Paramedics: First NI students complete degree course

Ben Malone, who is originally from Dublin, said he has known he wanted to be a paramedic since he was seven years old.

“Growing up I was looking after both my grandmothers and I came across healthcare workers like nurses, doctors and paramedics.

“I joined the Order of Malta as a cadet when I was 11 and I learned first aid and then the next step was to go on and study here at Ulster University”.”

Ben applied to the course in 2020 and was successful in receiving a place on the first ever cohort.

As a student paramedic, Ben said he witnessed life and death on his first day on work placement, attending both a home birth and a death.

He said this is a pioneering course, leading the professional development of paramedics in Northern Ireland and said he is honoured to be among the first to be graduating.

“Nobody calls an ambulance on a good day,” he said.

“If I can play a part in providing that reassurance and care and support to make a difference to someone’s life, then that truly is the best feeling you can get.”