My first year of Paramedic Science

I’m now in my second year of Paramedic Science and I wanted to explain to others what you can expect from the first year.

The initial year is all about giving the students a realistic insight into paramedic practice. You also learn the fundamentals, too. You will cover topics such as:

• Advanced anatomy & physiology which is an in-depth study of the structure, science and function of the human body.
• Patient assessment which is an overall examination of a patient's condition. Initial patient assessment may determine if the patient is regarded as stable or time-critical.
• Pathophysiologies which is a study of the disturbances/changes in the human body which causes a certain disease or illness.
• Specific system reviews such as cardiac and respiratory.

You will also get put into a clinical placement for your last trimester to help you put your theory into practice. My clinical placement was 10 weeks with the London Ambulance Service and 1 week in the Emergency Department.

The placement was definitely the highlight of the academic year and I realised how much better I could understand the theory as I began to put it into practice. The placement gave me an insight into my future as a paramedic, too.

First year isn’t just about your course, though. I’ve had a fantastic year enjoying the social aspect of university, even with the pandemic. I got to make new friends on my course and in my accommodation and I have had some amazing experiences. I’ve loved my first year and I hope you will too.