Isle of Man Ambulance Service trainees have completed their qualifications to become emergency care assistants (ECA).

The group began studying for their ECA qualifications in January 2022 in a study programme that was developed by Manx Care and completed in the island.

Andrew Traynor, Rob Keelan, Stephanie Woods, Harry Brown and Rebekah Rollins all combined both classroom and ‘on the job’ training.

They were expected to complete their First Response Emergency Care Level 3 and 4 qualifications, an ambulance induction programme, a three-week placement, and an emergency response driving course.

All have each successfully completed 30 different clinical theory and practical exams, and were supported through their training by an experienced paramedic as well as other colleagues working for the ambulance service.

The on-island training programme is part of Manx Care’s policy to develop home-grown health and care workers, and provide local training and employment opportunities for Manx residents.

IMAS will be looking to offer this opportunity to a new intake of trainees in ‘due course’ and is currently looking at a timeline for this, says the organisation.

The programme was developed by former service lead, Steve Crowe, and will be a lasting legacy to the vision he had for the future development of the ambulance service.

Will Bellamy, head of Isle of Man Ambulance Service, said: ‘I’m incredibly proud of the way that Andrew, Rob, Stephanie, Harry and Rebekah have committed themselves not only to the academic part of their study programme, but with the maturity they have shown during their ‘on the job’ training to become exceptional pre-hospital clinicians.

‘To be able to offer a dedicated training programme such as this within Manx Care is a fantastic opportunity for Manx residents to be able to qualify without having to leave the island to study, and allows us to focus on the development of home-grown talent.

‘We’re currently looking at what else we can do to offer training and development opportunities locally as this is something we’re very passionate about.’