Lily Springett
So, my first obstacle is complete: I have made it onto the Paramedic Practice course. Being among those narrowed down from nearly 800 applications to a cohort of 70 is a mini achievement already. Every day, I wake up genuinely happy that I am going to be pursuing a career that I can be proud of, and my family and friends as well. I won't lie, I am a bag of nerves at the thought of my first placement and how I am going to deal with situations way out of my comfort zone. Yet I am so excited, I cannot comprehend how it feels to be at the start of my journey and how 3 years from now, I will have matured more than I can imagine. I don't think anything will prepare me for the challenges I am going to face, and I already feel my attitude has changed towards the value of life. I have worked hard to get myself here and will continue to do so through my long journey ahead. It is going to be like a game of snakes and ladders—I will have so many ups and a fair share of downs, but I know it is all going to be worth it!
Katy Sofield
I started at Edge Hill University on 16 September 2019. As an adult learner, I was worried about the normal things. Will I fit in? Will I cope as an adult learner? Will I manage the financial strain? How, as an adult, will I cope with changing from full-time employment to full-time education? Seven weeks in and all of the above are still playing on my mind as I travel to and from university and attend lectures.
Lectures have been a whole new world of terminology, a whirlwind of anatomy, clinical skills and theory. Week 2 marks the start of Bioscience, anatomy and physiology and the head-spinning science of learning the body. Now 7 weeks in, I have found some aspects difficult, but I have the support of some good new friends and the team of lecturers at university are a huge source of information and support.
I have 2 weeks to go and the first placement block is upon me; this will cement some of my initial and prior learning to allow me to become the best clinician I can be. See you again in 3 years' time!
Laura Pilling
My name is Laura. I am 24 years old and I am a student paramedic! It sounds so crazy to actually say those words. I started my journey to become a paramedic at Edge Hill University in September 2019. I have two young children and currently work part-time as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher. My 3 years in the control room have given me an extensive knowledge on the ambulance service but also room to broaden what I know through my future learning. Our main focus at the moment is learning and grasping the depths of anatomy and physiology, and preparing ourselves for when we start our first block of placement in 2 weeks' time. Apparently, a pair of thermal socks and a bag of sweets are two essentials for a shift on the ambulance. I am looking forward to experiencing a public-facing role and adapting to each circumstance while learning from my mentor and aiming to become the best paramedic I can be. I am aware of how challenging this course is going to be, with some tears of sadness and joy, but I cannot wait to overcome each obstacle in my way with my inner determination.