Paramedics pitch for exchange
11 March 2009
Paramedic Studies students gave a superb presentation to a host of important internal and external guests, to garner support for the launch of a new Student Paramedic International Exchange programme.
The students, led by Dan Cooke, presented their views about why such an innovative exchange program would be of benefit to students - on both side of the Atlantic.
The idea for the exchange was driven by the students visiting Toronto, Canada, on their own time and money. On their travels they took the time to visit local hospitals and ‘buddied up’ with Canadian paramedics to learn about the differences in their methods of working. They will be visiting Toronto’s Centennial College in April to explore the possibility of setting up an exchange program to share ideas about paramedic practice.
The students reasoned that a regular exchange would benefit all involved on an academic level, as well as giving them the confidence earned from a broad practical experience. The benefits of work-related learning, employability, and promoting the University, were other positive factors explored in creating such an exchange. The presentation ended with an emotive film made by the students, which succeeded in pulling the heart strings, and loosening the purse strings, of potential backers.
Attending the presentation was the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, who praised the pride and enthusiasm the students had for their University, their course and the city of Liverpool itself. He commented: “You’re the perfect advocates for your university and for Liverpool.”
Professor Godfrey Mazhindu, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Applied Social Sciences, also commended the students on their efforts, commenting: “I was expecting something good, but this was brilliant. You have the support of the Faculty.”
Pictured: Paramedic Practice sudents give a rescuscitation demonstration to the Lord Mayor
