London Ambulance Service: practice education course

The first group of London Ambulance Service staff to complete a pioneering training cours have been recognized at a special ceremony.

The 25 paramedics and emergency medical technicians have completed a three-module course for practice educators who provide support for university students and student paramedics on placements with the service.

The 150-hour training programme, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, includes assessing staff, giving feedback and also dealing with more challenging students, as well as completing written assessments.

The course attracts 15 higher educational credits from the University of Greenwich at two levels. To complete the course, practice educators attend 30 hours of taught lessons (three modules) and provide a portfolio that includes a written assignment of 1500 words. The service has now been approached by other ambulance services who are keen to follow its lead.

It is vital that all student paramedics have a named practice educator, this is a requirement of the Health Professions Council (HPC). The service has over 800 student paramedics needing some form of developmental support and access to a practice educator.