NIISQ-funded Brain and Spinal Cord Injury in Trauma (BaSCI Trauma) training for regional, rural and remote clinicians

August 10, 2026
A photograph of a medical training session focused on breathing and airway clearance in spinal cord injury patients. Two instructors demonstrate practical techniques on a person lying on a table, with a screen displaying the title "Breathing ax & airway clearance - practical" and an image labelled "Spinal Cord Injury" in the background.

The National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland (NIISQ Agency) is proud to partner with Queensland Health, providing funding over two years for the development and implementation of the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury in Trauma (BaSCI Trauma) training program.

This includes specialised trauma training across twenty regional, rural and remote hospitals to advance the capability and skills of clinicians in managing traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cory injury (SCI).

It originates from the work of the Queensland Trauma Clinical Network (QTCN) and will be delivered through face-to-face, practical TBI and SCI one-day workshops with local trauma team training, emergency management principles and ward-based care content.

A photograph showing a group of people standing around a person lying on a medical examination table during a training or demonstration session. The setting appears to be a classroom or clinical environment with chairs, medical equipment, and individuals attentively observing or participating in the activity.

The training will be delivered by a multidisciplinary team comprising of an emergency consultant, nurse educator, and allied health clinician. Alongside the workshops, supporting video content will be developed to enable clinicians to revisit training materials, and a “train the trainer” model will establish local clinical champions to support ongoing capability building.

NIISQ Agency Acting Chief Executive Officer Gaenor Walker said the program reflected a commitment to improving outcomes for people seriously injured on Queensland roads.

“Individuals living with TBI and SCI face life-long impacts, and early care plays a critical role in their recovery,” Ms Walker said.

“Serious injuries often occur on remote and regional roads, where timely access to specialised care can be more challenging and has a significant impact on outcomes.”

A photograph of a medical training session focused on breathing and airway clearance in spinal cord injury patients. Two instructors demonstrate practical techniques on a person lying on a table, with a screen displaying the title "Breathing ax & airway clearance - practical" and an image labelled "Spinal Cord Injury" in the background.

Following a statewide expression of interest process through the QTCN, 14 locations have been selected for the first phase of delivery, with a further round planned for 2027.

The selected hospital sites include Mount Isa, Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Mackay, Emerald, Longreach, Chinchilla, Rockhampton, Cairns, Toowoomba, Hervey Bay, Townsville, Laidley and Goondiwindi.

Through initiatives like BaSCI Trauma, the NIISQ Agency is continuing to invest in practical, clinician-led solutions that strengthen local capability and support better outcomes for Queenslanders with serious injuries.

Last updated: August 2026