Where Paramedic Science can take you

My name is Eric Mobbs. I am a University of Bradford alumnus currently working for the ambulance service in Leeds. I studied BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science at the University of Bradford to achieve my ambition of becoming a paramedic.

Studying Paramedic Science at Bradford 

I learned many interesting things about emergency medicine at Bradford, but also developed as a person. The challenges of placement and varied assignments taught me lots about myself. 

My degree equipped me with the knowledge and clinical skills required to practise as a paramedic, giving me confidence to deliver care in challenging environments. Additionally, the experienced paramedic lecturers at Bradford gave me confidence in my ability to do my job. 

I also made many close friends studying Paramedic Science who I’ve stayed in contact with to this day. 

Life as a paramedic 

The role of the paramedic is often misunderstood. The best way I can describe my job is that I get to help people, often in a crisis, to restore some order to their lives. This sometimes involves resuscitation and life-saving medical interventions. But it can also be as simple as being there to hear what they are going through, referring them to other services, or educating them on their conditions and general health. 

Perks of the job 

My favourite thing is the variation in my work. Each and every patient I see comes with a unique set of factors which means I have to find unique solutions in each case. This means I have to constantly expand my knowledge and learn about different conditions, assessment tools and ways of managing illness. 

Although it doesn't occur every day, I also enjoy the pressure of dealing with critically ill patients as I feel this is where I can make the biggest difference. From arriving at the patient until we make it to hospital, I must constantly consider my assessment, what treatments to give, how best to transport the patient and react to any changes in their condition. 

At times this can be stressful but knowing that I've done my best to help people out of a bad situation comes with a strong sense of satisfaction. 

Looking to the future 

I will soon be starting a new job within Yorkshire Ambulance Service working as a clinical educator. This represents the first step towards my ambition of becoming a paramedic science lecturer. Through this I hope to inspire the next generation of paramedics to push themselves to be the best clinicians they can be. 

Advice for aspiring paramedics 

If you feel that you want to work as a paramedic you should not be intimidated, as long as you are ready to challenge yourself and continue to learn throughout your whole career. Many people tell me they couldn’t do my job. They worry about dealing with stress, difficult emotions and blood. But I have no doubt that if you want to be a paramedic, your ability to meet these challenges will surprise you! 

Check out BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science to see what the future might hold for you.