Theory into practice: on placement and beyond

It seems like yesterday I was taking my first steps as an adult learner in the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice programme at Edge Hill University (Springett et al, 2019). Now finishing up my final year (having taken a year out), once all assessments were complete, I had the opportunity to undertake an elective placement.

An elective placement is normally an experiential placement within a specialist area the student is interested in. When the time came for us to choose our elective placements, I decided to research paramedics in urgent care and how this service fits within the wider ambulance service model of care delivery. In keeping with the NHS long term plan (2019) and NHS recovery plan (2023), supporting more patients to remain at home and avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions is what I wanted to focus on.

Edge Hill has strong partnerships internationally, with the option to apply for one of many opportunities abroad. However, I wanted to experience an advanced paramedic practitioner urgent care (APP-UC) as my elective placement. Everywhere I looked, it all circled back to the APP-UC at the London Ambulance Service.