Student paramedics at the University of Bolton are learning sign language skills that could prove vital in emergencies.
One of the modules, titled ‘Introducing Paramedic Professional Capabilities’, includes breaking down communication barriers.
Students can take a three-week courses on British Sign Language, led by sign language training company Oh Happy Sign.
Student Matt Hewlett, who began his course in September 2023, said: “The British Sign Language classes have been fantastic.
“I am going to take what I have learned with me for the rest of my career, both professionally and personally.
"Communication is 80 per cent of our job role.
“The classes have given me the confidence in dealing not only deaf people or British Sign Language users, but anybody that has a barrier.
“Bolton has set the trend now and I'm sure as soon as other universities find out they will be rushing to do it.”
Students like Matt have been learning their sign language skills as part of a module called introducing paramedic professional capabilities.
He said: “My time at Bolton has been great.
“When choosing a uni, it's about the feel of the university and Bolton have got this spot on.
“The fact that it's only a small cohort means mature students like me get that valuable time with the lecturers.”
The course has also given students the opportunity to practice and perfect their newfound skills before they are sent out on placements.
Paramedic science lecturer at the Deane Road university’s School of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences Pip Page says that the skills students learn on courses like hers could prove vital.
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This will allow them to communicate with people who are hard of hearing during real life emergencies once they start their careers as paramedics.
She said: “Communication is important in everyday life and is perhaps even more vital in times of emergencies.
“It is crucial that no deaf person is excluded when they need to make an emergency call.”
She added: “Our new programme leader Andy Taylor has been extremely supportive.
"We are going to make it part of the curriculum.”
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