Apprentice Paramedic Review

My role is a emergency ambulance technician training to be a paramedic. Emergency and urgent care provided to members of the public including life support, wound care, social services and transporting patients to hospital. My role includes medical interventions such as cannulation and medication administration. Working alongside a qualified paramedic.

I have developed my existing technician skills such as communication, patient assessment and management of the acutely and chronically ill patient. I have developed paramedic skills such as working autonomously, cannulation and expanded my knowledge in medication administration of drugs carried and been able to be given by a paramedic.

I have enjoyed up skilling and learning new skills related to the role of paramedic however the course is very intense and trying to fit in study time as well as working full time as come with some challenges. Overall I feel that the course will benefit me in the long term.

First year of the programme appeared to be quite unorganised and at times we didn't really know what we was doing an what was expected, however this second year seems to be more organised and structured giving clear instruction on what we will be doing and what is expected of us.

Support from my employer as been quite limited. I do have a practice educator who I have had little contact with and my DCLS has been more involved this past 6 months, attending tripartite meetings and giving advice and support. The employer as a whole could provide more support though.

Support from the training provider in the first year appeared quite limited. Although they offered support in person when trying to get hold of them via email/phone for queries, as a cohort we struggled to get responses timely. We often was told where the information was that we needed.

The qualification as a whole will help me in my role giving me the knowledge and skills to do the job well. I have gained a deeper understanding of what is required of me and how I can continue to develop within the role with the added skills of a paramedic.

At work there are several social groups such as walking, cycling and social groups as well continuous professional development activities. These are usually run by colleagues and not the employer but the professional development courses are run by the employer and you can access these in your free time if you wish to.

Yes

Overall as an employer, they are approachable and friendly. They provide support as and when needed and offer advice and guidance. Occassionaly there can be mis- communication and conflict but this is expected in any large business. Overall I am happy with my employment and enjoy the work that I do.

Having a full understanding of the role and the job description. Expect to be flexible and used to change as things can change at short notice. Generally a feeling of being a bum on a seat can sometimes make you feel unappreciated so expect to work independently knowing support is there if you need it.