The College of Paramedics is hoping to build stronger links with ambulance staff in Guernsey following a recent visit from College of Paramedics representative Jason Brooke.

Mr Brooke, a Board Trustee for the Great Western Region of the College of Paramedics, met staff and members of the senior leadership team of the St John Emergency Ambulance Service at the Rohias. He heard about the role of St John in delivering pre-hospital emergency care, the local health system and the contractual arrangements between SJEAS and the Health and Social Care Committee of the States of Guernsey.

The fact finding trip to Guernsey followed a similar visit to Jersey earlier this week. During his visit Mr Brooke said he was keen to connect with paramedics and other clinicians in the Channel Islands and in other jurisdictions such as the Isle of Man and Gibraltar, all of which have different health systems and distinctive geography. Mr Brooke said “Guernsey has its own set of issues and constraints. It’s about recognising what is unique to the island, but also looking at common challenges around transformation and developing the potential of paramedics.”

In the UK the College of Paramedics has been working to improve the profile of paramedics nationally. Modern paramedics don’t just work as part of a double crewed ambulance, they also have roles in Emergency Departments, minor injury units, GP practices and with NHS 111 call centres. Clinicians can also further their training to become Advanced Paramedics or Specialist Paramedics.

Mr Brooke added “If you look at healthcare holistically and consider the costs associated with treating patients there are many potential benefits to professionals working differently and expanding clinical skills.”

It is hoped that following this visit a CPD (continuing professional development) event will be held in the Channel Islands with a combination of local and national guest speakers brought in to recognise the excellent work done by paramedics and other healthcare staff, and give local clinicians an insight into the opportunities for ambulance staff to develop their potential.

Mr Brooke is also hoping to meet with other health care providers and members of HSC on future visits.

Jason Brooke spent twenty years as an operational paramedic in the south west of England, including time as a specialist paramedic and working in a minor injuries unit. He is also the Associate Head of Department at the University of the West of England and is currently on a secondment to Health Education England.