Hi there! My name is Barnaby and I am a second-year student paramedic at ARU in Cambridge.

I have decided to run for this position after receiving nominations from my peers having already been responsible for the paramedic society this academic year as its president as well as a faculty rep during my first year at ARU. Prior to attending University, I worked for The South East Coast Ambulance Service as a resource dispatcher as well as a health care assistant in acute secure male psychiatric care units in Kent. 

In writing this manifesto I thought it important to first look at what the role entails and how I feel I would be the best fit. From looking at the responsibilities of VP for healthcare I can see that the breadth of this role can be broken down to simply a student that commits themselves to represent, lead, and where possible assist fellow healthcare students to improve their experience at University. Now whilst I cannot speak for my peers, I feel that I have demonstrated these skills in several ways during my time at Anglia Ruskin beginning with running the paramedic society which has now grown to incorporate 50 members who benefit from guest lectures, team social events as well as volunteering and fundraising opportunities organised by myself and my fellow committee members. These events also include our highly successful CPR marathon in October 2022 that some other students may have seen or taken part in raising a total of £1944 for charity as well as raising awareness of the importance of early CPR in witnessed cardiac arrests. I take pride in this society and would endeavor to translate my experiences as president to this role.

Beyond my work as society president, I have represented my cohort in bringing about change within the paramedic science course following failures in our practical placements - this has taken the form of handling a group complaint seeking change and compensation for the issues we raised. I have also taken lead in corresponding with our faculty dean as well as our student union representative in working for a better practical and teaching experience for not only our cohort but those that come through after us. I am passionate about challenging these issues as I feel it is our duties as future professionals to ensure that we are competent once we are qualified (not too mention we pay for our education).

I hope that you can see from the above that in this role I would champion our faculty with the aim of improving education standards, bringing in more peer-led programmes such as encouraging other healthcare students to run societies and continue in my work to make memories for the short time we are students at university. For now, that is the end of my spiel but if you agree with anything I have said or wish to discuss ways we can make a difference please vote me in and contact me via student email!