines for the 'Assessing Fitness to Drive for Commercial and Private Vehicle Drivers 2003'. For further information visit the Austroads web site.

The medical check and physical capacity test must be successfully completed prior to the commencement of clinical placements in Year 2 of the course.

Students should be aware that their checks and tests are to remain current until all their clinical placement units have been satisfactorily completed. Continuing students who do not pass the medical and physical capacity tests or lose their status will be denied access to emergency clinical placement units necessary to complete the course to be able to graduate.

Individuals who believe they may have difficulties meeting or maintaining these requirements are advised to contact the Course Coordinator prior to admission.

Testing Centres

The medical checks and physical capacity tests are conducted at designated testing centres. Further information as to the location of these centres will be made available upon commencement of the course.

Pre existing and new medical conditions

Prospective, commencing or continuing students who are concerned about whether a medical condition such as epilepsy, hearing and visual difficulties, or diabetes, could affect their ability to do the required  clinical placement(s) on medical grounds should refer to the ambulance service web site or alternatively contact the Course Coordinator for clarification.

Uniforms

Students are required to maintain a standard of dress during any clinical placement that is in line with Ambulance Victoria’s service expectations and which meets its Occupational Health and Safety standards, as detailed below.

Coveralls with La Trobe University logos Ambulance style wet weather pants and jacket with high visibility striping Protective eye wear High visibility safety vest with reflective striping and La Trobe University logos Hard hat with reflective tape Black leather boots without steel caps La Trobe University student ID

A paramedic student on a clinical placement will also need to purchase coveralls, a hard hat and safety glasses.  Students will also be required to hire wet weather gear.  The coveralls, safety vest and wet weather gear will be ordered following liaison with the Technical Officer for the Paramedic Course.

Further information regarding these requirements will be provided upon commencement of the course.