Trauma Centre goes bush to deliver training  
A course designed to improve emergency skills and trauma care in the bush before aero retrieval help arrives will be the focus of training for remote health workers from East Arnhem Land today.

A team from the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) will deliver the training in Jabiru to 26 clinicians including Remote Area Nurses, General Practitioners and Aboriginal Health Practitioners.

The participants have travelled from Maningrida, Gunbalanya and Minjalang with a focus on enhancing their abilities to assess and manage trauma patients while waiting for aero-medical retrieval.

The training is provided in a remote environment with an emphasis on practical skills, small interactive groups and locally relevant scenarios.

It is particularly relevant following the impact of Cyclone Lam during which the Centre provided additional support to NTG through the response and recovery phases.

Director of Trauma, Dr David Read, said the skills and ability of remote doctors, nurses and Aboriginal Health Practitioners were critical in the event of a multiple casualty event such as a cyclone or vehicle accident.

"Management of trauma patients is a team effort and a critical element is the skill of remote nurses, doctors and aboriginal health practitioners sharing the knowledge that gives the trauma patients the best possible outcome," Dr Read said.

The course also focuses on health care staff having the skills to triage sort, sieve, treat and transport and put the participants through a mass casualty scenario.

The NCCTRC is offering 1200 education places this year in a range of courses including the Australian Medical Assistance Team training.

Media conctact: Michelle Foster 0459 166 801