University’s first paramedic graduates all land jobs

READY FOR THE FRONTLINE: Paramedic science graduates Danny Cooper and Sally McKee

The first paramedic science graduates at the University of Hull have all secured vital jobs with ambulance services across the country.

The university launched the degree three years ago following an approach from Yorkshire Ambulance Service to help tackle a worrying shortage of trained paramedics.

All 13 students who signed up have now graduated and are ready to join the front line and help save lives.

As the university helps respond to an alarming skills shortage within the NHS, it has announced every one of its graduates has been offered a full-time job as a paramedic.

Nicki Credland, Head of Department of Paramedical, Perioperative and Advanced Practice at the university, said: “This all started four or five years ago, when we had a conversation with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, and had the idea of launching a paramedic science undergraduate degree at Hull.

“Nationally there is a huge issue around paramedic recruitment, so the more graduates we can get trained up and onto the front line, the better.

"At the University of Hull, we are doing our bit to get student paramedics through the degree and into full-time positions."

‘THERE’S A HUGE ISSUE AROUND PARAMEDIC RECRUITMENT’: Senior lecturer Nicki Credland

Since the successful launch of the degree three years ago, the number of students on the course has increased. This September, almost 50 paramedic science students are expected to commence their studies.

The university said it will continue to play its part in supporting the region’s NHS and developing a highly-skilled healthcare workforce of the future.

Ms Credland said: “Students on the paramedic science course spend half of their time at university learning the theory – that involves a lot of simulation work and classroom-based teaching.

“The other half of their three-year degree is spent on clinical placement with the NHS; from GPs and ambulance services to mental health specialists. It helps students gain experience in a broad range of healthcare areas.

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE: University of Hull graduate Sally McKee

“It has been a challenging three years for these students, but they have all been absolutely outstanding, and I could not be prouder of them as they graduate and prepare for work as paramedics in the NHS.”

Students on the course at Hull learn how to treat and stabilise patients at the scene of an accident or emergency – in those crucial minutes when knowledge and ability can be the difference between life and death.

Paramedics respond to all manner of incidents, administer medication to patients, and provide the first line of care to those in need.