Introducing the UK’s first student paramedic society and conference

This article brings attention to the creation of the UK’s first student paramedic society, giving a summary of the achievements to date for this student-led project. Consideration is given to the benefit of the society for students, why professional development is important, and where this may lead to in the future. Also mentioned is the UK Student Paramedic Conference, to be held on 2 November 2013. An event organised by students, that will discuss ‘The Future of Paramedic Practice’. The article concludes with advice for students around the country on how to establish a successful society and what the society at Hertfordshire is looking to achieve in the near future.

The Student Paramedic Society at the University of Hertfordshire was founded by two students in January 2012, with the aim of providing convenient opportunities for students to attend guest lectures, workshops and practical activities that would support their professional development. Our first event was held in March 2012, and was a small workshop looking at the Mental Health Act (2007) and the Mental Capacity Act (2005). The workshop was led by Sue Putman, clinical lead for learning disability and mental health with South Central Ambulance Service, and was attended by 30 students. The feedback was extremely positive, and students left feeling much more confident about appropriate use of the two acts in their practice. The feedback encouraged myself and co-founder Adam Kenningham-Brown to go on and arrange future talks.