Paramedic Students Participate in Campus Crash Simulation

Hands-on training prepares students for emergency situations

Paramedic students at the University of Bradford took part in a simulated three-vehicle crash on campus, providing practical experience in managing emergency incidents. The exercise, held on 8 July to coincide with International Paramedics Day, involved collaboration with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service personnel.

Details of the simulation

The staged incident featured one car flipped onto its side with trapped passengers, including a driver who was unconscious and not wearing a seatbelt. Firefighters used an extrication board to remove the driver, who subsequently received CPR at the roadside. Despite the emergency response, the driver was declared ‘dead’ at the scene as part of the exercise scenario.

Other casualties in the remaining vehicles were rescued and treated by the paramedic students. Some patients were transported to hospital within the simulation, while others received assessment and treatment on site.

Student experiences

• Ravi Richardson, a final-year student about to graduate, described the simulation as a valuable opportunity to practise skills in a realistic setting before starting his role with Yorkshire Ambulance Service in Halifax.
• Emma Brookshaw, a first-year student who previously worked as an accountant, highlighted the benefit of working alongside emergency crews and gaining hands-on experience.
• Matt Gibbon, an Expert by Experience who acted as the trapped driver, shared his perspective of the simulation, noting the challenge of being unconscious and having to trust the emergency teams.

Educational objectives and future plans

The University’s four-year BSc Paramedic Science programme, developed in partnership with Yorkshire Ambulance Service, incorporates emergency simulations to prepare students for real-world mass casualty events. The simulation aimed to help students develop skills to manage high-pressure situations and apply theoretical knowledge practically.

Matt Perry, Associate Professor and Professional Lead in the Faculty of Health Studies, emphasised the importance of teaching students to manage emotional responses and create order in chaotic scenarios. The University intends to continue running similar emergency simulations on campus.

Fire service involvement

Three crews from Bradford, Shipley, and Fairweather Green Fire Stations participated in the exercise. Watch Manager Phil Warden from Bradford Green Watch commented on the enthusiasm of the students and the benefits of partnership working between the fire service and the University. Plans for future joint training exercises, including high-rise incident scenarios, were also mentioned.

Context within University initiatives

The crash simulation forms part of the University’s broader efforts to integrate practical career development into its courses. This aligns with the institution’s focus on preparing students with the skills and experience required by employers from the outset of their studies.