Isle of Wight Ambulance Service Education Team

ATCoRS was formally set up in November 2012, since then we have achieved so much. The whole team takes take great pride in the service provided to the Island community; not only with regards to professional training but also the placement and maintenance of Island defibrillators. We are all extremely passionate about providing high quality, evidenced based teaching to our community as we know first-hand how much it can make a difference.

I first qualified as a Nurse from the University of the West of England, Bristol in the year 2000 and went on to work for North Bristol NHS Trust. I then moved back to the Isle of Wight and over time have held the following positions; Senior Children's nurse, Clinical Lead, Resuscitation Officer, Deputy Sister and Training Officer. 

I am a member of the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) and a qualified Advanced Adult, Paediatric and Neonatal Life Support Instructor. I teach on advanced life support courses mainly at Southampton University Hospital Trust and when I can, still work clinically here on the Island.

Since moving to the Ambulance Service I have completed my Certificate in Education, Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment qualification, Certificate Assessing Vocational Achievement and various Leadership courses. As the Ambulance Education, Training & Engagement Lead I play an active part in the Ambulance Senior Management Team and have the privilege to oversee; all training and education (including commercial, driving and frontline), the Community First Responder and Public Access Defibrillator schemes and the ambulance service engagement strategies.

Alasdair

Lead Educator

I joined the Dorset Ambulance Service in 2003, becoming an Ambulance Technician in 2004 and an Advanced Ambulance Technician in 2005. Between 2007 and 2017 I worked in the private sector across the south coast of England and attended Birmingham City University where I qualified as an HCPC registered Paramedic.

In 2014 I took up the position of Clinical Supervisor for a depot operated by a large multinational healthcare company working across the South Coast.

In 2017 I joined the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and in the same year I joined the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) and Ambulance Intervention Team (AIT), also becoming an instructor in the use of the Powered Respirator Protective Suit (PRPS). In the autumn of 2019 I was seconded to the role of Ambulance Service Educator. In April 2020 this became my substantive and current position.

My main role is to meet the training requirements for all the frontline ambulance staff at various grades.

I also represent the Isle of Wight ambulance service at a national level through membership of the National Education Network for Ambulance Services (NENAS).

I feel very passionately about helping the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service in being the innovative, modern
pre-hospital emergency service that this community deserves.

Louise

Ambulance Clinical

Practice Educator

I joined the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service in 1991, qualifying as an Ambulance Technician in 1992.  I gained my Paramedic qualification in 1994 through the (then) Southern Ambulance Training College based in Chippenham.  My career has been based on the Island, serving its residents in my paramedic role and maintaining my professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

I moved into education in 2022, working with Alasdair in meeting the training needs for frontline ambulance staff and also supporting him with the national educational requirements.  I gained a Certificate in Education and Training (CertEd) as part of this role.  I am trained in Mask Fit ensuring all our staff are protected from airborne viruses and have also qualified as a Manual Handling assessor and tutor.  I am also trained to deliver Maybo which is methods in managing conflict or challenging behaviour.

The Isle of Wight is my home and I feel passionate about providing its residents with an Ambulance Service that is modern, innovate and meets the people’s needs with all aspects of care in the pre-hospital setting.

Ian

Driving Standards and

Education Manager

I have been an Approved Driving Instructor for approximately 24 years. In that time I have obtained my fleet training licence, completed 4x4 driving courses, as well as completing the Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Sector qualification and Certificate in assessing Vocational Achievement.

I initially joined the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service in 2007 where I worked as an Emergency Vehicle Operative. The opportunity arose for me to move to South Central Ambulance Service where I worked for approximately 5 years as a Driving Education Manager, running courses for new and existing employees in driving ambulances under emergency driving conditions.

I  re-joined the Isle of Wight NHS Ambulance Service end of 2019 as the Driving Standards and Education Manager where I am responsible for educating and maintaining the high standards of driving that are expected for any driver, emergency and non-emergency alike, within the NHS Isle of Wight, NHS Trust.

I am deeply passionate about fostering a culture of safety and excellence in driving practices, and I am committed to contributing to the ongoing success and advancement of our team.

Karen

Driving Standards and

Education Assessor

Since joining the Ambulance Service in 1998, starting as a member of the Patient Transport Service (PTS) and progressing to the Frontline as an Emergency Vehicle Operative (EVO/ Emergency Care Assistant (ECA), driving has always been my passion.

When the opportunity arose to transition into the role of Driving Assessor, I seized it with enthusiasm and was fortunate to be selected for the role. Over the years I honed my skills through extensive training, including completing an initial three-week driving assessor qualification.

After approximately 12 years of conducting driving assessments alongside my ECA responsibilities, I was honoured to secure a full-time role within the Driving Standards and Education Department in 2022, working closely with Ian, our Driving Standards and Education Manager.

Continuing my commitment to professional development, I have since obtained qualifications including the Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA), as well as becoming an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and a 4x4 Instructor.

In my current role, I conduct driver training courses and assessments for both non-emergency and emergency drivers both within the Ambulance Service and the wider IW NHS Trust.

I remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of driving excellence with our organisation.

Ambulance Training and Community Response Services Team

‘ATCoRS’

Helena

Ambulance Service Volunteer Lead

I initially joined the Isle of Wight NHS Trust in 1998 as an auxiliary nurse working across many different departments.  Subsequently I became a member of the Ambulance Service in 2004, initially working as a First Responder with the Patient Transport Service and progressing to Emergency Vehicle Operative during 2011. During this period I also became a First Aid at Work Instructor and Movement Advice Support Team Member. 

I have provided Manual Handling and First Aid Training for a number of years, to both hospital and community learners. In 2014 I consolidated my teaching practice and now hold a level 4 PTTLS qualification (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning sector). Alongside working full time I have also studied in my own time and in 2023 I gained my BSc Honours in Health and Health Sciences.

In 2023 I changed roles from being an ATCoRS Tutor. I am proud to lead the Ambulance Service Volunteers including our Community First Responders, Volunteer Ambulance Car Service Drivers and also our Ambulance Service General Volunteers.

Duncan

ATCoRS Tutor/provider

I have been a first aid provider in the catering and manufacturing industries for over twenty years. I first joined the Ambulance Service in 2012. After completing an instructor course and achieving my level 4 PTTLS course (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning sector) I now teach first aid as well as provide first aid cover for planned events. I am also a defibrillator 'super user' for the IW NHS Trust and provide essential servicing and maintenance for the hundreds of defibrillators we have placed on the Island.

Throughout the year I work a small number of clinical shifts in the Emergency Department during those short times I see how community first aid can really make a difference. I feel very proud to be part of the Ambulance Service and the ATCoRS team. I have great satisfaction in delivering an expert service that benefits our local community.

I have worked for the NHS since 1990 when I began my career as a cardiographer in Ashford, Middlesex. I have also worked at Heatherwood and Wexham Park, both within the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust before joining the Cardiac Investigation Team within the IW NHS Trust. During this time I gained a great deal of cardiological experience including ECGs, 24 Hour Holter Monitoring, Exercise Tolerance Testing. I also undertook RCUK Advanced Life Support training and attended in-hospital medical emergencies.

I became a member of the IW NHS Ambulance Training & Community Response Services Team in February 2016 and achieved my first aid and PTTLS qualifications soon after. I feel passionately about helping others through education. Our teaching can potentially save lives and as part of this we actively raise public awareness in the importance of readily available defibrillators within our community. As well as training I also provide first aid cover for planned events.

Connel

ATCoRS Tutor/provider

I joined the NHS in 1998 as an Ambulance Service Technician and qualified as a Paramedic in 1999. I have had 20 rewarding years of Service within Surrey / South East Coast Ambulance Service and joined the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service 3 years ago. My career has given me experience as a Paramedic, Clinical Tutor, Clinical Team Leader and as a Paramedic Practitioner.

I am proud to have joined the ATCoRS Team as a Bank Tutor / Provider and to be helping to support the work of this valuable team.

Murray

ATCoRS Tutor/provider

I spent 30 years with the Metropolitan Police in wide variety of frontline roles across London, including Advanced car driving, Public Order, etc. I also became a mentor to newly qualified Police officers when they were posted to their Division, later, delivering training in other, more specific operational tasks.    

After retiring I joined South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, first as a volunteer Community First Responder attending medical emergencies, ahead of emergency Ambulances. I then joined professionally, starting on frontline emergency Ambulances, then progressing to Community Engagement where I supported and trained volunteer Community First Responders. During this time, I established a small group of trainers who volunteered our time to deliver training and awareness in basic lifesaving skills and Defibrillators, to members of the wider community across Surrey and West Sussex, with the aim of empowering members of public with the knowledge and basic skills to be able to cope in certain life-threatening situations. This was done on behalf of the British Heart Foundation, under their “Heartstart” scheme and proved a huge success. 

My Wife and I retired to the Isle of Wight in 2020, just as the pandemic broke, so I returned to work as a Vaccinator, then providing health screening and Phlebotomy at a GP surgery. I have also continued my role as a volunteer Community First Responder for the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.

In 2023 I joined ATCoRS as a Bank Tutor/Provider and enjoy delivering First Aid at Work courses, as well as supporting community events. ATCoRS also has an amazing record in supporting schools on the Island, providing training in basic life support and Defibrillators to staff and students, I am proud to support this effort to build “Lifesavers of the future”.    

Linda

ATCoRS Administrator

I have a background of 15 years of business administration, sales and management within the travel/airline industries. More recently, I have worked for the Isle of Wight Council assisting with event management.

In 2011 I joined the Ambulance Service providing vital administration required to run an ever growing, busy department.I answer the majority of phone and email enquiries/bookings plus administrating our courses; sending out certificates and equipment as required. I hold the Emergency First Aid qualification and assist the team at planned first aid event cover.  I provide personal, clerical support to the Head of Department and help to co-ordinate the community defibrillator scheme.