A UNIVERSITY has teamed up with the ambulance service to tackle the critical shortage of paramedics.

Budding lifesavers are being encouraged to sign up to a unique degree course at Anglia Ruskin University, which will see them spend the majority of their time in placement with the East of England Ambulance Trust.

It is hoped the three-year BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science degree, which will take place at campuses in Chelmsford and Colchester, will help ease the shortage of paramedics across the region.

Students will learn bio-sciences as well as practical skills, by working alongside the ambulance crew, manning response cars, working the control room and shadowing the hazardous area response team, which responds to incidents such as chemical spills and gas leaks.

The course will also provide opportunities for students to spend time in A&E, operating theatres, coronary care and maternity units within hospitals.

After graduating, they will have a range of career opportunities, including working for the ambulance service, working in a hospital or other healthcare setting, and delivering aid as part of an air ambulance crewmember.

David Brown, clinical manager for the East of England Ambulance Trust, said: “This course provides a rare opportunity to reallymake a difference in a field where these skills are urgently needed.

“This hands-on course will produce well-rounded professionals whowill be an asset to our out-ofhospital health services.

“They will spend a lot of time on placements getting on-the-job training, which will be invaluable to them.

“The opportunity for employment following the course is high given the local and national shortage of paramedics.”

Nigel Henderson, acting head of the allied health and medicine department at Anglia Ruskin, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with East of England Ambulance Service and hope this will develop further into providing additional opportunities for collaboration between the trust and Anglia Ruskin University in the development of the service.”

Taster events will take place at the Chelmsford campus from 10am until 1pm on Friday, and Wednesday, June 11.

The course starts in September.

For more information, e-mail morgan.brown@anglia.ac.uk or call 0845 1964084.