First Graduating Class of Paramedic Sciences Degree in Northern Ireland Ready to Save Lives

The inaugural group of students from Northern Ireland's paramedic sciences degree program has successfully completed their final year, gearing up for a badge ceremony that will officially recognize their achievements. This milestone precedes their graduation scheduled for December, marking a significant moment for the first cohort of this pioneering course. Among the graduates are Stacey Cummings and Ben Malone, both of whom shared their personal journeys into the paramedic profession. Stacey recounted how a paramedic's encouragement led her to apply for the course, which she described as intense yet rewarding. She emphasized the strong bonds formed within her small cohort, highlighting the supportive environment fostered by both peers and lecturers. Ben Malone, who has aspired to be a paramedic since childhood, reflected on his early experiences with the Order of Malta and the profound realities he faced during his work placements. He noted that his first day involved witnessing both a home birth and a death, underscoring the emotional weight of the profession. Both students expressed pride in being part of a course that is shaping the future of paramedic services in Northern Ireland. They acknowledged the critical nature of their work, emphasizing that paramedics often assist individuals during their most challenging moments, reinforcing the importance of their training and commitment to saving lives.