We’re delighted to have welcomed student paramedics from the University of Brighton to our Redhill base after they raised over £5K for us earlier this year through a 24-hour CPR marathon.
As well as a tour of the base, the students took part in live demonstrations of critical interventions, had a chance to speak directly with crew members and got an idea of the kind of work they may one day be part of.
The visit offered a unique opportunity for students to see the direct impact of their fundraising initiative and make connections that could shape their future careers.
Our Community Fundraiser for Sussex, Ruby Hunt said: “It was great to be able to welcome the paramedic students from the University of Brighton to our base and give them an insight into our work. As a charity we depend on the support of the communities we serve so we’re really grateful for the amazing effort from everyone involved in raising this money. As well as raising vital funds, the 24 hour CPR event also increased awareness of the importance of learning CPR.”
Clinical Operations Manager Ben Macauley said: “It was great to welcome such an enthusiastic group to our operational base and hear about their incredible fundraising. We were delighted to give them an insight into our work which will hopefully help with their studies and may influence their future career choices as paramedics.”
The February fundraiser was the idea of second-year student Emily Sammut, who was inspired to support our charity after seeing our crew in action during her studies.
As well as the round-the-clock CPR activity, the marathon also gave staff and students across the University the chance to learn vital life-saving skills, with hands-on training in CPR using simulation mannequins.
Emily said: “The opportunity to visit the KSS base is incredibly valuable to us as student paramedics, offering a rare insight into the advanced pre-hospital care environment. It’s especially exciting that this opportunity came as a result of the 24h CPR Marathon charity event I had organised back in February, making the experience even more meaningful.
“Seeing the direct impact of our fundraising efforts is truly rewarding. This visit enhances our university learning by bridging theory with real-world practice, inspiring us through first-hand exposure to critical care operations and multidisciplinary teamwork. It’s an unforgettable step in our journey to becoming confident, capable paramedics.”
The students gained insights that will could assist with both their academic study and their future work in the NHS or emergency services.
Chris Matthews, Course Leader for Paramedic Science at the University of Brighton, said: “This visit was a fantastic way to reward our students for their hard work, while also building meaningful connections with a leading pre-hospital care provider. It’s not just a thank-you – it’s part of their learning, helping to reinforce classroom teaching with practical insights and a clearer understanding of what services like KSS bring to the scene. Opportunities like this give our students deeper knowledge and real professional inspiration.”
To find out how you can learn about CPR and use a defibrillator and potentially save the life of someone close to you, visit aakss.org.uk/restart
