Stuart Rose
FdSc Paramedic Science*
- Year of graduation: 2011
- Current job title: HEMS Paramedic
- Current employer: The Air Ambulance Service
- Company website: https://theairambulanceservice.org.uk/
- Industry sector: Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
Your University Journey
Why did you choose your course at UON?
I chose this course at UON because it gave me all the credentials and experience required to gain employment in a career I’m passionate about. The course was run by lecturers who still work in the ambulance service – they have a wealth of experience, which meant that their knowledge and understanding of pre-hospital care was kept up to date. The course also had strong links with the local ambulance service and hospitals, which meant there were lots of placement opportunities.
What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most and why?
The aspect I enjoyed the most was that the course consisted of a lot of practical learning. This ranged from the skills lab with a built-in ambulance, to pre-hospital and hospital-based placements. This allowed us to put into practice all the information we learnt from our lectures.
Your Placement
Did you complete a placement?
Yes – most of my placements were completed with East Midlands Ambulance Service, but also with Kettering General Hospital and community services. I would work closely with my assigned mentor and work as a student paramedic attending 999 and 111 calls. This allowed me to develop our patient assessment skills, use treatments and develop my knowledge on clinical diagnosis and patient referrals. I got exposure to all the other duties required as a paramedic – from equipment checks, safeguarding, using controlled drugs, emergency driving and working closely with other healthcare professionals.
Please describe how your placements benefitted you?
Placements allowed me to develop the skills and experience of working directly with patients in a number of settings. Learning on the job with the safety net of your mentor with you is the best way to develop confidence.
What employability skills did you develop during your placements?
I developed lots of employability skills during my placements. These ranged from communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to build and develop relationships, working independently and as part of a team, time management and prioritisation of tasks.
How do you think placements helped you to gain employment after graduating?
They gave me the knowledge and understanding of working for an ambulance service which was directly relatable to the job I was applying for. This gave me experiences to draw upon to answer questions during my interview.
Do you have any tips on applying or getting the most benefit from your placement?
Embrace placements as much as possible and build good relationships with your mentors. Make sure that you go prepared and have clear objectives to achieve at the start of your placements. Remember this is an adult learning environment and the opportunity to get to work with patients while we learn is such a privilege.
What advice would you give a student about to begin a placement?
Make sure that you turn up early and look professional. Small things like offering drinks or bringing biscuits go a long way. Ensure that you try to talk to all members of staff regardless of where they work. Building professional relationships is so important, so make sure you’re not glued to your phone.
Extra-curricular activities
Did you do any extra-curricular activities while at UON?
Yes, I was a member of the Ski and Snowboarding Society and went on the yearly trips and regular socials.
How did these extra-curricular activities enhance your career prospects?
By developing my teamwork and social skills.
Your Career Journey
How do you think your studies have helped your career or personal development?
My studies were essential for me to get a career as a paramedic – the course provided all the necessary skills and knowledge required to gain my professional registration. It also allowed me to grow personally, developing my confidence.
Describe your career progression so far, and any plans you have for the future. Are there any particular hurdles you may face?
Once I qualified as a paramedic, I got a job working for East Midlands Ambulance Service. While working there I was able to do additional University modules, which has allowed me to gain a full degree. There are lots of additional courses you can do whilst working which include, trauma courses, advance life support, operational commander courses, to name a few. There are multiple routes for progression within the ambulance service. My most recent role was Divisional Senior Clinical Leader before leaving the NHS, and I now work for The Air Ambulance Service as a HEMS Paramedic. In the future I’ll be undertaking my master’s so I can become a critical care paramedic.
Which, if any, skills and knowledge/understanding gained on your degree are most useful in your current role?
The core skills and knowledge I developed on my degree have been the foundation for all my roles over the years. Scene management, patient assessment, pathophysiology, emergency care and clinical interventions, leadership skills.
Your advice
In one sentence, what advice would you give to undergraduates interested in this career path or anything you wish you had known earlier?
Gain as much patient experience prior to applying – either through work or volunteering. This is one of the best careers you could choose – it’s challenging, but truly is a privilege.
In ten words, or less how would you summarise your UON experience?
An integral and positive part of who I am today.
* UON no longer offers a FdSc in Paramedic Science, but you can study Paramedic Science BSc (Hons).