Medical students join St John

A special scheme has been launched in Lancashire which could become the blueprint for helping to widen the skills and experience of future doctors across the country.

Over 50 medical students, who will become the GP's and consultants of tomorrow, from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have joined the UK's leading first aid charity.

St John Ambulance in Lancashire has teamed up with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, which runs Chorley and South Ribble Hospital and Royal Preston Hospital, to recruit 50 medical students as volunteers for the first aid organisation.

The students have been trained and are certified to provide first aid at events and have already provided first aid cover at premiership and championship football matches.

Brigadier Iain Robertson OBE, Commander, St John Ambulance, Lancashire, and the brainchild behind the initiative, said: 'This is a fantastic initiative which is broadening the experience and skills of medical students, who will go on to become the general practitioners and consultants of the future.

'It is an exciting project which is attracting interest across the country. First aid skills are excellent addition to the medical skills that the students will learn about during their studies but by attending big events, such as football matches or concerts, they come across a range of injuries and illnesses and experience working in an environment which is very different to a hospital.'

Alisdair Gilmour, fourth year medical student, from the Women’s Health Directorate at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'It provides us with the knowledge and skills to deal with any situations that we may encounter in the street.'

Kathryn Howe, also a fourth year medical student from Women’s Health Directorate is the lead member of the new Unit, said: 'St John Ambulance has given us excellent training in emergency and non-critical care.'

Dr Simon Wallis, Director of Medical Education, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'We are delighted to have teamed up with St John Ambulance in Lancashire. The General Medical Council and the Medical School encourage us to provide a wide range of activities for our students in addition to the core curriculum; this initiative is a very welcome addition to our portfolio of activities many of which are being initiated by our students.

'This initiative is a credit to Iain Robertson and could become a blueprint for other teaching trusts.'