Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences School of Health Sciences BSc Paramedic Science

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1 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences School of Health Sciences BSc Paramedic Science Winner Whatuni.com Student Choice Awards

2 Paramedic Science at the University of East Anglia Our Paramedic Science degree (subject to HCPC approval) offers you the chance to train for a career in a rapidly expanding and exciting field. A paramedic is usually the first senior healthcare professional at an accident or medical emergency, rapidly assessing the patient s condition and giving essential treatment if required, so well-prepared paramedics are a valued commodity. As part of their role, they may administer life-saving drugs and use high-tech equipment, such as ventilators, defibrillators, electrocardiograph (ECG) machines, spinal and traction splints, and intravenous drips. Paramedics are required to make potentially life-saving decisions every day and there are lots of exciting job opportunities available. The role of a paramedic can be very demanding, both physically and mentally and at times it can be very stressful; at others rewarding knowing you are making a difference. Paramedics are usually one of a two-person ambulance crew, working with an ambulance technician or emergency care assistant, but may also work independently, for example in a rapid response vehicle. This exciting course offers a balance between face-to-face contact using a range of educational methods including enquirybased learning, simulation and scenario work, teaching of essential clinical skills, decision-making, evidence-based practice and research skills, lectures, workbooks and flexible learning, together with a range of inter-professional learning experiences with medical students, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and allied health professionals across a range of programmes.

3 I have since graduating and gaining employment with the ambulance service saved a number of lives. The most memorable greatest achievement so far was saving the life of a 48 year old male who was having a heart attack and went into cardiac arrest. After prompt life-saving treatment in his home he was transferred to hospital for further treatment; the gentleman was able to return home for Christmas to his wife and three young boys. Alan Bell, Emergency Ambulance Paramedic, EEAS NHS Trust Our Teaching Methods In order to make sure you have access to the full range of educational resources and simulation mannequins, your learning week will sometimes include evening and Saturday teaching; when you are on placement you will follow the normal shift pattern of your mentor so you can experience care delivery 24/7. This will prepare you for the real world, helping you to develop your skills working within teams, understanding the roles and skills of other members of health and social care teams and working collaboratively to meet the needs of patients and their families. You will also be able to apply your developing knowledge and skills across a range of placements in the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) alongside other community and hospital-based locations throughout the three years of your degree. Our Key Practice Partner This course has been developed collaboratively with EEAST, which ensures we are providing an innovative, researchled programme which produces excellent graduates, who are fit for work at the front line of the NHS. As well as employment opportunities within NHS ambulance services, paramedics are employed within private ambulance services and have opportunities to specialise within critical care, 1st contact care for example, working in walk-in centres and GP practices as well as with the police and courts. Experienced paramedics can undertake additional training enabling them to work on their own, utilising a rapid response vehicle (RRV), motorbike or even a bicycle to reach their patients and may also work as part of an air ambulance team. Course Support There is lots of support available to you during the programme. You will have an allocated Tutor (Personal Adviser) on hand for any course concerns, with whom you will regularly review your progress and learning needs. Whilst you are attending placements, you will be supported by an experienced clinician mentor. For more information please visit our website: Year 1 You will focus on establishing a firm foundation for paramedic practice, which incorporates modules on practice-based learning, key clinical and assessment skills and professional practice, psychosocial aspects of practice, evidence-based practice, communication and personal development. Modules include: Foundations of Paramedic Practice (includes Practice- Based Learning 1); Communication and Personal Development; Evidence-Based Practice 1; Psychosocial Aspects of Out of Hospital Care; Practice-Based Learning 2. Year 2 You will progress into more complex patient management and decision-making situations, exploring current issues in paramedic and out of hospital practice and developing confidence and skills in critical care. You will also further develop your research awareness, service improvement and teamwork skills. Modules include: Developing Paramedic Practice (includes Practice-Based Learning 4); Current Issues in Paramedic and Out of Hospital Practice; Evidence-Based Practice 2; Critical Care (includes Practice-Based Learning 3). Year 3 You will cover enhanced clinical assessment and decision-making for 1st contact care, practice education, leadership, service improvement and be prepared for the transition into practice as an independent registered paramedic. Modules include: Clinical Assessment, Examination and Decision Making Skills (Primary/Urgent Care includes Practice-Based Learning 5); Studies Outside Paramedicine (includes Non- Assessed Elective); Leadership, Practice Education, Teamwork and Transition into Paramedic Practice (includes Practice-Based Learning 6); Service Improvement Project.

4 BSc Paramedic Science The role of a paramedic can be very demanding, both physically and mentally and at times it can be very stressful; at others rewarding knowing you are making a difference. Paramedics are required to make potentially life-saving decisions every day and there are lots of exciting job opportunities available. For further information T E admissions@uea.ac.uk UCAS code B780 A level (typical offer): ABB including a Science subject International Baccalaureate: 32 to include a Science at HL BTEC: Distinction, Distinction, Merit with at least 6 credits in a Science subject Length of course: 3 years Being a Paramedic A paramedic is usually the first senior healthcare professional at an accident or a medical emergency. Working on their own or with an emergency care assistant they will rapidly assess the patient s condition and give essential treatment if required. As part of their role, they may administer life-saving drugs and use high-tech equipment, such as ventilators, defibrillators, electrocardiograph (ECG) machines, spinal and traction splints, and intravenous drips. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) states that paramedics are first contact practitioners, which means paramedics need to have current knowledge, competencies and clinical practice experience so they can assess, treat, make appropriate referrals and put in place effective management plans for their patients (College of Paramedics, 2013: Paramedic Evidence Based Education Project). The Role The role of a paramedic can be very demanding, both physically and mentally and at times it can be very stressful and upsetting; at others rewarding knowing you are making a difference. They are usually one of a two-person ambulance crew, with an ambulance technician or emergency care assistant to assist them. Experienced paramedics with additional training will often work on their own and use a rapid response vehicle (RRV) or even a bicycle to reach their patients. Paramedics who wish to work on an air ambulance may be required to study at university to Master s level and undergo additional training with senior doctors and paramedics. These positions are highly sought after and paramedics will have to demonstrate they have the underpinning knowledge and competence to work at this level. When a paramedic arrives at the scene, they will rapidly assess the patient s condition and take potentially life-saving decisions about the treatment needed. If appropriate, they ll then administer the treatment and if required rapidly transport the patient to the most appropriate hospital, speaking to senior medical/nursing staff on route. Paramedics are now carrying out procedures on patients and administering drugs that were once only carried out by senior doctors in hospitals. Paramedics work in what is in effect a mobile emergency clinic and resuscitate/stabilise patients using sophisticated techniques, equipment and drugs. The paramedic s role is evolving and paramedics may find themselves working in a wide variety of clinical settings. Paramedics who work in the NHS may find they have the opportunity for further development and they may receive additional education and training that would lead to employment as an emergency care practitioner, critical care paramedic or an educator. Most paramedics will work for the NHS, however, some find work in the armed forces, with private ambulance services and in doctors surgeries, urgent care and walk-in centres or hospitals.

5 The course provided me with the knowledge and skills to work as an independent paramedic practitioner within only a few months of joining the ambulance service. Alan Bell, Emergency Ambulance Paramedic, EEAS NHS Trust (pictured below) A Typical Day A paramedic will normally start their 12 hour day or night shift at an ambulance station and once they have completed all their checks will be sent out to a standby location. This may be a police station, fire station, doctors surgery or a lay by, or they may be sent straight out on an emergency call. Emergency calls vary considerably and paramedics may find themselves responding to a patient who has fallen and injured themselves, a patient who has life-threatening breathing problems, a pregnant lady in labour or a victim in cardiac arrest. Paramedics work closely with a wide variety of health professionals from midwives and general practitioners to senior consultants in cardiology and accident and emergency departments. They also deal with patients relatives and members of the public, some of whom may be emotionally distraught, anxious or aggressive. Paramedics regularly work alongside the police and fire brigade. Students in the School of Health Sciences based in the Edith Cavell Building. Career Development With further experience, you might take on one of the developing roles in the community. Here you could be based in one of a number of different settings, such as a GP surgery, minor injuries unit or hospital accident and emergency department. Specialist paramedics in Critical Care, First Contact (also called Emergency Care Practitioners) and Hear and Treat (telephone triage) roles may be found working in a variety of environments, for example in rapid response cars, air ambulances, as expedition paramedics, either working alone or as part of a team alongside other health and emergency services. Specialist paramedic practitioners have additional skills in managing patients with minor injury, minor illness and primary care needs (College of Paramedics, 2010). Critical care paramedics have advanced skills in managing critical injury or illness, for example trauma patients and/or those needing specialised transport by road or air. They work alone or as part of a team, for example on an air ambulance or specialist road ambulance. Specialist paramedics study at degree and/or postgraduate level. You will usually need extra training and qualifications for this. David Shepherd Paramedic, EEAS NHS Trust What is the most rewarding aspect of your current role? The most rewarding aspect of being a paramedic is having a positive influence on patient care whether that be providing emergency care for time critical patients, for example patients who are having an MI, CVA or suffering major trauma or providing a more holistic approach to patients in need of more social support. This includes elderly patients who have suffered falls and need a multidisciplinary approach, for example occupational therapy or physiotherapy support. What were the key skills you learnt whilst studying at UEA? I learnt that it was important to be aware of and study all the sciences in order to have a positive impact on patient care. Not only did this include anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology but also sociology, psychology and pharmacology. I also learnt that paramedics are part of a wider disciplinary team that often engage with patients at the beginning of an illness which can often last a long time. It is important that paramedics promote good care which reflects the wider NHS. How have these skills made a difference in your career development? I believe being university educated makes you a more rounded and informed practitioner. I feel my course allowed me to link theory to practice and consider an evidence-based approach. Whilst it is important to consider protocols and guidelines it is also important to make patient-focused decisions with often lateral thinking in order to provide them with the best overall care.

6 Further Information Undergraduate Admissions School of Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences University of East Anglia Norwich Research Park Norwich NR4 7TJ T +44 (0) F +44 (0) E admissions@uea.ac.uk W facebook.com/ueaofficial Acknowledgements Photography: The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), The Photographic Unit and Pete Huggins.