My Boots: a reflection on my Paramedic Science placement experiences so far

Oli reflects on his first Paramedic Science placement with a short poem.

Easter holidays have arrived, so there is no time like the present to look back on what I have experienced so far in placement.

Because I lack imagination, I have borrowed this format from the book Blood, Sweat and Tea by Tom Reynolds, a book well worth a read if you are interested in the work of the ambulance service. I can assure you it is probably more interesting than my blog!

My Boots...

Have kept my feet warm and protected every day

Have walked across a motorway roundabout

Have scaled a garden fence

Have been coated in goodness knows how many bodily fluids

Have been in through a landfill site

Have been in the cab of a digger

Have been on the scene of car crashes

Have entered both the most wealthy and most impoverished homes

Have walked through a prison

Have been stared at by a lady when we have told her that her flatmate has passed away

Have been complimented on their cleanliness by elderly patients

Have provided support to me when carrying patients down stairs

Have crouched down next to many patients who have fallen over

Have cycled to and from the ambulance station every day of placement

Have just managed to make it to my third-floor flat before I fell asleep on my feet after a 12-hour shift overran to 14.5 hours.

As you can see, I have already experienced many of the highs and lows of the life of an ambulance service employee. I have done things that a year ago I would never have imagined doing.

While some days have been harder than others, I have not been dissuaded from the fact that this is the career for me, and I cannot wait to get back on the road after Easter!

Oliver studies Paramedic Science at ARU in Cambridge. Find out more about this and other degree courses at one of our Open Days.