AAP qualification success

Congratulations to Stuart Warsop and Adam Fardon, from Beechdale Ambulance Station, for being the first two East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) Nottinghamshire staff members to qualify as Ambulance Technicians on the new Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP) programme.

The AAP qualification was introduced last year and replaced the IHCD qualification. It is a level 4 portfolio based qualification that involves several methods of assessment. Students are trained in house by EMAS Clinical Education Team and undergo OSCE exams, written examinations, observed practice and a 42 unit portfolio; which covers things such as anatomy and physiology, safeguarding, infection prevention and control, adult and paediatric assessment and management of trauma.

Under the new programme students also have to complete a minimum of 750 operational hours, and are supported by their colleagues and clinical support managers (CSMs).

Caroline Scott, Clinical Practice Tutor, said: “They have both worked extremely hard to achieve this new award and the dedication they have demonstrated throughout the last year has been second to none. I am very proud of both of them and wish them all the very best in their new role.”

The Clinical Education Team work closely with divisional CSMs to deliver the new qualification. The course is modular, which means students spend time in the education centre learning the theory and practice and then several weeks back in division under supervision of the CSMs to consolidate their new skills.