Silver linings of COVID

March represented the 1-year anniversary of the first national lockdown in the UK. For many of us, 23 March 2020 symbolises the day that the coronavirus dramatically changed our lives. The wrath of devastation, emotional trauma and disruption was unexpected and unwelcome. The effects of the virus have bled into most facets of society, industry and education—The damage of which will be lasting. Since then, there has been a global shift in how we live, operate and communicate with our communities and loved ones. Now seems a fitting time to reflect on the turbulence caused as a direct result of the pandemic.

A year ago, educational institutions manically altered their approach to academic study, relying on technology to help manage inevitable disruptions. Our clinical placements were suspended, and objective structure clinical examination deferred. To elevate concern, most universities introduced special measures to prevent academic decline and deterioration.

For many, the transition to online learning represented significant challenge and burden. Though mine was not the worst situation, sharing a living and workspace rarely encourages productivity or attentiveness. Currently, I continue to navigate my way through an education system that is largely unchanged since the beginning of the pandemic. While some universities have resumed face-to-face teaching, online learning is well established as the new normal. Although this was sufficient and necessary a year ago, these alterations are disproportionately affecting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Ambulance stations in the UK have restricted access to students, significantly impacting our opportunity to develop as prospective paramedics. To offset the substantial loss of clinical experiences, universities and ambulances trusts are encouraging compensatory hours during the easter and summer holidays. Failure to attend these additional and supplementary periods of placement could result in delayed graduation. Though this represents a beneficial opportunity for some, for others such as myself who rely on paid work during these times, it is likely to have a disproportionate effect.