Your Student Council


Oliver Lodmore
Chair of Student Council
oliver.lodmore@collegeofparamedics.co.uk

I am a current Second Year Student Paramedic at Liverpool John Moores University and am the representative for the North-West Region. I started my healthcare journey as an A&E Volunteer during COVID, then working as a bank paediatric HCA. I am passionate about empowering students to speak up and raise concerns and believe that enabling them to have a voice is really important for their development and also the professions. I encourage students in the North-West region to get in contact about anything and everything. 


Victoria McGaughey
Vice Chair
victoria.mcgaughey@collegeofparamedics.co.uk
Originating from Northern Ireland and with over 20 years’ experience working in healthcare, I came to Middlesbrough to study a BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice at Teesside University in September 2022. 
 
Over the years I have had a wealth of life experience both professional and personal. I have been a voice and advocate for families and professionals alike. Having been involved in service reviews of Health Services, and the Justice System in Northern Ireland, meeting with government ministers, review panels and offering suggestions to affect positive change. 
 
I am dedicated to understanding the needs of students and how to further develop the opportunities and experiences for them. Working within a vast multi-disciplinary team environment for many years has shown me how important every person is in the continued development of professional practice. I aim to bring students’ voices to the forefront of change and develop their future opportunities, education, and careers.

As a married mother of six and mature student I want to show that no time is too late, and no obstacle should stand in your way of professional development.

I wholeheartedly welcome any contact from students. Should you need to reach out, just drop me an email. I am here to be your advocate, supporter and voice.

 


Joseph Brown
East Midlands
joseph.brown@collegeofparamedics.co.uk

I have been Student Member Representative for the East Midlands since January 2024.    I am a third-year Student Paramedic at the University of Lincoln. I also hold a bank UCA contract with East Midlands Ambulance Service and am an experienced Primary School Teacher and professionally qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor. I have a particular interest in supporting the mental wellbeing of Student Paramedics through outdoor and adventurous activities and am happy for students to contact me with any ideas or issues. 


Isla Black
Scotland
isla.black@collegeofparamedics.co.uk

Hi everyone!  I am Isla, I’m a BSc Paramedic Science student studying at the university of Stirling. I have just been appointed the Scottish student member representative. I am thrilled and honored to have been given this opportunity. I am passionate about creating positive changes. I want to make a difference to as many people's lives as I can both professionally and personally. I want to make things better for future generations, so they hopefully won't face the same struggles as we have. As the Scottish student member representative, I want to get the voices of students from all around the country heard. I want to be an advocate for you all to share your ideas with so I can get those ideas voiced. I hope to be an approachable figure for you all to reach out to. In my time being a student representative, I hope I can strengthen the student voice and make some changes along the way. I am currently part of the 150 leaders' program for healthcare students around the UK. The program is helping me to develop my leadership skills which I feel will be a huge benefit to my role as a student representative. Within my own University I have also been the year representative for the last two years which has already been very rewarding as I have seen changes being implemented to the course and more to come from previous feedback which I gained from my fellow classmates. Outside of being a student paramedic and my various roles involving my degree, I love to keep fit. I take time for myself by going to the gym, rock climbing and running. I love to keep busy and I never back away from a challenge. I am a country girl at heart but now I’ve moved to a bigger city and I’m looking to make some big changes throughout my life. 


Georgina Heron-Edmends 
South East
georgina.heron-edmends@collegeofparamedics.co.uk

Hi, I’m Georgina, a first-year Student Paramedic at the University of Brighton, completing my placement with South East Coast Ambulance Service. 

Before beginning my degree, I had the privilege of working in youth voice initiatives, where I brought young people’s stories and perspectives to the forefront of change through advocacy within charities and parliament. These experiences taught me the importance of inclusion and lived experience in driving meaningful change.   

I am passionate about shaping the future of paramedicine and making healthcare more equitable by fostering innovation and promoting health empowerment in local communities. To me, being a member representative is about more than the future career—it’s about ensuring students have a voice in developing a dynamic and inclusive profession that adapts to society’s evolving needs. 

Outside of my studies and placement, you’ll often find me volunteering with young people, playing the saxophone, or out and about with my camera. I believe that together, we can build a unified and impactful student voice, driving positive change within the paramedic profession and beyond.  Please don’t hesitate to get in touch - I wish all the students in the South East the very best with their studies! 


Kian Peek
Eastern
kian.peek@collegeofparamedics.co.uk
I am a second-year Paramedic student, who feels strongly that student welfare and health are extremely important throughout their years of studying. I aim to ensure that every single student in the College gets the best possible experience and support, by attending CPD events, webinars, and sharing other useful resources on mental health and wellbeing.

I have previously stood on committees for football refereeing, as a support worker, youth representative, and vice chairperson. I am an active supporter of the Rainbow Laces campaign which promotes diversity and the LGBTQIA+ within the football industry. 

 


Daniel Johnstone
North East 
daniel.johnstone@collegeofparamedics.co.uk
I am currently a third year BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice apprentice with Teesside University, and work as an Ambulance Practitioner for Yorkshire Ambulance Service, undertaking my degree through my employer. Having qualified as a lead clinician from the AAP apprenticeship in 2022, and having worked the position of ECA since 2016, I bring a wealth of experience and insight into to the Ambulance role. Before my time with YAS, I worked as an Operations Support Officer with HMP Leeds. 
 
As a lead clinician (in a role historically known as a ‘Technician, Tech or AP’) I have first-hand experience making clinical decisions regarding transport, referral to acute wards and day units, management of trauma and cardiac arrests until Paramedic backup and safe discharge on scene, and strive to improve my knowledge, experience and learning through CPD and self-directed learning. I have worked alongside many other student paramedics and understand the difficulty and challenges they face when on placement. Please get in touch with any concerns or questions. 

 


Richard Whittingham
West Midlands
richard.whittingham@collegeofparamedics.co.uk
I am a first-year paramedic student studying at the University of Wolverhampton. Born and raised in the West Midlands, I am proud and excited to be the West Midlands student representative. 

I live with my wife, and my two daughters and enjoy spending my spare time with my family and socialising with friends. I love watching football, supporting Wolves of course! 

I have worked in many different roles, including management, health and safety, delivery, and even teaching piano! Although I am relatively new to healthcare, I bring an array of life experience that I can transfer to my new career, this experience will not only help me in becoming a paramedic but give me the skills and confidence to be a good representative. 

I chose to pursue a career as a paramedic because I want to push myself and be the best version of me and devote my life to helping others. That commitment to helping others has led me to become the West Midlands student representative, to help my region, my fellow students and to support the College of Paramedics in the betterment of the paramedic role as a whole. 

 


Rebecca Ault
Yorkshire and the Humber
rebecca.ault@collegeofparamedics.co.uk

I am Becki, the Student Representative for Yorkshire & the Humber and am looking forward to working with the college to continue to enhance the student experience within the profession. I am a current second year student at Sheffield Hallam University completing clinical placements with Yorkshire Ambulance Service. Before studying to become a Paramedic, I originally began studying pharmacy, so have a keen interest in pharmacology within paramedicine. I am always keen to listen to your opinions and thoughts and encourage you to contact me with any enquiries you may have. I believe that it is important to allow students university experiences to be valuable. I also hold a role in SHU's Paramedic Society as the Equality & Diversity Officer and am hoping for collaborative events to be held with other university paramedic societies, allowing many learning and social opportunities for all. 


Salieu Jobe
Military
 salieu.jobe@collegeofparamedics.co.uk
I am currently studying on the BSc (Hon) Paramedic Science 2024 course at The University of Central Lancashire. I began my service with the army August 2012, originally joining as an Electronics Technician I transferred to the Royal Army Medical Corp (now Royal Army Medical Service) as a Combat Medical Technician in September 2017. 

My time in the army has given me experiences, opportunities, and a point to view unique to service personnel. With the military I have worked in many aspects of healthcare including primary care, hospital ED, prehospital, and remote/austere medicine. 

My goal as the military student council representative is to advocate for the small cohort of military students. Ensuring that while few our voices are still hear within the paramedic community. I believe as military students we should endeavour to be a part of the wider community and not separated. 

Although my focus is on military students I welcome contact from any student paramedic. 


Daire Mallon
Northern Ireland
daire.mallon@collegeofparamedics.co.uk

I have been the Northern Ireland representative on the student council since January 2024. I am a second year Paramedic Science student at Ulster University and am part of only the second cohort of students to study paramedic science in Northern Ireland. Outside of university, I am a volunteer on the Kinnego Lifeboat on Lough Neagh as a member of Lough Neagh Rescue. I have been active crew on the lifeboat for over 2 years and have experience of working on the Lough in challenging conditions, both day and night, which has given me experience to carry forward to my paramedic training. I am dedicated to ensuring that all students studying paramedic science in Northern Ireland have their voices heard on a national scale. I believe that everyone should have opportunities to develop the paramedic profession and am always happy to be contacted by students with concerns or suggestions that should be brought to the student council. 


Samuel Storey
North West
samuel.storey@collegeofparamedics.co.uk

I am a Third Year Paramedic Student at the University of Central Lancashire and have recently joined the student council as the North-West student representative. Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of gaining a wealth of experience in the prehospital setting through my placement and my work outside of university. Here, I have been lucky enough to connect and build relationships with students across all universities in the North-West. It is an honour that I can represent my peers and support their needs and interests. Outside of healthcare, I love to keep fit by running, hiking, going to the gym, and playing football. Overall, I am passionate about supporting the wellbeing of my peers through a happy, healthy lifestyle as well as advocating ideas to help improve student experiences.  Any recommendations, concerns, or issues please do not hesitate to contact me via my College of Paramedics email above. 


VACANT
London


Khalid Alqahtani
South West
khalid.alqahtani@collegeofparamedics.co.uk

Becoming a paramedic has always been a lifelong aspiration of mine. My journey began after being injured in an accident. The paramedic who responded to the scene not only saved my life but also performed advanced procedures that, in Saudi Arabia, are not typically required of paramedics. 

Meeting him after my recovery was a pivotal moment for me. When I asked why he went beyond the standard requirements, his response deeply resonated with me. He explained that being a paramedic is not merely a job—it is a way of life dedicated to serving others and providing the best care possible, even when it's not obligatory. His words became the driving force behind my decision to pursue this career. 

Initially, I began volunteering in paramedicine-related areas, which fuelled my passion even further. Therefore, I made the bold decision to switch from studying politics at King’s College London to paramedic science at UWE Bristol. From the very first day, I knew this was where I was meant to be. 

Before enrolling at UWE, I conducted thorough research to find the best institution for paramedic training and education. The United Kingdom stood out to me as it is globally recognized for its high standards in paramedic education and practice. 

Being an international student has been instrumental in shaping my ability to communicate effectively and adapt to diverse perspectives. Studying alongside peers from various cultural and social backgrounds has taught me the value of respecting and embracing different opinions. During my foundation year at UWE International College in 2021–2022, I had the privilege of interacting with classmates from all over the world. This experience enhanced my ability to engage with others respectfully and develop strong communication skills that I continue to carry forward. 

In the workplace, I’ve had opportunities to further refine my communication skills. While working at a medical centre, I transitioned between roles in the vaccination centre, trauma units, and emergency rooms. 

One principle that has always guided me is understanding the importance of every individual's voice, regardless of their performance, abilities, beliefs, or background. I strongly believe that everyone has the right to be heard. Feedback, opinions, and suggestions should matter, and I strive to implement this approach in all areas of my life—whether in my studies, work, or personal interactions. 

For me, being a paramedic is not just about providing care; it is about creating a space where everyone feels valued and respected. This belief drives my commitment to the profession and my desire to make a difference in people’s lives.