The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) conducted its yearly training event on 6 December 2023. This event brought together participants from ISLHD Emergency Departments (ED) in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, and Milton Ulladulla Hospitals, alongside personnel from NSW Ambulance, NSW Ambulance Medical Retrieval Service, and NSW Police Rescue.

The training day offered a valuable platform for representatives across the health and emergency sectors to practise their skills through simulations involving critically unwell patients. 

From left to right: Kent, Chiahni, Andrew, Heidi, Lachlan, Ritvik, Josh, Annette and Melissa

These simulations covered various aspects such as retrieval, triage, treatment, and team coordination, challenging participants in new ways. Over 100 coordinators and participants were involved in this immersive educational experience. 

The training day took place on a property at Rose Valley, drawing attendees from the community and media eager to witness these uncommon scenarios. One of the highlights involved a staged tractor and car collision, realistically portraying an accident unfolding in real-time on the field.

Since its inception in 2018, simulations in previous years have occurred at various locations within the district, encompassing sites like Jerrara Dam and Killalea State Park. These simulations entailed diverse scenarios such as adult and paediatric trauma, burns and drowning incidents.