16th May 2024
Third year paramedic students from Ulster University recently attended NIAS Emergency Ambulance Control as part of their practice-based learning experiences.
As a regional ambulance service, we operate from one Emergency Ambulance Control (EAC) Centre in Belfast. Every time we receive a 999 call from a member of the public, our call handlers known as Emergency Medical Dispatchers use advanced bespoke software systems to assess 999 calls based on the clinical/medical condition of the patient as provided by callers. These systems also allow our Ambulance Control staff to provide those making a 999 call with pre-arrival medical advice in advance of the ambulance arriving with them. It also permits us to prioritise calls to ensure those in need receive the appropriate response, which includes a range of remote hear and treat options facilitated by clinicians in EAC.
Students had the benefit of spending time with our Emergency Medical Dispatchers, Clinical Support Desk Paramedics, Control Officers, Duty Managers, and the on-duty HEMS Paramedic all of which will be of benefit to the students as they progress towards registering as a paramedic later this year.
This was a great opportunity for the paramedic students to build on the knowledge and experience gained from communicating with Emergency Ambulance Control whilst on emergency vehicles during their practice-based learning at NIAS over the course so far.
We wish the paramedic students every success in the last few months of their studies.
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- Pictured is Gary Williamson, Ben Malone and Mark Johnston (left to right
