First group of student paramedics hit the road

The Trust’s first group of student paramedics are taking a momentous step in their careers this week as they join the frontline to treat patients.

The students finished their blue light driver training at Barton Mills on Friday (20^th June), as part of the initial training of their two-and-a-half year course to become fully qualified paramedics. They will now start work at stations and have been allocated a mentor whilst they progress their education to qualify as a registered paramedic.

Consultant Paramedic Marcus Bailey closed the training course on Friday and said: “Over the next two years they will work towards their qualifications that will lead to eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council. Our students have a vital role in our future success in providing quality care for our patients.”

Student paramedics David and Stefan spoke of their joy at passing the initial training.

David, felt "blessed and privileged" to be joining: "That's something wonderful about the NHS - it makes life so much better for me and people like me who want to do something different."

Stefan, added: "You won't find a job like the ambulance service. I've worked in healthcare before so seeing patients won't be different, but it's been in a different environment and with a different ethos, so I'm looking forward to getting into the way the ambulance service does it."

For a behind the scenes look at the new student paramedic training course, watch the video with our group in Chelmsford.