Having started the paramedic programme at Edge Hill University just this September, I aim to give you an insight into my life as a new student paramedic, and my experiences throughout the duration of my studies. In this first column, I will discuss the application process, what the first few weeks have been like and what the next few weeks entail.
After attending open days for numerous universities, I whittled my choices down to five. I sent my UCAS application at the end of September 2018, with Edge Hill as my top choice and, within 2 weeks, I had interview offers for two universities. Unfortunately, I was declined a place for one of them—but only found this out a few days before my interview at Edge Hill, so you can imagine the stress I felt in the run up. Little did I realise how tough the application process was and how many people were actually competing for the same place as I was. The night before the Edge Hill interview was the most stressful night I can remember; thoughts of being rejected again meant I barely slept and needed three coffees to wake me up that morning! However, on the train, I realised that stress was not going to help the situation and I should use the setback to motivate me even more.
Only 2 days after the interview, I found out I successfully gained a place at Edge Hill, and was overwhelmed with excitement. But it also meant I needed to get my head down and not let this opportunity slip, as it meant I was one step closer to becoming a paramedic.
The following summer, we were invited to a pre-enrolment day. This was a great opportunity to meet the tutors, learn more about the course and, most importantly, meet fellow students for the first time. Despite the nerves I felt, this was a relaxed day with plenty of opportunities to speak with everyone.
Before I knew it, the first day of University—16th September 2019—was here. I was awake a lot earlier than my alarm due to sheer excitement. I arrived over an hour early and was able to catch up with fellow students, as well as challenged to try to remember their names! The first week involved an introduction to the course, the ambulance service and everything university-related before starting the nitty gritty of the theory the week after. This first week helped settle all the nerves. There was a lot of information to take in but it was all very exciting and useful, setting us up for the next 3 years.
This leads me to where I am currently: 4 weeks into the course (at the time of writing) and, already, it is obvious I am in for a very enjoyable 3 years. We are deep into theory and getting ready to go out into practice for the first time. It is hard work, but I would not have it any other way. I have found it helpful to have a basic knowledge of the body systems before starting the course, as this is helping a great deal with some of the anatomy and physiology.
The highlight though has definitely been getting our greens (uniform)—I am just keen to get out onto the road now! I am going on to doing the best job in the world, so I intend to make sure I enjoy every second of it. If these few weeks are anything to go by, it is going to be an amazing career!