New centre using cutting edge technology to train paramedics opens in Hampshire

  • Watch report by ITV Meridian's Social Affairs correspondent Christine Alsford

A brand new education centre that will help train ambulance staff in lifesaving skills is up and running in Hampshire.

The centre is using cutting edge technology, to simulate a number of different scenarios that paramedics and others may come across when out on the road.

The centre is using cutting edge technology to simulate a number of different scenarios

The South Central ambulance staff training at the new education centre in Hampshire are being trained using replica equipment and scenarios, that they would have to deal with in the outside world.

Whiteley Education Centre, near Fareham, boasts an immersive interactive suite and mock-up ambulance vehicles which provide real-life training environments.

It also includes six large classrooms, tutorial rooms, rest areas and office space, with all classrooms having the capability for filming and recording of sessions for immediate review and group learning.

  • Sarah Pybus, Senior Education Manager

Part of the training takes place via video-link. Tutors observe and guide, while staff practice scenarios they might encounter on the road.

Trainees are tutored through video links as well as taking part in mock exercises

  • Samuel Soetan-Williams, Emergency Care Assistant

Ian Teague, Assistant Director of Education at SCAS, said: “This centre is a fantastic addition to our education facilities and provides the very latest equipment to teach our clinical staff to the highest standards.

“This not only benefits our patients and service-users, it means we continue to be able to offer potential new recruits and students access to some of the best facilities in the country which is key to attracting and retaining staff across all our services.

“The unique selling point of this site is what it offers in terms of clinical, driving and simulation education, attracting and producing high quality learners.

"As we see increasing interest and recruitment from overseas and via nursing routes in paramedic apprenticeship, specialist paramedic and ambulance practitioner roles, this centre provides the perfect learning environment.”

The development follows the opening of the education and recruitment centre at Bone Lane, Newbury in 2017 which brought three former education sites together in one place.

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