Student paramedics complete placement at Carterton care home

Student paramedics were given the opportunity to complete a work placement at a Carterton based care home as part of their training.

The students are studying at Oxford Brookes University and as part of their progression and development they were set up with a two week placement at MHA The Homestead.

The students were working with residents and supporting staff members in dealing with the needs of the residents.

The home provides residential and residential dementia care for 68 residents and it was those living with dementia who the students spent most of their time with.

Alex Zimmerman, 25, one of the student paramedics said: “The experience was very beneficial for me and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

“The team of staff members were very supportive and the prolonged experience at the home was very good. The time allowed me to have a greater experience of the complex needs residents have and I want to thank the staff for their help throughout the two weeks.”

Verity Perkins, deputy home manager said: “We have always had a good relationship with the university and as part of the course the students are on, working in an environment where people are living with dementia is a must for them.

“The students were really good, attentive and were always willing to help, which are very important attributes.

“It's a great experience for the students and one that, if they are genuinely interested in, works well for them.”

Matthew Catterall, Programme Lead in Emergency Paramedic Care at Oxford Brookes University said: “Paramedics work with many different service user groups, requiring effective skills to communicate and care effectively for these individuals. Allowing Oxford Brookes University student paramedics to undertake developmental clinical practice placements where they can work with individuals who have complex needs such as dementia, is immensely valuable to both service users and student paramedics.

These development placements occur throughout students' study, but form part of their fundamental practice in caring and communicating, skills which are essential and transferable to student paramedics' future roles working as a paramedic.”