Keeping calm and carrying on

Now that the third and final year is fully underway, the reality of becoming a qualified paramedic is starting to set in. Still, I am relatively calm and relaxed about the prospects—though I am sure that will change when I start applying for jobs in the new year! I am excited about the upcoming year, with the majority being spent on placement, along with what look to be some interesting modules.

Face-to-face lectures are now taking place again which I am really looking forward to, as I find these easier to engage with and discussions with my fellow learners help to consolidate my learning. With restrictions having eased, we were even given the chance to go out and have a proper catch-up that didn't involve a computer screen!

I am quite looking forward to our time in university this year; in particular, the module surrounding professional paramedic practice. This course encourages us to critically explore the laws and ethics surrounding paramedic practice in order to support our decision-making and covers aspects such as mental health, safeguarding and end-of-life care. This is quite an interest of mine, so it will be really exciting to go into these areas in more detail and build upon our knowledge gained from placement and lectures during the first and second year of university. I am also looking forward to our clinical practice and simulation module as this is where we can put theory into practice in a variety of scenarios where we can learn from each other and critique our practice in a safe and supportive environment.