International student paramedic exchange: the student perspective
Abstract
An annual student exchange between Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and Centennial College of Ontario, Canada, has taken place within the paramedic programmes of each educational institute since 2009. The exchange allows students to take part in observation shifts on ambulances and gain an overview of healthcare systems within a different national setting. It also allows students to gain lifetime friendships and links to students and colleagues within the paramedic field on an international basis. This article gives the perspectives of five students who have taken part in this exchange, from both Centennial College and Liverpool John Moores University, looking at what each of them has gained from the experience, and how it will benefit their future careers.
In 2009, an international student exchange was developed between Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and Centennial College of Ontario, Canada for students in the second year of the Paramedic Practice course at both institutions. The exchange runs on an annual basis, allowing students to gain international experience of their chosen career.
In November 2012, eight students from Centennial College arrived in Liverpool as part of the exchange programme. During their time in Liverpool, the students attended lectures at LJMU, undertook two shifts observing the local ambulance service, and spent a day with the local Coastguard, as well as meeting the Lord Mayor of Liverpool. A student conference was also held at LJMU exploring the concepts of mindfulness, the use of mobile technology within the out-of-hospital setting and the history of the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
In March 2013, six LJMU students were fortunate enough to travel to Toronto to experience outof-hospital care in Canada. While there, students were able to spend two shifts observing on ambulances, take a tour around a hospital and take part in a mass casualty incident (MCI) run by Centennial College, alongside many other fantastic opportunities.
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