This week, Aebhric OKelly talks with Pierto Batistoni, Grant Hollyoake, and Finn McNamara, who are currently going through the BSc Remote Paramedic Practice programme. They explore the experiences of paramedic students during their clinical placements in Tanzania, focusing on their integration with local medical staff, the challenges they face in emergency medicine, and the unique medical cases they encounter, particularly related to altitude sickness. The students share insights on their learning experiences, the skills they are developing, and the cultural aspects of living and working in Tanzania. They also discuss the importance of building relationships with local healthcare professionals and the impact of their experiences on their future careers in medicine.

Takeaways

The integration with local staff enhances learning and trust.

Emergency medicine in Tanzania presents unique challenges.

Improvised medical solutions are often necessary in resource-limited settings.

Altitude sickness is a common issue for climbers on Kilimanjaro.

Building relationships with local healthcare professionals is crucial.

Clinical placements provide hands-on experience in real-life scenarios.

Students experience a wide range of medical cases during their placements.

Cultural experiences enrich the overall learning process.

Living conditions can vary, impacting student experiences.

Advice for future students includes joining local networks for support.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Clinical Experiences in Tanzania

01:59 Diverse Backgrounds and Initial Challenges

04:16 Integration with Medical Staff

06:12 Experiences in the Emergency Department

07:46 Improvised Medical Practices

09:54 Common Injuries and Case Studies

12:08 Altitude-Related Illnesses

14:51 Clinical Skills and Learning Opportunities

20:21 Living Conditions and Accommodation

24:34 Leisure Activities and Cultural Experiences

27:17 Advice for Future Students