Earlier this year Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) supported four 3rd year paramedic students from the University of Hull, by providing a two week placement to gain real life experience of 999 incidents and working with partner agencies.
This was the first time student paramedics have undertaken a workplace placement with HFRS, and they were selected after applying for a place through their lecturers. Based at fire stations and our training section they took part in operational training where they acted as casualties in a vehicle during a Road Traffic Collision exercise to experience how a casualty feels when being recovered and they also learnt the difference between controlled and rapid extrications.
They were able to observe crews attend 999 incidents without affecting our crew's response, which is valuable learning that they will take into their paramedic careers. Lisa Smith, Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing is working with course leaders at the University of Hull to evaluate the experience with the hope of continuing to offer more placements to paramedic students.
Lisa said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for crews to engage with the students at operational incidents and within the training/public engagement environments and vice versa. It develops our partnerships with the University of Hull, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service. While providing the students with an insight into firefighting from a unique perspective and builds relationships which will help the communities, we all serve.”
Students, Riannon and Lucy said: “Thank you for the wonderful experience, we’ve really enjoyed it. Everyone has been so welcoming, and we’ve learnt a lot as well.”
