What do you think when you see an ambulance?

If the answer is 'I think about how I could help the situation', and not 'I think I would like to run a mile', then the Paramedic Practice information evening at Edge Hill University on Wednesday, 29 April, 2009 is for you.

At the event, which will take place from 6pm-8pm there will be an opportunity to speak to the course tutors, ask any questions and find out about the driving requirements, the fitness test and CRB checks, which are all part of the application process. There will also be advisors on hand to discuss the career opportunities available after the course.

Edge Hill University won a major contract to train paramedics for North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust recently and is now recruiting for the two-year Diploma of Higher Education in Paramedic Practice, starting in September 2009.

As well as being taught the theoretical aspects of being a paramedic, students will learn practical skills by using a mock-up of an ambulance inside the classroom and hi-tech mannequins that can simulate everything from cardiac and respiratory problems to temperature rises and pregnancy. The University will also use its state-of-the-art clinical skills simulation facilities to provide realistic training scenarios, including roadside scenes. In addition students will also undertake on-the-job training in ambulance centres, operating theatres and other healthcare areas.

Seth Crofts, Dean of the Faculty of Health at Edge Hill University, said: "Offering this course will give the Faculty of Health the opportunity to diversify the range of opportunities on offer at the University, as we are already the largest provider of healthcare staff in the North West, with around 500 nurses, midwives, operating theatre staff and healthcare professional graduating each year.

"As a Faculty we strive to provide the very best training and education practices, working together with clinical providers such as the North West Ambulance Service, to achieve this aim."

Some of the training may take place in the new eco-friendly £14m Faculty of Health building at the University's Ormskirk campus. The new state-of-the-art facility incorporates many unique green features including a ‘live energy wall' which changes colour to remind staff and students to switch off computers, lights and other electrical equipment after use.

For further information, please call 0800 195 5063 or email enquiries@edgehill.ac.uk.

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