SCAS' Graduating Class of 2011

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust (SCAS) are celebrating the success a group of new Paramedics and Emergency Care Practitioners, who have recently graduated from the University
of Portsmouth with a Foundation Degree in Paramedic Science and Emergency Care Practice.

Foundation Degree in Paramedic Science
The graduating group of 17 embarked on the Foundation Degree in Paramedic Science in October 2008 and today saw the culmination of 3 years of hard work and dedication to become a Paramedic in the Hampshire division of South Central Ambulance Service.

In 2008, qualified Ambulance Technicians, as well as students from varying backgrounds (who started the full-time course in 2009) started the Foundation Degree in Paramedic Science which would see them spend time at the University of Portsmouth, on the road with SCAS, and in a variety of clinical placements in local NHS Trusts. The course was specially designed to meet the local needs of Ambulance Trusts by integrating practical education, advance theory and operational clinical supervision.

Emergency Care Practice The graduating group of 8 embarked on the Emergency Care Practitioner course and today represents the conclusion of 2 years hard work and dedication to become an Emergency Care
Practitioner (ECP).

Emergency Care Practitioners join the course as Paramedics or Nurses, and leave the course as ECPs! As with the Paramedics, they've spent their time on the course working a mixture of
University based training as well as on the road practical work, which also includes spending time with qualified ECP's. Now they are qualified, they will be able to offer an extended range of
treatments, which in some cases can ensure that patients can be treated in their own homes and 26 July 2011 thus preventing them from unnecessary hospitalisation. Some of the treatments they are skilled in are wound assessment & closure, minor head injuries and minor illness assessment (such as headaches, sore throat and earache assessment among a wide variety of other conditions).

Ian Teague, Head of Education at SCAS said "I am delighted to see so many staff from SCAS achieve these Academic awards. Receiving these qualifications follows years of hard work, and personal sacrifice. SCAS have staff of the highest calibre and awarding the Paramedic Foundation Degree and ECP BSc proves their commitment to patient care and life long learning".

Tom Davies, Graduating Student Paramedic said "The last 3 years have taught us theoretically and operationally, enabling us to now register with the Health Professions Council, under the title of 'Paramedic'.

The University of Portsmouth and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust have worked hard in producing the course, which we've thoroughly enjoyed.

In-hospital placement and the ability of
working amongst our peers and experienced supervisory colleagues, has further increased our skill, experience and knowledge.

I am looking forward to gaining my Paramedic registration in the next few weeks, along with the rest of my course mates. Practicing as a Paramedic will allow us to offer better patient care to the residents and visitors to Hampshire"
Ross Smith, Graduating Emergency Care Practitioner said "I am elated that the course has come to an end and everyone has done so well. That is testament to everyone's hard work"

SCAS would like to congratulate the graduating class of 2011, and wish them well in their pursuit of excellence in patient care.