Training the next generation of lifesaving clinicians

This month we’re holding the first of the two annual crew courses which we run for every new doctor or paramedic joining our lifesaving charity. At KSS, we take great pride in the training and development of our medical teams.  

Each crew course spans six days and is designed to equip our new clinicians with the essential skills they’ll need in the demanding world of pre-hospital emergency medicine. 

KSS Paramedic and Education Manager, Ben Paul, explains: “These key training programmes are a vital part of the training and development of our medical teams, with each one building on 35 years of experience and lessons learned from previous courses. 

“This thorough and evolving training process ensures every member of Team KSS is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to provide world-class emergency care, no matter the situation.” 

The first four days of the course are spent at our Redhill base, and include lectures, skills stations and a range of simulated clinical scenarios, known as moulages.  These cover the critical elements required to work as part of our medical team.  

Topics include:  

  • Providing critical care outside hospital in the ‘pre-hospital’ setting  
  • Working alongside other emergency services   
  • Delivering pre-hospital advanced pain relief and general anaesthetics Providing advanced blood pressure monitoring and vascular access  
  • Administering blood products  
  • Surgical procedures  
  • Providing advanced post-resuscitation care and managing both adult and children in life-threatening conditions  

The course then moves to Rochester Fire Station, where we work alongside Kent Fire and Rescue Service to simulate real-life emergency situations. This hands-on experience tests our trainees’ ability to collaborate under pressure and prepares them for the unpredictable nature of our work. 

The final day of the course is the most challenging and is run like a real clinical shift. 

The only information the trainees receive in advance is what time they will start and roughly what time they will finish. 

In between these times they must adapt quickly as they face a series of challenging clinical situations, just as they will do during a real shift. After each one they only have a few minutes to prepare for the next. 

 They are also tested on their knowledge of our Standard Operating Procedures, to make sure that they are familiar with the protocols that guide our clinical teams and help ensure that any combination of doctors and paramedics can work seamlessly together. 

Trainees must also complete kit tests, where they demonstrate knowledge of every piece of medical equipment carried on our helicopters and response vehicles.  

Once a trainee has successfully completed the course, they move on to a 10-week sign-off period, where they continue to develop their skills under the supervision of an experienced doctor or paramedic. 

During this phase, they undergo further training in areas such as aviation, maternity and inter-hospital transfers. New paramedics receive enhanced training in driving emergency vehicles so they can drive our Rapid Response Vehicles or RRVs. All trainees have to complete a detailed logbook to track their progress during the sign-off period. 

 Finally, they must spend a day with one of our senior doctors or paramedics. If they are deemed ready, they will be ‘signed off’ and can then start to work as part of the Doctor and Paramedic team unsupervised.   

Every second counts in pre-hospital emergency medicine, and through continuous innovation and dedication, we remain ready to save lives across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.  

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Female and male air ambulance crew training using a mannequin
New crew members face a series of challenging clinical situations during the crew course.
The course enables crew to work effectively as part of a close-knit team
Colleagues from other emergency services are involved in the training

Saving lives when every second counts

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