Centre for Paramedic Science launched in partnership with ambulance services
In May 2008 we launched our Centre for Paramedic Science, a new specialist centre which will serve as a hub for course delivery and a raft of revolutionary research – putting us at the forefront of paramedic education in the United Kingdom.
The Centre will offer a range of diploma and degree-level courses aimed at both newcomers to the ambulance service and more experienced staff, as well as driving forward a number of research studies and consultancy projects that are expected to have a significant influence on how the service moves forward.
Strong partnerships with the London Ambulance Service
and South East Coast Ambulance Service will underpin the Centre’s work. These links have already led to a growing number of new recruits, technicians, emergency care practitioners and paramedic practitioners signing up to complete qualifications awarded by the Faculty, boosting their skills through a mix of e-learning, face-to-face teaching at regional training centres and work-based experience.
We have also worked closely with the Metropolitan Police in devising courses to help staff from across the emergency services contend with the pressures of dealing with major incidents as they unfold.
The Centre’s pioneering work in paramedic education will not only be confined to the United Kingdom. Our team has been commissioned to support the Gibraltarian Government with a major project to renew and develop its ambulance service, and is also lined up to work closely with the Centre for Ambulance Services for the Government of Dubai.
The Chief Executive of the London Ambulance Service, Peter Bradley, has praised the Faculty for being a leader in the field. “Professional training from the team at the Centre for Paramedic Science will ensure our staff really are equipped to go the extra mile in delivering the high standards of care people rely on when they call us in times of need” he said.
South East Coast Ambulance Service clinical director Andy Newton has also welcomed the new initiative. ‘With an estimated 500,000 call-outs across Sussex, Surrey and Kent each year, our staff rely heavily on their specialist knowledge as they go about making a real difference to the lives of quite literally hundreds of people every day. The enhanced professional training and research expertise available to them through the Centre for Paramedic Science will be invaluable in helping them meet the challenges of their roles as well as providing them with the support to advance their careers. The Centre will most definitely be an enormous asset to the profession as a whole and, ultimately, to patient care.’
