Health and Social Care students learn about the roles of a paramedic with St John Ambulance

Level 3 Health and Social Care students from SERC recently welcomed St John Ambulance who provided an overview of the roles and responsibilities of a paramedic.

St John Ambulance is the nation’s leading first aid charity made up of volunteers who train people how to save lives through several training programmes with the goal of keeping people safe at events and working alongside the NHS.

Volunteer paramedic Neil Graham provided a tour of the ambulance and the equipment which enabled the students to get a real feel for what it would be like to work as a paramedic.

Students were also treated to some first aid training including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using a little Annie doll, use of a defibrillator and stretcher drills.

Neil also provided an overview of some of the other equipment that paramedics may be required to use including resuscitation guards, bandages, burn kits and use of medical gas.

Students Caitlin Mooney and Cassie Munroe who currently volunteer with St John Ambulance encouraged others to volunteer. They said “the training allows you to think on your feet, it’s exciting and you really learn a lot. It doesn’t take up a lot of time and its really worthwhile.”

Back in October the students hosted a bake sale raising over £170 for St John Ambulance.

SERC health and social care lecturer Nikki Rainey said “This was a great opportunity for the students to learn about the roles and responsibilities of a paramedic as well as getting hands on with the equipment and learning lifesaving skills. I thank Neil for coming to SERC and hope to have him back again in the future.”

SERC provides a wide range of full and part time courses.  Visit us at our Full-time Open day on Wednesday 6 March from 2pm – 8pm at our Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards campuses.  For more information or to apply please visit www.serc.ac.uk, call 0345 600 7555 or find us on Facebook, search: SERC.