So the journey begins…

So it starts, a blogging venture to underpin the Pearson College, London paramedicine programmes. So maybe that’s where I should start; explaining what is meant by this, then overviewing what we have and where it is all aimed.

Paramedicine: according to one esteemed provider of knowledge (Wikipedia), paramedicine can be defined as “…the totality of the roles and responsibilities of individuals trained and credentialed as EMS practitioners. These practitioners have been referred to as various levels of Emergency Medical Technician (EMTs). In the United States paramedics represent the highest practitioner level in this domain.”

Obviously a quote from the USA but pertinent in this context too. It allows us to explain what we are aiming to achieve, education for all levels of emergency care provider from all walks of life, whatever their job-title. Paramedicine isn’t just for paramedics in the UK, we can’t forget the valuable contribution to patient care that ‘others’ make, from first responders, staff responders and community responders through to ECAs, EMTs, Technicians and all of those ‘other’ grades to whom I apologise for not recalling and giving deserved credit to here.

Pearson College, London has developed a Certificate level programme of study aimed at developing knowledgable emergency care providers and a Diploma level programme of study to take the same personnel through to paramedic registration with the HCPC where appropriate (more about this below). We have tried to be as inclusive as possible, ensuring that those applicants who have limited academic evidence have equitable chance of getting on to a programme by other means.

Reading the Pearson College, London paramedic web-pages, it can be noted that at all levels there is a need for an Employer Partner. This term is used to describe the employer of the student… An essential player in so much as, once approved as a partner, they can ensure the quality of placement provision (including supervision and mentorship), and support the programme (by being key in the delivery of clinical workshops).

What does this mean? Well, as with all good programmes of study in this field, there is a ratio of 50:50 in terms of theory and practice. But further to this, and in line with all other good providers, the 50% of theory has simulated training and practice integrated in to it too, and each level is delivered over a 15-month period as it is part-time.

So, it is a true partnership arrangement. Time away from practice is minimal, time spent studying online is manageable and the time to develop is available!

Pearson College, London can offer the full HCPC approved Diploma in Paramedic Science programme to any NHS Ambulance Service. They can also offer them the Certificate in Emergency and Unscheduled Care for those staff who may not want (or be able) to go further. Alternatively, appropriately experienced staff groups may want to apply for recognition of their capabilities and bypass the whole first level… This is something that we will consider!

The Certificate in Emergency and Unscheduled Care can also be offered to staff in the private sector, with all the same needs such as Employer Partner arrangements etc. Many universities will recognise the final award for accreditation purposes, but remember, they all have the right not to!

So, in conclusion: the Pearson College, London HNC in Emergency and Unscheduled Care the the HND in Paramedic Science are the equivalent in level terms as other UK university programmes. Success on the HND leads to the ability to apply for registration as a Paramedic and also study at degree level and beyond! There are supporting units which allow Employer Partner mentors to flourish, and applicants to our programmes to test themselves in terms of academic ability, time management and studying in a ‘blended’ way. This is Pearson College, London and this is the ‘new way’.