Signed up for success – partnering for paramedic excellence

Ambulance Victoria (AV) and Victoria University (VU) have formalised a partnership to advance paramedic education, research, and training with the creation of Australia’s first Centre of Excellence in Paramedicine at the University’s Sunshine Campus. 

The new Centre cements the commitment of both organisations to work together on initiatives that will enhance the education and practice of paramedicine and represents a shared vision for fostering innovation and excellence in pre-hospital emergency care. 

Professor Adam Shoemaker, Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University, and Mr. Andrew Crisp AM APM, Interim CEO of Ambulance Victoria, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding that builds upon an existing strong partnership.  

Both leaders highlighted the significance of this collaboration, including the opening of AV’s first Capability Hub at VU Sunshine, in addressing the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. 

“This partnership is a practical step forward in bridging the expertise of our two organisations to create better outcomes for students, practitioners, and the Victorian community,” Mr. Crisp said.  

“By sharing knowledge and resources, we aim to set a new benchmark for paramedic education and emergency care delivery.” 

Professor Shoemaker echoed this sentiment. 

“The Centre of Excellence in Paramedicine is a symbol of our shared commitment to research, innovation and high-quality education,” Professor Shoemaker said.  

“Together, we are shaping the future of paramedicine practice in Australia.” 

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas and VU announced in February the joint $20 million investment to establish the nation’s first Centre of Excellence in Paramedicine.   

The Centre will focus on the following areas: 

• Spaces using digital and environmental technology. This will replicate real-life emergency scenarios, from large scale mass casualty events to incidents in the home.    
• Leadership and training hub to develop post qualification education in occupational priority areas such as in change management and leadership. 
• New Immersive Learning (course quality) focusing on redeveloping course material to enhance quality. Immersive Learning will be enabled by the simulation spaces providing modernised upgraded and expanded facilities that will support increasing the student experience and providing operational training techniques in a world class environment.  
• Meaningful industry partnerships embedded on site allowing for shared learning and co-designed post qualification training courses and simulation scenarios for health and emergency services workforce.   
• Research with impact focused on existing industry operational and occupational challenges faced by emergency and non-emergency services across the country. It will include fields such as leadership, change management, and workforce wellbeing.  
• Diversity actively recruit and support diverse students levering off earlier programs undertaken in paramedicine.   

Read more about VU paramedicine courses.