Paramedics are highly trained and experienced medical practitioners who are usually one of the first healthcare professionals on the scene of an accident or emergency. The job they do carries a great deal of responsibility with it, and this is borne out by the fact that the decisions they make can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

What is a paramedic
They are first responders who work in challenging, exciting and dynamic environments right at the front line. As the senior specialist at a wide variety of medical incidents they are called upon to make evidence based professional judgements and deliver best practice to patients. Paramedics can work on their own or as part of a team in partnership with ambulance technicians, nurses, radiographers and even midwives. They can be on a motorbike or work as part of an ambulance crew that is based at a hospital. Their main focus will always be administering lifesaving procedures whenever they are needed.

Paramedic training courses overview

There are a wide number of suitable courses out there that you can enrol on and which can set you on the path to becoming a qualified paramedic. Successfully passing one can lead to registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a paramedic.

It is a demanding course that places much emphasis on developing in a student the professional competencies required to work as an independent paramedic. Courses combine the correct amount of theory and practice to meet the challenges of the modern healthcare system. The knowledge and skills you learn will be fundamental in ensuring that your patients are given the best possible care in any pre-hospital and community setting.

Modules are taught in a learning environment that includes state-of-the-art lecture theatres, simulation suites and classrooms. A lot of the course is practice based and as a delegate you will gain valuable work experience in health centres, A&E departments, ambulances, critical care facilities and operating theatres. Real life practice placements take place throughout the year and are an excellent way to put into practice what you have learnt in the classroom. You will be closely supervised throughout the course, and will leave fully prepared for employment, further study and lifelong learning.

How are paramedic training courses delivered?
Classes are taught in modern facilities that include clinical suites which replicate the hospital and community settings in which paramedics can expect to work. They are delivered through a variety of innovative and complementary learning and teaching methods that include keynote lectures, group discussions and student-led seminars.

Modules are patient-focused and are taught to the highest clinical, professional and academic standards. They have a strong focus on areas such as physiology, anatomy and, illness and chronic diseases.

Assessment is done through coursework, practical or project work, written assignment, tests and essays as well as placements.

Lecturers will be specialists in emergency care or even qualified paramedics themselves. They will always be there to provide students with close supervision, support and mentorship. In addition to all of this anaesthetists, nurses, and other academic members will also be involved in certain parts  of teaching and assessment process.

Typical subjects taught on a paramedic course

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Clinical assessment
  • Clinical leadership
  • Contemporary care
  • Developing Paramedic Practice
  • Ethical issues
  • Environmental emergencies
  • Fundamentals of Clinical Practice
  • Health Care in Paramedic Practice
  • Introduction to Paramedic Practice
  • Improving Health Services
  • Legal issues
  • Managing trauma
  • Managing abdominal pain
  • Out of Hospital Emergency Care
  • Paramedic care
  • Paramedic science
  • Patients history
  • Patient handover
  • Pre-hospital care
  • Professional Practice
  • Resuscitating patients
  • Seizures in a pre-hospital setting
  • Spine immobilisation
  • Stabilising patients
  • Treatment therapies
  • Understanding healthcare delivery
  • Wound care

You will learn about

  • Identifying, implementing, assessing, and evaluate the medical needs of a patient.
  • All aspects of pre-hospital emergency care.
  • The theory behind the care that you give as a paramedic.
  • Life saving skills.
  • Paramedic practices law and ethics.
  • Studying research literature.
  • Interacting with members of the public.
  • Major body systems and organs.
  • Interpreting clinical observations in order to treat and manage patients.

You will learn how to

  • Stabilise and treat patients at a variety of different scenes.
  • Quickly assess a patient’s condition.
  • Work on your own or as part of a team.
  • Use high tech medical equipment.
  • Drive emergency vehicles.
  • Deal with unexpected situations.
  • Not panic in emergency situations.
  • Support, talk and care for people in distressing circumstances.

Who is a paramedic training course suitable for
These programmes are suitable for anyone seeking an exciting and financially rewarding career in the frontline of healthcare.

Career prospects
Long term career prospects are excellent as there is a high demand for qualified paramedics.
Questions to ask a Paramedic training provider

  • What is the average first time pass rate.
  • Do they have any testimonials from satisfied students?
  • Is all of the training material i.e. books and software provided for in the fee, or do you have to purchase them separate.
  • Does the price include any exams or tests that you have to sit.
  • Does the price include any certificate of completion.
  • Is any free support provided once you have successfully completed the course?
  • The total cost of the course.
  • When do you have to pay the fee, up front or half no and half later?
  • When will you get your certificate.
  • How long has your company been running Paramedic courses?
  • What type of certificate will you get at the end, can you see an example of it, and is it accredited by any trade or recognized industry body?
  • Where exactly will the course be held? (this question does not apply to online or distance learning courses).
  • Will you have to take an examination to pass the course, if so how many exams will you have to sit.
  • If you fail a test, then can you keep retaking it until you pass, if so is there an extra charge for every time you take a test?
  • What is the average pass rate of students?
  • Are there any grants available for this course, or discounts for students etc?
  • How many people will there be in a class?
  • What resources do you provide students?
  • How do I register for a course?

 

Courses
Paramedic Science degree
Training courses

CV templates
Paramedic CV sample