TV appearances raise interest in West Midlands Ambulance Service's student paramedic role

Since the application for a student paramedic opened on NHS Jobs, just over 21,000 people have viewed the job description and person specification, with more than 450 actually applying for the roles and another 850 still working on their applications.

Last December, a similar advert brought in 10,000 views and 28 applications.

Louise Harris, the ambulance service’s recruitment manager, said: “After the success of TV programmes like ‘Ambulance’, ‘999 On The Frontline’ and ‘Inside the Ambulance’, the ambulance service, particularly in the West Midlands, has never been so high profile.

“There is no doubt that we have seen a huge level of interest in the role of paramedic and also those staff who work in our control rooms.

“Our social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have seen loads of people asking for more information.

“It is great news that so many people have taken the time to look at the role of student paramedic.

“We have seen people apply from all different communities but also people from their teens to their 50s; many who are looking at a complete career change or even a second career change.

“From our perspective, this is excellent news because it means we get a really good variety of people from all walks of life, area, ethnic group and community which can only be good for the service.”

Applications for the job, which can be viewed at www.jobs.nhs.uk by searching for reference 217-VN197-17-18, close at 11.59pm today (Thursday, November 9)

Applicants need to have at least five GCSEs (A to C grade) including English, Maths and Science, and a single A-level – or equivalent – in any subject, and must also have at least applied for a C1 driving licence.

For further information about the qualifications required to be a paramedic with West Midlands Ambulance Service, call the recruitment team on 01384 215896, or email recruitment@wmas.nhs.uk.