Paramedic degree apprentices at UCW in partnership with the University of Worcester were put through their paces during an immersive practical assessment, responding to a series of realistic emergency scenarios designed to test their clinical skills, decision-making and ability to remain calm under pressure. The assessment featured four challenging incidents, each recreating situations that paramedics may encounter in their day-to-day roles.
Apprentices responded to the simulated aftermath of a chainsaw accident, treated a casualty who had fallen down a flight of stairs and suffered an open fracture with an expertly simulated broken leg protruding through the skin, performed CPR on a patient who had stopped breathing using a training mannequin, and attended the scene of a simulated assault where a casualty had been punched and kicked.
Throughout each scenario, the apprentices demonstrated professionalism, working quickly and methodically to assess each patient, prioritise treatment and communicate effectively as a team.
Bringing the incidents to life were Weston College Performing Arts students, whose convincing performances created an intense and authentic atmosphere. Their realistic reactions, including shouting, crying out in pain and portraying distressed casualties, added an extra layer of pressure that closely mirrored real-life emergency calls.
The realism was enhanced further by talented students from UCW’s Makeup, Wigs and Special Effects degree who created lifelike injuries using specialist prosthetics and special effects make-up. From severe lacerations to exposed fractures and facial injuries, the detailed effects made each scenario feel remarkably authentic and challenged the apprentices to respond as they would in a genuine emergency.
The immersive assessment formed part of the apprentices’ degree programme, giving them the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their studies in a safe but highly realistic environment.
By combining realistic acting, professional special effects make-up and carefully planned emergency scenarios, the exercise provided invaluable experience that will help prepare the future paramedics for the unpredictable situations they will face throughout their careers.
This immersive exercise forms part of the Healthcare Careers Excellence Hub; University Centre Weston is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands.
UCW turns ten years old this year! We are proud to empower our students to achieve success in their future careers! Thousands of our students have gone on to get fascinating and varied jobs across a wide range of industries and disciplines.
Apply now for our Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship! Click here to apply for our BA (Hons) in Makeup Wigs and Special Effects!
