AUT Paramedic Students Visit Our Base

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming 14 final-year AUT paramedic students to our base. With their studies nearly complete, this visit was designed to give them a deeper understanding of the air rescue sector, build connections between future road ambulance clinicians and our service, and provide insight into the skills and experience that can help them in their careers.

We host this visit twice a year as a way of supporting the next generation of paramedics and also to thank the student group for their involvement in induction and PIRATE days (Pre-hospital Initial Response And Treatment Education).

The day began in our medical training room with a briefing from Critical Care Paramedic Rob Gemmell, who spoke about the history of our organisation, our service, and the capabilities of our crew.

The students then visited the Rear Cabin Procedural Trainer with Ati Wynyard, who demonstrated how the new trainer will help crews practise ground-based clinical procedures and simulated winch operations without the risks or costs of live flight.

Next, they toured our BK117 helicopter with Pilot Aaron Knight, who gave an overview of the helicopter's features and role in rescue operations.

Six students were lucky enough to experience a static winch cycle, being “rescued” by Critical Care Paramedics Marcel Driessen and Russell Clark along with Air Crew Officer Geoff Polglase.

The group then headed to the Flight Navigation Procedural Trainer (FNPT), where Aaron provided an introduction to flight simulation, and several students had the opportunity to “take the controls.”

The visit concluded back in the medical training room, where students explored some of our advanced equipment. Under crew guidance, they had the chance to test their skills using tools such as video laryngoscopy and ultrasound.

It was a fantastic day of learning, sharing, and inspiration. We look forward to continuing to build strong connections with AUT paramedic students and helping shape the next generation of emergency healthcare professionals.

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