13 March 2025
Navy has undertaken the most comprehensive upgrade of its first response medical training in more than a quarter of a century.
From February, Navy medics undergoing higher learning will now complete the Extended Care Medics Course. With this qualification, medics will be able to manage a critically ill patient or casualty for up to 72 hours in maritime, remote and austere environments in the absence of a medical officer.
The new course is the latest evolution of the Clinical Managers Course, which has been operating since 2008, and before that, as the Leading Seaman Medical Course, founded in 2001.
Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Christopher Smith was on hand at the Clinical Managers Course final graduation in February, celebrating the end of an era.
“The Clinical Managers Course has provided Navy medics with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide competent, routine, primary and emergency clinical care in remote and isolated maritime and ADF environments for 25 years,” Rear Admiral Smith said.
“Improvements in the field of medicine and emergency care are continually evolving. Enhancing our advanced medics training to incorporate the latest in medical science ensures our people are receiving the best support to deliver the best possible medical care.”
Royal Australian Navy Medical School officer in charge, Lieutenant Commander Penny Stone, reaffirmed that graduates of the Clinical Managers Course and emerging Extended Care Medics Course received comprehensive emergency medical training, leaving the sailors just four units shy of a civilian Bachelor of Paramedicine.
“By delivering world-class medical training we are not just investing in our sailors now, but also in their future,” Lieutenant Commander Stone said.
“The upskilling and qualifications you receive from the Royal Australian Navy will stay with you for the rest of your life.”
'Improvements in the field of medicine and emergency care are continually evolving.'
Also present at the graduation was Director General Navy Health, Commodore Katherine Tindall, who congratulated the final cohort to complete the 35th and final Clinical Managers Course.
RAN Medical Clinical Manager Instructor Chief Petty Officer Ashley Rhodes acknowledged the efforts of the exemplary group of sailors.
“Your dedication, professionalism and compassion have been nothing short of inspiring,” Chief Petty Officer Rhodes said.
“You have worked tirelessly to ensure our naval personnel receive the best possible care, no matter the circumstances or location.”
Class 35 graduate Leading Seaman Kimberley Griffin said the Clinical Managers Course she completed in partnership with the University of Tasmania had equipped her with the specialised training, education and resources to assist in enhancing fleet capability.
“It is such as worthwhile qualification, as it does not just allow me to better serve Navy, but has provided me with the transferrable skills that are applicable with civilian healthcare, ensuring operational readiness and professional development,” she said.
Graduates of the Clinical Managers and emerging Extended Care Medics Courses are provided with career-enhancing qualifications, as they are specialised sailors desired for smaller, independent ships that do not crew senior medical staff.
This will further enhance Navy’s ability to provide the best possible medical care to its sailors on all current and future vessels, including the new offshore patrol vessels and submarines.
