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Lucy Andrews

Lucy
Andrews

United Kingdom
I chose to study here as the facilities they provide, in addition to their team of lecturers, made me feel reassured that the teaching and delivery of material would be of a high standard.

More about Lucy

Why NTU?

What inspired you to study BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science?

"The decision to study paramedic science has always been a long dream of mine, as I’ve always been passionate about helping others and working as part of a team. I think this profession is perfect for being able to help those on their worst days, whilst also making a difference in the community. No two days are the same – another element which inspired me to study paramedic science. Being able to be a part of a team to work in the best interests of others is something which I really enjoy, so choosing this subject was perfect for achieving these goals."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"Despite the Paramedic Science course being very new at NTU, I chose to study here as the facilities they provide, in addition to their team of lecturers, made me feel reassured that the teaching and delivery of material would be of a high standard. NTU’s timetable for the Paramedic Science course also interested me. Having designated placement blocks and designated lecture blocks really helps with managing time around placement and consolidating learning from both placement and lectures."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far?

"So far from studying the course, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on placement. NTU have close links with East Midlands Ambulance Service, allowing paramedic students to go out on the road to observe prehospital practice, learn more practical skills, and attend and treat patients - ultimately placing us in the role of a paramedic. Having this element to the course is really beneficial as being a paramedic is a practical skill-driven profession, whereby practice and application of the skills learnt in the classroom environment need to be applied to realistic scenarios.

Having the opportunity to have placement with paramedic mentors is very beneficial to me as a student. My experience on placement has been brilliant, as I’ve been able to learn from my mentor’s experiences whilst also seeing how other clinicians practice within the prehospital setting, providing me with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and develop my own way of practising.

Although both the academic and placement aspects of the course can be quite challenging at times, being pushed out of your comfort zone seems scary, but is incredibly worth it. You learn so much more about yourself, improving your confidence and ambition to fulfil this role as a paramedic. Having amazing support from my mentors and crewmates when on placement has helped reinforce my ambition to become a paramedic."

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

"Throughout second year, there have been more opportunities for us as paramedic students to take part in extra activities which have helped reinforce our learning. For example, one of our lecturers is involved in leading prehospital trauma courses which provide clinicians and students with opportunities to learn new skills and practice them within a controlled environment. Having been given the opportunity to take part in one of these trauma days, has massively helped my confidence when approaching trauma-related cases. Taking part in this event provided me with multiple opportunities to learn new skills, practice skills and lead scenarios.

In addition to this, the paramedic society has begun a scheme to provide medical cover for BUCS sport on a Wednesday afternoon on campus. Providing these opportunities to us as students has really helped in practically applying our skills in an array of environments. The use of our skills in this sport setting has helped consolidate our learning, especially advancing our understanding of how injuries present."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"I think social sciences can mean a variety of things, but to me, it means helping those in need when they need it the most. Being a paramedic student places you in very unpredictable environments where you see everything from birth to death and everything in between. Paramedics have always been seen to deal with blood, guts and gore, but the reality is, most of the job doesn’t involve all the intense scenes you see on TV, but rather the emergent cases of social care. Having the privilege to be a student paramedic has really proved how everyone experiences their days in different ways. Being placed in the epicentre of the frontline really exposes you to the real world of social sciences, something which is both challenging and amazing."

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course?

"Throughout the paramedic science course, we have intermittent placements each academic year. The focus is primarily on ambulance placements in addition to having opportunities to attend hospital placements within second and third years.  
My experience on ambulance placement has been brilliant, my mentor and crewmates have always been so supportive and encouraging, motivating me more to fulfil this career.

Within second year, I have attended multiple hospital placements such as; theatres, maternity, urgent care and CCU. These opportunities have shown me the importance of interdisciplinary teams, exposing me to how aspects of the paramedic world can be transferred into hospital settings. Although I thoroughly enjoyed these hospital placements, having this experience reinforced how being a paramedic is what I want to do!"

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"All jobs I’ve attended on placement have been valuable lessons in teaching me how aspects of my clinical and attending skills will develop and improve with every patient.

Coming into second year has felt quite daunting, with the application of paramedic skills like cannulation being at the forefront of clinical skill development. One job I remember at the beginning of second year was a chap who had suffered a seizure and had become quite poorly afterwards. I remember having to begin treatments quite quickly with that involving a cannula. With this being an essential intervention for this patient, I felt quite apprehensive about doing a cannula, however after successfully cannulating, the feedback I received from my mentor reassured me in knowing that although these skills can seem scary, trying these skills and being open to feedback makes it a little less daunting the next time you need to do demonstrate your skills."

Support

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

"The lecturers within the paramedic science course are incredibly approachable and supportive. Having the new IHAP building facility has really helped strengthen the support networks between us students and our lecturers, making it easier to find them for a chat about any concerns. With most of our lecturers having prehospital experience as paramedics or other allied professions, the support they give is very realistic and relatable as they understand what we’re experiencing, whether that be something we’ve seen on placement, or academic-related, they’re always there to support us and talk about any concerns.

Having been a course rep for my cohort for the past two years, any concerns raised at course committee meetings have always been received with constructive feedback, with the course leads being welcoming in hearing student feedback, ensuring concerns are addressed and changes are made accordingly.

I think that having a small cohort size really helps with making better connections with our lecturers. They know who everyone is, and are always happy to help out, whether that be with help regarding their modules or just general queries, they’re always there to help us out!"

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

"In my first year, I stayed on Clifton Campus in Peverell. From my first day, I instantly made friends with my flatmates, others living in Peverell and some of my coursemates. Freshers week can seem quite daunting, but taking part in activities pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me make some good friendships.

Taking part in other societies also provides great opportunities to make friends and push you out of your comfort zone. I play hockey and have been a part of the women’s hockey society since my first year. I am so glad I joined this society as the players and committee have always been so welcoming, helping me make some new friends through sport and their social events, something which is really enjoyable. I’d recommend to anyone to take part in any societies that interests you when you start at uni, stepping out of your comfort zone is scary, but really worth it!"

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"After NTU, I’d love to pursue my career in paramedic science. I’d love to have the opportunity to go home to the Lake District, with the possibility of joining the local Mountain Rescue teams as a volunteer, something I’ve always wanted to become a part of to help give back to my local community. Although I’d like some experience within the UK, I’d love to take my career abroad, a goal of mine being to work in New Zealand. An advantage of this career is that you have flexibility with where you would like to practice, so if the opportunity arose where I could take this abroad, I’d jump at the chance!"

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"The lecturers within the paramedic team at NTU are incredibly supportive of all students, providing us with many opportunities to ask any questions surrounding our future prospects. The modules we learn throughout the course are beneficial, including many transferrable skills which are relevant to our future practice, helping to prepare us for qualification."

Advice

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

"I absolutely love the career choice I’ve decided on. Being a paramedic places you in unpredictable environments, where no two days are the same. If you have a passion for helping others, and enjoy an adrenaline rush, pursue becoming a paramedic! It’s a rewarding job where you’re constantly learning and improving, aspects of the job which make it so unique and exciting. It can be scary at times but don’t be afraid to take the opportunity to become a paramedic, it’s a privilege to be a student paramedic at NTU, let alone a qualified paramedic!"

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