Published on 19 April 2019
Two Sunderland students are in the national spotlight after being invited to speak at the UK’s biggest conference for paramedicine.
Adrian Langford and Claire McGahan are both in the final year of their Diploma of Higher Education Paramedic Practice at the University of Sunderland, and next month will take to the stage at the College of Paramedics annual national conference.
Adrian, 51, will present on ‘Cerebral Trauma in the Elderly – The Impact of Ageing’, speaking about an illness which is increasing in frequency, particularly among the elderly.
“I’d like to help equip paramedics with knowledge that will enable them to identify potential chronic subdural haemorrhage more readily and follow an appropriate care plan for patients’ treatment,” says Adrian. “I’d given this presentation at university as part of my second year, and was asked to submit it to the College of Paramedics for selection for their annual conference.
“While I was preparing my presentation I learned a lot about the risks of subdural haemorrhage, and appreciate the opportunity to share what I've found with a wider audience
“I feel really honoured that a student should be asked to speak at a national conference, and attending the rest of the conference will give me the opportunity to meet new people, develop my practice, and hopefully inspire me keep learning after I qualify this summer.”
Claire McGahan, 29, from Newcastle is presenting a poster on 'Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the Elderly'.
“I did a presentation on the subject as part of my course and was encouraged to apply to present a poster on it by my tutors.
“I am a researcher by background and love to take the opportunity to apply that to my current career. Being able to not only attend the conference but also present a poster there will provide an invaluable experience.”
Victoria Duffy RN, Senior Lecturer: Clinical Skills and Programme Leader, Paramedic Practice, at the University of Sunderland, says: “It is a huge accolade for the students, the University and the North East Ambulance Service to have the work of our students recognised nationally.
“We are very proud of all our students, they study full time alongside doing a physically and emotionally demanding job which requires them to work a 24 hour shift pattern. To see their hard work recognised in such a prestigious way is something to really be celebrated.”
The College of Paramedics annual conference takes place on May 14 in Taunton.