Guest blog - progressing from an EMT to a paramedic

Emergency medical technician Vicki Gilbey, who's been based at Cambridge station since 2005, tells us the course at the University of Northampton has started...

I’ve been in pursuit of progression for some time so I was very happy to read about the paramedic pathway offered by the Trust in Need to Know.

The 18-month programme appealed to me. I like the balance of University study weeks and working on the road on my normal rota, which allows a gradual approach of taking on new information and skills. The foundation degree aspect means on completion of the course I will have a formal qualification that is widely recognised and which also offers ‘top-up’ options for a BSc degree.

So far, we have been preparing for the year ahead, familiarising ourselves with study skills and academic writing. Our first two modules are in anatomy and physiology for pre-hospital care and professional studies for paramedics. When we go on the road, we will have nominated paramedic mentors, who we will work with for 60% of our shifts. We also have a portfolio and study skills module to complete this year.

We have now completed our first two-week study block and we have been really impressed. The course appears very well set up and very well organised and we have a comprehensive timetable. There is certainly a lot to get through but expectations are clear and the support that is available via personal tutors feels reassuring.

Vicki Gilbey
EMT, Cambridge