ADDITIONAL training to better prepare pharmacists to cope with the stress of being confronted by armed robbers should be part of pharmacy schools' curriculums, Pharmacy Guild of Australia Northern Territory Branch President, Peter Hatswell, believes.
Speaking with ABC Alice Springs Breakfast host, Stewart Brash, yesterday, Hatswell praised the actions of a Tennant Creek pharmacist, who foiled an armed raid last week (PD 21 Jul).
During the hold-up the pharmacist managed to disarm the bandit, before unloading the breach.
"I think he did an amazing job," he said.
"It is really unfortunate that pharmacies do get held up and it can be very disturbing.
"It would be really good if we did get some training during schooling just to get us prepared."
However, he noted that even with training he didn't think pharmacy students could be fully prepared for "the stress and shock that happens when you get held-up".
"I've been held-up myself," Hatswell said.
"Someone came into the pharmacy when I was on duty and asked for drugs.
"It's very unsettling and I had to get a bit of counselling, and so did the other staff member."
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