Here at CIPHER Medical, we know what a truly professional and dedicated staff we have, and we value them every day for what they do. However, it’s always nice to receive validation from others. With this in mind, we thought it timely to tell everyone about the great feedback we got following our support of the next generation of paramedics, and what they got from their recent training placements with CIPHER Medical.
At the start of the 2022/23 academic year, the University of Sunderland approached CIPHER Medical to arrange placements for students on the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science and Out of Hospital Care programme. Of course, the education of future medical and clinical professionals is extremely important to us and so we welcomed the opportunity to play our part in the programme. Prior to the start of the placements, academic staff from the university delivered two days of training for our own paramedic team, focusing on the course content and modules, completion of Practice Assessment Documents, and training in mentoring students.
A cohort of student paramedics joined CIPHER Medical on 5th December for their first clinical placement. They first of all received a day’s induction, learning about the history and ethos of CIPHER Medical; they were given a tour of our facilities, vehicles and equipment, and then were handed over to their paramedic mentors.
During the six months of their clinical placement, the students not only observed the day-to-day working life of a frontline paramedic but have also been actively involved in the management and care of patients.
CEO and consultant paramedic Andy Thomas said, “As an independent provider we take our role in supporting the NHS and university students very seriously. Our aim is to produce the best student experience to ensure the paramedics of the future get the vital practice placement experience that suits their individual needs. I am pleased our first student paramedics have had a great positive experience and we look forward to welcoming them back in year two.”
Senior Lecturer and Practice Placement Lead at the University of Sunderland said about the collaboration with CIPHER, “We identify service providers who maintain a professional, expert reputation. I am incredibly pleased to say we have formulated a strong working relationship with CIPHER Medical.” She noted that the students had described their time with CIPHER as being “invaluable” and described the mentor team as “fantastic practice educators.”
And we agree with Paula and her students! As the feedback from students testifies, the mentors are a professional, knowledgeable, and supportive team – so much so that every member of the cohort expressed a wish to return to CIPHER for their second year placements.
In fact, the feedback has been so good that we’d like to share below a selection of their comments and give a shout-out to our fantastic team of mentors: well done to all involved!
“My mentor has been able to support me massively, I cannot thank her enough. She has allowed me to work at my own pace, but also push me to work at my very best. She has a wide knowledge base and has taught me so much. Every member of staff has been so supportive and went out of their way to help me progress.” Alix
I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of my time spent on placement with the company and would like to pass on my thanks to all of the staff at CIPHER that have played a role in making my placement as comfortable as it has been. From my very initial block of placement back in December 2022, staff at CIPHER have made me feel included as an individual student. I would particularly like to feedback on the quality of the mentoring at CIPHER, not only from my specific practice educator, but from all members of the team that I have been out on the road with. Every paramedic, technician or ECA that I have worked with whilst on placement has been more than willing to go the extra mile with teaching on the ambulance as well as teaching whilst back at base going through aspects of my PAD. I would love to be back out on placement with the company in Year 2 of the course.” Grace
“I have loved my placement with CIPHER this year. My mentor, Christine, has been very supportive and helped me develop so much. She is a great paramedic and I have learnt a lot from her and would love to have her as my mentor next year.” Lily
“All staff members have been so lovely and engaging. Even if they weren’t a part of my student experience, everyone has treated me like I was a part of the team. Thank you to everyone at CIPHER who has supported me through placement, and I look forward to keeping working with you through events if I’m not back on placement with you next year.” Olivia
“I would like to start off by saying thank you for my placement. I’ve really enjoyed my time at CIPHER. I liked having the induction and being shown around before starting any shifts as that made it easier to settle in. I also appreciated being put into a chat with our mentors, so we had a point of contact and were able to send a message to introduce ourselves before starting. Every person I’ve worked with on shift has been friendly and very welcoming and always offered help with learning!” Maisie
“I just wanted to say thank you as my placement experience has been amazing. I would love to stay at CIPHER for year two and three of my course if possible. My mentor, Joe, has been amazing throughout, supporting me clinically, always explaining things, and allowing me to safely practice skills. Every paramedic I have worked with has also been great. Every ECA has provided me with their knowledge, skills and support – it’s felt a very supported and structured learning pathway. I can’t thank the team and company enough!” Libby
“I’ve had the best first year on placement and I’ve learnt so much! I had Samantha Butler as my mentor all the way through and she has been amazing – so understanding, wanting me to learn, and helping me in every way possible. Every ECA I have worked with again has been amazing and really understanding towards me as a student needing to learn. I’ve always been made to feel welcome, and everyone is very friendly. I would absolutely love to stay at cipher next year or come back in 3rd year!” Hannah
“I have really enjoyed my time on placement with CIPHER. From my first day at of induction all staff I met were very welcoming, and always willing to help. I have been placed with multiple paramedics and ECAs and have always been made to feel comfortable when out on shift. All paramedics and ECAs were always willing to answer any questions, and always explained why decisions for care were made with patients. My overall experience of my placement at CIPHER has been a positive one. A big thank you to you all!” Georgia
“Mentored by Rob Pugh, I can’t think of anything negative to say about my placement experience. Rob helped me build my confidence and skills through the placement blocks and was always open to helping in any extra way he could to complete my PAD and develop my skills. When Rob had leave, I was placed with another mentor, Gabby, and she was great to work with. I always felt supported by CIPHER and can’t recommend them enough for future students. If possible, I would happily stay with CIPHER Medical into my second and third year of my paramedic training.” Megan
“I’d like to say that everyone I have met has been brilliant, from the ECAs I’ve worked with to the various temporary paramedic mentors I’ve had whilst Joe has been unavailable. I’d also like to say that as a mentor Joe has been second to none. His ability to stay calm in high pressure situations whilst explaining to me what he’s doing and why has helped me immensely. I’d be more than happy to return for placement at CIPHER in second year.” Dan
