Impact of COVID-19 restrictions on paramedic undergraduate education

Background: COVID-19 restrictions disrupted paramedic higher education, clinical placements and university-based simulation. Understanding how students adapted to these changes is crucial for future educational strategies. Aim: This study explores the perceived impact of COVID-19 on the education and clinical experience of undergraduate paramedics during the 2020–2021 academic year. Methods: This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional design. Third-year paramedic students from three universities partnered with one UK ambulance service were surveyed using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. A total of 29 responses were collected online between April and June 2021. Findings: Students reported benefits from COVID-secure simulations and the flexibility of home learning. However, decreased confidence in practice and reduced placement hours were significant negative impacts. Conclusion: Students enjoy clinical placements and smaller simulation groups, but felt isolated when learning from home. It is clear there are lessons to be learned for future lockdowns regarding undergraduate paramedic education and clinical practice.