CareFlight delivers course for group of Aboriginal Health Practitioner students in remote NT

A group of Aboriginal Health Practitioner students have taken part in an emergency training course aimed at strengthening lifesaving skills in remote communities. SEE THE PICS.

Thomas McLean

@thomasjmcleann

less than 2 min read

May 8, 2025 - 12:04PM

A group of Aboriginal health practitioner students have taken part in a two-day emergency training course, delivered by CareFlight and Batchelor Institute. Picture: Supplied

A group of Aboriginal Health Practitioner students have taken part in a two-day emergency training course aimed at strengthening lifesaving skills in some of the Northern Territory’s most remote communities.

The program, delivered by CareFlight and Batchelor Institute, blended classroom learning with real-time, simulated exercises – covering everything from trauma and cardiac emergencies to infant respiratory illness and severe infection.

The course also featured high-pressure simulations that used CareFlight’s crash car to bring the emergency scenes to life.

Students watch on during the training course. Picture: Supplied

CareFlight Northern Operations General Manager Jodie Mills said the initiative reflected their focus on joint education and long-term support for First Nations health professionals.

“We’re proud to work alongside Aboriginal Health Practitioners – not just during patient retrievals, but in building skills and relationships that make a lasting difference,” she said.

“This training is one part of that bigger picture. It’s about strengthening care on Country and helping communities feel supported every step of the way.”

Students simulate a medical scene during the course. Picture: Supplied

CareFlight Clinical Educator Dean Blackney said the training equipped students with the skills required to deliver frontline healthcare in remote settings.

“Whether it’s a cardiac arrest or a sick baby, these are the kinds of high-stress situations that Aboriginal Health Practitioners face in community,” he said.

“This training is about helping them build the confidence and capability to respond when every second counts.”

A student during the training. Picture: Supplied

A spokesperson for the Batchelor Institute, a higher education provider for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, said it was important to combine clinical training with cultural connection.

“Our students are learning critical skills while staying grounded in their commitment to community,” the spokesperson said.

“This course supports both their professional growth and their role as trusted health leaders in the places they call home.”