East Midlands

Janine Taylor-Hayes

I have had a colourful career to date, a great deal of life experience, and I’d be honoured to be an advocate for the East Midlands to represent and be a voice so that others can be heard. I’m studying the MSc Paramedic Science at NTU starting January and completed MSc Physiotherapy pre-reg. I am used to working at master’s level and will support my fellow peers studying at M Level.

I spent 13yrs in The London Fire Brigade as Firefighter and Crew Manager and was involved in incidents such as 7/7 bombings, London Riots, Grenfell Tower, and London Olympics. Coming from an emergency services background as an officer I am very used to leadership and I’m hoping my experience can be utilised as a role model and to support students and peers during the intense Paramedic training. Being a team player, I have experience working collaboratively and will form good working relationships with my council members.

Being a trained PE Teacher & Psychology Lecturer since 2002 I am confident in public speaking and presenting at conferences/meetings where required. I will be happy attending stakeholder meetings and presenting any feedback to them.

I am extremely approachable as a teacher and during my MSc Psychology I was the student Representative and always available to hear my peers’ concerns or opinions.

I have full professional membership with The British Psychological Society (FMBPsS) and have a keen interest in mental health and psychology. I teach Mental Health Awareness and Mental Health First Aid courses and would be happy to support peers or provide strategies to help navigate their Paramedic Course. I am hoping to continue my research in this field with Paramedicine. As an addition to mental health, I am a CBT Practitioner and privately coach individuals in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Who am I? Well, I LOVE all animals and would never harm a fly or spider. I’m regularly helping flies out windows or putting a spider in a glass and putting him/her outside. My Husband and I live with our two adorable dogs, and we also work with Derby F.C to house U21 players who live with us. We are registered foster carers also but for the moment we are having a break from that so I can concentrate on my Paramedic training! 😊

I love sport and exercise and enjoy running, spinning, Golf and the Gym not to mention a bit of an adrenaline junkie with Skiing. I play most sports, apart from Darts! I’m looking forward to driving on blue lights again as I used to LOVE driving the fire engine on blues!! 😊

I am an ex-International Hockey player; played for England & GB U16 – senior levels. I played for England Over 40s and we won the World Cup last year whereby I hung up my hockey sticks for the last time after thirty years playing. In my spare time I love being in the countryside, our garden with a tin of Cuprinol paint and reading/films to chillax. 

 

Aman Sharma

I believe that I am well suited for this role for multiple reasons. Already over the course of this year have I presented at the most recent Student Conference on race and equality, my speech was well received. Since then I joined a Strand on race and have recently joined a strange on gender. Participating in these is only growing my knowledge of paramedicine outside of clinical skills and allows me to participate in discussions to make paramedic science a safer working space for all. I am already committed to regular meeting for this strands, so additional meeting for this role would not be an issue. In addition to all of this I already have plans to speak at the next conference and have spoken to Sarah Todd about my interests. In terms of the role specification described I have already shown that I can committed and fulfil all the requirements described as I had to fulfil these for my recent speech. I am an ethnic minority, I believe my input can be of great value. Thank you for your consideration.

 

Joseph Brown

My name is Joe Brown and I am a third year undergraduate Paramedic Science student at the University of Lincoln.

I grew up in Cleethorpes, before a love of rock climbing and prehistory led me to study BA (Hons) Archaeology at the University of Sheffield in the mid 1990s. After graduating, I spent several winters snowboarding in the French Alps then completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the University of East Anglia. Over the following 16 years I taught in around 55 primary schools throughout the Sheffield area, while at the same time realising a long held ambition to qualify as a professional Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (MCI).

Gaining a place at Lincoln presented the ideal opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills for the benefit of others. In the first year, I organised and supervised indoor climbing sessions to support the mental health of paramedic students. In the second year, I was elected Vice President of the Paramedic Society and drew on my experience of management in schools to facilitate its effective functioning. In the third year I was elected President of the Paramedic Society, where the leadership and interpersonal skills I developed as an MCI have helped me to quickly build a team and motivate others into collaborating on shared aims. Already, we have arranged a comprehensive programme of CPD events, designed an online shop to raise funds, organised a charity hike for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and delivered Basic Life Support (BLS) training to around 150 people as part of Restart a Heart Day. Together this demonstrates my commitment to enhancing and advancing the well-being and education of student paramedics, as well as the wider public.

I believe I would be an excellent College of Paramedics Student Council representative for the East Midlands as I have a clear vision for what I hope to achieve. I would like to create opportunities for student paramedics to develop their mentoring and leadership skills, as this has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement with the Paramedic Society at Lincoln. Furthermore, my professional background in education, both in schools and as an MCI, has given me a strong interest in exploring how systems of informal feedback can improve peer-to-peer assessments and reflective practice for paramedic students and Newly Qualified Paramedics (NQPs) alike. Representing the East Midlands and working collaboratively with the rest of the Student Council would provide an exciting opportunity to contribute to the achievement of these aims at the regional and national levels.

Eastern

Jacob Pearson

My name is Jacob, and I am currently a second-year student paramedic at the University of Bedfordshire. During my first year as a student paramedic, I served as a student representative for my cohort. I was Deputy Chair of the Paramedic Society within the Beds Student Union. In these roles, I have acquired valuable experience in formal and informal communication with my peers and university staff, focusing on obtaining and clarifying essential information for the benefit of my fellow students.

Furthermore, I actively participated in weekly student representative meetings at the university. I collaborated with tutors to discuss ways to enhance various aspects of our course, ultimately aiming to improve the learning experience for all students. To prepare for these meetings, I engaged in meaningful conversations with my peers to gather their input and concerns, ensuring that every student’s voice was heard. Reflecting on my experiences in this role, I have realised my passion for representing my peers’ interests, as I firmly believe there is always room for improvement, especially in the education of future paramedics. Our commitment to excellence in paramedic education is crucial in maintaining and improving the nation’s health and ensuring a safe and effective working environment for all.

One of my most vital attributes is my ability to effectively engage with peers and university staff through various communication channels, such as email and Teams, to streamline communication and facilitate the planning of events and academic activities. For instance, last year, the Chair of the Paramedic Society and I diligently discussed and planned a society trip to Bodyworks in Amsterdam, intending to involve students from all three academic years. Unfortunately, this trip had to be cancelled due to concerns about living costs.

Reflecting on my journey as a student paramedic and my experiences thus far, I deeply desire to challenge myself further and achieve more. By becoming a member of the College of Paramedics Student Council, I can push my boundaries, seek new opportunities, and contribute even more effectively to the betterment of paramedic education.

I am also committed to presenting myself as a role model to my peers, aspiring to be a friendly face they can turn to for support and guidance. This role within the College of Paramedics Student Council will allow me to establish connections and collaborate with other student paramedics and societies. Together, we can work towards securing funding through paramedic societies to organise simulation days and create a platform for open discussions and shared experiences, ultimately enriching our education.

 

Kian Peak

My name is Kian Peek. I am a first-year Paramedic student, running for student council for the College of Paramedics. The student council is an important part of the CofP as it provides the voice for all paramedic students across the UK, playing an important role in the education and support of students in the future.

Paramedic science has changed greatly, especially throughout Covid, and this can be seen within the degree programme. It’s important, as students, that we maximise and use all the support we have alongside our studies and placements. The CofP already has some great CPD sessions, as well as other resources, however this can always be improved and changed to greatly benefit us as a service user.

As students, particularly first-year students, university can be a daunting experience. All of us will face challenges of stress, working incredibly hard and being pushed to our limits. We are also required to learn important skills such as time management, self-guided learning, and resilience. I feel strongly that we should never face these challenges alone and that student welfare and health are extremely important throughout our years of studying. If I was a student rep for East of England, I would ensure every single student, who’s a member of the CofP, gets the best possible experience and support, by attending CPD events, webinars, and sharing other useful resources on mental health and wellbeing. I would also utilise my skills of time management and organisation, as well as my previous committee experience, to ensure I was extremely dedicated, and fulfil my role of voicing student’s ideas.

I have previously stood on committees for football refereeing, as a support worker, youth representative, and vice chairperson. This entailed working as part of a team, working with other individuals to create CPD events, and create other learning opportunities which many members benefited from. Many of our CPD events included interactive sessions, learning opportunities and guest speakers, which would provide pivotal knowledge and experience to the members.

Alongside these events I regularly attended committee meetings and ran the group's social media page, uploading motivational quotes, and raising mental health awareness every month to our members. As well as being an active supporter of the Rainbow Laces campaign which promotes diversity and the LGBTQIA+ within the football industry.

Finally, I have a keen passion and interest in ensuring people’s voices are heard. This is why I would always ensure I took on board student feedback, by creating regular surveys for students to fill out, I would put forward any suggestions you may have to the CofP during committee meetings.

Therefore, if you vote for me I would ensure that I would bring new, bright and fresh ideas to CofP meetings, which benefit all students regardless of their current year of study, provide support to all students wherever needed, all whilst promoting positive well-being and mental health.

Every paramedic student is entitled to a voice, so vote for me, and ensure you get heard.

Military

Billy O’Dee

Hello Everyone,

I’m Billy O’Dee, a Royal Air Force Medic undergoing the Paramedic Science BSc at the University of Central Lancashire. 

It is crucial to bridge the gap between the military and civilian student paramedics. Both groups have a plethora of experiences to share, and together, much can be achieved. It is my vision that, between us, interoperability and open-networking becomes the norm. Time spent at university is a comparatively short tenure, however, I believe that long-term working relationships can flourish as a result of our work as student representatives. It would be my focus to establish these connections and create an open line of communication between the civilian and military paramedic cadres. The end-result would be future working opportunities, CPD events, education, a sense of community and friendship. A vote for me is a vote for all future paramedics.

For the military, I will be our advocate, and I will work diligently to express our concerns, progress our profession and highlight the exemplary work that we do day-to-day. We deserve professional recognition, future opportunities, and a voice. As our representative, I will host regular discussions where we can freely discuss the problems we face and endeavour to solve them. In isolation, we are just a mumble, but together, we can truly make a difference. 

As for me, I strive to set an example for my colleagues, and pride myself in my dedication, conduct and attitude towards all that I do. Not only am I obliged to follow the HCPC Code of Conduct, but I must also uphold the ethos outlined by the RAF. I enjoy mentoring junior colleagues and find that the two-way learning environment and flat hierarchy provides an ideal environment for growth. My key interests lie within education, research, decision-making and leadership. 

As part of my role in the RAF, I have worked with multidisciplinary teams from both military and civilian backgrounds in order to facilitate care, quality improvement and training. My work has placed me in prehospital care, critical care, and primary care environments. I have delivered training, speeches to high-ranking audiences, and volunteered as a Military First Responder. To me, proactivity and direction is imperative. 

The experiences I have accrued through the military will undoubtedly provide value to the student representative panel. I sincerely hope you consider me a suitable candidate. I look forward to advancing our profession.

North West

Oliver Lodmore

My name is Oliver Lodmore and I am currently a 2nd Year Student at Liverpool John Moores University. My journey in healthcare started when I was 16 and volunteered during the pandemic at a District General Hospital A&E, then I moved on to work as a clerical officer and healthcare assistant whilst also studying at sixth form. These two years prior to starting my university studies allowed me to develop the skills I needed, and use, everyday on my course. 

I am a huge advocate for giving students a voice in all aspects of their Paramedic course and also enabling people to feel confident enough to speak up. Whether this be concerns or compliments on placement or studies, I think that a strong College of Paramedics student council will enable students voices to be heard even louder. It would be an incredible opportunity for me to act as the link between students in the North West and our professional body, the College of Paramedics. 

One of my main aims should I be elected is to look at the impact on hospital handover delays on our education. We have all spent numerous hours on a corridor or holding on the back of ambulances, and I often wonder how this will play a part on our confidence or knowledge when it comes to registration. I also would like to increase student communication between the universities in the North West, whether this be through day trips out or CPD events, let's make our course bigger than our universities as we can all learn from each other. 

The College of Paramedics values the student population, as we are the upcoming generation of Paramedics. I will act as a conduit to enhance studies and interactions between placement providers, whilst also looking at how opportunities for students during their time of study can be enhanced. I possess the skills to mange my workload, time and concerns of others. Currently I arrange a multitude of extra-curricular CPD opportunities for students in LJMU and I have strong links with charities, educational organisations and more to provide extra educational opportunities for students. This work involves scheduling, organisation, people skills and management aspects. But most importantly, I can listen. All CoP student members have the ability to make a huge impact, and by working together we can hopefully make things happen.

This profession is truly one of the greatest in the world, and with a strong student voice and a strong professional body, it can only get better. I believe that I possess the skills necessary to deliver what students want, and work alongside yourselves on topics to improve experiences. It would be an incredible privilege to be your elected College of Paramedics Student Representative for the coming year.

Laura Rimmer

My name is Laura Rimmer and I have recently started my second year as a student Paramedic at the University of Central Lancashire. I believe I would be suited to the role of College of Paramedics student council member as I am very friendly and approachable and have a genuine interest in the achievements of my peers. 

My experience in previous roles in the workplace has allowed me to develop to be a compassionate advocate for my fellow students. I understand that each student will have both their own strengths and challenges on our journey to become registered professionals. I am adaptable to suit the needs of both individuals and cohorts alike. If an individual faces challenges, I often engage with them and check they have support of a friendship group or family, helping to find or point them in the direction for appropriate support within the university. If it is beyond the remit of the university, I will find the correct pathway available for the support the student requires, whether it be through external professionals, within the trust or advocates within the college of paramedics. 

I am a committed student striving to push my knowledge which supports becoming an able and competent practitioner, a valued team player and a spokeswoman for students and patients. I believe my commitment to the course will support and improve my abilities within this role. As well as mandatory training and lectures I enjoy seeking out and immersing myself into different styles of learning, continued professional development and communicating this back to the cohort. I’m looking forward to us all qualifying and reaching our potential. 

As a mother, I can emphatically say I feel it gives me an understanding of some of the challenges we can come across on this professional path which quite often can revolve less around the academic elements and more around commitments within our personal lives also.  I have excellent organisational skills and a can-do attitude which I believe I can utilise along with my life experience to support others. I embody the values I believe to be important to that of a student paramedic and pride myself on being an advocate and a friendly ear to students who may need support. 

I was nominated and served as a student representative at the local college during my access course prior to starting the degree and have been honoured to be nominated both in my first and second year by the cohort during student representative voting. I volunteer at a charity for child visitation with non-resident parents based in the Northwest and this has enabled me to develop key skills in communication in many different circumstances. Over the years I have held in trusted positions within the finance sector and been both independent in my work and actively involved in the training and support of new colleagues. 

I would love to be considered for the role.

Northern Ireland

Daire Mallon

Hello fellow members of the College of Paramedics. My name is Daire Mallon, a current second year student studying at Ulster University. Being elected as your NI representative on the student council would see you elect a passionate and hard-working individual who will give your concerns a voice on the local and national stage. Having been on only the second cohort of students to start my paramedic journey at Ulster University, I understand the unique challenges that are currently facing our region as we move forward in progressing the profession. Ensuring that students studying in Northern Ireland receive the same financial support as our colleagues in other allied health professions in the form of bursaries would be an item that I would raise immediately if I was to be elected.  In these times of financial hardship, I would want to develop the idea that everyone who wants to start their career in paramedicine should not feel unable to due to financial challenges.   

As your representative on the student council, I would be your engine of change to ensure that your concerns about your studies and profession are heard. I am passionate about our career, having seen the rapid development of the role of the paramedic over the past number of years. I want to continue to see more opportunities for paramedics to develop so that when we graduate and qualify, there are many that will await us. It is no secret that this is a challenging career, with a high level of stress and burnout. However, I believe that putting myself forward as a proactive representative would allow for a two-way communication channel between the region’s college members and the student council so that your worries are heard, and real change can be campaigned for.   

If I were to be elected, I would display a professional attitude to my work as your representative, ensuring that you are kept up to date on the council’s progress. Ensuring that I represent both our university and our region in a manner which promotes the interest and professionalism of the students of the region. As your voice, I would always be liaising with all three-year groups so that I am a familiar figure and someone who is approachable, giving you confidence that your concern or point will be taken seriously. I am fully aware of the time that needs to be dedicated to this role and I am willing to ensure that this role gets my total focus throughout the year. I am also very aware of my obligation to act in a professional manner under the HCPC’s guidance for students.   

To finish, I want to thank you for taking time to read this and would ask that you consider giving me your vote in the upcoming election so that the region’s views are promoted on the national level. Together, we can continue to develop our profession into one that we can continue to be proud of.  

John Dumigan

The Paramedic science degree programme within Northern Ireland is one of a challenging yet exciting nature. Due to the course being relatively new within NI, it is vital that students feel supported and know that they have a voice to shape the future of paramedicine for the better. For this reason, I believe I have the necessary skills and abilities to ensure that the student Paramedics of NI are heard.  

My journey began by volunteering with St John Ambulance to which I built a solid clinical foundation when it comes to pre-hospital care. More recently, I am employed by a private ambulance service which has allowed me to be on the non-emergency and emergency side of prehospital care, assisting paramedics and communicating with interdisciplinary teams in a professional manner. Through this experience, it has reaffirmed my life-long ambition of becoming a paramedic and delivering the best possible pre-hospital care in a person-centred manner.  

It is vital that the student representative is both confident and capable to push the paramedic profession forward. Of course, this needs excellent communication skills between students and the College itself which is a quality I firmly believe I possess. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I carried out and passed the ILM level 2 Award for Effective Team Membership and Leadership. This course not only taught me how to be an effective team member, but also how to be a confident and competent team leader, analysing different peoples strengths and weaknesses in order to deliver the best possible outcome. Importantly, this meant listening to both the ideas and concerns of the team members and feeling like they have a voice when it comes to decision making which is exactly what a student representative should do.  

Being the 2nd cohort of degree student paramedics ever in NI, we are really at the start of pushing the profession forward which is why it is crucial to have an effective student representative. The role of a paramedic is constantly evolving not only in a pre-hospital sense but in terms of primary care and other specific settings such as cruise ships, oil rigs, military settings and more. Students might plan on branching out into these other specific sectors which is why it is important for the option to be made readily available to them. In order to do so, there needs to be a strong driving force to the process of making this become a reality which exercises the need for a relationship and rapport between the College of Paramedics and the students themselves. This relationship will bridge the gap between students and the College, highlighting concerns, learning from mistakes and pushing new ideas for the advancement of Paramedicine within Northern Ireland.  

In being my years liaison for the College, I was answerable to the NI student representative which brought to light previous and new improvements which could be made. I firmly believe I have what it takes to rise to the challenge and advance the future of Paramedicine in Northern Ireland.

Scotland

Isla Black

I am a student with a passion for change. I want to make a difference. I want to be the person who represents all of you and gets your voices heard when you feel like no one is listening. I want to put forward ideas to make positive changes for the future because nothing will ever improve if we stand still. So, who am I? I am Isla Black, I am a second year BSc undergraduate paramedic science student at the university of Stirling. I’m a country girl who has moved to a bigger city with aspirations in life to bring about some big changes to both the profession and healthcare as whole.   

I am currently a year representee for my cohort. This is my second year fulfilling this role and I can already see some changes being implemented into the course from previous feedback I have gathered and suggestions I have made. I feel grateful to be able to represent my peers and put forward their ideas along with my own. It is a very rewarding experience.   

This year I also got selected to be a part of the 150 leaders' program. This is a program for healthcare students from around the UK to come together to build our individual leadership skills with the desire to become leaders of our future professions. By building upon my pre-existing leadership qualities and developing my weaknesses I believe this will have a huge benefit in both my current role as a student and in my future career as a healthcare professional.  I will also be able to connect with like-minded people from around the UK which in turn will help to get my ideas heard by more, in the hope of bringing about change for the better, for as many people as I can.    

If you’re still reading my statement, then at this point you might be wondering where does your passion to bring about change come from? So, I'll explain. I have anorexia, anxiety and depression. I battle with my mental health every single day. During my anorexia recovery I have seen almost every aspect of healthcare from pre-hospital to outpatient and now from a student's perspective. Both personally and professionally I have witnessed things in the healthcare system and university that I feel could be improved in order to improve people's experiences and the student experience.   

I am not naive, I know change does not come easily. I also know I do not have all the answers. That is why I want to collaborate with fellow students to make a difference for student paramedics. I am eager to listen to thoughts and experiences from students because everyone's opinions deserve to be heard and acknowledged. It is all of our thoughts, feelings and ideas that can help bring about change for future generations of students and I would be honoured to play my part in fulfilling this role.  

Nicky McPherson

My name is Nicky McPherson and I’m running for the student member representative position for Scotland. 

I have chosen to study paramedic science slightly later in life, having spent 15 years as primary school teacher. I have always looked at Paramedics and thought  “That’s the kind of person I want to be.” I was delighted to be offered a place to study at the University of the West of Scotland this year.

I am driven and determined, and as a friend said to me recently “When you tell me you want to do something, I know you’ll find a way to do it.” Examples of this are travelling the world for 12 months at the age of 17 and setting up a social enterprise when my children were young, which involved opening a child friendly café in the local town. I created partnerships with several other Third Sector organisations to maximise the impact on local families.

I remain passionate about education, and am really enjoying being on the other side of the desk as a student. I am also acutely aware of the challenges facing education, and particularly those which arise from inequity and inequality. I would strive to ensure that such challenges are recognised and highlight the difficulties faced by some students as a result.

I have been involved extensively with Quality improvement within education, and believe I have the transferrable skills to contribute to the ongoing development of the student paramedic experience.

I am an advocate of sharing good practice and good ideas, both within Scotland and across the UK. 

I would also be interested in promoting networking opportunities for students, by developing links between student paramedic societies at different universities, and holding combined events with other pre-hospital care professionals.

I enjoy working as part of a team and am very proactive when it comes to getting things done. I would provide an open channel of communication between yourselves and the college, and give regular feedback on developments and opportunities.  

I live in Dunblane, Scotland, with my husband and two children. My sister and I also have 3 horses between us, and enjoy competing at a local level, although I am known for being a fair-weather rider! I’m not keen on rain unless I’m inside. 

I am excited about the future of the Paramedic profession and the ever-increasing career opportunities available to registered Paramedics. 

I would love to hear your ideas and represent the paramedic students of Scotland as a member of the College of Paramedics student council.

Jessica Williams

 

Hello to whoever is reading this. My name is Jessica Wiliams, and I am a second-year paramedic practice student at Robert Gordan University. I am one of two class reps for the paramedic practice cohort 2022 as well as a student ambassador for the school of nursing, midwifery and paramedic practice. It gives me great pleasure to be at the heart of student life and being a link between my fellow students, lectures, future students and my university.

I would love to further my passion and represent current and future student paramedics in the northeast of Scotland. I have previously had an established career which was hard for me to leave behind but studying to become a paramedic in the not so far future gets me incredibly excited. It has ignited a passion in me I have not had for my previous career. I have always been inspired by the difference between a manager and a leader and I always made it my priority to never ask my team to do something I wouldn't do myself and lead by example. I am seen as very approachable by my team and trustworthy allowing me to liaise with them and higher management. We are only ever as strong as our weakest link and therefore it is of utmost importance to look after each other and support each other.

Therefore, working collaboratively with other student council members and the chair to make students be heard is vital in order to push this profession forward. I am a hands-on kind of girl and I want to actively take part in shaping the future of the next generation of paramedics. Bridge any gaps between students and qualified paramedics will only improve our code of conduct. I am very passionate about becoming a paramedic. I am an overachiever and giving less than 100% is never an option for me. I pride myself in always performing and producing work to the highest standard possible. I want to make a real difference to the profession, and I believe this starts with representing students and building connections very early on. There is so much more to the role of a paramedic than just driving the ambulance fast and doing CPR. There is a whole lot of future paramedics in universities across the country, eager to hit the road and give it their all. They are passionate and full of ideas. They just need a voice and I would love to be that voice for student paramedics up in Scotland.

Yorkshire and Humber

Rebecca Ault

Hi there, nice to meet you!  

My name is Becki and I am currently a second year student at Sheffield Hallam University. I have decided to nominate myself as the Yorkshire Region Representative, as I am enthusiastic about representing the student community in my area, and ensuring all views are expressed.  

As you regional representative, I would aim to ensure that: 

1. Anyone can make their voice heard and promote the interests of the student population to the College of Paramedics 

2. The student community are kept up to date with decisions and events created by the College of Paramedics and student council - ensuring these decisions made benefit students within my region 

3. Get involved with student paramedic societies throughout the region and encourage for collaborative events with the wider student community and the College of Paramedics 

During my current time at Sheffield Hallam, I have been a course representative in both L4 and L5, of which I am now appointed as the lead representative. As mentioned before, I am passionate about ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. I am also a Peer Mentor, looking after practical sessions and fulfilling my role as the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Placement Coach. Good leadership and communication skills are something that I have been fortunate enough to obtain.  

I will endeavour to give you all opportunities to inform me of what I can do to enhance your experience with the college; you know best what you would like to see. 

I would be honoured to represent you during the coming year and to be given the opportunity to make a positive impact on your student experience.

Safina Iqbal

My journey as a paramedic student began this year.  After spending two decades working in a variety of care sectors, I believe now is the time for me to embrace this innate desire and challenge myself. As a parent, I understand the importance of time management and the ability to multitask, and these skills have proven invaluable. Balancing parenthood and the rigorous demands of studying has given me a unique perspective on the challenges students face, both inside and outside the classroom.  

Becoming a paramedic is a path I chose not only because of my keen interest in pre-hospital care, but also the values of this profession resonate with my own beliefs.  To be able to support those experiencing difficulties in critical situations and make a meaningful difference in people's lives, is deeply impactful.  

My decision to apply for this role was sparked by the fact that CoP values input from students, and I would aim to have a strong focus on attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. As a single parent, a female, and a Muslim, I have certainly experienced my fair share of challenges along the way.  In my previous roles I have had the privilege of becoming a “champion” for those whose voice is often not heard, such as raising awareness of individuals with learning disabilities who attend the emergency department and find ways to support their needs, in a person-centred approach.  I am a staunch supporter of representing individuals to promote inclusivity in higher education. The power of diversity and building an understanding that a variety of perspectives can in fact enrich the learning environment. I believe that I can effectively advocate for the needs of students, to support them in navigating their academic and personal journey. This inclusivity will not only benefit our university but also enhance the quality of care we can provide to an increasingly diverse patient population. 

I admire CoP vision, particularly around promoting safety, wellbeing and working in line with evidence-based practice. The paramedic role is constantly evolving, and CoP supports these transitions with a range of extensive opportunities, through networking and initiatives. Its partnership with the British Journal of Paramedics and a dedicated “hub” for professional development are some of the well needed resources for students like me to access. Both CoP and the HCPC play distinct roles in supporting and complementing the paramedic profession. I have developed a strong understanding of the HCPC guidance, which contain a core set of key principles of conduct that underpins our profession. I understand and recognise the significance of GDPR, informed consent and deliver patient centred care, which are some of the components of HCPC guidelines. This helps ensure we maintain a high standard of professionalism and work in line with the ethical code of conduct.  

I am committed to working diligently to create a supportive, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment and hope to be given the opportunity to help promote a sense of community and solidarity among our paramedic student body. 

Jack McMillan

My name is Jack Macmillan, and I'm a third-year student paramedic at the university of Bradford. I'm originally from Scotland and moved to Leeds 5 years ago. I've always wanted to be a paramedic but never thought it was possible. I have a background in IT and leadership. In 2019 when the pandemic hit, I was blessed with more time at home and decided to chase my goal of becoming a paramedic. I attended Leeds city college and eventually joined the paramedic course at Bradford.  

I have enjoyed every moment so far. The course has allowed me to grow and learn new skills. At the start of 1st year, I applied to be a student representative and was voted in by our class. Since then, with the support of the lecturers and another student representative, I have been a mediator between our cohort and the lecture team.  

I have a massive passion for the ambulance service and many ideas for improving specific areas for paramedic science students. I'm also keen to see the development of courses within Yorkshire and the ambulance service. To get involved on a university level, I helped with the interview process for the new first years. I assisted with team-building exercises and the candidate selection process.  

I would be a great addition to the college of paramedic student council due to my drive and commitment. I also think I could hold the light for neurodivergent students. Since starting university, I have been diagnosed with dyslexia and have been able to achieve things within academia I never thought possible.  

I am trying to be as involved as possible at a university level. However, I would love the opportunity to make more of an impact on a broader level. Having followed the current goals of the college, the College of Paramedics is an institution I would be proud to be a part of and I would love to represent the students throughout Yorkshire and the Humber.