Paramedic students given ‘crash course’ on campus
Paramedic students at the University of Bradford gained hands-on experience of their future profession by taking part in a crash scene simulation staged on campus.
A group of BSc Paramedic Science students were faced with a mock three-vehicle crash, featuring one of the cars flipped onto its side and trapped passengers.
Working with experienced and trainee firefighters from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, students assessed patients, managed injuries and coordinated care in a fast-moving situation.
The driver of the overturned vehicle was not wearing a seatbelt. Trapped inside and unconscious, he was removed by firefighters using an extrication board before receiving CPR at the roadside. Despite the efforts of the emergency teams, he ‘died’ at the scene due to multiple injuries.
Other casualties trapped in the remaining vehicles were rescued and treated by students. Some were taken to hospital as part of the exercise, while others received assessment and treatment at the scene.
Paramedic Science students from the University of Bradford treat one of the patients. Images credit: Kiran Metha@KM Images
Students’ experience
Participating Paramedic Science students said the simulation, held on International Paramedics Day on 8 July, provided an invaluable opportunity to put their learning into practice.
Ravi Richardson, who graduates next week and has secured a job with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service in Halifax starting in the autumn, said: “It was great to get some practise of this type of scene before I go out and do it for a job.
“It was a good chance for me to practise the skills that I’ve learned over the last four years. Simulation is the best way to learn.”
First-year student Emma Brookshaw also welcomed the chance to work alongside emergency crews.
Emma, who previously worked as an accountant for 15 years, decided to retrain as a paramedic after witnessing the care her nephew received following a serious car accident 10 years ago.
She said: “Working with the fire service was brilliant. I’ve not done anything like this before. It was really helpful as I’m more of a hands-on learner.”
Students and experienced fire crews worked together on the exercise. Images credit: Kiran Metha@KM Images
‘I had to put my trust in them’
Matt Gibbon, who played the driver trapped in the overturned car and later ‘died’, is an Expert by Experience, helping support teaching and research at the University through sharing lived experiences and providing feedback.
He said: “It was interesting to see the students working with the emergency crews.
“As I was unconscious, I was told to close my eyes, so I could only listen to what was going on. I found it unnerving, as I couldn’t get my bearings. I had to put my trust in them.”
Matt Gibbon, an Expert by Experience, who ‘died’ after being the driver in the overturned car in the simulation. Images credit: Kiran Metha@KM Images
Create order from chaos
The University of Bradford’s four-year Paramedic Science BSc (Hons) programme, developed with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, includes emergency simulations to prepare students for real-world mass casualty incidents.
Matt Perry, Professional Lead and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Studies at the University of Bradford, said the simulation was designed to help students develop the skills needed to respond effectively in high-pressure situations and hopes to run future emergency simulations on campus.
He said: “We are teaching them to create some order out of chaos.
“In this type of situation, they are learning to process their feelings and emotions and apply theory to real situations. We wanted to create a realistic situation that they could face on any given day when they are working.”
Emma Brookshaw says she enjoyed the ‘hand-on learning’ exercise. Images credit: Kiran Metha@KM Images
Fire crews’ view
Three crews from Bradford, Shipley and Fairweather Green Fire Stations attended the staged incident.
Watch Manager Phil Warden, of Bradford Green Watch, said: “The students were enthusiastic and it was great to see them applying their learning from their course into a situation that reflects a real-life incident.
“This is just the start of us teaming up with the University on things like this, we have plenty more plans to work together on scenarios including further paramedic training and using university buildings for a high-rise incident.
“This sort of partnership working is really beneficial for both WYFRS and the University so it was a great day to be involved with.”
Ravi Richardson, one of the student participants at the simulation. Images credit: Kiran Metha@KM Images
It Starts in Bradford
The vehicle crash scene simulation is an example of the University’s ‘It starts in Bradford’ brand campaign in action, highlighting how students develop the skills, ideas and confidence to succeed.
It demonstrates our brand pillar, ‘Careers start here, from day one’, where our students’ career development with industry and embedded in every module, assessment and placement, to enable our students to graduate with the skills and experience that employers want.