Students from Bridgwater & Taunton College’s (BTC) acclaimed 999 Academy recently had the opportunity to practice skills developed throughout the academy during an immersive visit to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) base.
The unique event, facilitated by DSAA Critical Care Paramedic Neil Bizzel, also featured valuable collaboration with paramedic students from Bournemouth University, providing the Academy students with hands-on training and inspiring insights into emergency service careers.
The visit offered the 999 Academy students a comprehensive look at DSAA’s vital operations, including a tour of the airbase and helicopter itself, alongside an understanding of the diverse job roles within the critical care team.
Adding an important and dynamic practical element, paramedic students from Bournemouth University led engaging workshops, guiding BTC students through essential skills, including emergency first aid, advanced CPR, and the procedure of intraosseous cannulation (accessing bone marrow for emergency fluid/medication delivery).
This multi-levelled learning environment, where university students mentored college students under the watchful eye of active critical care professionals, provided an exceptional opportunity for all involved.
Doug Hayston, Lecturer and BTC 999 Academy Lead, commented,
This was an incredible experience. To have first and third-year university students teaching our 999 Academy students while learning from the Critical Care team was amazing, and it’s clear it was a rewarding and career-defining experience for our keen students. Seeing various levels of progression provided our students with insight into what their future could look like, and was truly inspiring.
Neil Bizzel, a DSAA Critical Care Paramedic, has actively supported the BTC 999 Academy throughout the year, and was instrumental in organising the highly successful day.
The visit also underscored the strong community ties and charitable support between organisations – DSAA has been one of BTC’s chosen charities for their annual Raise and Giving (RAG) Day, and students on the Protective Services programme have also dedicated fundraising efforts to the life-saving charity during this academic year.
The collaboration effectively demonstrated the pathway from college study, through university training, into vital front-line roles that save lives. BTC is proud to showcase an enriching academy that clearly enhances student’s academic studies and inspires future career paths.
For more information on the 999 Academy and BTC’s multitude of educational offerings, please visit www.btc.ac.uk or get in touch with the Information & Advice team by emailing info@btc.ac.uk.
