The national shortage of paramedics is being tackled head-on by Anglia Ruskin, which is  running a new course designed to provide the professionals of the future.
Those interested in working in the field can find out more about the course at a special open day. 
They will get the chance to meet the people who do the work on a daily basis, and can watch a recreation of an emergency take place.
The Medical Science, Health and Education Open Day will allow people to visit Anglia Ruskin’s Chelmsford campus – recognised as a world-class facility in medical training – to find out more about courses available to start in January 2015.
The open day follows the recent establishment of the Faculty of Medical Science, which is founded on the strong international reputation of Anglia Ruskin’s flagship Postgraduate Medical Institute.
Paramedic science is just one of the courses on offer. 
Those who take the three-year course will be given placements within the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust as part of their training. Newly graduated paramedics can expect to make £24,000 a year.
Working ambulance and paramedic staff will be present at Saturday’s open day. 
There will be hands-on activities, a medical skills showcase, as well as the reconstructed emergency scene.
Dr Ruth Jackson, dean of the Faculty of Medical Science, said: “The announcement of our paramedic science course generated tremendous interest in September.
“It’s great to be able to offer more places in January. 
“With the help of the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, we hope to equip students with the skills to save lives in the future.
“This weekend’s open day is an opportunity for people interested in this career path to find out more and get a real hands-on feel for what the course involves.”
There is currently a significant shortage of paramedics across the country, notably in London and the East of England, where a major recruitment drive is under way. 
The national shortfall is an estimated 2,500.
Prospects for a secure career in the profession are rosy. Professor Andy Newton, chairman of the British College of Paramedics, said: “There’s been a big rise in calls on the ambulance services, which have not always been matched by trusts taking on extra staff.
“It takes three years to put a paramedic through degree-level training and trusts have only just started to respond to this.”
The open day will take place from 10am until 2pm on Saturday.
 For further information about courses available in January, call 01245 686868 or visit www.anglia. ac.uk/Jan2015