Q&A with a Paramedic Science student: Libby’s time working at the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service
By: Communications
Libby Flower, a third-year Paramedic Science student at the University of East Anglia (UEA), recently undertook an elective placement at the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) as part of her studies. Here is everything she learnt during her time there.
Why did you choose to do a placement with the NFRS?
On the Paramedic Science course, the third year of studies includes an elective placement where students choose where they want to go. Thanks to UEA and the NFRS, there has been a placement opportunity with the NFRS for a few years now.
When considering where I wanted to do my elective placement, I knew I wanted to work with a different emergency service so that I could see the patients we attend to from a different perspective. The fire service was one I hadn't had much exposure to, so I thought it would benefit me as a paramedic to see what they do and how they work with the ambulance service.
Image: Libby on placement at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service
What did you learn?
During the two-week placement at Carrow, Sprowston and Earlham fire stations, I learnt a huge amount about communication. Understanding how different terms, such as ‘time-critical’, differ within services was crucial. It made me consider how I explain things when handing information over to another service and the importance of justifying your decision making.
Additionally, when an ambulance team attend a call, we have to be conscious of our surroundings, but it is very easy for us to be patient-focused. Because the fire service have to take additional environmental factors into consideration and work in larger groups, their team working and communication skills have to be second to none, which was very interesting to experience.
Image: Libby on placement at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service
Did you undertake the placement with other UEA students?
There were five of us working across different stations but over the two weeks we all saw each other a lot. It was great to get to know people on the course I hadn't had the chance to talk to properly yet. We learnt a lot about each other’s fears as there were lots of conversations about the parts of the job we felt we couldn't do, whether that was working at height, being in confined spaces or actually fighting fires!
Image: Libby and her course mate on placement with the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service
What were the best parts of the placement?
The most surprising part of the placement was the sense of community. Because shift assignments (watches) more or less stay the same, you spend a lot of time with the same people. Given the nature of the jobs you attend, there is also a real sense of trust between crewmates. It was a really welcoming experience.
The most exciting part was being able to experience some of the training the NFRS do. I really enjoyed watching the safe working at height drills.
Image: Libby on placement at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service
What learning will you take back to campus with you?
I will definitely change my communication style, whether that is with the fire service or other emergency services. I've taken away that it is very important to check that everyone understands the situation and agrees before moving on. I will also ask what the other services’ expectations are so that I can compare them to mine and ensure the patient is receiving the care they need.
Gus Bates, Group Manager for Central District at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, hopes to continue welcoming future UEA Paramedic Science students on placement and said: “Over the past four years, we’ve welcomed paramedic students from the University of East Anglia for their elective placements. These experiences are invaluable – providing students with deeper insight into the work of Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, while also helping us strengthen collaborative relationships with future bluelight professionals.”
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