Why choose a Career in Paramedicine & tips for aspiring Paramedics

I am a Student Paramedic at Staffordshire University/West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS).

I am Zain and I am 19. I had completed my A levels in 2019 at Sixth Form. For my A levels I took Biology, Chemistry, Theology, Philosophy and Ethics. Although the sciences were my favourite subjects, I probably enjoyed Theology the most. From a young age, (10yrs) I knew in the future I want to work in health care and since I have always focussed on my sciences and developed an interest in them which made me excel in them during GCSEs and A levels. Over the years I thought a lot about which aspect of healthcare I want to practice as it is a very diverse work force. Due to this I took all opportunities that came across my path such as in Secondary School I was part of our Medical Society (MedSoc) for 3 years through which I was able to access many healthcare events ranging from Medicine days to Radiography days. Such events allowed me to gain a very deep insight into the various roles. Fast forwarding to Sixth Form, I volunteered at hospitals, care homes and pharmacies and was also part of the Medical Society at Sixth Form too. Over the years all these opportunities and my interaction with Paramedics and Ambulance staff made me decide that Paramedicine is what I want to practice. 

I knew this job would allow me to help treat patients and make a difference in their lives. Even if it is a small difference. Being able to clinically help patients is something that exited me. One thing that made my mind stick on Paramedicine is the fact that you do not know what the next Job you are going to until it comes up on the radio and this is something that exited me. One job you could be at a patient’s home picking them off the floor and putting them back in bed, the other job you could be at a hanging and then a Cardiac Arrest. The variety of Jobs we can do in Emergency Medicine is what pulled me towards this career plus the variety of places we are assessing and treating our patients can range from their living rooms, to out on the roads, to GP consultation rooms etc. 

This Job is one where we tend to be the initial point of contact that a patient has with a healthcare professional and we are able to provide the patient with immediate care which a lot of the times does save their lives. Sometimes jobs we attend do not require any medical intervention but that short conversation with the patient changes their whole day around and puts a smile on their face which is something that warms my heart. 

Once you know you want a career in healthcare, you want to then think about what subjects to take at GCSEs and A Levels or Btec. You would then want to start doing a lot of research into that career and possibly some others and gain as much experience as you can to know whether that is the right career for you. In terms of university requirements, they vary from University to University. But in general terms most would require 8 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including your Maths and English Language. And in terms of College subjects they will require A levels or equivalent qualifications such as a Btec. Always check the University Website for requirements. If you have already studied at college or you have not but you have exceeded the UKs school leaver age, there is always still many routes you can take into Paramedicine. You can do access to healthcare course and then study Paramedicine at university. All the experiences you gain such as care homes, St Johns Ambulance and even retail jobs will make you stand out from other applicants when applying for Paramedicine.

Paramedicine is for individuals that understand you will be attending various jobs and would like that sort of environment. You can literally be anywhere. You could be in the middle of fields etc. This job will let you make a huge difference in an individual’s life even if you think you have not done much. Sometimes you are the first point of call for that individual to be able to have some hope and make the first step towards changing their life in a positive way.