Student paramedic awarded for university project

Emily Bracken received the award from South Western Ambulance Service Foundation NHS Trust

A student has been recognised by the NHS for her work on a project to enhance learning for aspiring paramedics and improve patient healthcare outcomes.

Emily Bracken, who is working towards a Paramedic Science degree at the University of Gloucestershire, was named Student of the Year by South Western Ambulance Service Foundation NHS Trust.

She won the award for her work on the Buddy Project, which allows students to participate in safe simulation practise of clinical skills while developing leadership skills.

Ms Bracken said the award has made her "excited for [her] future and inspired to achieve more".

The aspiring paramedic created the initiative to help support students making the transition through the different years of their degree.

"I found the transition from the first year to the second year extremely challenging, with such a significant academic jump as well as the addition of the new practical skills to learn," Ms Bracken said.

She added that her best friend and other students in their third year helped her "massively" to cope with the change.

'Complete shock'

The project prepares third year students to become mentors and gives first year students an insight into all the practical skills they will learn and develop throughout the course.

Ms Bracken said she was in "complete shock" when she found out she had won the Student of the Year award for her work.

"It took me completely by surprise," she added.

The Buddy Project, which has been in development over the past year, will be rolled out to Paramedic Science students this term.