College of Paramedics National Conference 2019
Last month, some of the Class team headed North to sunny Newcastle for the College of Paramedics National Conference.
Delegates geared up for the conference by partaking in early morning yoga and running sessions; of course, we did quite the opposite by prepping celebratory shortbreads ahead of the launch of PHTLS UK ninth edition and Law & Ethics. It wouldn’t have been a book launch without a yummy Class snack!
The morning saw the launch of PHTLS UK. Supported by the College, it brings the renowned NAEMT PHTLS programme in line with UK practice paving the way for future courses and improved practice for paramedics. Will Broughton, UK Editor-in-Chief of PHTLS UK, presented the launch, thanking all the contributors:
“Our commitment to developing a lot of continuing professional development and continuing education for paramedics across the UK to make sure we’ve got the most up to date education materials that we can.”
Like the biscuits, the books were gone in a flash. It was such a rewarding feeling to have the response we did, or ‘do’ even now just under a month after publication!
The second launch of the day was for Law and Ethics for Paramedics, a contributed volume which fills the gap in the paramedic science literature. Editor Georgette Eaton spoke at the launch:
“Written by paramedics, for paramedics, this book talks about information governance and goes into legislation for mental health, mental capacity and medical research. It’s been a really exciting thing to be involved in; I’m really proud of all the voices we’ve got.”
Again, both books and biscuits disappeared before our eyes. It was great to have such a buzz around our stand and the new titles, with some even taking their excitement to Twitter!
The team then glammed up for the evening ahead of the Gala dinner – a remarkable celebration in recognising individuals from the Ambulance community, including Graham Harris who received the Lifetime Achievement award. As always, the College were superb in organising lovely food and drinks for us all.
The following day, we were lucky enough to sit in on the Live Birth simulation. Class authors, Aimee Yarrington and Amanda Mansfield, enacted two different scenarios to highlight issues of multi-professional team working, provoking important questions about communication, teamwork and leadership.
Lorna and Josie then stayed in Geordieland for the NAEMT meeting. Representatives from seventeen countries all attended, with insightful presentations from Will Broughton on EMS, and new trauma innovation from the UK by Gordon Ingram, HEMS Paramedic and Andy Mawson, Director of Operations from Great North Air Ambulance. Attendees expressed how interesting it was to see how things are done in the UK and how advanced our paramedics are! Nevertheless, it was great to also hear how different countries can now provide NAEMT courses and where there is potential for other countries to start.
Our time in the North was a fantastic opportunity to not only make sales, but once again engage with such inspirational and compassionate people. We had someone describe us as the Paramedics’ Publisher, something which left a huge grin on all our faces that not even the flight delay or the seven-hour car journey home could wipe away.
Here’s to the 2020 conference and more photo-bombs from Gary Strong!
Sophie Holman
