Air Ambulance course set for take off at Teesside

A unique course specifically for Air Ambulance Service staff, the first of its kind in the UK, is to be jointly launched by the University of Teesside and the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

The University Certificate Advanced Professional Development (UCAPD) course in Helicopter Emergency Care has been designed by Dr. Syed Masud with the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Dr Masud, 29, was in the British Army for ten years before taking up his post as lead HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) Doctor. He previously served with the 16 Air Assault Medical Regiment and deployed in Northern Ireland and the Balkans. Dr Masud is a Specialist Registrar in Accident & Emergency medicine. His interest in pre-hospital care stems from his period as a medical student, working at the London HEMS base. He recently featured in a Tyne Tees documentary series about the Great North Air Ambulance Service, Flying Doctors.

Dr Masud said: “I passionately believe that for Air Ambulances to flourish in the UK, they must work in conjunction with other medical and emergency personnel to improve patient care at the roadside.”

Jenny Kell, Senior Lecturer in Nursing at the University of Teesside, said: “The course is aimed at all personnel who work for the air ambulance service in a medical capacity such as doctors, nurses, military personnel and paramedics. It will ensure that everybody is familiar with each other’s role in different incidents, from road traffic accidents to mountain rescue.

“This intensive course will involve a co-ordinated tri-service approach: Police, Fire and Ambulance. Students will work practically in a variety of locations, with Cleveland Police’s firearms unit and road traffic unit, and Tyne and Wear’s Fire Ambulance Service. Each emergency scene involves a different type of service, the course will give the student knowledge and skills to approach these varied situations. For example, in a chemical hazard you need to know what the fire brigade are doing so you can fit in with them. The course will enhance clinical skills, providing safe and effective pre-hospital care.

“The first cohort of students enrols in 2005, and we’ve already had enquiries from Air Ambulance personnel in Kuwait.”

Students will also look at the principles of flight, the theory of aircraft machinery, health and safety legislation and weather situations. The course is four-weeks full-time and costs £4,000 per student. The first course will start in April 2005. For more details please contact Jenny Kell at the University of Teesside on 01642 342970 or the Charity Office, Great North Air Ambulance Charity office on 01325 487263 or check their web site at www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk

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