Fit to graduate - Perceptions of paramedicine students' physical preparation for the physical role of the paramedic:A pilot study

Introduction<br/><br/>Across paramedicine undergraduate degrees in Australia there are variations in physical preparation activities embedded in work integrated learning (WIL) activities or the curriculum. This study therefore aims to assess the perceptions of student paramedics regarding physical preparation activities for the paramedic role in the undergraduate paramedicine degree program at Charles Sturt University (CSU).<br/><br/>Methods:<br/>In this pilot study, 12 paramedicine students studying an undergraduate paramedicine degree completed a three-minute step test (3MST20), a grip strength test, two employment based physical fitness tests, including the Ottawa Paramedic Physical Abilities Test (OPPATTM) and the New South Wales Ambulance musculoskeletal assessment, followed by brief perception questionnaires after each physical test. <br/>Qualitative data relating to student perceptions of their physical preparation for the Australian paramedicine context is analysed through content analysis.<br/><br/>Results<br/>Data analysis for the pilot study is underway and complete findings will be available for presentation. Some initial key findings include that participants feel underprepared for the role based on the undergraduate degree curriculum and there are perceived to be no physical fitness preparation activities. Student paramedics would like to see relevant, specific, curriculum based physical preparation programs. <br/><br/>Conclusion<br/>Further work is needed to assess the practicality of integrating existing, standardised and evidenced based physical employment requirements into the CSU undergraduate paramedicine degree program perhaps as a part of WIL pre-requirements, however, it appears to be important to paramedicine students.<br/><br/>