New simulation ambulance enhances paramedic science students training with real-life scenarios

The new dynamic training vehicle contains all the equipment that is used within the Ambulance Service, such as defibrillators, airway management aides, including intubation, and lifting equipment and stretchers. It will become an integral part of the paramedic science course, giving students the ability to practice real-life scenarios in a safe environment, as well as an understanding of the challenges involved in the life of a paramedic.

Fitted with the latest technology, it will create an immersive experience for paramedic science students as they become familiar with the internal layout of a real ambulance and its equipment in real-life scenarios such as road traffic collisions with simulation patient work. Developing their confidence, skills, leadership and self-reliance before they enter the workforce.

The simulation ambulance offers the potential to mock up scenarios anywhere on campus and at locations away from campus giving much more flexibility and ability to stage real-life scenarios in the open air, which is where most true events take place. Because the vehicle is fully mobile it will also enable the University to work with other organisations such as the police, fire brigade, coastguard or army in setting-up joint organisation exercises that students can participate in.

Professor Jane Perry, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean for the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care, spoke at an event to launch the new simulated training vehicle. She said: “The addition of this wonderful resource to our healthcare training will give our paramedic science students greater opportunities to build their medical and leadership skills, as well as confidence and resilience whilst training to work in high pressured and sometimes very difficult conditions.

“It provides a dynamic approach to clinical practice modules, using real-life scenarios for hands-on, practical learning which is so important for the development of our students and their practice of patient care.”

The University has a long and proud tradition of training and educating generations of healthcare professionals and is number one for graduating into a public sector job*. This new training vehicle, based at the University’s Medway campus, is the latest addition to the University’s state-of-the art health and clinical facilities, which includes a simulation operating theatre, hospital wards, midwifery suites, radiography rooms and a home environment for occupational therapy.

*Number one university for graduating into a public sector job, within the Cathedrals Group of Universities. The Cathedrals Group of Universities is a group of fourteen universities across the UK.