Theory, numerous placements in hospitals and medical facilities, and classes at Vincent Pol University’s Medical Simulation Centre under the guidance of experienced specialists—these are just some of the benefits of studying the newly opened Paramedic Science course at VPU. Kamil Cyrski, head of the Medical Simulation Centre, paramedic, and Master of Public Health, shared the details with us.
What are the main principles of the study programme in the field of paramedic education at Vincent Pol University?
The study programme we want to offer our students has been prepared in accordance with the Standard of education preparing for the profession of paramedic of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. This standard includes general learning outcomes and specific ones relating to subjects/modules in the area of the basic, behavioural and social sciences group, clinical sciences and professional practice.
The main objective of education at the Faculty of Health Sciences at VPU in Lublin is to provide students with modern medical knowledge and to shape practical skills enabling them to provide medical services at the highest level.
A large dose of knowledge, commitment practice, cooperation, communication, simulation and adventure – all in excellent conditions and in cooperation with the best specialists and renowned facilities, are the main tenets of the study programme on offer.
We want our students and later graduates to be excellently prepared, both theoretically and, above all, practically, so that they can take up employment immediately after their education and be attractive and competitive candidates on the labour market.
Who will find themselves in this field of study?
The Paramedical Science is the best choice of career path for people who are interested in medicine and who have certain personality traits that predispose them to work under difficult and stressful conditions. Paramedics in their day-to-day work often have to act quickly and at the same time efficiently. Making key decisions under time pressure, which in paramedicine is an extremely important factor often having an impact on saving someone’s health or life. The work of a paramedic can be extremely stressful and requires mental toughness, as well as physical readiness to cope with the difficult conditions of the surrounding environment. An ambulance without paramedics is just a car, which is why the ability to cooperate and communicate within emergency medical teams is extremely important. A strong motivation to help others, especially in critical and emergency situations, is an important factor that often determines the choice of this direction.
What knowledge will students acquire during their studies?
Students will receive an interdisciplinary and holistic knowledge of medical science. Paramedic Science is a practical profession, so students will acquire the necessary practical skills in providing emergency medical care, but also a powerful dose of theoretical knowledge from many fields of medicine that is essential to practise as a paramedic – a profession that combines many competences and skills focused on saving the health and lives of people of all ages.
Graduates graduating in emergency medicine are therefore prepared both theoretically and practically to work in an environment requiring fast action, decision-making under stressful conditions and extensive medical knowledge.
Does the university offer internship opportunities during studies?
Apprenticeships are an integral part of the study programme and are crucial for gaining the practical skills that are essential in the work of a paramedic.
By choosing to study at our University, students will be given a wide range of opportunities to acquire practical skills in, among others, Emergency Medical Service Rescue Teams, Hospital Emergency Departments, clinical wards of hospitals or other units cooperating with the State Emergency Medical Service System. I am convinced that such a wide range of opportunities to acquire practical skills will perfectly prepare them for work in the profession.
At this point I would also like to emphasise that Vincent Pol University has at its disposal a modern and well-equipped Medical Simulation Centre, in which, under the supervision of experienced teachers – practitioners, in a safe – simulated environment, students have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and practical skills that will very effectively prepare them for professional practice, during which they will be performing medical procedures and medical rescue activities procedures and medical rescue activities under natural conditions.
Where can a paramedic graduate work?
Paramedical Science is still a young and, at the same time, a very dynamically developing medical profession – especially recently, as evidenced by the establishment of the Organising Committee of the Medical Rescuers’ Self-Government, which, as rescuers, we are very pleased about. The profession of paramedic offers a very wide range of opportunities for development and professional work in various health care sectors and other units cooperating with the State Emergency Medical System.
At this point, it is worth emphasising that the paramedic profession is a prestigious profession enjoying public trust – according to the survey ‘Ranking of the prestige of professions and specialities 2024’, the paramedic is ranked second among the most respected professions in Poland with a score of 82.6% – just behind the firefighter, and a place higher than the doctor.
Why would you recommend Paramedic Science at VPU ?
We educate practically, and I think that in the case of studying Paramedic Science, this is the most important asset. As I mentioned earlier, VPU has a well-equipped Medical Simulation Centre and a state-of-the-art Medical Science Centre building, which create a specific and safe environment for the acquisition of knowledge and professional skills. VPU is also home to a qualified staff of experienced teachers – practitioners in many fields of medicine including emergency medicine, The programme also includes courses in emergency medicine, anaesthesiology and travel, maritime and tropical medicine, who are happy to share their knowledge and skills.
The programme also includes courses in emergency medicine, anaesthesiology and travel, maritime and tropical medicine, who are happy to share their knowledge and skills.
What also sets us apart are the very interesting possibilities offered by the study programme, also in terms of so-called optional subjects such as:
- Chemical and ecological rescue or water rescue,
- Rescue in hard-to-reach areas or pain management,
- Psychology of communication or human resource management in emergencies,
- Teaching methodology in emergency medical care or survival in rescue operations.
The VPU, thanks to its extensive cooperation with external stakeholders, also provides its students with the opportunity to obtain, during their studies, an emergency vehicle driving licence.