Written by Keely Prasalowski
Nem blong mi Keely (my name is Keely)!
I am a second year Bachelor of Paramedicine student and recently completed my Allied Health Placement in Vanuatu. I’ve compiled a list of tips I learnt along the way. I hope these are helpful if you’re planning an international placement!
Exchange Some Money Before Departing
When landing in Vanuatu the airport is nothing more than a small tin building with taxi’s waiting out the front. Regardless of your destination, I highly recommend converting a small amount of local currency before leaving Australia, so when you arrive, you’ll be able to get transportation to your accommodation.
Sort Out Your Sim Card
Before departing, research if you will have service in the country you are travelling to, if not locate where to purchase a local sim card. I didn’t… sorry Mum!
Learn the Local Language
‘You sick olsem wanem?’
The island locals speak Bislama. While triaging patients in the Emergency Ward of the local Hospital, using Bislama phrases was a quick way to gain trust and form a bond. With many patients, not having received healthcare in years. Whilst undertaking two days of placement within the maternity ward, I assisted with the birthing of multiple babies! Knowing some Bislama, I was able to provide some comfort and reassurance to the birthing mothers.
Embrace Cultural Differences
It’s important to adjust and (when appropriate) participate in the local culture. The Port Villa community is very friendly, a part of their culture when walking past someone on the street is to wave and say good morning/afternoon. Not doing so is a sign of rudeness and disrespect. Waving and smiling created a great atmosphere when walking to and from shifts.
Etiquette and Roundabouts!
Funny enough, Vanuatu drive on the right side of the road and travel through round-abouts the opposite way! This also meant when walking on the footpath you would move to the right-side if someone was approaching instead of sticking left. You also had to remember to look right first when crossing the road instead of left. My advice is even if you’re not driving around, watch how the roads work.
Learn the Equipment
Before arriving it’s important to understand there will be differences in health practices, procedures and equipment. The equipment used by the local Hospital and ProMedical Paramedics was different to the those I had learnt in practical classes. At the beginning of the placement, I spent some time practising and learning how the fluid bottles and cannulas worked. This ensured I felt comfortable using the equipment independently but also gave me more confidence for the placement.
Lastly, Make Friends!
Yes, its cheesy and everyone says it.
I formed some great friendships with the other Paramedic students on the placement and had the best time going to waterfalls and jungle ziplining together. I made connections with Med students from other universities. As they had been on the island for a few more weeks, they gave us great places to visit and snorkel!
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative
