Student medics join ambulance crews on front line

Medical students have been volunteering to support the NHS by joining ambulance crews on the front line.

The Community First Responder scheme in Coventry is allowing students to put on their paramedic uniforms to respond to 999 calls, with supervision from senior staff.

The trainees from Warwick Medical School, based at the University of Warwick, have been responding to the most serious calls from across the region.

Aidan Baker-Johal, a fourth year student, said taking part had allowed them to make a "real contribution" to supporting the NHS.

Warwick Medical School started the project in September, as part of a wider regional scheme with West Midlands Ambulance Service.

The trainees have helped with providing immediate care for patients after falls, dealing with cardiac events and strokes, as well as performing life-saving resuscitation.

Mr Baker-Johal said: "The opportunity to bring our clinical and leadership skills together to deliver life-saving front line care for our local community is a real privilege."

The medical school said volunteers received full support and ongoing training, as well as welfare checks from the ambulance service.

Professor Stuart Croft, vice-chancellor and president of the university, said the scheme was a "powerful example" of the institution's commitment to make a difference to the local community.

He added: "Our medical students are demonstrating exceptional leadership by taking part in a scheme that delivers vital care and support to our local communities across Coventry and Warwickshire, as well as here on campus."

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