Emily Martin's UOW role is like something from a Hollywood film set.
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The University of Wollongong’s simulation lab technician mixes foods like chocolate icing, oats, soy sauce and creamed corn to make a cocktail mix realistic enough to replicate patient vomit in a hospital setting.
“I put in whatever looks gross so that when students go to a hospital it doesn’t shock them,” she said with a smile.
Replicating a realistic smell is not as easy, according to the 33-year-old who also makes wounds from latex molds that are stuck to mannequins and filled with movie set style fake blood, as well as excrement.
The wounds may be sutured, stapled or dressed, and it’s all part of training the next generation of health workers.
“Because we can’t use real stuff I have to make it as realistic as possible,” Ms Martin said.
“It’s not a difficult job, but it’s interesting and the university is a really good family friendly environment.”
Ms Martin is an studying for an English major at the university, and has more of an interest in the arts than stitching wounds.
“I don’t think I could be a nurse,” she said.
The campus’s simulation laboratory allows rural students the same study environment as their metropolitan peers.
“Because we’re not in the city our students haven’t had the same experiences as they would in Wollongong but this lab has brought Bega up to that standard,” Ms Martin said.
“Now every student is getting the same experience.”
The campus is currently accepting applications for next year’s Bachelor of Nursing course.
“When I take a potential student into the space and show them all the equipment they will be able to learn and practice on, I see their faces light up,” Bega campus manager Sam Avitaia said.
“They can see that it is not just theory in books but practical learning, and they can visualise themselves as nurses.”
The lab has been used by a range of organisations such as TAFE and Anglicare.