KEEP IN TOUCH
(07) 3105 7800
Turrbal and Jagera Country
Level 4, 348 Edward Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
Over the weekend of the 28-29 March, 18 remote and rural doctors and nurses came together in Cairns to take part in an intensive, hands-on Trauma Workshop focused on building confidence and capability in managing trauma presentations in rural settings.
Delivered by Health Workforce Queensland across two full days, the workshop centred on realistic scenarios, facilitated simulations and skills‑based stations that reflected the trauma emergencies rural health professionals are most likely to encounter. Every participant advised they would likely recommend the workshop to a colleague, highlighting its relevance and practical value.
One participant shared,
“As always, very entertaining and well presented. I gained a lot of knowledge and was updated on a lot of previously held beliefs about trauma.”
Managing Severe Trauma - Day One
Day one focused on the management of severe trauma, beginning with facilitated simulation sessions that guided participants through preparation, resuscitation, and team‑based decision‑making using appropriate drugs, equipment and protocols. Practical skills stations allowed participants to refine techniques including splinting, pelvic binders and tourniquet use, reinforcing best‑practice approaches in high‑pressure situations.
Interactive workshops followed on trauma imaging and procedural skills. Participants rotated through stations covering trauma X‑ray interpretation including chest, pelvis, cervical spine and limb imaging, alongside ultrasound image review. Needle skills sessions provided hands‑on practice in critical procedures such as chest decompression, intercostal catheter insertion and intra‑osseous access.
Special trauma case discussions rounded out the day, exploring burns, spinal injuries and head injury presentations, with an emphasis on rural decision‑making and escalation pathways.
One delegate reflected,
“I have gained more confidence in attending to trauma emergencies.”
Expanding Trauma Skills - Day Two
The second day broadened the focus to include less severe trauma, such as assessing and clearing trauma patients presenting with sore necks, chest pain or seatbelt injuries. Practical plastering and joint skills sessions covered single‑limb trauma, dislocations, manipulations under anaesthetic and trauma POPs.
Case‑based discussions addressed trauma management in special populations, including older patients, pregnancy and bariatric care. This was followed by a dedicated face and eye trauma skills session, where participants practised procedures such as rapid rhino insertion and lateral canthotomy in a supported, supervised environment.
The workshop concluded with an in‑depth paediatric trauma session, highlighting key differences between adult and paediatric trauma, common injury patterns and the use of decision‑support tools in rural practice.
Participants consistently praised the quality of the teaching and its relevance to rural general practice:
“Presenters are the best in the business!!”
“Very suitable and interactive for rural GPs.”
Strong Engagement and Practical Outcomes
Throughout the weekend, small‑group activities and hands-on skills stations ensured every participant had the opportunity to practise procedures, ask questions and apply learning in a safe, supportive environment.
By the end of the weekend, it was clear the workshop had resonated. Strong engagement, positive feedback and a unanimous willingness to recommend the experience reflected a high level of participant satisfaction and confidence in the learning they took away.
