Variety in practice

As second year draws to a close, and preparation for our final year begins, the reality that being a qualified paramedic is just over a year away is becoming quite daunting! However, with plenty of placement time coming up and the support of brilliant clinicians and lecturers, I am confident by the time next year comes around, I'll be ready to be set free!

Recently, we have participated in spoke placements. These are undertaken in areas other than on ambulances, such as paediatrics, acute medical unit (AMU) and in accident and emergency (A&E) with a mental health placement coming up. Despite being apprehensive about these, they have been incredibly beneficial towards my practice and I have really enjoyed them. I especially enjoyed the variety of A&E; being able to spend time in resus, minor injuries and the rapid assessment unit has really helped me to better understand what happens to patients after we leave them at hospital and made me more aware of the procedures that will take place so I can better prepare and inform the patient. I was also able to practise and improve skills such as cannulation and airway management, as well as ‘soft’ skills such as communication and working as part of a multidisciplinary team. After minimal exposure to paediatric patients on the ambulances, that placement really improved my knowledge and confidence when dealing with these patients. I picked up little tips and tricks such as how to communicate with and calm a distressed child and the importance of involving parents in the assessment. AMU gave me an insight into the journey of patients beyond A&E and what is involved in making sure a safe and thorough discharge is achieved. After these experiences, I am quite looking forward to my mental health placement and applying what I learn there to patients I meet. These placements have given me an insight into the wider healthcare setting and the different associated aspects of patient care.