u/Famous-Regret-571

https://static.info.content.health.nz/docs/news/Aeromedical%20Commissioning%20Programme%20update%20Jul%202026%20appendix.pdf

Outcome of NZ's Aeromedical Commisioning Project has been to move away from a doctor/CCP model and to a CCP/paramedic model for its rotary wing operations.

Lots of debate - mostly on LinkedIn - which I found quite interesting with a few points I've highlighted below, and I'm not taking a position one way or the other.

- Rationale was that there is little-no evidence that doctor/CCP model produces better outcomes than CCP without doctor in NZ context.
- Most of the argument for benefit of doctor presence centres around complex decision making/oversight, which can potentially be replicated with back end/video conference support from base.
- ^ conversely, if doctors aren't regularly actually flying, how will they be sufficiently experienced to provide actually useful advice when asked.
- Many of the limitations on CCP's are artificial/those of governance structures, rather than technical ability.
- Some of the benefits of doctors experience will be mitigated by the fact that a proportion will be rotating registrars, who will still be learning the trade.
- Doctors undoubtedly have a unique critical care skill set and experience of the hospital interface that paramedics won't, and this probably can't be replicated by even the most skilled CCP and the benefit of this is likely to be hard to capture in clinical trials. For a similar reason - they can never fully replicate the skill set - a doctor/doctor model wouldn't be proposed.
- CCP/paramedic likely is cheaper to run, and it may be difficult to fully overlook financial considerations.

I’ve got my PCP in-person/practical exam coming up and I’m curious about how they run things here. I’ve done plenty of scenarios before, usually pretty chill, walk in, manikin on the floor, talk through assessments (e.g., "sitting up, good colour, perfused, do I have a pulse?"), and get a yes/no or whatever. Assuming it's a manikin rather than an actor. But I’m not entirely sure what to expect for the BC format.

Are there usually a couple of scenarios (medical/trauma, maybe an arrest)? Is it relaxed, or is there a very specific format they want to hear? Do they expect me to talk through everything (e.g., AVPU, primary/secondary surveys, interventions), or is it more about identifying the critical issue (e.g., "not breathing, start ventilations, then figure out if it’s diabetic/opioid")?

I’m not super familiar with local guidelines/drugs yet, but I’ve got a decent handle on most paramedic stuff. I’m assuming no tricks or super difficult scenarios at PCP level, but I’ve got no idea. Should I just walk in, do AVPU → primary survey → fix immediate threats → secondary survey → treat/transport, and talk through as I go?

Do they want specific dosages, or is that not part of the practical?

Any insights would be massively appreciated, just want to know what to expect so I can prep right.

Cheers!

Edit to add:

Does anyone know if there are any study or practice groups in Vancouver or nearby for the PCP exam? Mine’s in about 3 weeks, and I’m looking for some last-minute prep. Are these usually organized through the two colleges, or are there any independent groups?

Hey all,

Long-time lurker, paramedic, and occasional mountain guide here. I live rurally, so I follow both prepping and first aid communities closely.

Just a heads-up: there’s a new sub, r/FirstAidUK, that might interest folks here. It’s a broad space for pre-hospital medicine—from general first aid info to professional insights (ambulance crews, event medics, etc.). The goal is to foster a community where questions get reasoned, unpretentious answers, whether you’re a pro or just curious.

If you’re into first aid, emergency prep, or just want a UK-centric resource, check it out. All skill levels welcome.

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