Emergency skills workshop for rural GPs

Bendigo Health has hosted more than 40 GPs, mainly from rural areas, for a day-long emergency procedures skills workshop.

The Emergency Medicine Education and Training (EMET) program is provided by Bendigo Health Emergency Department staff, with the support of senior dentists and physiotherapists.

The day included five procedure stations covering advanced life support, dental emergencies, advanced circulatory access, ear, nose and throat procedures and a bandaging and plastering master class.

Bendigo Health Emergency Department Dr Richard Smith said the day was very hands on and included the use of high fidelity simulation.

“The day aims to improve emergency care in rural and regional areas,” Dr Smith said.

“It’s all practical on the day with the use of a range of training tools along with equipment from the Emergency Department. GPs are involved in designing the training course and identifying the areas of focus.

“Participants on the day come from urgent care centres in the Loddon Mallee region and interstate”, Dr Smith said.

It’s the second time the EMET program has been held in Bendigo, with it last taking place in 2015. The training is funded through the Australasian College for Emergency Management (ACEM).