What do you actually study on a Paramedic Science course?

Hi! I'm currently a third-year Paramedic Science student at BCU, so I thought I'd share a little on what the degree actually involves 🙂.
What surprised me was how much of my A-Level Biology knowledge would cross over with the course content. In the first and second years, we studied a pathophysiology module to gain a better understanding of the common conditions we may encounter during placement. If you're interested in becoming a paramedic but haven't yet chosen your A-Levels, I'd 100% recommend picking A-Level Biology, as this was a massive help!
Throughout the course, we have also had case review assignments, which involved unpicking everything you did during the assessment/treatment of a patient and reflecting on whether this meets current 'best practice' guidance. This really helps with keeping up to date on current evidence.
During the practical elements of the course, we've learned a wide range of skills, including Basic life support, Immediate life support, Advanced life support, Patient assessment and history taking, IV cannulation, IO access, Chest decompression, and many more! This all helps to prepare you to use these skills on placement.
The part of the course that always brings up the nerves is the OSCES, which are practical exams where you can showcase the skills learnt in the practical sessions, such as Immediate and Advanced life support. With plenty of practice sessions in SPACE - the student-led practice room, these skills become second nature and the nerves calm.
Placement is probably the part of the course that everyone looks forward to the most, and rightly so! I was assigned a mentor who is responsible for signing me off at the end of each year and supporting my progression. The first few shifts are all about finding your feet, speaking to patients, doing observations, and getting involved where you can. Then you will start to take a history, decide on treatment plans, and use the skills you have practised in uni with less and less input from your mentor as you progress! On placement, you may attend a wide range of calls from falls, chest pain, trauma, mental health difficulties, and cardiac arrests. No two days are the same.
Please ask any questions about the course below, and I'm happy to answer 🙂.
If you’re interested in paramedic science, check out the course page and take a virtual tour to see what it’s like at BCU.
Molly
BCU Student rep x

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