Paramedic science placements

Paramedic Science Students are able to study a Degree at University in order to learn the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to be able to provide reactive, autonomous care of a high quality.

Paramedics are essential frontline healthcare workers who provide vital care and support to those in need, in a wide range of different situations, treating anything from minor wounds to potentially life-threatening illnesses or injuries. They are required to work in often high pressure situations whilst remaining calm and comforting to those around them.

The skills of a paramedic are diverse and increasingly opportunities have arisen for paramedics to work in a wider range of settings. In recent years there has been more recognition that paramedics may have a valuable contribution for General Practice, with the possibility for a Paramedic to assist with tasks such as the triage, assessment and management of minor illnesses through to providing routine and urgent home visits to housebound patients.

Here we will find out more about hosting Paramedic Science Students in General Practice.

A Q & A session with Andy Hill, manager of the SOLAS Primary Care Network who recently hosted Paramedic Science Students for short placements within General Practice.

How did you come to host Paramedic Science Students?

Lincolnshire Training Hub had made contact looking for hosts for the students and as a PCN we were receptive to working together and providing placements for students and so it was a good fit for us all. As an ex-paramedic I am aware of the essential role that paramedics can play and was pleased to support bringing the students into General Practice.

Do you see a role for paramedics within the PCN?

Paramedics are included in the additional roles reimbursement scheme to work in General Practices and PCNs, this and hosting paramedic science student placements gives insight into how the role of a paramedic would work in the settings. Paramedics have a valuable role to play in primary care, providing urgent care with an aspect of social care/support as well. They are able to make home visits which can include helping to manage those that are frail or elderly and provide care such as suturing following minor injuries – this will help to prevent inappropriate or avoidable AE visits, hospital admissions and District Nurse visits.

How was your experience of having students in the General Practice settings in your PCN?

It has been a very positive experience, the students were all great; enthusiastic and well turned out, it has been a positive experience all around.

Has having students benefitted the PCN or individual Practices or staff members who worked with the students?

Yes, the teams and individual staff enjoyed working with students and learning from them and their roles as well.

Would you host students again?

Yes, as mentioned this has been a positive experience for all involved and has strengthened our view for students and we have now developed a programme of activities for any future students within our PCN.

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