Matthew Speirs
Matthew Speirs worked on the NHS frontline during the pandemic, while completing his studies in Paramedic Science.
He worked with West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust as a student paramedic, responding to 999 calls throughout Worcestershire, supporting the NHS. “Through this I gained invaluable experience, increasing my confidence level when helping people at their most vulnerable.”
Matthew is now waiting to start his career as a paramedic with Southwest Ambulance Service NHS Trust in the upcoming months. He also plans to continue with education and get a Master’s degree, and eventually work towards a doctorate in the field of Critical and Emergency Care. In addition to this, he hopes to achieve his dream job as a Critical Care Paramedic working for the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).
Matthew achieved First Class Honours in his degree. “I was happily surprised as I had surpassed my own personal expectations,” he said. “I am over the moon that I am now able to progress into a career as a Paramedic, helping people in time of need as that’s always been my life ambition.”
Matthew said it had presented a big challenge to adapt from in-person teaching to online learning as the pandemic struck, but with support from his lecturers, he was able to get the best degree possible, due in part, he said, to “countless hours of assistance from them”.
“I also benefited from the university’s financial support for students, particularly through the hardship fund and coronavirus support fund, and help from my parents, which allowed me to continue studying with decreased pressure,” he added.