Medical education and training
The SARC education and training team provides education opportunities for professionals, volunteers and students in Western Australia.
eLearning
Early response to sexual assault in WA
Information for health care workers in using the new SARC Kits when responding to sexual assault in adolescent and adult patients.
New SARC Kits for early response to sexual assault are being launched across WA in April 2025 and have replaced the previous version of the Early Evidence Kit (EEK). This package aims to support health care workers in using the new Kits.
To access the Early Response to Sexual Assault in WA eLearning package:
- WA Health employees: access through MyLearning (external site) search the catalogue for "SARC".
Videos and supporting documents are also available on the staff SARC Education SharePoint (external site). - Private WA Hospitals please contact your Education and Training department for access.
- Aboriginal Medical Services sites and other organisations who stock Early Evidence Kits please complete a form (external site) to receive a password.
- Mining industry: access to the eLearning is not yet available. Updates will be provided soon.
Non-fatal strangulation
Information on the medical and forensic assessment and management of patients who present after non-fatal strangulation.
- Suitable for medical, nursing and allied health staff
- Includes information on medical and forensic assessment and management of NFS
- Addresses safety risks when NFS occurs in the context of domestic violence
- Consists of seven modules, containing short videos
- Modules can be accessed independently of each other
To access the NFS eLearning package:
- WA Health employees: access through MyLearning (external site)
Note: this package is only available to select disciplines. If the package is relevant to your role, it will display on your MyLearning dashboard. If the package doesn’t display and you would like to apply, please complete the guest access process below. - Guests (outside of WA Health): complete a form (external site) to request a login which will be emailed to you.
Sexual assault and responding to disclosures (psychosocial)
- Approximately 2 hours duration
- Free of charge
- Certificate issued on completion
Access to eLearning package
- WA Health employees: access through MyLearning (external site) (If you work outside NMHS and have difficulty accessing the package, please contact the MyLearning team at your HSP).
- Guests (outside WA Health): complete form (external site) to request a login which will be emailed to you within several days.
Teaching: face-to-face and online
Forensic Training Program
SARC delivers the Forensic Training Program three times a year, once in Perth and twice at regional locations. Regional Forensic Training Programs are organised on a rotating schedule and funded by the relevant WACHS district. Any doctors or RNs working in regional areas, or intending to do so, are eligible to apply to attend a Forensic Training Program. WACHS is responsible for offering places on the Forensic Training Programs.
- Course overview (PDF)
- Three full days
- Suitable for regional doctors, registered nurses, midwives
- Successful participants will be qualified to collect forensic specimens following sexual assault as approved by WA legislation, Criminal Investigation Act Amendment 2011.
2026 dates
- Perth April 21-23
- Broome June 9-11
- Pilbara TBC
The fee for the Perth course is $2000pp.
WACHS may cover costs for selected WACHS employees.
Expressions of interest
- Doctors, Midwives and Registered Nurses working for Western Australian Country Health Service (WACHS) - EOI information (PDF)
- Doctors, Midwives and Registered Nurses working outside WACHS - EOI information (PDF)
Forensic half-day refresher
Suitable for RNs, midwives and doctors, from all regions, who have successfully completed SARC’s 3-day Forensic Training Program. It is recommended that a half-day refresher is completed every 3 years. For 2026 this course will be provided free of charge.
2026 dates
- Perth: April 24; 9am-12.30pm
- Broome: June 12; 9am-12.30pm
- Pilbara: Date TBC; 9am-12.30pm
Please gain necessary permissions from your employer/line manager prior to registering.
Metropolitan hospital presentations
SARC can provide education for metropolitan hospital staff on the emergency management of sexual assault and using SARC forensic kits (including Early Evidence Kits).
Please email SARCTraining@health.wa.gov.au with your request.
Presentations for medical students
The SARC medical forensic team deliver presentations to UWA, Curtin and Notre Dame medical schools.
Please email SARCTraining@health.wa.gov.au with your request. A fee may be associated with attendance.
Presentations for other agencies
The SARC medical forensic team can deliver education sessions for GPs at GP-specific educational events, WA Police, the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions, St John Ambulance, and other agencies.
Please email SARCTraining@health.wa.gov.au with your request. A fee may be associated with attendance.
Information and resources
Multiple information fact sheets are available for free download:
