Students gain hands-on pre‑hospital emergency care experience with BASICS Scotland
This week, 170 second-year BSc (Hons) Medicine students spent an immersive day learning the essentials of pre-hospital emergency care alongside the talented team from the British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS) Scotland. The training introduced them to the fast-paced world of first-on-scene response, giving them the chance to apply clinical knowledge in realistic, scenario-based situations.
Throughout the day, students worked directly with experts in pre-hospital and remote medicine who guided them through the fundamentals of scene assessment. They learned how to identify hazards, prioritise safety, coordinate with emergency services, and deliver clear, structured handovers using nationally recognised frameworks such as ETHANE and ATMIST. These practical tools helped students understand how critical communication becomes during early emergency management.
A highlight of the session included hands-on experience with the iconic Sandpiper Bag, a vital kit used by responders across rural and remote areas of Scotland. Thanks to the strong partnership between BASICS Scotland and the Sandpiper Trust, these students trained with the same equipment that supports real emergency interventions, offering invaluable insight into the realities of pre-hospital care.
This introduction not only strengthened students’ clinical understanding but also boosted their confidence, teamwork, and decision-making skills when facing unpredictable situations.
The School extends its sincere thanks to BASICS Scotland and the Sandpiper Trust for providing such an inspiring and impactful learning experience for our future doctors!