Earn while you learn

If you are reading this page, it’s likely you are looking for new challenges, a new direction and a true career path rather than just a job.

Making a difference to people’s lives and working in an environment where variety is the norm are the foundations of an exciting and fulfilling career working as a paramedic on the accident and emergency front line.

In 21st century health, emphasis is on high-quality treatment and care of all patients. The EEAS works to Government-set targets,  meaning you will be expected to respond as quickly as possible to emergency calls and provide outstanding levels of pre-hospital care. 

The service is recruiting now for people who want to work to meet these objectives and provide outstanding care to patients.

Student ambulance paramedic courses will run at three separate training centres throughout the remainder of 2008 and into 2009, so now is a perfect opportunity to make a change to your own personal goals and help make a difference to the community.

The student ambulance paramedic programme sees new recruits out on the road after three months intensive training, and then supports the progress of their career from trainee to qualified paramedic over a further two years. Students will work towards the Certificate of Higher Education in Emergency Medical Care, which incorporates the IHCD Paramedic and Technician award.

The programme uses higher education with distance learning covering all the essential theory and relevant practice. This allows, upon successful completion, registration with the Health Professions Council and employment as a qualified paramedic. This means you will be undertaking work-based learning with like-minded people on the practical elements of the course. 

Working on the accident and emergency frontline is intense - it’s a tough role to play and at times emotional so if you’re used to the conventional 9-to-5 environment then the role of a paramedic is very different.  A paramedic works a rotating shift pattern comprising days and nights over a 24/7 period covering 365 days per year.  You will often work in unfamiliar and at times unsettling environments. 

Student ambulance paramedic Nicola Steele is based at Chelmsford station, and has been on the front line since February.

“I've moved from being a hotel manager; a completely different industry to the ambulance service as I knew I wanted to help people and I'm so glad I've done it.

“The initial training is really intense but enjoyable. You never stop learning, even if you have some previous experience. The environment is really supportive, and the tutors will give you extra help if needed.

“Out on the road is where the learning really begins; you learn from other people and jobs you have attended. It can be hard sometimes to cope with the bad jobs - the key is not to get too attached, but it is easier said than done.

“Although the job isn't about self-gratification, you do feel satisfied when you help a particularly ill person or make a change in a person’s life. I wouldn't look back!”

Click here for FAQs.

Applications for the next courses of student ambulance paramedics can be found on the NHS Job site www.jobs.nhs.uk

We look forward to welcoming you to the Trust.