Abi
BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science
Abi is an undergraduate on our BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science programme. She is currently completing her sandwich year at a busy ambulance trust before her final dissertation.
This is her story.
From early on, I knew Bradford was for me.
Hands-on work in healthcare
"I always wanted to go into healthcare."
"I wanted to do a degree that would give me a hands-on job, bringing something different to everyday life.
"My grandparents instilled a caring side in me, so I knew healthcare was a career path I wanted to explore.
"The paramedic course at Bradford was the only one that offered the sandwich year, which set the university apart.
"When I attended Bradford's Open Day, the lecturers and staff were warm and welcoming. This gave me the confidence to apply."
Surrounded by support
"Since becoming part of the cohort, the lecturers and staff have continued to be so supportive."
"Working with different people and undertaking teamwork tasks, such as group presentations, has built up my confidence to manage different personalities and take charge of situations.
"Outside of my course, I have become a student ambassador.
"This role has pushed me further out of my comfort zone and got me talking to a lot more people beyond my course, which has helped my confidence and communication skills."
The course has helped me to build my confidence. I can lead now.
Work placements
"Bradford's paramedic science course offers a level of placements that other universities do not."
"This sets you apart in terms of your skillset and communication level. It’s what Bradford students get praised for time and time again by employers.
"During my first year, the placements involved mentoring people with learning difficulties, working on paediatric wards, maternity wards, theatres, and ICUs. I even spent a week in a dementia care home.
"Every experience taught me something different in terms of how to communicate with people and how to adapt to meet different care needs – crucial skills I'll need as a working paramedic."
It's Bradford's work placements that will set you apart.
Essential, practical skills
"You also get to take part in a blue light driving course, a hands-on module which obviously forms a crucial part of the job as a paramedic."
"I found it difficult and challenging, but it gave me essential practical skills I’ll never forget.
"On campus, we have access to the same equipment as an ambulance. We regularly practise with trauma equipment like vacuum splints and cannulation arms.
"We get to drill into prosthetic bones and do CPR training on mannequins. It’s invaluable experience before we go out into the field."
My sandwich placement year
"I am so grateful to be spending my sandwich year employed as an assistant ambulance technician by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, based in Bradford."
"It’s a high-pressure environment, especially since this station is one of the busiest in the region.
"I still vividly remember my first day on the job.
"I found it quite stressful to begin with – but I threw myself into it and came away from that day feeling like I knew a lot more than I thought.
"Being someone that my patients, their families and my crewmates can rely on in the ambulance is such a privilege.
"This placement has given me leadership, communication and clinical decision-making skills I didn’t know I was capable of."
I am working at one of Bradford’s busiest ambulance stations.
Expanding horizons
"The sandwich year has also given me the chance to get to know people within the ambulance service who can guide me as I explore future roles in more rural and outreach projects after graduating."
"For example, I could be a medic on a cruise ship, or on oil rigs, or at airports. For now though, I hope to continue my career journey within the Yorkshire Ambulance Service – I love it!"