Over the last few years, I have been on some fascinating placements. From the ambulance service, various locations in my local hospital, secure units and, most recently, primary care. At each location, I have pondered if there could be a role for a paramedic. This was more obvious in some areas than in others. For example, there are many paramedics that have now established themselves within the primary care environment. Nevertheless, at the vast majority of my placements, I could easily see potential roles for the skill set of a paramedic.
I also began to think about the direction of my own future career. Although I still have another year and a half of my MSci left, prior experience tells me that I need to start thinking and planning for the future. As you can see by the most handsome picture attached to this article, I am not your average student. Compared to my fellow classmates, I am a lot older and will not have the same level of time to develop. I am aware of the complexity of progression within the sphere of the NHS—especially if one is moving from a well-established position in one area to something different. However, it was always my intention to work for the ambulance service, progress as much as I can, and then teach. Teaching at university is something that I have done previously—albeit in a very different subject area—and something that has been mentioned to me by various tutors.
However, before one can impart knowledge, one must gain it. This has meant a rather urgent review of myself and some research in order to establish which route, post-graduation, I could take that would be rewarding, educational and interesting—and also that would allow for progression to the level I would like to reach in the short time I have as a paramedic consider my late start. Throughout my studies, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with some very generous, intelligent and hardworking practitioners in various roles. From paramedics in the ambulance service to surgeons, nurses, advanced practitioners, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists and more. I have also had the opportunity to learn about roles in remote medicine, on board cruise ships, in television production, education and research, among others. As a modern paramedic in the UK, there is scope to work in a great many differing roles and locations.
In recent weeks, I have been on placement in primary care. This area of practice and placement has surprised me greatly. I have never really entertained the thought of working in primary care, perhaps because of the often-misplaced idea that other areas can be perceived as more ‘exciting’. However, nothing could have been further from the truth. I found primary care to be fascinating and incredibly educational. The method of consultation and the efficiency with which it is done was eye opening. The knowledge needed to assess patients, thoroughly covering all possibilities regarding their concerns, conditions and care is on another level. I was completely surprised by my time spent within a local primary care network. I may, indeed, have found my future career trajectory. However, time will tell—I have got one more year, and more placements ahead!