Student paramedics need funding too…

The stressful years I spent as a student paramedic now seem a distant memory as I begin my career as a newly qualified paramedic (NQP)—and to think, I only graduated in September. I have so many people to thank who helped me to get here, but I have my parents to thank most of all. Why? They helped to fund my time at university. Like most students in university, I applied for student finance at the beginning of each year for a maintenance loan which I had to stretch over the semester. Because of my age, this loan amount was decided upon based on my parents' income, and with combined university and placement expenses, it could never cover my rent. My parents paid for my rented accommodation over the 4 years, but even then, I would be going into my overdraft to cover my living costs while on placement.

Students in England studying on either a nursing, midwifery or allied health profession course can apply for additional funding from the Learning Support Fund (LSF). This allows students to apply for financial support with Child Dependants Allowance, Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses and Exceptional Support Fund per academic year. However, this funding does not apply to student paramedics.