[WHUFC]

Any paramedic's who come here who can give an insight into there job? Bad points good points, recommendations etc Would like to hear from you



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[GETanner]

How about the views of someone who's actually in the middle of his paramedic training?

Since September last year, I've been on the London Ambulance Service Student Paramedic 3 year training programme.

This is not the University route but in house.

For those who are paramedics, it's similar to the old tech route with Millers staged throughout the 3 years. Starts off with intensive 20 weeks clinical training and 3 weeks driving. Two 4 week placements (under a PPEd / TSO supervisor) before joining a station for 2 and a half years with week and day training courses throughout to learn new paramedic skills while working as an EMT2/3/4 (though we are always called Student Paramedics for the 3 years) before getting registration in 2011.

It's a very heavy front loaded course, with an element of educational training bolted on so that those who qualify are able to TSO the next lot coming through.

First placement was during REAP4 over Christmas and it was very much sink or swim. So much fun, yet fully aware of the responsibility we had. Apart from paramedic skills we are unable to perform yet, the jobs were run by myself and my student crewmate while the TSO looked over the shoulder making sure we didn't miss that arterial bleed while still checking ABCDE's.

It's the best job in the world and while the training programme is new (I'm part of the first 50 intake of a planned 500 or so over the next year) and subject to change as kinks are ironed out, the passion of the trainers is clear to see in getting new paramedics onto the streets.

I was very concerned about the opinions and welcome giving from the current work force but I received nothing but helpful advice and patience when working with FRUs, HEMS, Police, LFB and of course the crews of the LAS as well as the staff in hospitals.

Any questions, either post here or PM me.

Regards,

G

[WHUFC]

G, excellent link, only downside is the plan does not appear to be running nationwide as of yet; not sure if there planning a countrywide rollout.

I'm awaiting info from the NorthWest and the in house route is ideal as it would be a mid career change. Once i have more info i may well drop you a pm, once again thanks.

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[jamiesdad]

Hi mate

Is GETtanner said best job in the world well i have been doing it for seventeen years so must like it eh

Basically the most traditional way in will be pts then on to technician level then(depending on your service)onto paramedic level

Write to your local service Either training department or someone in operations (sorry i cant be more specific as i don't know which service we are talking about)

if you can be flexible all the better eg which station you are willing to go to

so much more i could say but would need some info from you first

So feel free to ask more specific questions or pm me

But it is a great job

[WHUFC]

It's one of them decisions that i suppose when you look back you ponder and say damn! When i came out of the forces i had no qualifications (except sniper, which really doesnt help in civvie st) so options were to work for my family businesss. I progressed into IT and have been there since...

Always wanted a job where you give something back, now before it's too late i have the backing financially and emotionall (family) to 'go for it'

My local NHS Trust is NHS Trust - North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust Site List ; and willing to travel to any of them destinations to be successful.

Not sure what other info you need, age 36 location NWEngland,?

Please advise.

BDB

[kopchoir]

Hi,
im also hoping to become a paramedic but i chose a different route where im doing a theatre course anaesthetics and other stuff gives me a better stepping stone to get on to become a paramedic.
I have worked in the health service for many years so i know what to expect the course is 3 years old and there are other options after transplant teams air ambulance and a very wide range of other specialist roles.
Its quite difficult to get on the paramedic course these days depending on where you live.

[jamiesdad]

Basically your age and experience

At 36 you are at a good age and ex forces are always well received

Also you say you are in a good financial position which is good

Because :if you can go for any job even part time pts as once you have your foot in the door you can progress quickly (again especially if you are flexible) then you can work on getting a station closer to home

have you written to your service yet?

sorry if you were in Scotland i could tell you who exactly to write to

again any specific questions feel free to ask and i will try my best to help

Regards

[WHUFC]

Originally Posted by jamiesdad

have you written to your service yet?

It's one of them whereas your sat there with a pen and paper and you go completely blank!

It's in hand and will be completed (re-written version) ready for Monday to be delivered.

Again thank's for the assistance, if i can return the favour (I.T) let me know.

BDB.

[jamiesdad]

Good luck

post back with your progress and if there is any thing else i can help with feel free to ask (either on here or pm )

I cant advocate this job highly enough, I love it

[Decadence]

All the best to all of you guys (and girls)! My family and I really appreciate the work you do!

[gken74]

Originally Posted by jamiesdad

Basically your age and experience

At 36 you are at a good age and ex forces are always well received

Also you say you are in a good financial position which is good

Because :if you can go for any job even part time pts as once you have your foot in the door you can progress quickly (again especially if you are flexible) then you can work on getting a station closer to home

have you written to your service yet?

sorry if you were in Scotland i could tell you who exactly to write to

again any specific questions feel free to ask and i will try my best to help

Regards

@Jamiesdad

I'd be very interested in knowing that, I'm in Coatbridge and have been checking on the ScottishAmbulance.com but the sites not been working for a while, some of the tabs recruitment etc don't load.

Thanks and Regards
Gary

[jamiesdad]

Hi gary

Is it general details of the SAS or who to contact that you would like details of?

Motherwell is the divisional HQ for coatbridge will find out who to contact there if that is what you need

Regards

[dennis]

Originally Posted by Decadence

All the best to all of you guys (and girls)! My family and I really appreciate the work you do!

having just come home from another weeks stay in hostpital(2nd in 2 months!)you guys and girls are my heros,god bless you and thanks.four mins from 999 call to the ambulance ariving.
den.

[ianlecompte]

Good luck mate, my father was a paramedic for many years. Hard training and even harder job but very rewarding.
Kopchoir, are you training to be an ODP? been at it myself for years.
All the best
Ian