A PIONEERING partnership between an Eden college and the North West Ambulance Service will create 'groundbreaking opportunities' for the next generation of emergency care professionals, including paramedics.

In what is believed to be the first in the country, 18-year-olds at Newton Rigg College will be able to study emergency care which will include both classroom learning and accompanying ambulance crews on 999 call outs.

The innovative course, beginning in September, has been drawn up in conjunction with North West Ambulance Service and paramedics will be involved in student teaching.

Although universities offer paramedic training at higher education level, it is the first time a purpose built course has been created for further education students.

The first insight into the course will be given at the college's open evening on Thursday, February 25, and the college says demand is 'expected to be high', particularly as a limited number of places are available. The two-year course will have a maximum of 20 places available.

The industry-informed curriculum will open up new possibilities for those with aspirations of careers across a number of sectors, including the NHS - particularly in accident and emergency - as well as in the military.

Dr Jane Sullivan, director of curriculum at Newton Rigg College, said: “This really was a meeting of minds between Newton Rigg and North West Ambulance Service who are keen to see more young people becoming paramedics. As far as we're aware, the course is unique and it will see a cadet academy created at Newton Rigg for emergency care professionals.”

She added: “The course includes health care, anatomy, physiology, public service and fitness and has also been designed with progression to higher education in mind and is supported by the University of Cumbria. The fact that second year students will have work placements in Cumbrian ambulance stations and be able to accompany paramedics on emergency call outs as well as patient transport will greatly add to their understanding and knowledge of what a paramedic's job is all about.”

John Gillespie, head of clinical education at North West Ambulance Service, said: “We are delighted to be working with Newton Rigg College and provide a base from which to develop our education strategy. It is a key part of our workforce planning and Talent for Care strategies. This course is unique and we are looking forward to welcoming the first cohort in September.”

Support has also come from University of Cumbria, which is one of 21 universities offering higher education courses in paramedic training.

Stewart Ralph, programme leader for paramedic practice at the university, said: “Competition for university places on paramedic courses is very high and interviews typically involve clinical scenarios. Often 16 -18 year olds have little knowledge or experience of these and so are at a disadvantage. This course will give students extra experience giving them a real competitive edge at the application and interview stages.”