OXFORDSHIRE’S ambulance service has become the first in England to give an emergency car to medical student volunteers. South Central Ambulance Service has recruited 48 first responders from Oxford University.
They will share a car and a defibrillator to help the ambulance service respond to the most life-threatening emergencies.
Ambulance service community liaison and training officer David England said: “This hands-on pre-hospital experience will be an eye-opener for them.
“Not only will it inspire some to specialise in pre-hospital care in the future, it will also make today’s medical students and tomorrow’s junior doctors better prepared to deal with life-threatening emergencies in-hospital as well.”
Seventeen of the students have so far passed a driving assessment, which qualifies them to use the service’s Vauxhall Corsa cars, although not on blue lights.
They will complete shifts and respond to 999 calls in their free time.
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