Plymouth Prepares Paramedics of the Future

The University of Plymouth recently launched its hotly anticipated BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practitioner course. This degree combines paramedic and emergency care practitioner developments for pre-registration students.

After attracting interest from over 300 prospective students, 32 successful applicants began their three-year programme in September and have just completed their first term. Taught by practising professionals in state-of-the-art, purpose built clinical surroundings, the three year degree will equip students with the necessary skills and train them to the highest standards, as Programme Leader, Annie Jenkin says; "The role of the 21st century paramedic is a far cry from the traditional role. It is a dynamic and diverse career that demands more competencies than ever before. Our students are studying as close to the real world as possible so they develop cutting edge skills and are ready for environments that are challenging an unpredictable."

The students have hit the ground running in their first term, learning different theoretical and practical skills from bandaging, through to river rescue and rope throwing, recognition and management of cardiac arrest, life support skills and defibrillation. They have also had the opportunity to go out on placement with South Western Ambulance Service Paramedics, where they have more than impressed their mentors, as one said of a student, "She got involved from the start! Helped me in the reduction of a dislocated ankle in one patient and for another patient, assisted to manage a severe asthmatic attack, and attended another patient with a suspected abdominal injury following a fall. So, all in all, not a bad start for her first 3 days in practice!"

The students ended their first term by demonstrating their practical skills in front of the Health Minister, Ben Bradshaw who commented on the motivation and skill of the cohort

To find out more about the course please go to:
http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/course.asp?id=3409