29th September 2025
The Clinical Education Department held a closing ceremony today (Fri 26th Sept) for a cohort of 24 Student AAPs who have been in training with us since April of this year. This group have worked hard over the last 6 months and displayed professionalism and kindness. They have been supported by a fantastic faculty of Clinical Training Officers led by Course Director Andrew McFarlane, alongside Mark Anderson, Yvonne Craig, Jacqueline O’Neill, and Stephen McCusker.
These Student AAPs will now enter Operational Placement to continue their learning journey on frontline A&E ambulances across NI, supported by qualified crewmates and Clinical Support Officers. Today we held a closing ceremony where Paul Corns (Deputy Director Paramedicine) and Sean Kelly (Clinical Education Manager) closed the course, commending the faculty and students for their achievements. Two awards were presented to two students for Outstanding Academic Achievement (The Alistair Barr Award) and the Endeavour Award (The Tommy Glenfield Award). Ben Briscoe was awarded the Alistair Barr Award to recognise his overall academic achievements on the course. Joe Smyth was awarded the Tommy Glenfield award to recognise his overall contribution to the cohort by way of personal/professional development and his support of his colleagues.
As well as learning how to save lives, these students have raised £436 in the last few weeks for Marie Curie, to improve the lives of those living with cancer and those caring for people who have cancer. What a wonderful gesture for them to make as they leave our department. We are very proud of them all and wish them the very best for their future ahead.