Trainees on the BSc Paramedic Science programme have recently welcomed the arrival of a new ambulance for scenario-based training.
University of Plymouth paramedic students develop a range of professional skills, and their current training centre at Plymouth Science Park boasts a small house, complete with a lounge, bathroom and bedroom, for realistic skills training, as well as a newly decommissioned ambulance.
The ambulance, a gift to the university by the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, will be used by over 200 university undergraduates each year as they develop their skills before and alongside placement in the community.
The ambulance will be used for scenario-based training to help students get used to working in a confined space, become competent at loading/unloading patients using the powered ramp, and to familiarise themselves with where equipment is stored within the standardised vehicles.
The ambulance will also be used for school and college visits to teach important first aid skills and raise career aspirations.
Jon Green, programme lead for the Bachelor of Paramedic Science at the University of Plymouth, said:
“We are extremely grateful to the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust for the donation of a decommissioned ambulance to support the training of future paramedics, and would like to personally thank SWASFT’s Chief Executive, Will Warrender, for this invaluable gift which will be instrumental in the training of hundreds of paramedics for many years to come.”
Fay Davies, business development manager at Plymouth Science Park, said:
“The Park is home to a range of healthcare and medical professionals, and we are proud to play our part in the high-quality training of the next generation of healthcare professionals via the University of Plymouth Paramedic Science programme. The arrival of the new ambulance is a great asset to the course providers, and we look forward to coming and taking a look at the simulation activities in action.”
