Why you should study this course
Paramedics are often the first emergency service on the scene. They can administer a range of life-saving treatments and provide vital information to people suffering from traumatic injuries and/or medical problems. This course aims to prepare you for the challenges that come with providing emergency and urgent care to an ageing and diverse population in pre-hospital and out-of-hospital environments.
- This course uses Coventry University’s ‘learning through exploration’ approach, where simulation and hands-on learning aim to develop your knowledge and understanding of the specialty. This includes the opportunity to use our full-size ambulance replica, with high-tech medical equipment and lifelike training manikins that simulate real patients with life-threatening conditions and various medical conditions.
- Through a combination of university lecturers, our excellent simulation facilities and practice placements with West Midlands Ambulance Service*, we aim to develop the skills and knowledge you require to provide safe and effective paramedic care in a range of settings. In addition to the medical knowledge needed to treat a patient, we also aim to develop your higher-level communication skills, teamworking, clinical reasoning and understanding of healthcare systems. We will introduce you to the international approach perspective of paramedic practice, examining different approaches to paramedic care from around the world.
- Using scenario and simulation-based teaching techniques you should become an active participant in your own learning. This approach is designed to help you to put theory into context, with the chance to embed a deep understanding of paramedic science.
- You will have the opportunity to be taught by a highly skilled academic team with a wide range of clinical knowledge and expertise in the paramedic field. This wealth of experience includes expertise in specialist areas such as Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP), Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART), emergency midwifery, paediatrics, clinical operations and governance. The team has made contributions to the greater field of paramedic practice with conference presentations, book and journal publications relating to paramedic science and undertake key research projects into pre-hospital care. Please note that staff are subject to change.
- Another benefit of studying this course is our current long-standing collaboration with regional ambulance trusts who can provide opportunities for practice placement provision and mentorship*. Exposure to the clinical setting of a NHS ambulance trust is an essential part of your course and is designed to prove invaluable if you are considering future career options following graduation, for example as a registered paramedic (see Accreditation and Professional Recognition section).
- As part of your education journey, you will have the chance to use our bespoke classroom-based ambulance simulator, which will provide the opportunity to undertake realistic patient treatment scenarios and encompass an area of healthcare unique to the paramedic profession. The simulator should allow you to become familiar with the layout of an ambulance before you undertake clinical practice placements with a paramedic mentor*.
- Our clinical skills labs are equipped with a range of pre-hospital training equipment, Advanced Life Support manikins and equipment. We also have service-user volunteers who play the part of patients which aims to enhance scenario learning.
What you'll study
Through a combination of university-based learning, using our excellent simulation facilities and university-sourced placements with an ambulance service, successful completion of the course will enable you to develop the skills and knowledge required to provide safe an effective paramedic care in a range of environments.
In addition to medical knowledge you will also develop higher level communication skills, teamwork, clinical reasoning and an understanding of the factors which influence health. You will take an international approach, examining approaches to paramedic care from across the world.
Using scenario and simulation-based learning you will be an active participant in your learning. This approach helps you to put the theory in to context and embed your understanding of paramedic science.
Year one
In the first year of the course, you will have the opportunity to study the fundamental principles required for the delivery of effective paramedic practice, including the study of anatomy, pathophysiology and pharmacology. We will introduce you to the fundamentals of research, designed to best prepare you for your final dissertation at the end of your course.
Your first year will include a placement with an ambulance service NHS trust partner (sourced by the university) where you will work alongside an ambulance crew responding to emergencies*. So that you are an active member of the ambulance crew, your first year will include modules that introduce you to the equipment you will have the opportunity to use, and the skills needed to operate it.
Modules
-
Concepts of Paramedic Knowledge and Professionalism - 20 credits
-
Concepts of Paramedic Skills and Application - 20 credits
-
Study Skills for Evidence-based Practice - 10 credits
-
Concepts of Fundamental Paramedic Care in Context - 20 credits
-
Health and Wellbeing in the Community - 20 credits
-
The Foundations of Evidence-based Practice - 10 credits
-
The Application of Fundamental Skills in Paramedic Practice - 20 credits
Year two
The knowledge and skills that you should develop in year two are built on the foundations of your first year. The second year is designed to develop paramedic specific skills and to advance your understanding of paramedic practice. You will undertake further practice placement*, which aims to consolidate some of the theory and paramedic practice skills you should acquire over your second year of study working alongside a qualified paramedic mentor.
Modules
-
Developing Paramedic Knowledge and Professionalism - 20 credits
-
The Application of Developing Skills in Paramedic Practice 1+2 - 40 credits
-
Developing Applied Paramedic Practice: A Case-based Approach - 20 credits
-
The Evolving Context of Paramedic Practice - 10 credits
-
Developing Paramedic Skills and Application - 20 credits
-
Developing Evidence-informed Practice - 10 credits
Final year
In the final year of the course, you should be prepared to demonstrate your ability to meet the requirements for potential registration with the HCPC as a paramedic upon successful completion (subject to additional costs and the requirements of the HCPC. Please visit the HCPC website for further information). You should take on an increasingly independent approach to your studies and should be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to be an effective, autonomous paramedic, upon graduation.
Modules
-
Assessment and Management within Urgent and Complex Care - 30 credits
-
Leadership and Management - 20 credits
-
'A difficult shift...’ Contemporary Paramedic Case Studies - 20 credits
-
The Application of Advanced Skills in Paramedic Practice - 20 credits
-
Transition to Autonomous Paramedic Practice - 10 credits
-
Evidence-informed Project (Paramedics) - 20 credits
