Luke
O'Brien

Why NTU?

What inspired you to study your subject?

"I chose to study this subject because I believe I will enjoy this healthcare role due to the freedom of being on the road in a team, where no two days are ever the same. The role will give me the opportunity to improve people’s lives, as well as use my interpersonal skills and acquired technical skills to achieve a positive work objective, working in a diverse setting as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

I chose to pursue this profession now due to my own personal experiences. As a family, we benefited greatly from the care and professionalism of paramedics. My mum had multiple hospital admissions before she passed away in 2021 and these periods were incredibly stressful and frightening for us. When the paramedics arrived, we were comforted, supported and most importantly of all, we trusted that our mother would be well looked after. The sense of comfort and reassurance was so incredibly important to us all. I knew from dealing with these paramedics, that this was the role I wanted to do - where I too could make a difference to the lives of patients and their loved ones."

Why did you choose your course at NTU? 

"The positive experience that I had studying the access course at NTU made it a no-brainer for me to choose to study Paramedic Science here at NTU's Clifton Campus.

I recall sitting at work one Friday afternoon and I had just had enough of what I was doing, and I thought now is the time to pursue a paramedic career. I got in touch with the NHS Allied Health Professionals, and they said I needed to do an access course such as the ones below and NTU was top of the list.

I was lucky that I got to study at the Brackenhurst campus and experience the walled garden, the animals, and the farming and agricultural setting, as well as the members of staff at NTU."

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

"The experience on the BSc Paramedic Science course so far has been great. There is a lot of support available from the tutors, library services, Social Sciences study skills success team, as well as peer support from the years above in the peer educator program. The course leaders worked hard in the induction week to encourage interaction between students, which has helped us to form a close-knit team in the whole cohort.

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

Yes, I assisted with interviews for 2023, as well as helping with the CertHE technician Observed Structured Clinical Examinations and undertaking roles in the tech to paramedic’s major incident/MAJAX assessment as an injured member of the public. There is also a Paramedic Society at NTU which I have attended, and they regularly run events, workshops, and seminars to aid development and encourage building working relations between the different cohorts."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"Pursuing a career in social sciences means that I will get to work with a range of people, in different settings within society, and communities, improving lives and by pursuing a career in frontline ambulance services I will be able to be a positive influence on patients during unpleasant and sometimes frightening of times."

On Placement

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"I have completed 11 weeks on placement with EMAS ambulance service based in North Derbyshire from Chesterfield Ashgate Ambulance Station. The crew mainly cover the north Derbyshire and Derbyshire regions however do go further afield when required. Whilst on placement I was able to get stuck in with attending to develop my history-taking skills, as well as doing the observations and assisting with the treatment of the patient.

It is a very intense placement where you do not know what situations you are going to be going to, and how much work is required. However, you do get to meet a variety of people, in diverse settings, and ultimately there was a lot of satisfaction I got from each shift."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"Every shift was memorable. There is a real camaraderie in the ambulance service, and I quickly formed good working relationships with those who I worked with along with the other members of healthcare staff at the hospitals we regularly hand over patients to."

Support

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

"The tutors at NTU are very supportive and often encourage students to book tutorials with them to understand the assignments and assessments as clearly as possible. They really do want the students to do as well as they possibly can.

The BSc Paramedic Science also runs a practice educator program, whereby you can book tutorials from students from the cohorts in the years above."

Outside the lecture theatre

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

"I found it very easy to make friends at NTU on the BSc Paramedic Science course as the focus of the staff in the induction fortnight was team building and forming friendships within the cohort. This made it very easy for the cohort to form strong bonds with each other, and I am very happy with how the whole cohort interacts with each other."

The next steps

What's next for you after NTU?

"After NTU my goals are to join an NHS Ambulance Service as a newly qualified paramedic, and do their two-year newly qualified paramedic programme and then work towards going further with postgraduate studies to enhance my career further."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"As well as providing a wonderful course that will set me up for becoming a paramedic and the experience I am gaining on placement, NTU regularly provide extra information with help from the College of Paramedics and the NTSUs Paramedic Society."

Advice

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

"Do make sure you join the Paramedic Society and take advantage of the tutorial sessions from staff and fellow students in the years above, the social sciences St3pup assistance, and the library services available at NTU. Be confident and enjoy the experience as even though it is a lot of work, you will still be surprised how quickly you develop as a paramedic."